Legislative Assembly 4417 16 September 1993

THURSDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 1993 1989—just before the State election—by a former National Party MP, Mr Hinton. Bill Gunn and Vince Lester then asked for a police investigation of those allegations. Those Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. Fouras, Ashgrove) allegations in relation to the insurance on my read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. boat trailer were untrue. Mr Speaker, so that all MPs are aware of UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE the facts, I seek your leave to table and have incorporated in Hansard letters from me to the Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable insurance companies and my letter to the members, yesterday a question was asked of honourable member following the allegations the Deputy Premier by the member for that he made on behalf of Reynolds. The Broadwater which contained an letters from the SGIO and the RACQ clear me unparliamentary word. The word was of those politically motivated allegations of contained in a quote of the Deputy Premier. In impropriety. answering the question, the Deputy Premier repeated the unparliamentary word. Leave granted. Honourable members, it is not in order to use Deputy Premier, unparliamentary words by the device of Minister for Administrative Services putting them in someone else’s mouth. I refer and Minister for Rural Communities honourable members to Erskine May’s Hon. Tom Burns M.L.A. Parliamentary Practice, 21st edition. That rule 15th September, 1993 of practice will be rigorously enforced by the Mr. A. Grice, MLA Chair. Member for Broadsound, Parliament House, BRISBANE. 4000 PETITION Dear Allan, The Clerk announced the receipt of the following petition— Your allegations against me last night were based on a number of completely wrong assumptions. Mary River As a result of a previous question in the House, From Mr Stephan (101 signatories) I wrote to the General Manager of the RACQ on the 17th January, 1990 and sent a copy of praying that the Parliament of Queensland will that letter to the General Manager of the ensure that detailed consideration be given to Suncorp Insurance Company. I attach hereto the alternatives to building large dams on the copies of these letters, for your information. Mary River and its tributaries. On the 30th January, 1990, the RACQ Petition received. responded and said “Your claim with this company and the settlement of that claim was in order. Any extra benefit that you were PAPER entitled to under the Suncorp policy was a The following paper was laid on the matter for Suncorp and, provided that the total table— amount you received from both Companies did not exceed the value of the trailer, it is difficult Minister for Health (Mr Hayward) to see how you could be accused of ‘double- Invitation to Develop a Code of Health dipping’.” I attach hereto a copy of that letter. Rights and Responsibilities. On the 19th January, 1990 Suncorp responded saying PERSONAL EXPLANATION “having reviewed the claim in question I am entirely satisfied that there is Hon. T. J. BURNS (Lytton—Deputy absolutely no evidence or suggestion of Premier, Minister for Administrative Services any impropriety in the payment of the and Minister for Rural Communities) additional $400 by Suncorp. (10.02 a.m.), by leave: On Tuesday night, the I would also confirm that such payment member for Broadwater, Mr Grice, used the was made with full knowledge of the fact Adjournment debate to continue to prosecute that you had also lodged a claim with a quarrel between an ex-policeman named RACQ for $1000.” Reynolds, the Police Service and the CJC. He I attach hereto a copy of that letter. read a statement from Reynolds in relation to an insurance claim on my boat trailer, a matter Given that Suncorp and RACQ have both assured me of their complete satisfaction with that was first raised in this place in October 16 September 1993 4418 Legislative Assembly

the circumstances of my claim, I am appalled trailer. I informed the claims officer that we that the matter should be raised and reraised by hadn’t been aware of this extra cover, and that those who just wish to smear my reputation. I I had already sought to recover $1,000.00 from am sure you are not one of those, but simply R.A.C.Q. I further stated that there could be no did not have access to the facts. question of “double-dipping” as my trailer’s As to me “protecting” Huey, I wouldn’t have a value had far exceeded $1,000.00, and its clue who investigated this matter whether it replacement (of lesser quality) had cost me was Huey, Reynolds or anyone else. (And $1,770.00. couldn’t care less.) The officer replied that in that case, if I cared to I am giving you the benefit of the doubt by bring in a copy of the receipt for the new supplying you with this material. I’m not going trailer, Suncorp would consider whether to pay to respond today, in order to give you the the addition $400.00. I complied, and Suncorp chance to withdraw your allegations. paid the additional $400.00. With best wishes, In summary, it was and remains my view that nothing untoward has occurred, in that:- (Sgd) (1) I did not doubly insure my trailer—I took Tom Burns, MLA out only one policy to cover it, namely Deputy Premier, R.A.C.Q.’s; the Suncorp cover resulted Minister for Administrative Services only from its extra benefits package; and Minister for Rural Communities. (2) Full disclosure of all the circumstances Deputy Premier, were made to Suncorp prior to its Minister for Administrative Services payment: and Minister for Rural Communities Hon. Tom Burns M.L.A. (3) In any event, I have not recovered the full extent of my loss. 17 January, 1990 I have taken the time to set out the facts and General Manager, my position because I consider that both R.A.C.Q. Insurance Pty. Ltd., companies treated us properly and courteously 300 St. Paul’s Terrace, in proceeding our claims. FORTITUDE VALLEY, QLD., 4006 If, however, you have any difficulties with any Dear Sir, of the above, would you kindly contact me as Re: Claim Number 10 1783165 soon as possible so that any problem may be I refer to a matter raised in the Queensland rectified. I have sent a copy of this letter to Parliament on 19th October, 1989 concerning Suncorp inviting it to do likewise. my insurance claim against your company. I await your early response. Although I have no reason to believe that any problem exists, in order to ensure that no Yours faithfully, misunderstanding has arisen or could arise in T.J. Burns, M.L.A., relation to this matter, I am writing to you to set Deputy Premier and Minister out the facts as I know them and to seek your for Housing and Local Government response. Deputy Premier, The claim related to my boat trailer insured Minister for Administrative Services pursuant to policy number 8292282 TBI. On and Minister for Rural Communities 30th March, 1988 it was connected to my Hon. Tom Burns M.L.A. wife’s car and both car and trailer were stolen. 17 January, 1990 My wife’s car was insured with Suncorp Insurance and Finance Ltd. under a policy General Manager, which provided a range of extra benefits, Suncorp Insurance, including that of $400.00 cover for a trailer Albert Street, attached to the insured vehicle. BRISBANE, QLD., 4000. My trailer cover with your company was to the Dear Sir, extent of $1000.00. I lodged a claim form Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to the almost immediately and was informed by General Manager, R.A.C.Q. Insurance Pty. Ltd., telephone that it would take approximately 6 regarding my claim, No. 10 1783165. weeks to process. I would appreciate it if you could give me a By letter dated 26th April, 1988, your Claims response at your earliest convenience. Department forwarded to me a discharge form, Yours faithfully, which I signed and returned. T.J. Burns, M.L.A., In the meantime I purchased a new trailer of lesser quality for $1,770.00—See receipt Deputy Premier and Minister attached, dated 29th April, 1988. for Housing and Local Government In due course, I accompanied my wife to the SUNCORP INSURANCE Suncorp office at Mt. Gravatt where we lodged 19th January, 1990 the claim in respect of her car. There we were informed of the $400.00 extra cover for the Hon. T.J. Burns, M.L.A., Deputy Premier, Legislative Assembly 4419 16 September 1993

Minister for Housing and Local Government, I appreciate the comment that you were treated Executive Building, properly and courteously by both Companies. 100 George Street, Yours faithfully, BRISBANE QLD 4000 (Sgd) Dear Mr Burns, W D Kitchin Thank you for your letter dated 17th CLAIMS MANAGER January, 1990 enclosing copy of a letter addressed to the General Manager, R.A.C.Q. Mr BURNS: I do not want to become Insurance Pty. Ltd. involved in the honourable member’s attempts Having reviewed the claim in question I to promote the cause of Reynolds. I have no am entirely satisfied that there is absolutely no brief for Huey or the CJC. I did not ask for a evidence or suggestion of any impropriety in police investigation. Most people do not. The the payment of the additional $400 by National Party asked for it. It was in SUNCORP. Government. That Government ordered it. It I would also confirm that such payment ran the police force, as Fitzgerald pointed out. was made with full knowledge of the fact that How I can now be held responsible for the you had also lodged a claim with R.A.C.Q. for conduct of the investigation, or the personnel $1,000. involved in the investigation, is beyond me. The SUNCORP Motor Vehicle Policy Mr Speaker, following your ruling, I have automatically provides cover for unspecified cleaned up my speech. I make this point: if trailers up to an amount of $400. Therefore, as Reynolds can deliberately, without the cover provided under the R.A.C.Q. Policy was inadequate to replace the trailer in investigation, set out to blacken a person’s question, there can be no suggestion of name and character, as he and the “double-dipping”. honourable member have tried to do to me in this matter, just to prosecute Reynolds’ quarrel I trust this clarifies the matter to your satisfaction. with Huey and the CJC, what would he have done during his police career to other innocent Yours sincerely, Queenslanders? (Sgd) There is one golden rule in this place: (B.C. ROWLEY), honourable members should check their facts Chief Executive before they rise to speak. To be caught out R.A.C.Q. INSURANCE PTY. LIMITED peddling deliberate distortions for Reynolds 300 St. Pauls Tce., that, by a little investigation, could have been Fortitude Valley, Qld. 4006 proved untrue, given that they have been Claims Dept RACQ 2649 Logan Rd Eight Mile raised in this place previously, destroys the Plains Ph: 2532444 member’s credibility, not the credibility of those 30th January, 1990. whom he attacks. Hon. Tom Burns Executive Building MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 100 George Street BRISBANE Q 4000 Primary Industries Dear Mr Burns, Hon. E. D. CASEY (Mackay—Minister for Primary Industries) (10.04 a.m.), by leave: RE: CLAIM NUMBER—10 1783165 Today, I have pleasure in releasing details of Thank you for your letter dated the 17th a series of important measures that will January, 1990 in which you canvass the cement the future of this State’s important circumstances surrounding the settlement of a primary industries. Those initiatives form a key claim you made with this Company in relation to part of the Goss Government’s approach to the theft of your boat trailer and an additional payment of $400 you received from Suncorp modernising and encouraging the Insurance in relation to the trailer which was development of Queensland’s primary provided as an extra benefit under their motor industries in an economically sustainable way. vehicle insurance policy. They reinforce Queensland’s position as the Your claim with this Company and the leading State and set the scene for future settlement of that claim was in order. Any extra development. benefit that you were entitled to under the The Queensland Government recognises Suncorp policy was a matter for Suncorp and, that a strong primary industries sector is vital provided that the total amount you received to the prosperity of Queensland. In 1991-92, from both Companies did not exceed the value the sector accounted for 32 per cent of the of the trailer, it is difficult to see how you could be accused of “double-dipping”. State’s total exports and about 6 per cent of Australia’s exports. Those results were 16 September 1993 4420 Legislative Assembly achieved despite the adverse impact of Minister for Economic and Trade drought over parts of the State. The Development) (10.07 a.m.), by leave, without Queensland Government is directly concerned notice: I move— with the joint objectives of maximising “1. That this House desires to place economic returns, sustaining our natural on record its appreciation of the resources and maintaining a strong and contribution rendered to this State and vibrant rural community. country by Oodgeroo of the tribe The Queensland Government’s financial Noonuccal, custodian of the land commitment to fulfilling that role was Minjerribah. demonstrated in the State Budget. Approximately $550m will be spent during 2. That Mr Speaker be requested 1993-94 in the Department of Primary to convey to the family of the deceased Industries. Although that financial commitment the above resolution, together with an is essential, it will be largely wasted if it is not expression of the sympathy and sorrow of tied to the development and implementation the members of the Parliament of of policies and processes which enable the Queensland, in the loss they have Queensland Government to effectively fulfil its sustained.” stated role. Oodgeroo Noonuccal was a great The Goss Government’s commitment to Queenslander, a great Australian and a achieving those outcomes has been member of the Aboriginal community who demonstrated on many occasions. However, I contributed a great deal to the advancement am particularly pleased today to announce of her own people and to the Australian five key initiatives that demonstrate the depth community generally. She was born in and breadth of the Goss Government’s Brisbane in 1920. She lived and worked in the commitment in that area. The initiatives are: Brisbane area most of her life, with legislation to restructure the meat industry, involvement in Government and community which will be introduced in the Parliament at a work since the early 1960s. She died at half later hour of the sitting; release of an options past 6 this morning at the age of 72. paper on water pricing; release of a State I first met the person whom I then knew water conservation strategy; provision of as Kath Walker and her two sons, Vivian and greater planning certainty for the timber Denis, over 20 years ago in the early 1970s. industry; and a research policy for the At the time, I was involved with a number of Department of Primary Industries. volunteers from the legal profession, churches Those initiatives all build on the theme of and the Aboriginal community in the industry modernisation and development of establishment of a part-time Aboriginal legal our resources in an economically sustainable service at a church in Spring Hill. I was manner. Government support for primary introduced to her and the family by a mutual industry has been put on modern lines, based friend, Paul Richards, who is a close friend of on rational planning, consultation and the the family and who I know will be greatly systematic review of our water resource and saddened by that loss. They were a talented Government research. Good government has and, indeed, in many ways, a gifted family. I taken over, after decades of wasteful and still recall being struck by how impressive that uneconomic use of the great resources of this woman was when I joined a group of other State. people at a function at her home in Greenslopes in the early seventies. She I commend the initiatives to the House. I recounted some of her experiences and some seek leave to table the following documents of her hopes. that are the cornerstone of these key initiatives: an overview statement summarising Oodgeroo Noonuccal had an impressive the objectives; a State water conservation career. Apart from a general involvement in strategy discussion paper; a water pricing Government and community work, she was in options paper titled “What Price Water?”; and the Australian Women’s Army Service in a review of the Department of Primary Brisbane from 1941 to 1944. In the 1940s, Industries’ rural research and the she represented the State in cricko. Government’s response. She served on many committees. From MOTION OF CONDOLENCE 1961 to 1970, she was Queensland State secretary of the Federal Council for the Death of Oodgeroo Noonuccal Advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Hon. W. K. GOSS (Logan—Premier and Islanders, and was the secretary of the Queensland State Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Legislative Assembly 4421 16 September 1993

Islanders in the same period. In the early By any measure, hers was a remarkable seventies, she served as chairperson of the life. Queensland and Australia, and particularly National Tribal Council; she was a member of the Aboriginal community, will suffer from the the Aboriginal Arts Board; she was the loss of an outstanding Australian. Perhaps her chairperson of the Aboriginal Publications own words more eloquently describe her Foundation Incorporated; and she was a efforts and her contribution and, perhaps in member of the Aboriginal Housing Committee. her own words, there is a message for all of She was a representative of numerous other us. I quote from the book of her poems organisations, and contributed across a wide published under her former name titled My spectrum of community and Government People, and in particular the poem My Love. activity. The last lines of that poem read— She was also a guest lecturer at the “I must be free, I must be strong University of the South Pacific in 1972 and, To fight and not to fail. during the many years that followed, had For there are ancient wrongs to right, been a guest lecturer at Australian universities Men’s malice to endure; on subjects ranging from Australian literature A long road and a lonely road, to uranium to Aboriginal culture. She worked But oh, the goal is sure.” as a remedial tutor at Dunwich State School Hon. A. M. WARNER (South on North Stradbroke Island. She was an Brisbane—Minister for Family Services and Australian delegate to the World Council of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs) (10.14 a.m.): I Churches Consultation on Racism in 1969. rise with sadness to second the motion moved She was the official Australian envoy at the by the Premier. I first met Oodgeroo of the International Writers Conference in Malaysia in tribe Noonuccal, custodian of the land 1974. After a visit to Nigeria, serving as senior Minjerribah, the great woman from Stradbroke adviser to the Australian contingent in Island, in 1982 when we were both taking part preparation for the Second World Black in demonstrations about the Commonwealth Festival of Arts, she attended that festival Games. She spoke in the Roma Street forum when it was held in Nigeria in 1976 as movingly and impressively. She spoke about delegate and senior adviser. the fact that one could measure a society by She published several books and was the the way that it treated its minority groups. recipient of several awards, including an MBE Most people in this House would be aware in 1970, which she subsequently returned. that, during the great woman’s life, Since 1972, Oodgeroo Noonuccal had run Queensland was not known for its good Moongalba, an educational and cultural treatment of minority groups. She argued centre on North Stradbroke Island. To date, most convincingly that a society could be over 12 000 adults and children of all races measured by that very fact. and cultures have visited the centre. For many Her life was dominated by the political Aboriginal and Islander children from the and social conditions under which Aboriginal cities, this was their first experience of the people lived—their art, their culture, their way more natural way of life of the ancestors of of life. She, in common with many thinkers Oodgeroo Noonuccal. For people of other and intellectuals of her time, saw the solution races, it was an insight into another culture. In to these problems in Marxism and in 1978 and 1979, on a Fulbright Scholarship communist ideals. But even in that context, and Myers travel grant, she toured the United the scourge of racism made her realise that States and lectured on Aboriginal culture and there was only one way forward for her and for the problems that Aborigines faced at that her people, and that was through the time and very much still face today. renaissance of her own culture and the I mentioned that she received a number renaissance of Aboriginal art, to which she of awards. One of those was an MBE in about was a great contributor not only for Australians 1970. In 1987, she announced her intention and Aboriginal people but also for the whole to shed her English name and said that she world. As the Premier mentioned in his would hand back her MBE in protest at the comments, she was internationally renowned bicentennial celebrations. At the age of 67, and she was internationally known. she said that she had changed her name by She was a candidate for the ALP in the deed poll to her tribal name. The first name 1960s in the electorate of Greenslopes, which means “paper bark tree” and refers to her gift was then a conservative stronghold. as a writer. The second name is the name of Unfortunately, her experiences during that her North Stradbroke Island tribe. time left her again with a bitter taste of racism in her mouth. She said at the time that it was 16 September 1993 4422 Legislative Assembly difficult to contend with the racism both inside She was a person of very strong and outside the party. In 1983, I was proud to convictions. Many of us in this House would share a platform with her, as we were both not agree with many of her views. However, at candidates in the 1983 election—she for the the same time, that does not diminish the seat of Redlands for the Democrats, and I for respect that I believe the vast majority of Kurilpa for the ALP. She became part of that Australians have for her. On behalf of the campaign to try to lift the content of the Opposition, I extend to her family and to her debate that was before the people of friends our very sincere condolences on her Queensland. She spoke caringly and sad passing. persuasively on behalf of all those people in Mrs SHELDON (Caloundra—Leader of our society who are discriminated against. She the Liberal Party) (10.20 a.m.): Oodgeroo had enormous energy, commitment and Noonuccal was a remarkable woman. She vision, which she conveyed to all who came in was a proud Aborigine. As she said in her contact with her. poem All One Race— What was really refreshing and exciting “I’m international, never mine place; about her mind was that she thought deeply I’m for humanity, all one race.” about and was concerned about the interests of all people in society who had been I will not detail Kath Walker’s life, because the dispossessed—whether they be Aborigines, Premier and the Minister for Aboriginal and workers, women or other racial minorities. She Islander Affairs have already done that. I was a truly universal thinker. would just like to support her as a woman who was prepared to stand up and be counted; a I saw her just a few weeks ago when she woman who helped in the situation that the was in the Greenslopes Hospital. She was in Aboriginal race was in; a woman who took a fine spirits, and her mind was very lively. We lot of flak in the public for her stance; a talked about how long she had to live. She woman, I think, of remarkable ability. Her thought that the doctors might be being a little poetry is very moving and shows a great bit conservative when they said that she had insight into the problems of her race and the only six months to live. We hoped that she problems of humanity as a whole. had a little bit longer than that. She thought that they may be telling her the worst so that it She has made this world and this State a would be a surprise when she lived longer. We better place. I hope that more women, and talked not so much about the past but about more Aboriginal women, follow in her place the future. We talked about her family. We and support the cause for their race and for talked about the land Minjerribah, Stradbroke our race as a whole. Her passing will be Island. We talked about all those things that mourned. I think that she was a most we had still left to do. She was optimistic and remarkable woman. I would like to say on positive about that. She talked about her behalf of my party and of the coalition how culture and about how that had to be brought much I admired her stand on the various to the foreground. things that she stood up for and on her own ability and insight to us as people. I think that Her passing is a sad loss for us all. The was portrayed through her wonderful poetry. world will be impoverished by her passing but enriched by what she left behind. Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—Minister for Employment, Training and Industrial Mr BORBIDGE (Surfers Paradise— Relations) (10.22 a.m.): I rise to support the Leader of the Opposition) (10.18 a.m.): The condolence motion. Oodgeroo of the Opposition supports the motion moved by the Noonuccal tribe was a great Australian poet Premier and seconded by the Minister for and a great source of inspiration to Aboriginal Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander and to non-Aboriginal Australians. She was a Affairs. Oodgeroo Noonuccal was an fiery woman. She was fierce in her love of Australian of great intellect and had great justice. She was impatient at the many faces dedication to her cause, in particular that of of justice delayed. Aboriginal Australians. During her lifetime, she experienced much good and much bad but, The many Queenslanders who earlier this at all times, the dedication that she showed to year went along to see One Woman’s Song, Aboriginal Australians was very considerable. the performance by the Queensland Theatre The dedication to her people extended to the Company put on at the time of the biennial, universities, to the literary field and to will have had the opportunity to celebrate a life representation at major international which contributed deeply both to our political conferences, as the Premier has alluded to. understanding and to our understanding of ourselves through the world of art. Legislative Assembly 4423 16 September 1993

I first meet Oodgeroo of the Noonuccal Lookout at the far end of the island, and tribe, or Mrs Kath Walker as she then was, the sea smashing its boiling foam against when I was a schoolboy and I lived near her the rock base; ferns and flowers growing place at Greenslopes. We were walking up the in abundance; the white miles of sand hill from the tram and I made bold to introduce stretching as far as the eye could see, myself to her and to tell her that I had read daily washed by the rolling Pacific her poetry and was greatly moved by it. I Ocean.” talked with her about what was happening in I remember in the 1980s Oodgeroo of Aboriginal Australia and I talked with her then the Noonuccal tribe taking a stand in defence about what was happening amongst peoples of her island. It was in 1984 and it was the around the world. I spoke to her of having very first trial which I had to conduct as a read the work of James Baldwin, and she barrister. I was in the Mining Wardens Court encouraged me to read the work of Malcolm X acting on behalf of a number of objectors, and to pursue further my readings to get a including the Queensland Conservation better and deeper understanding, as she saw Council, who were seeking to oppose a mining it, in the changing relations between the races lease for sandmining near Point Lookout. I around the world. called Oodgeroo of the Noonuccal tribe to give She was a prominent figure in the 1967 evidence in that case. She was to give referendum which changed the course of evidence of a poem which she had written of Australia’s constitutional history. There is a Point Lookout and of how the spiritual story—I do not know if it be apocryphal—that significance to her people would be adversely when in the lead-up to that referendum she affected by any mining. Predictably, an was speaking with the then Prime Minister, objection was taken by counsel for the mining along with other delegates, the Prime Minister company, who argued that poetry was not offered her and others refreshments, including relevant in the Mining Wardens Court. some liquor. As the story goes, Kath Walker, In reply, I referred the learned tribunal to as she then was, commented that he could a judgment in the High Court of Mr Justice be arrested for doing that in Queensland to an Brennan in which he pointed out that, to Aborigine. understand what land meant to Aboriginal I knew her in the 1970s when I was a people, one would need the subtlety of a social worker at the Aboriginal and Torres poet. I said that it was unusual, but in that Strait Islanders Legal Service and she was case we actually had a poet to assist the working to build a new world, a world which court. At that point, counsel for the mining was based upon respect and understanding. company threw his hands up in exasperation Her efforts at Moongalba on Stradbroke Island and the court allowed her give her evidence. It were designed to reach out to young was very powerful evidence and it was given in Australians and to Australians of goodwill in a way which was deeply respected by the order to create a new vision of what Australia court. might be. The change of name from Kath Walker to Oodgeroo Noonuccal is described in her story I well remember the deep affection which “Oodgeroo” in these terms— was held for her by leaders in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community at the “In the new Dreamtime there lived a time. In particular, I remember Pastor Don woman, an Aborigine, who longed for her Brady, who was a great leader of the lost tribe, and for the stories that had Aboriginal community here in Queensland, belonged to her people; for she could singing I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen to remember only the happenings of her her at Moongalba, recounting the great own Dreamtime.” benefits that had come to him through the But through her work with Biami, the good Aboriginal and Irish tradition—indeed a very spirit, and, in particular, through travelling far proud heritage of two great cultures. and wide over the earth and marking the She was able through her work at paperbark with the tales of the long-lost tribes, Moongalba to build an important link between the opportunity for something to change the culture of 40 millennia that has been in occurred. The story concludes with these this land and the culture of the past two prophetic words— centuries. In her book Stradbroke Dreamtime, “And when next the paperbark-trees she wrote of Stradbroke as— filled the air with the scent of their sweet, honey-smelling flowers, they took her into “. . . an island that was once stocked with their tribe as one of their own, so that she natural beauty: the rocks of Point would never again be without the 16 September 1993 4424 Legislative Assembly

paperbark she needed for her work. They morning, she was a great Australian and a called her Oodgeroo. And this is the story great Aborigine—a proud Aborigine. of how Oodgeroo found her way back As I said the other night, I first met her in into the old Dreamtime. Now she is happy 1978. I met her in the same way as because she can always talk with the thousands of Queensland school children tribes whenever she wants to. Time has have met her. I had the great privilege of lost its power over her because Biami has going to her home at Moongalba, the “sitting made it so.” down place”, and listening to her tell me about Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (10.32 a.m.): the Aboriginal people, her life on North Seldom are we prepared to recognise Stradbroke Island and the traditional way of Australia’s Aboriginal history and the role that life for Aborigines. Aboriginal people have played in our As I said the other night, she was a economic, social and, in this case, cultural teacher, an actress, an artist, a poet, a writer development since European settlement. and an Aboriginal activist. It was in that role as Even less often do we recognise the teacher that I met her. She taught me a great significant contribution of great Aboriginal deal. She believed that the only way that we Australians such as this woman. can rid this society of racism and provide a Non-Aboriginal Australians could learn better understanding for the Aboriginal people much from the manner and statesmanship of is through education. That is what she did at people such as this woman who saw and Moongalba by inviting school children and suffered so much personally and with her anybody else into her home to tell them about people yet bore no malice for others, and what her race had to put up with over the 200 worked ceaselessly to improve relationships years of European settlement. between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal She was proud of her race. She was Australians. proud of her children, Vivian and Denis. She Her work on behalf of her people will was proud of her grandchildren and her great- stand out in the history of this State. I add my grandchild. She loved them all. I had the great tribute to those of others in this House and my pleasure of being with her and watching sympathies to her family and loved ones. Raymond, one of her grandsons, her great- Their loss is shared by many. grandchild and a group of Aboriginal people Mr BRISKEY (Cleveland) (10.33 a.m.): It on the island dance in the traditional way, is with a great deal of sadness that I rise in which she encouraged them to do. Only very this place today to join in this condolence recently I was with Kath at Dunwich when they motion. Late last month, the Honourable performed at the opening of an all-sports and Minister for Family Services and Aboriginal recreation centre there. I know how proud she and Islander Affairs and I were invited by was to see everybody applaud them as they Oodgeroo, or Kath as I knew her, to meet with performed for the assembled gathering. the elders on North Stradbroke Island. We Another thing that she was extremely turned up for that meeting on the Sunday. Her proud of was the setting up of the Aboriginal son Denis was there to advise us that Kath and Islander Housing Co-op at Dunwich. She was not very well at all. The other elders had and another one of the elders on the island, been trying to get Kath to go to the doctor. and a great friend of mine, Estelle Bertossi, We had been advised that she was going to set up this group in 1973. It has done a great do that on that very Monday. She went into deal for the people of North Stradbroke Island. the Repatriation Hospital at Greenslopes and It now boasts a first-class health centre for was diagnosed as having cancer. those people and has provided I went to visit Kath in hospital. As has accommodation for the Aborigines and North already been said this morning, she was in Stradbroke Islanders who have been living on fine spirits. Nothing had changed. Kath was the island. Some of those families go back still the same. She advised me that the 40 000 years. doctors had said yes, she would most certainly Those who knew Kath could not have die, but she would have six months and she been other than impressed by her knowledge, would be able to get back to her island and expertise and, most of all, her drive. She was Moongalba. a great influence on her own people. She did I rose in this place on Tuesday evening to not work just for the betterment of the place on record some of the life of Kath. It Aboriginal people; she worked for the was with much sadness that her son Denis betterment of all people. telephoned me this morning to advise me of As I finished my speech in the her death. As has already been said this Adjournment debate the other night, I would Legislative Assembly 4425 16 September 1993 like to finish this speech this morning with Overseas travel words that the Deputy Leader of the Coalition All overseas travel is undertaken in accordance has already mentioned. They appear in one of with Section 5.9 of the guidelines for the her poems, All One Race. The last two lines of financial management of the office of the that poem state— Minister as tabled in this House on the 22 “I’m international, never mine place; August, 1992. I’m for humanity, all one race.” In particular Ministers are required to table a written report in Parliament within one month of I was proud to have known Kath, and I will return. These reports are available to the never forget her. honourable member. Motion agreed to, honourable members The costs associated with such trips were standing in silence. tabled in this House yesterday. Mr GRICE proceeding to give notice of a Domestic travel motion— The principal purpose of all domestic travel is Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable for ministerial business as set out in the members, for some time I have become ministerial guidelines mentioned earlier. The increasingly disquieted by the fact that costs incurred on these trips is brought to account through the Ministerial Services motions are becoming statements. I will look Branch within my department. at the honourable member’s notice of motion and indicate whether it needs to be amended. These costs are furthermore audited by the The table staff and the Chair have the right to Auditor-General. I take this opportunity to remind the House that the former Auditor- amend that, anyway. I remind members that General stated that the newly created notices of motion are not, and ought not to Ministerial Expenditure Unit (now Ministerial be, an opportunity for them to debate an Services Branch) had provided a high level of issue and that notices of motion ought to be accountability and control. The same level of clear. I indicate that very strongly. From now, I accountability and control remains today. will sit members down if their notices of motion A break-up of costs incurred by Ministers has become a debating point. A notice of motion been tabled already in the House. The ledgers ought to contain a motion. I indicate to the kept by the Ministerial Services Branch do not member for Broadwater that, at the moment, I provide the detail requested by the honourable cannot see the motion. member as they are designed to report in terms of the requirements of the guidelines for the financial management of the office of the QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE Minister. 1. Ministerial Travel Expenses I am not prepared to have officers of the Ministerial Services Branch spend an inordinate Mrs SHELDON asked the Treasurer— amount of time using their limited resources on “With reference to his tabling of what is no more than a fishing expedition. ministerial expenses on 15 September for Should the honourable member seek specific the period 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993 details of a trip then such a request should be inclusive— made to the relevant Minister who undertook the trip. Or, if the honourable member wishes What was (a) the primary purpose of to advise me of a particular concern, I will travel incurred by each Minister, (b) the undertake to seek out the detail and advise dates of travel, (c) the number of days for accordingly. which Ministers were travelling, (d) the MLAs travelling with Ministers are responsible centre or area visited, (e) total for their own commercial travel and entertainment costs, (f) total accommodation. accommodation costs, (g) names and This Government has brought a degree of details of other MLAs whose costs were accountability for Ministers expenses not met by the Minister or his department present under the former Government. This and (h) with respect to charter flights, full will continue to be the case. details of (i) journeys and (ii) names of passengers in relation to each journey?” 2. Former Superintendent Huey Mr De LACY: I seek leave to table the response and have it incorporated in Hansard. Mr GRICE asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services— Leave granted. “Will the Police Minister provide the In response to the question by the deputy House with any material which will prove leader of the coalition, I advise the following: conclusively that Superintendent John 16 September 1993 4426 Legislative Assembly

Huey did not investigate the insurance claims manager of RACQ insurance, the State matter relating to Mr T. Burns MLA, or motor vehicles claim manager of Suncorp obtain access to any files relating to it?” insurance, the CJC, the Commissioner of Mr BRADDY: The investigation referred to Police—people of that calibre and status were by the member for Broadwater commenced, all involved in reading the information and on my instructions, in late 1989, at the request making a decision that there was no possible of the then Minister for Police, Mr Vince criminal offence committed by Mr Burns. Lester. The request went to the then This allegation, of course, was originally Commissioner of Police and, via that source, made by the then member for Broadsound, instructions went to Acting Assistant Mr Hinton, in an attempt to smear Mr Burns Commissioner Errol Walker, who was in not long prior to the 1989 election, and it has charge of crime and services in the Police been dishonourably continued by the present Department at that time. He, in turn, instructed member for Broadwater, who obviously takes Detective Superintendent John Huey of the advice from people whose character, integrity Queensland Police Department to carry out and veracity he has not checked fully, and the actual investigation. The investigation who did not check the history of the matter. commenced and was being carried out Indeed, Detective Superintendent Huey was originally in October and November of 1989. involved in the circumstances I have outlined, Immediately the investigation commenced, as was the Commissioner for Police, the the Criminal Justice Commission was informed Minister for Police at the time, and his of the investigation. I will table a letter of 10 successor. November 1989 from General Counsel of the As well as the letter that I have read, I will Criminal Justice Commission, Marshall Irwin, to table also a letter of 8 February 1990, again the then Police Commissioner, Noel from General Counsel to the Criminal Justice Newnham, stating— Commission, Marshall Irwin, to Superintendent “I refer to your letter of 19 October Pitman of the Police Department, in which he 1989 relating to allegations of official indicates that the commission was satisfied corruption involving a member of with the results of the investigation. It notes Parliament and which was acknowledged that there is no evidence of any criminal by Sir Max Bingham, QC, on 9 November offence committed by the member of 1989. Parliament and that it is not proposed to take I have to advise that this any further action other than to advise those Commission has no requirements in concerned. The member for Broadwater would relation to this matter other than to be well advised to check his facts and not to request that it be kept advised of the dig up old smears which were well and truly progress of the investigation. laid to rest, and which had proved the honourable conduct of the Deputy Premier of Thank you for drawing the matter to Queensland. the Commission’s attention.” Therefore, the investigation commenced under a National Party Minister, under the QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Police Department, at the time of the National Papua New Guinea Spaceport Party administration. The Police Department, Mr BORBIDGE: In directing a question to of course, entirely chose who would carry out the Premier, I refer to the agreement signed in that investigation. In fact, the office of the Moscow last night by Queensland-based STS Commissioner of Police was involved, Acting to establish a spaceport in Papua New Assistant Commissioner Errol Walker was Guinea, and I ask: what action did he take to involved, and Detective Superintendent Huey keep this project in Queensland? In particular, was involved. In due course, Deputy did he offer security of land tenure and Superintendent Huey reported to the enabling legislation? Commissioner of Police that there was absolutely no suggestion of any possible Mr W. K. GOSS: To the last two criminal offence by Mr Burns. In fact, he questions, the answer is, “Yes.” We did indicated that he had obtained details from Mr indicate to them that they could have security David Gentle, who was the Suncorp Insurance of tenure. The land that they were looking at Sunnybank branch manager, Mr Ian Dobbie, was a pastoral lease, so it had no native title who was the State motor vehicle claims problems. We also indicated to them and to manager of Suncorp Insurance, and Mr other interested parties that if legislation was William Kitchin, who was the State claims necessary, then legislation would be manager of RACQ insurance. So the State forthcoming. However, the continuing problem Legislative Assembly 4427 16 September 1993 for this consortium and the other consortia has Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member been the money—the folding stuff. for Cunningham for interjecting under Mr Borbidge: The Russians got it. Standing Order 123A. Mr W. K. GOSS: The Leader of the Mr Elliott interjected. Opposition needs to check if the Russians Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have warned the have put up money, or if they have signed an honourable member. agreement. Mr W. K. GOSS: We made it plain that Mr Borbidge: If you had put the we would provide whatever appropriate State legislation into the Parliament, it would have Government support was necessary. That made it a lot easier to raise the resources, and indication was also forthcoming from the you know it. If you provided those guarantees, Federal Government. They are still trying, and it would have been a lot easier. we wish them every success. Mr Cooper interjected. Mr Hobbs interjected. Cape York Spaceport Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member Mr BORBIDGE: In directing a question to for Crows Nest and the member for Warrego. the Treasurer, I refer to his comments that Mr Borbidge: You’ve blown it. were published today indicating that he—and presumably, therefore, the Government—is Mr W. K. GOSS: I suggest that the prepared to support any consortium with a Leader of the Opposition get in touch with realistic chance of developing a spaceport on Mike Ahern and Don Boyd. Cape York. I ask: can he explain to the Mr Borbidge interjected. Parliament how anyone can put together a Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the Leader consortium now that STS has secured of the Opposition for interjecting under exclusively the technology for the only Standing Order 123A. available rocket system? Mr W. K. GOSS: I suggest that the Mr De LACY: I can only repeat what the Leader of the Opposition get in touch with Premier said, that is, that the Queensland Mike Ahern and Don Boyd. If he does not Government stands ready to support anybody have the contacts any more, I can tell him in Queensland who can put together a how to get in touch with them. I was talking to development project which would have great them last week in their office. They told me benefits, if it could proceed, for the economy what was happening. They told me the reason of Queensland. Just because there is a that it was going to PNG, or to an island off promising and exciting proposal, that does not the north coast of PNG—if it went ahead—was mean that it can be translated into a project. purely for technical reasons in terms of As the Premier said—— proximity to the equator. I wish them well, but Mr Borbidge: PNG thinks so. the facts are that a couple of years ago when Mr De LACY: So do we, but it still has not they came to this Government and sought an gone ahead in Papua New Guinea at this exclusive mandate, they sought an exclusive stage. This project was always going to sink or mandate on the basis that they would have swim on its commercial viability and its the $800m or so within four weeks. I think it capacity to generate finance. The fact that an was six or eight months later that they still did agreement has been signed with the Russians not have the money. We sought to arrange for access to Russian technology is, I expect, meetings in London with the people who were a fairly important development, but that does going to provide the finance, and the not mean that the project will go ahead. meetings were cancelled by the other side. Those kinds of projects have been around I say again: whether it is Mike Ahern’s before. I can remember a previous Premier, consortium, Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s consortium Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, standing in this or the Cooksey consortium, good luck to House and saying that a deal was all stitched them. But it is a private sector, high-risk project up; that there was an agreement with the and they have to find the funds themselves. Russians to proceed. That was six or seven We are not putting in taxpayers’ money to the years ago. As the Premier said, we wish tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. Papua New Guinea and the consortium all the Mr Elliott interjected. very best. Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mr Hobbs interjected. Cunningham! Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for Mr Elliott interjected. Warrego! 16 September 1993 4428 Legislative Assembly

Mr De LACY: If somebody proposes to sake of clearing up the issue of how to establish a similar project in Queensland, we read—— will do everything we can, within responsible Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Minister to limits, to assist him. be careful that, in giving this answer, he does not refer to figures in the current Budget. Health Administration Costs Mr HAYWARD: Mr Speaker, I am making Mr PITT: I ask the Minister for Health: is no reference to the figures. he aware of recent claims by the Opposition Mr SPEAKER: All right. Health spokesman, the member for Toowoomba South, about alleged increases Mr HAYWARD: I am simply explaining to in Queensland Health’s administrative costs members opposite how to read the Budget since 1991-92? Can he inform the House papers. Mr Speaker, let me help them. whether there is any truth in the claims? Opposition members interjected. Mr HAYWARD: I thank the honourable Mr SPEAKER: Order! member for the question. It gives me an opportunity in this Parliament to try to deal Mr HAYWARD: The Opposition would do with the Opposition spokesman’s frightening much better to look at the section of the ignorance of how to understand and deal with Budget papers which details Queensland Health financing issues. Recently, his ability Health’s Corporate Services Division, because and that of the Leader of the Opposition to that will provide them with a much more read Budget papers was revealed. accurate figure of administrative costs. I believe that the Opposition spokesman, Mr Horan interjected. in trying to determine the issue of Mr SPEAKER: Order! administrative costs, simply went to the various program headings, added up Mr HAYWARD: The Corporate Services whatever was under the heading costs include the costs of running the “Administration”, and then used the total as a downsized central office. basis for some claim that the figure Mr Horan interjected. represented administration costs—or, to use Mr HAYWARD: The plain and simple fact his term, the “skyrocketing administration is that the member for Toowoomba South costs” of Queensland Health. What should be cannot read the papers. If he would learn how understood about the heading to read the papers, we could have some sort “Administration” for the various programs of of informed debate about the issue. Queensland Health is that it is a budget item which includes the hospital costs for food, Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for drug supplies, medical and surgical supplies, Toowoomba South! Both members are talking pathology, any maintenance and, of course, at the same time. I cannot hear either of repairs. To the extent that one is able to them. I would like to hear one of them. determine an increase, of course that is Mr HAYWARD: The longer the related to any increases in the costs of Opposition spokesman talks, the more he providing basic food and medical supplies to reveals his ignorance of how to read the hospitals. Inevitably, that will increase because Budget papers. the number of patients who have been treated in Queensland’s public hospitals is Mr FITZGERALD: I rise to a point of now at a record level. order. Earlier, Mr Speaker, you gave a ruling and advised the Minister for Health to be The figures are such that, obviously, careful not to discuss the Budget. He is clearly there will be an increase under the heading discussing the Budget papers and suggesting “Administration”. That category in the Budget how to read them. The Budget is before the is a collection of non-labour related expenses House. I do not want to stymie debate, that have been put together to try to assist but—— people on the Opposition side of the Chamber. It is put together as a bookkeeping Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of exercise. I am sure that the Leader of the order, but I suggest that the Minister is Opposition and the shadow Minister for Health debating the question. do not consider that food, drugs, medical Mr HAYWARD: Mr Speaker, let me supplies, electricity and all the items that are simply conclude by providing the shadow necessary to run public hospitals are Minister and the Leader of the Opposition with unnecessary administrative costs. For the some advice. Legislative Assembly 4429 16 September 1993

Mr Horan interjected. administrative costs are only 82.88 per cent of Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member the national average. for Toowoomba South under Standing Order Mr Rowell interjected. 123A. Mr SPEAKER: Order! I called the Mr HAYWARD: If members opposite do member for Hinchinbrook to order. I now warn not want to believe me when I tell them how him under the Standing Order 123A. to read the Budget papers, let me suggest Mr HAYWARD: As I said, Queensland’s that they ask the honourable member for administrative costs are only 82.8 per cent of Moggill, Dr Watson, to give them an the national average. The next lowest is South explanation. Australia, at 92.83 per cent. Honourable members should understand that, according to the KPMG Peat Marwick survey, the level of Health Service Costs administrative costs in every other State in Mr PITT: I ask the Minister for Health: can Australia is above the national average. That he inform the House of the findings of a independent survey makes it very clear that recent KPMG Peat Marwick study of there is no justification for the repeated Australian public hospital costs which bleating by Opposition members about the compared the relative costs of delivering burgeoning bureaucracy in Queensland various hospital services in different States? Health. Mr HAYWARD: I thank the honourable Opposition members interjected. member for the question, which also relates to Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable an important issue. On every occasion that members, I am in control of the House. The members opposite can find, they attempt to Minister should be allowed to answer the conjure an image of a system which in 1989, question. when they occupied the Government Opposition members interjected. benches, was the most efficient in Australia and which, since that time, has become most Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable inefficient. The most recent KPMG Peat members, it is your question time. I will have Marwick national study finally lays to rest that order, and I want to hear the questions. I will myth. determine whether a Minister is or is not debating a question. The Minister will continue I realise that it might be difficult for his answer, and I will have silence. members opposite to have to sit and listen to an assessment that has been provided by Mr HAYWARD: This Government is such a well respected national firm as KPMG determined to build a leaner bureaucracy. As Peat Marwick, but the point that has been we approach the turn of the century, even made by the study—and the point that should though the KPMG Peat Marwick survey be understood by members opposite when showed that Queensland already has the they continually attempt to denigrate the lowest level of bureaucracy of any Australian system and try to turn denigration into an art State, that trend towards a leaner bureaucracy form—is that across a range of basic hospital- will continue. The Government and provided procedures, Queensland’s costs Queensland Health will continue with their were well below the national average in primary focus—the patients. relation to both the actual cost of the service and the cost of administering the service. Funding of Election Promises I do not want to go into the cost of Mrs SHELDON: I direct a question to the running the service, but the important issue Treasurer. On page 28 of his annual report for that should be understood and that I wish to 1992-93, he blamed a $177m blow-out in deal with is the cost of administering the Consolidated Fund expenditure on spending service. As described by KPMG Peat Marwick to fulfil the promises of Labor’s State election in the national survey, the administrative levels candidates. I remind the Treasurer that the are as follows: if one chooses 100 per cent as 1992 election was called on the day of the the mean level—— Budget, which was the centrepiece of the Mr Rowell interjected. Labor campaign. I ask: does the Treasurer endorse the shameless pork-barrelling that he Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member for has documented? Does he agree that Hinchinbrook! candidates from the Premier down blew out Mr HAYWARD: Queensland’s their election Budget by $177m in buying their way back into office? 16 September 1993 4430 Legislative Assembly

Mr De LACY: I note with interest that the fraudulent basis for his 1993-94 investment Leader of Opposition Business in the House forecasts? did not jump up this time to take a point of Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will seek the order. advice of the Clerk. Order! The Treasurer may Mrs Sheldon: It’s not in the Budget. answer the question. Mr De LACY: What the Minister for Mr De LACY: I noted the honourable Health talked about was not in the Budget. member’s comments in the press and, dare I The honourable member asked for specific, say, in the Budget debate. In respect of the Budget-related details. We do not care. It will investment figures that were included in that not be one rule for one question and one rule economic document and my comments—the for another. We will talk about the Budget. honourable Leader of the Liberal Party Mrs SHELDON: I rise to point of order. I accuses me of being fraudulent and distinctly referred to the annual report, not the deceptive. I am sorry that I do not have the Budget. Obviously, the Treasurer does not document here. That page in the document know the difference. gives the investment forecasts and states what they will be with the sale of the Mr De LACY: The honourable member Gladstone Power Station and what they would can refer to whatever she likes. I do not mind be if we were to abstract the sale of the power answering the question. I am pointing out the station. The document drew that to double standards of members of the coalition. everybody’s attention. The Government could They can ask questions about whatever they have been deceptive—as are most other like. States—and left the raw—— Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Treasurer will Mrs Sheldon: Tell us about Loy Yang. answer the question. Mr De LACY: We could have left the raw Mr De LACY: The honourable member figures in there. However, we did not do that said that, in the Treasury annual report, the because we thought that the right, proper, so-called blow-out in expenditure for 1992-93 honest and accountable thing to do was to was caused by meeting the election draw to everybody’s attention the impact on commitments. She will remember that, last the investment figures if the powerhouse were year, the Budget was brought down. Then an not sold. The honourable member and her election was called. Then the Government researchers were bright enough to read the made a whole range of election promises, Budget papers. Good on them. There is which were to be funded by the increase in nothing fraudulent about it. All that the the tobacco licence fee. Hence, the honourable member is doing is repeating to increase—— me what we provided to her. Big deal! We Mrs Sheldon: $177m. could have hidden it all and the honourable Mr De LACY: Yes. Hence the increase in member would not have had enough actual expenditure compared with budgeted intelligence to work it out. expenditure. We make no apologies for that. In respect of Loy Yang—I am not quite We are probably unique as a Government in sure what the honourable member’s question that we make promises and then keep those was. Yesterday, I said that, if we were to promises. abstract the sale of the Gladstone Power Station—— Investment Forecasts Mrs Sheldon: Loy Yang was sold; Gladstone wasn’t—that’s the difference. Mrs SHELDON: I direct a question to the Treasurer. Yesterday, he informed the House Mr De LACY: That is right. When we do that I was right in my analysis of the way in our investment forecasts, we factor in all of the which he has used the sale of the Gladstone knowledge that we have. The Gladstone Power Station to prop up his private Power Station is scheduled to be sold by 31 investment forecasts. He compared the December this year. It would be quite wrong inclusion of the Gladstone Power Station sale not to take that into consideration. We went to in his forecasts regarding private investment in the extra length of stating what the investment this State with the Victorian Treasurer’s figures would be if we were to take the inclusion of the sale of Loy Yang in his Gladstone Power Station out. It is called forecasts. He further said that, unlike honest, accountable, upfront Government. Gladstone, Loy Yang had been sold. I ask: will Princess Alexandra Hospital the Treasurer now admit that that Mr LIVINGSTONE: I ask the Minister for fundamental difference highlights the Health: is he aware of claims in the weekend Legislative Assembly 4431 16 September 1993 media by the Opposition Health spokesman accident and emergency services at Princess that the Gynaecology Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital are the worst in Australia? Alexandra Hospital is to be closed and its Can the Minister inform the House whether resources moved to the QE II Hospital? Can such claims have any foundation? he inform the House whether such claims are Mr HAYWARD: I thank the honourable true? member for the question. Again, this is a very Mr HAYWARD: Here we have yet another important issue. example of the Opposition spokesman’s campaign of fear and fallacy. The Mr Johnson: Did you organise the 123A Gynaecology Unit at the Princess Alexandra for the member for Toowoomba South? Hospital will not close. It is planned that the Mr HAYWARD: I got sick of waiting for undergraduate teaching component from the the Opposition to ask a question. University of Queensland Medical School, Mr SPEAKER: Order! I inform the which operates out of the PA Hospital, will member for Gregory that that was a reflection move to the QE II, where it will work with three on the Chair, and I warn him under Standing gynaecology specialists. The end result of that Order 124. It is just a warning. will be an expanded gynaecology service at Mr HAYWARD: It is the height of QE II which, importantly to the people who live hypocrisy for members opposite to accuse this in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane, will reduce the waiting times for gynaecological care. Government of ignoring the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s accident and emergency Mr Lester interjected. department, when they ignored repeated Mr SPEAKER: Order! I warn the member requests for almost two decades to upgrade for Keppel under Standing Order 123A. that accident and emergency department. Mr HAYWARD: The university is happy to Administrators at the PA Hospital have been move its undergraduate teaching activities requesting an upgrade of those facilities since from the PA Hospital to the QE II Hospital. the early 1970s, but to no avail. That move will involve only two staff. The Consequently, the physical facilities at the service at the PA Hospital will be maintained. hospital’s accident and emergency Visiting medical officers will maintain their department are in need of upgrading. That is services at the PA Hospital. To use even the a high priority in the hospital’s major Opposition spokesman’s twisted logic, that is redevelopment program, which has just certainly a long way from his claim that the commenced. That program is part of the Goss unit will be closed. Government’s $1.5 billion 10-year hospital rebuilding program. I believe that close to In effect, having the undergraduate $100m will be spent on redeveloping the PA teaching function moved to the QE II Hospital, Hospital. and having it operate there with three gynaecologists who want to stay at the QE II It was interesting but very disturbing that Hospital, will provide the hospital with an the Opposition Health spokesman referred to upgraded service from that which was the hospital’s accident and emergency originally planned. For the information of the department, to us his words, as “the worst in House, I point out that the move is expected Australia”. I know—because they have to occur towards the end of the year. contacted me—that the dedicated staff who work there feel insulted by such an Another important issue should be made outrageous and outlandish assertion. clear to the House. The Opposition Health Justifiably, they are indignant that the spokesman has tried to conjure up the Opposition Health spokesman would cast impression that the movement of the QE II such a judgement on their professionalism Hospital obstetrics unit to the Logan Hospital and hard work. I can assure honourable is some sort of a secret plan. That has been members that I believe the quality of service the line that he has been trying to sell to the offered by that department is outstanding and media. I will tell the House how secret that is equal to the world’s best standard. plan is. On 2 April, I announced that decision at a meeting of the staff of the QE II Hospital The shadow Minister is obviously and issued a media release to that effect that unaware that the hospital is fully accredited by day. both the Australian College of Emergency Medicine and the Australian Council on Princess Alexandra Hospital Hospital Standards. That accreditation Mr LIVINGSTONE: I ask the Minister for recognises the high standard of Health: is he aware of recent public comments professionalism maintained by that hospital. by the Opposition Health spokesman that the When members opposite were in Government 16 September 1993 4432 Legislative Assembly in this State, they refused to allow the Executive Council today a final payment of Australian Council on Hospital Standards to some $6m, which completes the State’s accredit public hospitals in Queensland. contribution of $9m towards the relocation of Consequently, no public hospital in the Murarrie facility. All land rezonings and Queensland was accredited. No information approvals have been completed. The was available as to how Queensland’s amenities/plant workshop building has hospitals rated when tested against the commenced and the process building is world’s best standards. No tests were applied nearing completion. External concrete paving as to how our hospitals compare with those in will be done in the next seven weeks. The first the rest of Australia. So far, we have shipment of process equipment has arrived in managed to have two hospitals Brisbane and has been delivered and installed accredited—the Townsville General Hospital in accordance with the construction program. and the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The The chicken gut line will be commissioned first unfortunate aspect of this matter is that the and will commence in late October 1993. Opposition Health spokesman has attacked Mr Lingard: This smells great. the professional integrity of the hard-working staff of that hospital. Mr BURNS: The Beaudesert Shire Council has been advised when the plant commissioning will commence. It has CJC Investigation of Q-Build suggested that A. J. Bush advise local Mr LINGARD: In directing a question to community interest groups—and the member the Deputy Premier, I refer him to the recent for Beaudesert should be interested in CJC investigation of the activities of Q-Build, this—as odours may occur temporarily during and I ask: did the Deputy Premier initiate the the commissioning period. investigation? What matters are the CJC The first 18 megawatt steam boiler will be investigating? Will the Deputy Premier release delivered ahead of schedule. One of the 100- the details of this investigation when it is tonne boilers will be shifted in by the end of completed? this month, with the second, which is currently Mr BURNS: I am unaware of the at the Murarrie site, being moved in at the end investigation to which the honourable member of February. These boilers are fundamental to refers. I have instructed my director-general ensuring that the people of Beaudesert are that, when any serious allegations are made, not confronted with the same problems as they should be referred to the CJC. I presume those of the honourable member for that at any one time some investigations Bulimba’s electorate. These boilers have a would be under way. If the honourable dual purpose in that they not only provide the member wants to give me some details, I will energy for the plant to operate but they also try to provide him with an answer. have the furnace capacity to dispose of the non-condensable gases which give off the offensive odour. That method is being A. J. Bush adopted to dispose of those gases in an Mr PURCELL: I ask the Minister for environmentally appropriate way. Administrative Services: given the The Murarrie workers have accepted the Government’s commitment to the relocation of redundancy packages which were negotiated the A. J. Bush rendering works from Murarrie with the union. The Beaudesert plant will be to Beaudesert, can he advise on the progress operating on four processing lines by February of that relocation? next year, and the Murarrie site will cease Mr BURNS: I thank the honourable operations on 28 February 1994. No doubt, member for the question. I think that he is that will be a red-letter day at Murarrie. I invite very lucky to be the local member at the time the honourable member for Beaudesert, the when the A. J. Bush plant is being relocated. honourable member for Bulimba and any After I first became the member for Lytton in other member whose electorate has been 1972, I found a pamphlet dated 1958 inviting polluted by the foul and rotten odours from A. people to a protest meeting about the smells J. Bush over the years to join me later this from the A. J. Bush plant. From 1958 until year in an inspection of the plant. 1993-94 is not a bad time to take to do Training for Construction Workers something about the problem! Mr PURCELL: I thank the Minister for his In general terms, the State has entered answer. I will take him up on that invitation. into an agreement with A. J. Bush to assist Opposition members: Second question! them to relocate their operations to Sit him down! Beaudesert. I have recommended to the Legislative Assembly 4433 16 September 1993

Mr SPEAKER: Order! Honourable and the members of his union are pleased to members, we have a good sense of humour, see the recognition of the skills of building do we not? I call the member for Bulimba. construction workers. Mr PURCELL: I have a second question for the Minister for Administrative Services. I Portable Long Service Leave Levy ask: could the Minister outline to the House the involvement that his department has in Mr SANTORO: I direct a question to the training workers in the construction industry—a Minister for Employment, Training and most important industry for this State? Industrial Relations. Given that the number of building industry employees registered with Mr BURNS: As all honourable members the industry board of the Portable Long would know, the member for Bulimba has had Service Leave Board is much lower than a long and very successful career in the expected, I ask: why is the Minister resisting construction industry. When I travel around industry requests to lower the rate of 0.5 per the State, I am impressed by the work that is cent? carried out by people whom we used to call builders’ labourers but whom we now call Mr FOLEY: The rate that was set with construction workers. It is a skilled trade, regard to the portable long service leave levy involving formsetting and the specialised skills for the building industry was set on a involved in concrete work. If honourable conservative basis. It was set with a view to its members were to observe the construction being reviewed. A review is currently under workers on the building at 111 George Street, way. That review is looking at a range of they would understand the extent of the skills issues concerning the effectiveness of the that are required. levy. In short, that levy was introduced in order to provide to workers in the building industry In May this year, my department the sort of long service leave which is available employed five trainee construction workers. It to workers in other industries. is the first time in this State that anyone has tried to train those workers and provide them Because building workers move from site with additional skills such as workplace health to site, it was often the case in the past that and safety skills. The Government has been they were denied the basic entitlements to working with the unions and the business long service leave that were available to other houses to extend that training. workers. That is why a tripartite committee of employers, employees and Government The Construction Industry Training officials was set up, which led to the Council, which includes representatives from establishment of that board. It continues to the honourable member’s former union, the operate under a tripartite authority based on Builders Labourers Federation, will put on 10 cooperation. similar trainees, and these, along with the five from my department, will undertake a two-year It appears that the honourable member traineeship to become construction workers. does not understand how one can achieve They will be the first trained construction cooperation—that is the name of the workers in Australia. Training will include TAFE game—among the employers, the employees modules and, of course, on-the-job and the Government authorities. The experience on State Government and private experience in other States, in particular the industry projects. New South Wales experience, has been that the levy rate has been able to be reduced. That cooperation between the Indeed, the Giles royal commission in that Government, industry and unions on training, State indicated that the scheme was including the TAFE modules, is a very sufficiently funded to suspend the operation of valuable asset to those workers. I believe that, the levy, it having come down in that State in the future, it will become a permanent part from 0.6 per cent to 0.1 per cent, and then to of the training program for construction zero. That suspension continues. workers. It dovetails neatly with the notion of competency based training whereby each However, the key to ensuring that the module completed by the trainee will later be levy can be prudently brought down is based accredited towards a trade. This will ensure on two principles. Firstly, it must be based on that, once a trainee completes the course, actuarial soundness, because this there will be other options open, unlike the Government ensures that all liabilities are fully previous system wherein they would become funded. The second important principle is that builders’ labourers and would be builders’ of compliance, that is, to ensure that all those labourers forever. I thank the honourable who are required to pay the levy do in fact pay member for his question. I am sure that he it. Achieving that compliance is crucial to the 16 September 1993 4434 Legislative Assembly ability to be able, in due course, to reduce the offering services at night time and weekends. levy. As I indicated to the House, that matter Previously, that was not the case. is under review. It has been the subject of This Government’s record in providing consideration by the tripartite board. The access to passenger transport services in outcome of the review will be announced in country areas is unparalleled. I draw the due course. honourable member’s attention to the initiative which was contained in a statement made by Passenger Rail Services me earlier this year on the extension of subsidised air services into country areas. For Mr SANTORO: Mr Speaker—— 20 years, coalition and National Party An Opposition member: Not another one Governments were prepared to provide a very for the same Minister? poor level of access to air services in country Mr SANTORO: No. I will save the House Queensland. Indeed, the people of Winton from another non-answer. In directing a were severely disadvantaged when the question to the Minister for Transport, I refer commercial airline services between Winton him to the following statement in the ALP’s and Townsville were withdrawn by the 1989 policy manifesto— commercial operator. Thanks to this Government—this is a clear demonstration of “My Government will guarantee the our commitment to access services for country retention of passenger rail services in people—we instituted a subsidy to allow regional and country areas which are services from Winton to Townsville to currently being closed down by a continue. Government which pretends to be a friend of rural Queenslanders. All Mr HOBBS: I rise to a point of order. This Queenslanders have a right to public is all drivel by the Minister for Transport. passenger transport. This includes those Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of who endure the rigours of living in the order. less serviced and more remote areas of the State.” Olympic Games, Sydney I ask: in view of that promise, how does the Minister justify his Government’s recent Mr DAVIES: In directing a question to the decision to inflict massive cutbacks on the rail Treasurer, I refer to the bid by Sydney for the systems of Queensland? Olympic Games in the year 2000. I ask: is he aware of any analysis of the likely economic Mr HAMILL: I draw the honourable impact on Queensland if Sydney’s bid is a member’s attention to that commitment, that success? all Queenslanders have the right to public passenger transport. Nowhere is that better Opposition members interjected. seen than in the honourable member’s Mr SPEAKER: Order! I did not hear the backyard with respect to the Pinkenba line. question. I warn the honourable member for This is a very clear demonstration of the Clayfield under Standing Order 123A. commitment of this Government to the Mr DAVIES: I am quite happy to repeat provision of public passenger transport and the question. In directing a question to the access to passenger transport services. Treasurer, I refer to the bid by Sydney for the The honourable member for Clayfield has Olympic Games in the year 2000. I ask: is he been long and loud in his attacks upon the aware of any analysis of the likely economic Government over the change in public impact on Queensland if Sydney’s bid is a transport arrangements on the Pinkenba line. success? I invite him to go down to the Pinkenba line Mr De LACY: Honourable members will and try to catch a train on Sunday. He will still remember that yesterday, during question be waiting there on Monday morning for a time, reference was made to the Price train to come. However, owing to the initiative Waterhouse survey of economic prospects in of this Government, from 27 September, Australia. One of the components of that people in that area will have access to survey makes some very interesting reading. services not only on week days but also on Honourable members will remember that the weekends, including Sundays. Compared to survey was conducted by 32 eminent the situation that his party was prepared to economists throughout Australia who were tolerate when it was in office, when only 20 asked what the impact would be on the train services operated along that corridor on a various States of Australia, and Australia as a week day, some 47 services will be available, nation, of a successful Olympic bid by Sydney. Legislative Assembly 4435 16 September 1993

The survey makes very interesting reading. It Mr HAYWARD: The honourable member is in two parts. The economists were asked raises a very important issue. This what would be the impact in the years Government is very aware of the matters that preceding the Games and what would be the he raises. All members in this place would be impact in the year 2000 and thereafter. aware that, compared with health services in The first part of that survey is reasonable southern Queensland, health services in north in the sense that the biggest impact in the Queensland have been neglected. There can years leading up to the Games would be in be no doubt about that. This was noted New South Wales. But, surprisingly, according recently in the McKay report on hospital to those 32 scientists, there was a very strong service planning in south-east Queensland. As impact in Queensland. But as to the impact in part of the work that Mr McKay did, he noted the year 2000 and thereafter—a positive very clearly that, under previous Governments, figure means a positive impact. On the GDP, north Queensland had not received any sort the figure for New South Wales was 17, and of priority with regard to specific tertiary for Queensland it was 35. As to the effect on services. employment—in New South Wales it was 17; Townsville’s already high standard of in Queensland, 35. The effect on investment public health services are to be expanded was minus 8 in New South Wales and plus 22 significantly during the next few years, making in Queensland. the city a centre of medical excellence in north What those people are really saying is Queensland. Planning has already that the impact on Queensland will be commenced for the North Queensland substantially greater than the impact on New Cardiac Unit, which is to be established at the South Wales. I imagine that the reason for Townsville General Hospital. Planning is also that conclusion was that the major long-term under way to develop the radiation oncology benefit of having the Olympic Games in facilities at that hospital. Those projects will be Sydney—and Australia as a whole—will be the part of the Government’s $1.5 billion, 10-year promotion of Australia to a worldwide hospital rebuilding and redevelopment audience. To the extent that Australia is program. The completion of those projects will promoted as a tourism destination, tourists will mean that north Queensland residents who come to Australia. If they come to Australia, now have to travel to Brisbane for treatment the first place that they will want to visit is will be able to receive in Townsville the same Queensland. I think that is great. excellent standard of care as that receive in Brisbane. People should understand that one of the great benefits of the Sydney Olympic bid The member for Mundingburra would be is that it has Australia out there on the world aware that the new Acute Care Psychiatric scene—win, lose or draw. But, obviously, Unit at the Townsville General Hospital will winning would have a much greater impact. soon be completed. Together with the Kirwan Sometimes, in Queensland, I believe that we Rehabilitation Centre, that unit will provide get excessively parochial. But we all ought to north Queenslanders with the best possible be supporting the Sydney bid. Of course, that mental health services, helping to erase the bid will be determined next week. We ought to stigma of the notorious Ward 10B, which was be supporting it not only because we are the previous Government’s disgraceful legacy Australians and because we are great to mental health services in north supporters of sport but because of the long- Queensland. term economic benefits that will flow to As well as being a major service delivery Queensland. area, Townsville is also emerging as a major health and medical teaching centre with the opening this year of the North Queensland North Queensland Health Facilities Clinical School and the further expansion of Mr DAVIES: I direct a question to the the Rural Health Training Unit at the Townsville Minister for Health. Comment is often made General Hospital. As I said in answer to an about the prolific population growth on the earlier question, the Townsville General Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast and the Hospital was the first hospital in Queensland consequent need for expanded health to be accredited according to national health- facilities. The Minister would be aware of the care standards. That demonstrates very rapid development occurring in the north of clearly the level of service and standards that the State. I ask: what has this Government are provided by the Townsville General done to ensure that the health needs of north Hospital to the people of north Queensland. Queenslanders are being adequately met now Those people can rest assured that this and will continue to be met in the future? Government is very conscious of the health 16 September 1993 4436 Legislative Assembly needs of the people who reside in north tended to be on investigations of theft, and so Queensland. Not only are we conscious of on. We are refocussing that with a 25 per cent those needs, we are actually doing something increase in the personnel of the Railway about resolving them. Squad, who will focus on on-board train surveillance and surveillance on platforms. Indeed, four officers are operating in groups of Patient Transfers by Ambulance Service two, with a third officer providing mobile Mr COOPER: In directing a question to support if necessary. the Minister for Police and Emergency This further complements the work that is Services, I refer to his statement to this House being done through Operation Facelift. Some on 1 September regarding inter-hospital 40 suburban stations have already been patient transfers by the Queensland improved under Operation Facelift with Ambulance Service wherein he said that such improved lighting and passenger facilities and costs “are able to be paid under the emergency help stations to enhance arrangements for patient charges in relation to passenger security. Not long ago, enhanced the Health Department”, and I ask: from what car park security was launched at Albion date prior to 1 September were all inter- station. One of the problems with the Park-n- hospital transfers of patients who are not Ride facilities is that some people have left ambulance subscribers paid under these their vehicles there and have been vulnerable arrangements? to those who seek to vandalise or take those Mr BRADDY: In order to get the technical vehicles for joy rides. Additional security is details fully accurate, I ask that the question being positioned at a number of Park-n-Ride be placed on notice. facilities. I anticipate further initiatives in the Mr COOPER: I do so accordingly. near future to enhance the security of vehicles at railway stations.

Rail Commuter Safety Public Transport Services, South-east Mr BEATTIE: I direct a question to the Queensland Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Mr BEATTIE: In directing my second Development. The Minister would be aware question to the Minister for Transport, I refer to that my electorate of Brisbane Central the significant progress that has been made contains a large part of Brisbane’s railway to expand and improve public transport network, including Roma Street, Central and services under the Goss Government. I ask: Brunswick Street stations and the Ferny Grove could he please advise how the Government line. Accordingly, could the Minister outline to is making services in south-east Queensland the House what the State Government is even easier to access? doing to ensure the safety of commuters on Mr HAMILL: In answer to the previous the Citytrain rail network? question, I said that security is an important Mr HAMILL: Measures that are directed enhancement to the use of public transport. A towards improving the safety of passengers key issue that came out of the South East are also directed towards enhancing the use Queensland Passenger Transport Study was of public transport. This Government is that an inhibiting factor for people using committing considerable funds to the passenger transport services—whether they development of our passenger transport be bus services, taxi services or rail network. It is well known that some $600m services—was the lack of information about has been committed over five years to expand what services were available. I was heartened the urban rail network in south-east to read a column, which was written by the Queensland. member for Gregory, in one of the local papers in his electorate, in which he A number of important initiatives have congratulated me on the work that I have been put in place to enhance passenger been doing in relation to improving information safety both on board and awaiting trains in the about passenger transport services in metropolitan network. Among those initiatives, Brisbane. perhaps the most significant recent one has been the cooperation between Queensland In fact, the member for Gregory was quite Rail and the Queensland Police Service with correct—and I do not always agree with him, the enhancing of the resources of the Railway but he was spot-on on this occasion—in Squad, which has been in existence for inviting his constituents, if they were coming to probably about 40 years. In the past, its focus Brisbane, to make use of the new access line for public transport information. The member Legislative Assembly 4437 16 September 1993 for Gregory was very perceptive in this regard, years. That Act has become a major and I thank him for advertising what has been impediment to an efficient and effective meat a major initiative of this Government in industry in Queensland. It will be repealed by developing information services about this Bill and replaced with the most passenger transport. So when the good progressive meat industry legislation in people from Longreach come to Brisbane, I Australia. invite them to take heed of the advice given This Bill makes major changes to the by the member for Gregory and dial 131230, statutory institutional arrangements applying in which is the information line. the meat industry and puts in place a This year, it is expected that the completely new regulatory model for the information line will receive two million calls. By industry. The functions previously discharged calling that number, people can access by a single body are to be divided between information about bus timetables, rail four bodies. The first of these is the timetables, how to make connections and how Queensland Livestock and Meat Industry to coordinate their travel. By the end of this Policy Council. This policy council will be the year, information about all the services offered major forum for interaction between in south-east Queensland from Gympie to the Government and industry on policy matters. It border, from Toowoomba to Brisbane, will be is structured along similar lines to policy contained on that information line. People can councils which I have implemented with ring up at their convenience and, for the price considerable success and to the of a phone call, get that information. I believe advancement of a number of other major that that is a considerable enhancement to primary industries. passenger transport services. It addresses the Once the Bill receives assent, I will move issue of information and it will provide better immediately to call for nominations to the coordination. policy council. The organisations which will be Mrs Woodgate: What’s the number represented have already been announced in again? the Government’s position paper on the Mr HAMILL: The member for outline of the regulatory and structural aspects Kurwongbah has difficulty with numbers at of the proposed new meat industry legislation. times. It is 131230. It is not “Dial a Pizza”; it is I will be true to my word and invite “dial transport information”. It is readily nominations from the United Graziers accessible and it will be of great benefit to the Association, the Cattlemen’s Union, the Meat travelling public. and Allied Trades Federation of Australia, the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union, Mr SPEAKER: Order! bodies representing the pig, game meat and chicken meat industries and the retail sector. MEAT INDUSTRY BILL Mr Connor: Are you looking after the Hon. E. D. CASEY (Mackay—Minister for consumers on this one? Primary Industries) (10.43 a.m.), by leave, Mr CASEY: I hope that they are all without notice: I move— consumers. In this regard, rather than read “That leave be granted to bring in a out the figures, I would like to table for Bill for an Act about the Queensland incorporation in Hansard a list of the bodies livestock and meat industry.” that will be invited to nominate representatives onto the Council. Motion agreed to. Leave granted. United Graziers’ Association (2 representatives) First Reading Cattlemen’s Union (2 representatives) Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and Livestock and Meat Authority of Queensland Bill, on motion of Mr Casey, read a first time. Queensland Pork Producers’ Organisation Queensland Chicken Meat Council Second Reading Queensland Meat Exporters’ Association Hon. E. D. CASEY (Mackay—Minister for Primary Industries) (10.44 a.m.): I move— Queensland Domestic Meatworks Industry Council “That the Bill be now read a second Queensland Retail Traders’ and Shopkeepers time.” Association The Meat Industry Act 1965 has not Meat and Allied Trades Federation of Australia been comprehensively reviewed for almost 30 Retailers’ Association of Queensland 16 September 1993 4438 Legislative Assembly

Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union Thirdly, there will be a Queensland Australian Game Meat Producers’ Association Abattoir Corporation. This body will run the Commonwealth Department of Primary public abattoirs of Queensland. It will enable Industries and Energy the proper separation of the regulatory Queensland Department of Primary Industries function from the commercial function. It will have an expertise-based board, nominated by Mr CASEY: Secondly, a new Queensland a selection committee, with an independent Livestock and Meat Authority will take over chairperson. The Chief Executive of the industry administrative functions. These Abattoir Corporation will also be an ex officio functions themselves have been significantly member of the board. modernised, as I will detail shortly. The new The final body created by this Bill is the authority, like other authorities which I have Meat Industry Tribunal. This tribunal will be reformed, will consist of members appointed similar to those established by recent Acts for their ability to run these bodies. The old governing other primary industries. A person models of the National Party were ineffective who is aggrieved by an order or decision of and resulted in major decay in the regulatory the authority or on behalf of the authority can framework of many primary industries of appeal to the tribunal. This is in marked Queensland. This Government insists on contrast to the National Party’s lack of having the best people for the job in every accountability in the Meat Industry Act 1965. area of public administration, including our all- The Meat Industry Tribunal will significantly important primary industries. It is also enhance the accountability of the authority important that meat industry politics be and its meat safety officers, back to the separated from public administration. That is people whose affairs they are regulating. why I have continued to insist that the leaders of peak industry bodies should not sit on The Bill also includes a number of other administrative bodies. Their proper place is on enhancements of the accountability of these the policy council. Their skills relate to policy bodies to both the industry and to the people and agri-politics, not necessarily to public of Queensland at large. The authority and the administration. Abattoir Corporation will both be required to In recognition of the unique needs of the manage their affairs in accordance with all the meat industry in Queensland, two of the ten statutory obligations imposed upon other members of the new authority will be public authorities in Queensland. These nominated by industry representative bodies. include public audit, freedom of information, This is to accommodate the diverse needs of judicial review and a whole raft of other this industry which, unlike many other enhancements to public accountability which industries, does not have a unified producer have been introduced by this Government. representative body. The major producer There are provisions requiring the disclosure of representative bodies are the Cattlemen’s interests. In keeping with models implemented Union and the United Graziers Association. I in other industries, the Minister may give will invite each of these bodies to nominate directions to ensure that these bodies do not, potential members. I must emphasise, for example, lose touch with their duty to however, that these two members will sit on safeguard the public interest. In turn, the the authority for their particular knowledge and Minister is accountable for the directions and experience, not as representatives of the must consult with the body and the policy nominating bodies. The duty of these two council before giving the direction. If the members is the same as the duty of all the direction is given, it must be published and members of the authority, namely, to tabled in the Legislative Assembly. discharge the functions of the authority in the The other major change that this Bill will public interest. As I have said already, the bring to the meat industry of Queensland is policy council deals with representative the administration of the industry. A new matters. system of accreditation is brought in to replace the old complex and convoluted system of As with other industry reforms which I licences, permits, registrations and so on. The have introduced into this House, a selection authority will give people an accreditation to committee will make nominations leading to carry out meat processing at specified the appointment of seven of the ten members premises. The major aims of accreditation are of the new authority. There will also be an to ensure that meat which is processed will be independent chairperson, nominated by the both wholesome, and of the species which it Minister. The remaining two members are the purports to be. For the most part, an nominees of industry bodies. accreditation will be granted on the basis of quality assurance systems which are put in Legislative Assembly 4439 16 September 1993 place by the owner of the premises. The this era of mutual recognition. There are accreditation will govern the use to which the already active meat processing industries in premises may be put to ensure the other parts of Australia giving consumers the wholesomeness and species integrity of the choice to buy products, such as kangaroo meat. Compliance with the quality assurance meat. While the market for these types of conditions of accreditation will be ensured meat will only ever be small, it is important that through regular audits performed by authority the Government give industry the opportunity officers. to grow and develop in these areas. It is also In this regard, the Meat Industry Bill 1993 important for the laws to reflect the fact that represents a major step forward for the meat meat is a consumer product and that industry in Queensland. It will not just move consumer choice is a key component in the administration of the meat industry into determining the marketplace priorities for the late twentieth century, but it will also meat, just as it is with other commodities. This position the industry ideally to move forward Bill is a major step forward for Queensland's into the next century. The Bill represents a meat industry. I commend the Bill to the major conceptual advance from the Meat House. Industry Act 1965 which segmented and Debate, on motion of Mr FitzGerald, overregulated the industry. The Bill allows a adjourned. transitional period of three years for implementation of a full quality assurance. At the end of that period, operators must have a WEAPONS AMENDMENT BILL quality assurance program in accordance with Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Rockhampton— the authority's requirements or implement, at Minister for Police and Emergency Services) their cost, quality controls, such as full time (11.54 a.m.), by leave, without notice: I inspection. move— Honourable members may note that “That leave be granted to bring in a there is no distinction drawn in this Bill Bill for an Act to amend the Weapons Act between meat for human consumption and 1990.” pet meat. Meat is meat for whatever purpose Motion agreed to. it is used at the end of the day. However, the authority will still be able to exercise controls in the public interest through placing conditions First Reading on accreditation. For example, the authority Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and may impose a condition on accreditation that Bill, on motion of Mr Braddy, read a first time. requires the meat to be sold only for feeding to animals. Further, the authority may place a condition on accreditation that allows the Second Reading premises to be used only for the slaughtering Hon. P. J. BRADDY (Rockhampton— of certain species. Other conditions on Minister for Police and Emergency Services) accreditation might require the separate (11.55 a.m.): I move— processing of different species of animals. This is important to ensure the species “That the Bill be now read a second integrity of meat, and thereby prevent meat time.” substitution. The Weapons Act 1990 was introduced No distinction is made between "meat" to update the laws regulating or prohibiting the and "flesh" as was the case under the purchase, possession, use, carrying and sale previous Act. However, I draw honourable of certain weapons and articles. It also members' attention to subclause 54 (2) which provided for the prevention of the misuse of provides that an accreditation does not weapons and other related purposes. authorise processing of animals prescribed by The Act was passed through Parliament regulation to be prohibited animals. Further, in September 1990 and was progressively clause 54 makes it unlawful to process proclaimed during 1991, being fully protected animals for meat because it is not proclaimed on 1 January 1992. Since the lawful to kill those animals in accordance with inception of the Weapons Act 1990, a number other laws. Anyone who suggests that this Bill of technical problems affecting the operation will allow for "koala burgers" has not read the of the Act have been identified and these Bill properly. matters form the basis for the amendments in The Bill will, however, bring the flexibility this Bill. Additionally, another amendment is which Queensland's meat industry needs in adopted as a result of a resolution of the Australian Police Ministers Council. In the 16 September 1993 4440 Legislative Assembly process of preparing the amending Bill, other Under the current Act, there exists an sections were also modified in accordance exclusion for custodial correctional officers to with current drafting practices and enable possession and use of weapons fundamental legislative principles. during the course of their duty. This exclusion The consultation process has involved has been broadened to encompass persons the Queensland Police Service, other governmentally and privately contracted to Government departments, and sporting and perform duties and functions as custodial business associations. Submissions made in correctional officers. The application of the Act the consultation process were examined and to contracted custodial correctional officers those appropriate to achieve a more efficient was unclear and this amendment will clear up operation of the Act in line with Government any anomaly. The exclusion will also be policies have been included. broadened to include persons undergoing training to become custodial correctional One of the proposed amendments officers. Similarly, another exemption for the involves the expanding of the definition of possession and use of weapons was "firearm" to include firearms incapable of extended to cover security guards for security operating because of some broken organisations undergoing approved training mechanism. This replicates the definition as it courses. stood prior to 1990. The need for this amendment was identified through a court The Act currently requires a 28 day case where a friend of an armed robber was “cooling off” period when an authorised officer found in possession of the pistol used in the is determining an application for a security robberies. It had a broken mechanism and weapons licence. It is proposed this section was inoperable, unknown to the offender. The will be amended by the Bill to waive the case was dismissed because the pistol did not “cooling off” period where the applicant for a fall into the definition of firearm. security weapons licence is already the holder of another licence under the Act. The "firearm" definition is very broad and can, if construed in its widest interpretation, The present Act recognises the realities include spear guns, bows, cross bows, of rural life and provides for the use of powerheads, explosive power tools and the Schedule 3 weapons by unlicensed captive bolt humane killer. The definition is employees and immediate family members of currently being construed narrowly to exclude primary producers. However, it is currently these items from the operation of the Act. To restricted under the Act to places of primary alleviate any public concern or confusion over production where the primary producer these items, it is proposed to specifically resides. The proposed amendments will exclude them from the licensing provisions of extend this to any land used by the primary the Act. However, the Act will have effect producer in connection with primary where these items are specifically included or production. For example, a grazier owns and restricted—for example, it would still be an resides on a 500-hectare property outside offence to carry such items in public or to Woodford, where the grazier grazes cattle, cause fear. and the grazier also owns another 200- hectare property outside Moore. Currently an Another proposed amendment which was employee of the grazier may possess and use instigated as a result of the Australian Police a weapon owned by the grazier on the Ministers Council resolutions involves Woodford property but not on the Moore reciprocal arrangements on interstate licences. property. The proposed amendment will allow This allows a person who is not a resident of the employee to possess and use Schedule 3 Queensland and who is entitled to possess a weapons on both properties. weapon in the reciprocating State or Territory to possess a weapon of the applicable class in The current division concerning approved Queensland in a prescribed way. The clubs and approved ranges are revised and reciprocating State or Territory allows a replaced into two new divisions, that is, Queensland resident who possesses a licence Division 4 and Division 4A, to clearly in Queensland to receive like recognition of differentiate the different approval processes. the weapons' licence in that State or Territory. This will alleviate any confusion which may This amendment is in addition to current have arisen as a result of the two areas provisions on a visitor’s licence. The new having been previously intermingled. reciprocating provision will allow persons from Division 4 will clearly set out the law as it a reciprocating State or Territory to travel to applies to the approval of clubs and Division Queensland to participate in shooting 4A on the law as it applies to the approval of competitions. ranges. Unlike the current provision under the Legislative Assembly 4441 16 September 1993

Act, which incorporates the obligations proposed amendments will require imposed upon persons responsible for clubs consideration of past and present orders and and ranges into one division, the proposed interstate past and present orders. These divisions are designed to clearly differentiate changes will complement changes made to between them in order to overcome existing the Domestic Violence (Family Protection) Act confusion. Likewise, the provisions relating to last year. It should be pointed out that under security guards and organisations are the Domestic Violence (Family Protection) Act redrafted in the proposed Division 7. While the that a person will have a licence for a weapon substance of the provisions remains cancelled when they have an order made unchanged, the format of the proposed against them. division reflects current drafting practice. The proposed amendments I have Provisions relating to the obligation of outlined here represent the major proposed theatrical ordnance suppliers to supervise amendments to the Act. In addition to these persons who have hired out weapons are amendments, there are a number of technical extended in this legislation to employees of amendments which have been made to the theatrical ordnance supplier. For example, ensure the effective operation of the A is a theatrical ordnance supplier and B is an Weapons Act 1990, and to accord with current employee. A has been contracted to supply drafting practices. I commend the Bill to the weapons to Warner Bros., a film company, for House. the making of a film at the Gold Coast. At the Debate, on motion of Mr Cooper, same time, A has been contracted to supply adjourned. weapons to Paramount for the theatrical production "Wild West - Buffalo Bill Show" at Noosa. Currently, if A supplies the weapons INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED CITIZENS there is a duty under the current provisions to AMENDMENT BILL provide immediate supervision on possession Hon. A. M. WARNER (South and use of the weapons supplied. A could not Brisbane—Minister for Family Services and perform the supervisory duties under the Act Aboriginal and Islander Affairs) (12.02 p.m.), at two locations simultaneously and therefore by leave, without notice: I move— could not honour both contracts. This matter would be resolved if B, an employee, who is “That leave be granted to bring in a eligible to be licensed under the Act, could Bill for an Act to amend the Intellectually also perform supervisory duties and this, in Disabled Citizens Act 1985.” effect, is what the proposed amendment will Motion agreed to. achieve. It is also proposed that paint pellet sports First Reading receive recognition under the Act. This is achieved by placing paint pellet sports under Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and relevant sections for shooting galleries. Bill, on motion of Ms Warner, read a first time. Persons participating in the sport will not require individual licences and are Second Reading consequently exempted by the proposed amendments from various current provisions Hon. A. M. WARNER (South placing obligations on users of shooting Brisbane—Minister for Family Services and galleries. This will alleviate the effects of the Aboriginal and Islander Affairs) (12.03 p.m.): I Weapons Act 1990, where operators would move— require a dealer’s licence and players would “That the Bill be now read a second require shooters’ licences. The proposed time.” provisions will require operators of paint pellet I bring to the Parliament a Bill designed fields to obtain approval for fields as shooting to amend certain sections of the Intellectually galleries. Players will not require licences but Disabled Citizens Act in order to improve the will be regulated by the laws which are efficiency and effectiveness of the considered relevant under the division on Intellectually Disabled Citizens Council of shooting galleries. Queensland. Several sections are also In determining whether a person is a fit amended to clarify the intent of this legislation and proper person to hold a licence under the and update its references to current statutes. current Act an authorised officer is to consider The Intellectually Disabled Citizens Act amongst other things whether a person is provides for an affordable, accessible and subject to an order under the Domestic flexible way of appointing a substitute decision Violence (Family Protection) Act. The maker for an adult who does not have the 16 September 1993 4442 Legislative Assembly capacity to make certain decisions in his or her is the experience of the council that generally own right. people do not consider the issue of authority It does this by providing for the to give consent, make decisions or sign Intellectually Disabled Citizens Council of documents until the onset of a particular Queensland to make determinations about event. In many circumstances this then the degree to which an adult’s functional requires urgent assistance. competence restricts their capacity to make The Law Reform Commission is in the decisions. Clear assistance mechanisms in the process of reviewing the area of assisted and area of legal help, management of financial substituted decision making and will be affairs and social support are provided to such making recommendations to the Attorney- persons when necessary. There is nothing General later this year. It is therefore not automatic about this legislation and appropriate to amend the legislation in any assistance provided under this Act is done on substantial way. The commission’s draft report a “needs basis”. is expected to be published late this year and Assistance in some limited areas is a further period of public consultation is available to those persons with an intellectual anticipated. Whilst this process is occurring, disability when they need it. But also, this however, it is still important to provide the legislation is designed to assist a fairly broad most effective assistance and support spectrum of the community. People assisted available under current mechanisms. include not only adults with an intellectual The workload of the council has disability acquired at birth or during early considerably increased recently and these childhood years but also those persons who amendments will further enhance the ability of have diminished ability to make decisions the council to provide timely and effective because of illness, injury or through the effects assistance. They will work hand in hand with a of dementia. range of administrative reforms undertaken in One of the central debates in the order to provide the best possible response to development of this type of legislation is how the individual needs of citizens requiring best to strike an appropriate balance between assistance. These administrative reforms the ethical values of choice making or included the appointment of an additional autonomy and the provision of protection to seven council members late last year, those most vulnerable. Crucial is the principle increasing the council’s capacity to hold of the least restrictive alternative which acts as proceedings to consider applications for a safeguard for the level of assistance and assistance. intervention which can be introduced into a Process changes have also been person’s life. adopted in order to respond sensitively to the The types of assistance made available growth in demand for once-off assistance to to adults with particular needs include the the frail aged, where provision of urgent assistance of the Legal Friend, Volunteer assistance is for a consent to a surgical Friends Program and the Public Trustee. An procedure. Such applications, once a person’s information, advisory and advocacy service is immediate needs have been met may be also available to adults with an intellectual deactivated where no additional assistance is disability and close members of their families. required. These changes are considered to be Assistance given is relevant to legal rights and consistent with the overriding legislative procedures, and the availability of specialised principle of minimising any intrusion in the life services. The council consists of 13 members of a person requiring such assistance, whilst of the community who are appointed because still providing effective support at a critical time they have an understanding and knowledge, for the citizen, family members and carers. through qualifications, personal or professional No major changes to the general experience about the needs of people with an philosophy or intent of the legislation are intellectual disability. included in this Bill. The passage of the Bill will It is with some pride that I acknowledge improve the capacity of the council to operate the fostering of a balanced membership of the and respond to the needs of its client base. council. Fifty percent of members have a The provision of two deputy chairpersons, in direct knowledge of intellectual disability lieu of one acting chairman, aims to provide through being a parent or sibling of a person increased flexibility in the conduct of with an intellectual impairment. These proceedings on applications, and the ability to appointments have been complemented by share the on-call responsibilities of authorising members with backgrounds in such diverse urgent provisions for assistance. fields as education, psychology and the law. It Legislative Assembly 4443 16 September 1993

The amendments relating to the quorum simply as determined by the Governor in requirements of the council will provide for Council and expenses as approved by the three members of the council to be able to chief executive. These amendments are make decisions about the extent and mix of aimed at increasing the proficient utilisation of assistance and support to be provided to the council’s limited resources. individuals. This provision is designed to This Bill therefore provides for the enhance the capacity of the council to hold clarification of procedures and increases the meetings simultaneously throughout the State council’s capacity to obtain appropriate and will therefore directly increase the council’s information about the needs of a citizen. It capacity to provide people with assistance. also revises provisions and references in Provisions relating to meetings of the council relation to changes to the law such as the specify who is to preside over these meetings, Anti-Discrimination Act, the Acts Interpretation including a nominee of the chairperson. Act, the Statutory Instruments Act and other The term “professional treatment and statutory references required to be updated. care” will be clarified and is designed to The complexity of this area of contemporary eliminate any confusion in regard to what the law and the need to identify and develop Legal Friend is providing consent for. Also clear, consistent legislative options which included is the provision to consent to a uphold and protect the individual rights of course of proposed treatment, rather than a citizens in our society who may be vulnerable separate consent each time a person and require assistance due to their intellectual presents themselves for treatment. Section 26 disability is of significant importance in the (5) is amended to clarify the steps which the evolution and pursuit of social justice for all Legal Friend must take in considering an community members. application for consent. The new provision Legislation cannot by itself ensure that clarifies that the Legal Friend must also take people with an intellectual disability are the required steps of consultation with afforded the assistance and respect that they relatives and other persons in any activity deserve, but it can provide for the community preliminary to deciding whether a consent to be encouraged to apply and promote a set should be given or withheld. of standards or principles. By raising the These amendments will clarify the council’s operations to its optimum level of provision dealing with the supply of effectiveness, the community can be better information and will remove any doubt that the served now and in the future. The council has the authority to require persons amendments presented are designed to with information relating to an application for provide a means of achieving this goal. I assistance to be provided to the council for its commend the Bill to the House. consideration. It further provides that the Debate, on motion of Mr Littleproud, person to whom the request is directed must adjourned. comply with the request “to the extent that the person is able”. A restrictive provision which had the effect PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE FOR of limiting the council’s approval of support CRIMINAL JUSTICE and assistance to the citizen by a relative for Report one particular circumstance, rather than more Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Bredhauer): generally, has been corrected. The protection Order! Honourable members, I am in receipt from liability, which was lost in the passage of of a report from the Criminal Justice previous amendments in mid-1989, has been Commission titled Report on the re-introduced. It will provide protection from implementation of the Fitzgerald liability, similar to that which is afforded to recommendations relating to the Criminal other bodies, to the Minister, the council, Justice Commission. panel members and the legal friend when they are acting under the Act. Ordered to be printed. Age discrimination provisions which required that the office of a member becomes STARCKE PASTORAL HOLDINGS vacant on a member attaining the age of 70 ACQUISITION BILL years have been removed. The amendment Hon. G. N. SMITH (Townsville— Minister of section 14 provides clarification that panel for Lands) (12.13 p.m.), by leave, without members may be paid fees and allowances. It notice: I move— also has the effect of removing unnecessary provisions, so that these allowances are paid “That leave be granted to bring in a Bill for an Act authorising the acquisition 16 September 1993 4444 Legislative Assembly

of certain environmentally significant land These clans are said to number almost 200 in Cape York, and for related purposes.” people and some elders are reported as Motion agreed to. remembering traditional life on land currently within the holdings. As the Premier stated in this place last First Reading Tuesday, the major question facing the Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and Government is whether to purchase just the Bill, on motion of Mr Smith, read a first time. significant coastal part of the holding or to purchase the entire property. The Government is committed to acquiring the relevant coastal Second Reading section of the property. Because of the Hon. G. N. SMITH (Townsville— Minister various regimes associated with the freehold for Lands) (12.14 p.m.): I move— title, lease and occupational licences, it is “That the Bill be now read a second more practical to acquire the whole of the time.” holding. This also means we can protect the conservation values with certainty. The I am today introducing a Bill to acquire Government’s preferred position is therefore to the Starcke Pastoral Holdings on the eastern acquire all of the Starcke Holding and use coast of Cape York Peninsula to protect the special legislation to effect the transaction. significant environmental values associated with this land. The Bill also provides for The Bill will lie on the table of the House payment of reasonable compensation for the while negotiations proceed with the owner of acquisition in accordance with the rights the titles. The preferred position is to settle this presently provided in the Land Act and the matter by negotiation, and officers of my Acquisition of Land Act. The legislation will department will seek to reach agreement with ensure that this important piece of coastal Mr Quaid. If agreement cannot be reached, land will be protected from both overseas sale the issue of compensation will be settled and inappropriate development. This action is under the provisions of existing legislation. We consistent with the Government’s policy will also negotiate with the Federal objective based on a recommendation in the Government to clarify its willingness to provide 1990 Wolfe report that consideration must be financial support for the acquisition following given to whether any part of a holding is the offer by the Environment Minister, Mrs required for environmental or nature Kelly. conservation purposes before allowing This Government is proud of its conversion to a “higher” tenure or sale as environment record and we believe that the freehold. purchase of this land will add significantly to The land in question covers 224 647 our national park estate. We also believe we hectares and includes 24 464 hectares of can reach agreement with the descendants of freehold land, 23 183 hectares of the traditional occupiers of the land about the occupational licences and 177 000 hectares future management of the land. This is a one- of pastoral lease which has development off issue which reflects the particular conditions. The Starcke Pastoral Holdings was circumstances of the history of the Starcke purchased by George Quaid Holdings in 1972 property and the need to protect it from for $919,711. That part of the holdings which overseas sale or inappropriate use. The is now freehold was converted from leasehold proposed Bill is the best way to ensure the in 1989 at a purchasing price of $30,802. The effective acquisition of the land. I commend lessee was required to carry out improvements the Bill to the House. prior to the conversion. It is claimed that more Debate, on motion of Mr Hobbs, than $800,000 was spent on improvements. adjourned. The land in question, which is an outstanding natural area, yielding a host of new plant species, including a number of REGULATORY REFORM AMENDMENT BILL unique rainforest scrubs, was offered for sale Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba— Minister in the United States for $US18m. The holding for Business, Industry and Regional is within a distinct environmental province of Development) (12.18 p.m.), by leave, without Cape York and it contains many ecosystems notice: I move— not represented within the State’s existing “That leave be granted to bring in a national park estate. The land also Bill for an Act to amend the Regulatory encompasses the traditional clan estates of Reform Act 1986.” two separate Aboriginal language groups. Legislative Assembly 4445 16 September 1993

Motion agreed to. that the main provisions of the Act should be continued beyond 1993, that the exemption procedures should be substantially tightened, First Reading and that all subordinate legislation made prior Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and to July 1987 should be reviewed and/or re- Bill, on motion of Mr Elder, read a first time. made. The Regulatory Reform Act itself is due to expire on 31 December 1993, and the Crown Second Reading Solicitor has advised that the legislative sunset Hon. J. P. ELDER (Capalaba— Minister program it establishes will expire with it. for Business, Industry and Regional It is the Government's intent that the Development) (12.19 p.m.): I move— future of the Regulatory Reform Act and the “That the Bill be now read a second legislative sunset program which it establishes time.” should be considered in the light of— The Regulatory Reform Act—the Act— the EARC report on parliamentary was enacted in 1986 following the review of committees; business regulations by Sir Ernest Savage the Parliamentary Committee for Electoral and was designed to encourage the periodic and Administrative Review report which is review of all subordinate legislation made in due to come to hand at the end of Queensland by providing for its progressive September; expiry. Towards this end, the Act set in motion the review of the effectiveness of the a mandatory repeal process whereby groups operation of the Act which I have of subordinate legislation expired conducted; and automatically unless exempted under the Act. Within this scenario, subordinate legislation the inventory of subordinate legislation made on or after 1 July 1986 expires on the administered by the Queensland seventh anniversary of its making, provided Government which is due to be that the Act itself continues to be of effect. assembled in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel by the end The Act is presently administered by my of this year. Department of Business, Industry and Regional Development, having passed into Meanwhile, it is essential that the my portfolio on 27 March 1992 and, as the momentum developed to date with respect to Minister responsible, I have taken the view the establishment of a legislative sunset that the purpose of the legislative sunset program be preserved. Towards this end and program is to ensure that subordinate as a demonstration of the Government's legislation is reviewed periodically to determine resolve with respect to regulatory reform, the its impact and continued policy relevance, all Bill now before the House will— with a view towards eliminating legislation extend the life of the Regulatory Reform which results in an unnecessary burden. Act by 12 months—thus providing for the continuation of the legislative sunset Following review, the subordinate program which Section 5 (1) (d) of the Act legislation may presently be treated in one of establishes; and three ways— provide for the continuation of (a) the subordinate legislation may be subordinate legislation which is due to allowed to expire permanently; or expire under the Act on condition that it (b) the subordinate legislation may be has recently been reviewed or is about to “revived” in its existing form by the be reviewed with a view to ensuring that Governor in Council; or the regulatory burden is minimised and (c) the subordinate legislation may be that the underlying policies thus revised and re-made. represented are consistent with the Government’s aims and objectives. Alternatively, subordinate legislation may simply be exempted from the application of This approach has widespread support and the Act by Order in Council, made upon the has the potential to provide for continuity in recommendation of the Minister. the administration of the Queensland Statute Book. It would also provide the means by However, this practice is deficient and has which to avoid granting exemptions from the attracted criticism over the years from various operation of the Act—a practice which has, in commentators and by EARC in its report on the past, attracted criticism. parliamentary committees, which recommends 16 September 1993 4446 Legislative Assembly

Overall, the Regulatory Reform Act liability to be determined on an employment Amendment Bill will put in place an interim contract by employment contract basis and arrangement which will provide for a smoother can give rise to unexpected assessments for transition towards a more comprehensive employers. The taxation of fringe benefits will legislative sunset program, should ensure that comparable salary packages are Government pursue that end, after full similarly taxed. In applying payroll tax to these consideration of the EARC recommendations benefits, the Bill draws on the in conjunction with all the relevant information Commonwealth’s fringe benefits tax legislation and issues. I commend the Bill to the House. with which affected employers would be Debate, on motion of Mr Connor, familiar. adjourned. All other States have already specifically legislated to apply payroll tax to benefits. This change will not affect Queensland’s premier REVENUE LAWS AMENDMENT BILL payroll tax position. Payroll tax rates in other Hon. K. E. De LACY (Cairns— Treasurer) States are up to 40 per cent above the 5 per (12.24 p.m.), by leave, without notice: I cent rate in Queensland, and Queensland’s move— payroll tax free threshold is some 40 per cent higher than that in other States. By protecting “That leave be granted to bring in a the payroll tax base through this measure, Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts Queensland is better placed to maintain administered by the Treasurer.” Australia’s most competitive payroll tax Motion agreed to. regime. The generous conveyance stamp duty First Reading concessions provided for persons acquiring their principal places of residence, at a cost of Bill and Explanatory Notes presented and some $120m a year, also received attention in Bill, on motion of Mr De Lacy, read a first time. the recent Budget. Changes to these arrangements are proposed to ensure better Second Reading targeting of these concessions to ensure they are provided to the extent that they can be Hon. K. E. De LACY (Cairns— Treasurer) justified on the basis of need. (12.25 p.m.): I move— The Government has therefore decided “That the Bill be now read a second that the existing concessional rate of 1 per time.” cent for a principal place of residence will be The major purpose of this Bill is to limited to the first $250,000 of the value of the implement revenue measures announced in property. The additional concession for a first the Budget in August. Certain other proposals principal place of residence will be restricted to have also been included. The measures are properties valued at up to $160,000. These designed to rationalise certain inefficient changes will take effect from the date of taxes, to remove anomalies and inequities assent. These restrictions will have no impact under existing taxes and to ensure that on the vast majority of home buyers. Ninety- concessions are provided only where they can six per cent of buyers of a principal place of be justified according to need. residence will remain unaffected, and 93 per cent of buyers of a first principal place of A key measure is the closure of an residence will retain an additional concession. avenue for the avoidance of payroll tax. From 1 January 1994, payroll tax will apply to fringe The current arrangements are also to be benefits—other than car parking changed so that the value of a principal place benefits—provided by employers to their of residence in excess of $250,000, or the employees. Payroll tax currently applies to value of a property in excess of that part used wages in cash or in kind where the liability as principal place of residence, are to be threshold, currently $700,000 annually, is dutiable at the marginal rate that would apply exceeded. Where a salary package is for a but for the concession. This is to prevent an specified amount, taken partly in cash and effective double concession, that is, that for partly in benefits, it is already fully taxable on the principal place of residence and a lower the full amount. However, if its value is not so rate for the balance of the value of the specified, only the cash wages will generally property. be taxed. This is anomalous. It encourages The provision for a refund of stamp duty the structuring of salary packages to minimise paid on the acquisition of land, when the payroll tax, erodes the revenue base, requires acquirer’s principal place of residence is later Legislative Assembly 4447 16 September 1993 constructed on the land, is also to be financial area generally are considered, removed. The concession cannot be justified, Queensland’s position is unsurpassed. It as duty applies only to the value of the land remains the only State without a financial component as against the combined value of institution duty. the house and land for existing dwellings. Changes are also proposed to land tax. Further, where persons are able to meet the The first is a widening of the concessions for duty in the first place and await a refund until land used in the business of agriculture, they have built the house and resided in it for pasturage or dairy farming, as announced in six months, the concession is not essential to the Budget. In their present form, the their acquisition of a house. The concession concessions are sometimes at odds with will continue to apply for land acquired up to ownership practices. Existing deductions and the date of assent. exemptions will be replaced with a deduction There are two proposals designed to allowed on a land usage basis. Complex tests rationalise Queensland’s stamp duties. The for qualifying owners and users of land under first is in respect of insurance stamp duty. As the present concessions are proposed to be announced in the Budget, the $2 stamp duty eliminated. Land owned by absentees and limit on public liability insurance policies is to companies—other than exempt proprietary be removed. The limit as it applies to legal companies—will continue to be ineligible for liability insurance policies in respect of caravan this concession. Landowners will first benefit trailers, trailers and power boats is also to be from the extended concession in the 1993-94 removed. When stamp duty applied on the year. basis of the sum insured—to a maximum of At the same time, it is proposed to 25 per cent of the premium—such limits may remove a deduction of up to $45,000 currently have been warranted. However, where allowed in respect of the value of land used general insurance duty now applies at a for a “prescribed activity” under sections 11A general rate of 8.5 per cent of the net and 11AA of the Land Tax Act. While the premium, the $2 limit cannot be justified. In concession was originally intended to assist the case of legal liability insurance for trailers business, in practice few landowners benefit. insured under a motor vehicle policy, stamp Complex provisions to ensure persons, duty will apply at the motor vehicle rate of 5 through companies and trusts, do not benefit per cent. from the concession on a multiple basis In a move to rationalise financial taxes, effectively limit the concession to all but a few the Government has decided to abolish landowners. The current concessions are cheque duty and to correspondingly increase ineffective in delivering the intended benefits. debits tax by 10c per debit. Cheque duty is They are also costly to administer, requiring inefficient to administer. It has also been the annual review of information from abolished in most States. Another difficulty taxpayers. It is not possible to confirm that the with cheque duty is the exemption for conditions for the concession have been met. cheques drawn on savings bank accounts. Further, after the introduction of the When this concession was enacted, savings deduction in 1984, a general rebate for bank cheque accounts were generally only companies and trustees with land-holdings of available to charities and community up to $165,000 was introduced in 1988. Relief organisations. Now they are used by the wider provided by the rebate ranges from a community. The issue has been further maximum of 25 per cent of tax assessed to complicated by the abolition of the distinction 6.25 per cent without regard to interests in between savings and trading banks. An land through other entities. This approach is administrative arrangement which sought to more equitable as it allows a concession to all maintain the status quo so far as possible has companies and trustees within the statutory proved unworkable, with those not qualifying range of land values. alleging a competitive disadvantage. The repeal of cheque duty would rationalise two In a further move to restore equity in the taxes in the one area through retention of the land tax area, the Land Tax (Adjustment) Act more significant and more modern tax. Any 1989 is to be repealed. Phasing schemes exemptions will be governed by the provisions under this and other previous Acts were of the Debits Tax Act. introduced to address high valuation increases in the 1980s arising from high activity in the Queensland’s debits tax rate will remain land market and from the five-year cyclical competitive with other States, particularly valuation process operating at that time. This relative to New South Wales, Victoria and process was replaced in a staged manner South Australia, which have doubled the between 1985 and 1991 by annual debits tax rate. Further, when taxes in the 16 September 1993 4448 Legislative Assembly valuations. The Land Tax (Adjustment) Act Treasurer has tried in vain to smother these 1989 added an annual value component to embarrassing comments by saying that the bridge the gap between values for land tax Opposition takes some satisfaction in relating purposes and actual values. The Act has these disappointing results. That is not true. become selective rather than general, Mr Bennett: Knock, knock, knock. That’s providing benefits to only some 7 per cent of all you do—knock, knock, knock. land parcels. Mr LAMING: It is interesting to hear Land tax is best administered by basing precisely that sort of interjection from the assessments on timely and accurate Government side of the House. It is our valuations and regularly reviewing land tax responsibility to remind the Government where rates. The repeal of the Act will mean that the it is failing Queensland. Just because the truth present artificial lowering of the taxable value is unpalatable to the Government, it does not for a small number of landowners will end and lessen our responsibility to state it. all property owners will operate on a “level playing field”. Landowners adversely affected The Treasurer claims that his Budgets by the repeal to be effective in this financial always focus on the need to create jobs. year will, upon request, be offered interest-free Perhaps he should introduce his accountants payment by instalments for 1993-94. I to his speech writers. The latest commend the Bill to the House. unemployment figures put the lie to his claim that creating jobs is “the single most important Debate, on motion of Mr FitzGerald, obligation we have to the citizens of adjourned. tomorrow.” Last year, the Treasurer promised a $3.3 billion Capital Works Program to create APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 2) 39 000 jobs. Yet the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that, in the four years under Second Reading Labor, only 19 600 full-time jobs have been Debate resumed from 15 September created. Now we hear that same Treasurer (see p. 4410). making the very same wild claims this year. Mr LAMING (Mooloolah) (12.36 p.m.): I The Treasurer claims that his $3.4 billion rise to speak on this Budget in the knowledge Capital Works Program will create 43 600 jobs. that it has been presented and accepted by I say to the Treasurer, “I don’t believe you.” some as a reasonable financial package for Not only will this Budget fail to reduce the State of Queensland. This verdict in some unemployment in Queensland, it may not quarters is quite remarkable. One should ask: even arrest the backward slide that this State is the average Queenslander better off now is suffering right now. Unemployment in than he or she was in 1989? The answer is, Queensland increased from 10.3 per cent in “Of course not!” The Treasurer waxed lyrical July to 11.2 per cent in August. To apply this about the social responsibility of his Budget. to people instead of percentages, we are To that claim I say, “Not so!” The Budget does talking about 17 300 full-time jobs being lost in claim to rate high on service delivery, but only the past month. if one rates service by the amount of money We should get serious about this Budget. expended. This Government’s capacity to The State Budget can be a set of figures that spend has outstripped its ability to provide a outline and detail the financial incomings and commensurate service. What we have seen is outgoings of the Government. The Budget a headlong rush to bring the State’s spending can list the State’s assets and liabilities, its up to national levels regardless of the indebtedness, or lack of it. The Budget can effectiveness and efficiency of that spending. detail the taxes and charges that people will The productive sectors of business, industry have to meet in order to do a particular thing. and primary industry appear to have been The Budget does list the intended capital overlooked in this spending frenzy. works. It is nice to see some of that going into I know that it has already been quoted, all electorates throughout Queensland. but it was refreshing to see yesterday’s The Budget does outline the various Australian Financial Review agreeing with what services that the Government intends to the shadow Treasurer, the member for provide. It does all these things. But what Caloundra, has been saying all along, that is, does it not do? We know darned well what it that in business investment, which is the key does not do. It does not lift Queensland. It indicator of underlying real business activity, does not even pretend to lift Queensland out Queensland has trailed the nation. Capital of the mental and social paralysis in which expenditure has dropped from 15 per cent to Australia as a whole finds itself. It may be that 13 per cent of the Consolidated Fund. The this situation is shared by the other States; it Legislative Assembly 4449 16 September 1993 may be that Queensland is better off than the The ratio of taxpayers to welfare other States, but that is no excuse, no excuse recipients is 1.5 to1 on the Sunshine Coast, at all to try to match their mess, problem for and it is 0.8 to1 nationally. That is, it is twice problem, tax for tax and dollar for dollar. Our as bad on the Sunshine Coast as the national financial situation, admitted by the average. We must break out of this bind, and Government to be largely due to the good Budgets, both State and Federal, are the Governments of previous years, is not vehicles by which to do it. The Federal Budget something to feel smug about or to squander. is in a hopeless mess. However, here in It is an opportunity to make this State—to use Queensland we have a window of opportunity. the Premier’s own term—the leading State. Make-work schemes are not the long-term However, I interpret the word “leading” in quite answer. However, I note in Budget Paper No. a different way. I do not mean leading 2, in relation to employment and training, that because people want to live here because of an allocation of $4.2m has been made for the the climate, I mean leading by way of Youth Conservation Corps. I accord example. Those people who come here for congratulations to the Treasurer and the the climate are soon disillusioned. My area of relevant Minister, who is present in the the Sunshine Coast has more than half the Chamber. I believe that that is a very good population relying on welfare for survival. program. However, until the real answer is Opposition members interjected. found to the source of the problem of unemployment, and particularly youth Mr LAMING: I will repeat that in case the unemployment, I wonder whether the interjectors on the other of the House did not Government should have increased the hear it: my own area of the Sunshine Coast allocation to the Youth Conservation Corps to has more than half of the population relying more than 0.04 per cent of the Budget. on welfare for survival. I table newspaper clippings from the Sunshine Coast Sunday of Quite a few weeks ago, I had the 22 August 1993. I would like to share a couple pleasure to present to this House what I of paragraphs of one article with honourable believe is a viable solution to unemployment members. For every 80 taxpayer are 100 in Australia. I called it the one for 10 program. welfare recipients. A spokesperson for the I have had the opportunity before and since Salvation Army on the Sunshine Coast, Ms that time to discuss that program with senior Roser, stated in the newspaper article— officers of the CES and the Department of Social Security. I took it to the local Skillshare “ ‘It’s very sad that Australia does not operation on the Sunshine Coast, and I was offer everybody the right to work’. very heartened at the way in which the And just the sheer cost of looking for program was picked up by both the staff and work, including petrol, postage and so on the clients. They really hope that such a was prohibitive for many, particularly for scheme could be introduced in Australia. I those with young mouths to feed. have now discussed this program with local ‘So many people are living from business people, and I have made a final hand to mouth. They are denied a social submission that will go to Canberra for the life.’ Prime Minister’s study into unemployment in Australia. I will be sending copies to interested Ms Roser said she was seeing an Government members of this House in the increasing number of men who had near future. separated from their wives and were forced to use their food money to Business costs in Queensland have risen entertain their children during access time steadily since Labor came to power. At that on weekends. time, land tax was $76m; now it is $209m. Payroll tax was $670m; now it is $809m. This She said it was tragic that people in is really great employment creation stuff! The the prime of their life were now Treasurer tells us that there will be no new considered too old to work. taxes. I say to him: what rot! So, too, will The demand for help has stretched purchasers of land on which to build their own welfare agencies to the limit. Ms Roser homes say, “What rot!”. Of course, it is a said the Salvation Army in Maroochydore matter of interpretation whether the abolition almost had to close down last month of the long-standing concession on stamp because of a lack of funds. It remained duty is a new tax or just a massive increase in open after an anonymous donor gave an existing one. It is academic, anyway, $1,000. Donations of food and clothing because the poor old battler out there in were sometimes the only thing keeping suburbia is the one who gets slugged again. the service going.” Even if the Treasurer insists that it is an 16 September 1993 4450 Legislative Assembly increase in an existing tax, what an increase! Mr LAMING: Yes, I will take that For an ordinary $30,000 block of land, it will interjection. The problem seems to stem from mean a 75 per cent increase. a lack of specialist doctors. I do not believe Mr Bennett interjected. that everything is being done that could be done to retain existing staff, to ensure more Mr LAMING: For the benefit of the specialists become qualified and to recruit member for Gladstone, I will repeat that again: specialists from overseas as a temporary it is a 75 per cent increase. There are people measure. It is ridiculous that elderly people in his electorate who are trying to buy a block have to consider tripping down to Brisbane for of land on which to build their homes, so I do such things as hip replacements because not think that he should be going around there is adequate staff for that operation in smiling about that increase. On a $60,000 Brisbane, but not in the Sunshine Coast block of land, it is a massive 108 per cent region. increase. That is great stuff from the Treasurer who claims— I also take this opportunity to bring to the Treasurer’s attention once again the matter of “This Budget will further enhance the Queensland Treasury Corporation’s Queensland’s low tax position.” performance dividend on borrowing. Maroochy Maybe he wants everybody to stay in rented Shire Council on the Sunshine Coast has accommodation. calculated that the additional cost to the shire Moving to the matter of stamp duty on will amount to some $300,000 a year on homes—our Treasurer claims that stamp duty current borrowing levels on the basis of 0.25 concessions for the very wealthy can no per cent of the current indebtedness per longer be justified. I have been advised by annum. It is understood that this amount will industry sources on the Sunshine Coast that be charged against the council’s debt pool about 10 per cent of home purchases in the without any modification to the annual area from Mooloolaba to Bokarina fall into the repayment to be made by the council. $250,000-plus bracket. Unless the council elects to make Mr Bennett interjected. additional payments to the debt pool to cover the additional charge, council officers have Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Bredhauer): calculated that such a charge will attract Order! The member for Gladstone! interest and will accumulate until it is paid at Mr LAMING: Plus, as inflation takes its the finalisation of the debt pool. In this inevitable toll, more and more home instance, the charge will amount to buyers—— approximately $2,583,000 in eight years’ time. Mr Bennett interjected. That equates roughly to 11 per cent of the existing annual repayment commitment. The Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The Treasurer has referred to the charge as member for Gladstone will cease interjecting. adding an additional 0.11 of a year to the Mr LAMING: Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank expected term of the council’s debt. It appears you for your protection. I did not take too that the calculation is based on the council’s much notice of those interjections, but I thank debt level remaining fairly static over that time, you, anyway. I wonder whether this $250,000 and does not take into account the possibility threshold will be adjusted in line with inflation. that further borrowings may increase the debt The Treasurer might like to answer that level. question in his reply. Mr De Lacy interjected. I would like to turn my attention to the Mr LAMING: The Treasurer will have his area of service delivery and, in particular, opportunity to speak later on, and I would like health. Something is terribly wrong with the him to refer to this matter in his reply. If the provision of health services in Queensland. In Maroochy council were to elect to continue to my own region of the Sunshine Coast, it is at endeavour to extinguish the debt as if no such least encouraging to see some extra facilities fee had been added, then it will need to raise being opened at Nambour. That is very an additional $300,000 per annum to pay the necessary in a place that is growing so rapidly, Queensland Treasury Corporation. This will but today I would like to draw the attention of equate to an extra $7.25 per property per the House once again to the situation annum on a net basis, or an increase of 2.5 regarding waiting lists for elective surgery. This per cent in the minimum rate. Yet the problem seems to stem from a lack of Treasurer is telling us that there are no new specialist doctors. taxes. I consider this charge to be a most Mr De Lacy interjected. unreasonable impost and, as I said earlier, I Legislative Assembly 4451 16 September 1993 would like the Treasurer to respond to these formed a youth summit committee to address figures because these charges affect every the alarming situation of youth constituent in the electorate of Mooloolah. unemployment, which now stands at 31.5 per Mr HEALY (Toowoomba North) cent in Queensland—an increase of 13 per (12.50 p.m.): Much has been said by cent since Labor came to power. The members on the Opposition side of the House committee organised a highly successful about the State Budget. Matters that remain youth job seminar which attracted many of to be highlighted during the debate this Toowoomba’s top businessmen and women. afternoon include the inability of this The seminar was addressed by equally Government to convince the people of successful businesspeople who had employed Queensland that it, in common with its Federal young people aged 15 to 19 years, and who counterpart, is able to come up with any real had used and utilised various schemes that answers to the skyrocketing levels of are available through CES and DEET, as well unemployment. The unemployment rate has as the local group apprentice company and, jumped from 10.3 per cent in July to 11.2 per indeed, the Department of Business, Industry cent in August. In his introductory remarks to and Regional Development. the Budget Speech, the Treasurer stated— The planned target of creating 50 jobs in “Our Budgets always focus on the the next two months is well and truly on track. need to create jobs—the single most Full credit must be given to Mr Geoff Holmes important obligation we have to the and Mr Chris Sweeney from the Toowoomba citizens of tomorrow.” TAFE College, and also to Toowoomba’s Chronicle for its support and continued I am sure that 172 100 citizens who are today publicity for the initiative. While I am on the on the unemployment list in Queensland can subject of the Toowoomba TAFE College, I certainly take great heart from that statement. point out that I have welcomed publicly in the Of course, there was also the line in the media the Government’s decision in the Budget Speech that will be remembered for a Budget to allocate $4.2m for extensions to the long time, and one on which every member of college, and the Capital Works Program which the Opposition would have used a highlighter will provide a new facility to accommodate pen, and that is the statement that engineering, construction and electrical trades. Queensland Treasury forecasts that the This facility will enable the college to provide a State’s average unemployment rate will fall much larger and more comprehensive set of from 10.6 per cent in 1992 to 10.1 per cent in courses at the main college campus in Bridge 1993-94, and will be somewhat below the Street than those which are presently located expected national average of 10.75 per cent. in a separate building in the city’s centre. Let me suggest that the Treasury’s forecast— Toowoomba is very proud of its TAFE college. and, indeed, the Treasurer’s references to Again, credit must be given to the college’s unemployment in the Budget Speech—are director, Mr Geoff Holmes, for his not worth the paper on which they are printed. administrative capabilities and willingness to The Budget and the latest enhance training facilities for Toowoomba’s unemployment figures have confirmed what students. the Opposition has been saying for a long In relation to the education allocation in time, that is, the Goss Labor Government has the Budget—it came as not much of a failed to provide any real incentives to the surprise to me—and probably would not private sector in the form of payroll tax relief, surprise the constituents in my electorate—to stamp duty relief and land tax relief. If one note the Government’s apparent backflip on adds that to the taxes and charges imposed the future of Toowoomba’s fourth high school by Keating and his mates in Canberra, it is in the suburb of Wilsonton. In May last year, clear to see that the backbone industries of before the election, the then Education this country—small business and farming Minister, Mr Braddy, visited Toowoomba. In interests, and businesses involved in the front of an ALP regional conference and the private sector—are sinking deeper and deeper thronging media, he announced a date for the into economic hopelessness, and will continue opening of the new high school. He stated to do so under Labor administrations, thereby that construction would begin in 1994, with the sending our levels of unemployment first intake of Year 8 students to be in 1995. skyrocketing. The 1993-94 Budget papers clearly show that I am proud to say that recently my no capital works funding has been allocated colleague the member for Toowoomba South for even Stage 1 of the complex, which is and I, together with the Mayor of Toowoomba, estimated to cost approximately $3m. Alderman Ross Miller, and other civic leaders, Mr Springborg interjected. 16 September 1993 4452 Legislative Assembly

Mr HEALY: It certainly is. I take the it should be remembered that inflation is interjection made by the member for Warwick. estimated to be 2.7 per cent. The Department I cite an article which appeared in of Education’s budget increased to $2.351 Toowoomba’s Chronicle of 25 May 1992. It billion, which is an increase of $49.5m, or 2.2 states— per cent. I again point out that inflation is “Mr Braddy said the school had estimated to be 2.7 per cent. In crucial areas become a reality only after the election of of preschool, primary, secondary and special a State Labor Government.” education, expenditure will rise by $56m to $1.978 billion, or an increase of 2.9 per cent. I He then went on to reject any suggestion that again make the point that the inflation rate is the new high school was a pork-barrelling forecast to be 2.7 per cent in 1993-94. exercise. The next part of the article is very important. It states— With this marginal increase, a problem is festering, and many P & Cs continually “The decision is based on the discuss this problem with me. They have continual growth in enrolment figures stressed the need for more assistance to be since 1990, which demonstrated the given to students with special needs who have need for a fourth high school in been forced onto the inclusion program. In the Toowoomba.” Budget, only an additional $3m is provided to Several times, I have written to the assist these students, in spite of the fact that current Education Minister seeking an there is an ever-increasing problem of class assurance that the plans are still on track. On disruption and a lack of specialist teachers 22 July this year, I received a reply from the who can concentrate on children with special Minister which said that a demographic study needs. It is all very fine to carry out the and economic evaluation of the proposed Government’s social justice policies of secondary school are currently being prepared deinstitutionalisation and inclusion, but if these by officers of the Department of Education children presently have specialised teaching and that the results of the investigation would available to them, for goodness’ sake, why be considered with other proposals for does the Government not make the support Statewide priorities for secondary school teachers available in the mainstream school construction. In other words, in May 1992, the system and extend its so-called equity policy statistics to support the argument for to all children? construction of a new high school were in Yesterday’s Courier-Mail quotes Mr John existence; yet, just over 12 months later, Fitzgerald, the department’s regional another study finds that the priority is not executive director, who said that Statewide there. special school enrolments will decline from a In fact, the Minister was heard to remark figure of 730 this year to approximately 350 by on ABC radio in Toowoomba on Friday, 3 the end of the decade. I would like to think September—the day after the Budget was that the State’s number of primary teachers of delivered—that while the school was still on 256, as outlined in the Budget, and those the priority list, it had “slipped down a bit”. I teachers who have been taken out of the know that funding could still be allocated in secondary level and put into the primary level, the 1994-95 Budget for Stage 1, but it will will provide some relief in the area of specialist certainly be a tight squeeze to have the support teachers. necessary infrastructure in place for a 1995 This Budget has also failed to address intake of Year 8 students. I again call on the another real problem in relation to Minister to honour the promise made by his unemployment levels within Queensland Rail, predecessor and keep the candle burning on particularly in my electorate where, for many this particular issue. I certainly will be doing so, years, QR’s railway workshop facility at and I ask him to reconsider this proposal from Willowburn has provided real and sustained the point of view of the future education of the job prospects for many Toowoomba families. students of Toowoomba. Queensland Rail is expected to downgrade Much has already been said about the the workshop’s facility, and up to 100 real, Education budget in general and the fact that, long-term jobs will be lost—jobs that have with inflation estimated to be around 2.7 per virtually been handed down from father to son cent in 1993-94, education spending and job positions that will be lost forever. increases in real terms will only be marginally Already, up to 30 positions will be lost in the better than that projected inflation figure. train control office, and with another 100 jobs Spending in the education policy area being lost in the workshops—even though it is increased from $2.707 billion to $2.782 billion, supposed to be Queensland Rail’s policy that which is a $75m increase, or 2.7 per cent, and no employee will be sacked or retrenched— Legislative Assembly 4453 16 September 1993 the point is that although these jobs are adequate funding for the reintroduction of that needed, they will be gone forever, creating a award-winning scheme. devastating impact on Toowoomba’s I will, however, give credit for the two-year economy and a disruptive influence on the trial in my electorate of the Community Beat families of those who are forced to accept Program. That program seems to be working redeployment. very, very well, with Constables Russell McKee Another area of the Budget that I have and Henry Kochelak providing a much-needed welcomed publicly is the proposed $3.8m suburban police presence in the two areas in Stage 1 redevelopment of the Mount Lofty my electorate that have been selected for the Nursing Home in my electorate. This trial. That was a joint Queensland Police antiquated complex has been in need of Service/CJC initiative. upgrading and will now provide 40 beds to Mr Budd interjected. accommodate frail, aged and dementia patients with the necessary facilities and allied Mr HEALY: Just a little bit more. The two health care that they require. It is, however, constables live and work in their respective interesting—as my colleague the member for community beat areas. It certainly is proving to Toowoomba South and shadow Minister for be a very worthwhile exercise. However, that Health pointed out last night—that in the initiative falls well short of the progress able to Budget, $2.6m is anticipated to be spent on be achieved in reducing school absenteeism the next stage of outfitting five operating by a fully funded truancy program. theatres at the Toowoomba General Hospital. This is indeed a big-spending Budget. It This facility—with a fully equipped day surgery is costing each and every Queenslander $417 unit on the ground floor—has been idle for more to run the State Government now than it over 18 months, and it has not been able to cost when Labor came to power in 1989. That be used because of the upstairs, semi- is $1,700 for an average family. The only way completed shell. With only $2.6m needed to to pay for it will be by increased taxes, fines be spent in the 1993-94 period out of a total and fees. By stealth, the Government will do budget of $6.4m and a further estimated just that, without giving any real incentives to amount of $3.5m to be spent post 1993-94, the private sector to encourage a drop in the facility will still lie idle for another two years, unemployment levels or a return to business including the fully outfitted day surgery unit on and investment confidence. the ground floor, thereby denying patients, Mr MITCHELL (Charters Towers) including those in my electorate, access to (2.32 p.m.): It gives me pleasure to speak in these much-needed facilities for that time. the debate on behalf of the constituents of Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.30 p.m. the electorate of Charters Towers. The Mr HEALY: On the subject of the Budget consequences of the 1993-94 Budget for the and the matter of law, order and public safety, electorate of Charters Towers are unlikely to I have joined the members for Crows Nest and ease the existing burdens of drought, the member for Toowoomba South in calls for escalating land rents, unemployment, loss of the Police Minister to ensure that adequate service—including rail lines—the downgrading funding is provided to the Toowoomba police of courthouses and health services. The list to ensure that the highly successful school goes on and on. The drought has caused and truancy program is reintroduced. In May this is causing great suffering and hardship year, it was revealed that that award-winning amongst the constituents of the electorate of scheme to overcome truancy and Charters Towers. absenteeism in Toowoomba schools had Mr Budd: That is not our fault. been virtually dismantled. Mr MITCHELL: I am not blaming the Since that time, at one State high school Government for that. I am letting honourable in the city, truancy has increased to about 18 members know what is going on. The per cent of pupil enrolment, with up to 200 problems caused by the drought have students away on any one day. When the adversely affected the local economies of the anti-truancy program was operating properly, small towns and the livelihoods of the graziers the incidence of truancy was reported to have and the farmers. As more and more people fallen to a school average of 3 per cent, with a are forced to leave the land, less money is significant reduction in the juvenile crime rate. being spent in the towns. Small businesses It was a very good program, and again we call also suffer from reduced incomes. It must be on the Minister for Police and Emergency understood that the effects of the drought are Services to look seriously at providing multiple and often indirect. 16 September 1993 4454 Legislative Assembly

In the town of Charters Towers, the will not be there. That is what I am talking boarding schools provide a stimulus of the about. The department’s further threat to local economy. The consequences of the abrogate teachers’ transfer rights makes drought, the recession, falling wool prices and teaching positions in remote areas less instability in the beef industry are that many attractive to teachers. The vice-president of rural people are no longer able to afford to the Queensland Teachers Union, Shane send their sons or daughters to those Groth, is correct in advocating the need for boarding schools. Not only does that have incentives to attract quality teachers to those repercussions on the town’s economy but also remote areas. the children suffer greatly because of the Mr Pearce: Are you saying the teachers discontinuance of their education. out there are not quality teachers? Some weeks ago, without consultation Mr MITCHELL: We must keep getting with teachers or parents, the Education them there. The Remote Area Incentive Minister announced the proposals for the Scheme was introduced specifically for the massive cuts in education. Following that purpose of improving the quality of education announcement, hundreds of people in the available to rural students. If the Government electorate signed petitions, and at least fails to provide appropriate incentives, as a another 60 from centres such as Hughenden, result of its mismanagement and lack of care Charters Towers and Clermont wrote to me, the education of rural students will suffer. objecting in the strongest possible terms to Does not Government not see that, by failing those proposed cuts. The kids were confused to make available quality education to all because they did not understand why the Queensland children, it is derelict in its duty? teachers were on strike, why the parents were From the disdain with which Mr Comben has concerned and why their education was treated the protests of teachers, parents and suffering. After all, children are constantly students alike, it would seem not. being told to stay at school longer to get an education so that they can get a job. There is outrage amongst the communities over the huge increases in I do note, however, that $4.8m has been Crown land rentals. Many outrageous notices allocated for the provision of 42 additional have been received, with increases in some teacher dwellings in the remote areas of this cases of several hundred per cent. I have a State. It is hoped that some of those file full of those. additional dwellings will be in my electorate of Charters Towers. It will certainly ease the Mr Pearce: Why don’t you tell us how problem there. I note also that an much that is in dollars? administration block will be built at the Mr MITCHELL: The other day, a lady who Charters Towers State High School, with an came into my office told me that her rental initial allocation of $237,000 of the total increased from $4,500 to $16,800. estimated cost of $538,000 to build the new Mr Vaughan: How big is the property? block. The amount of $301,000 has also been allocated post-Budget for that project, taking Mr MITCHELL: I will have to look that up. the allocation to the full estimate of $538,000. That applies not only to properties but also to I certainly look forward to the post-Budget town blocks. Those increases are a result of allocation being granted in the 1994-95 changes in land categories and increased Budget so that the administration block can valuations. In some instances, under the new be completed as soon as possible. rules for calculating leasehold land rentals, increases for some lessees could be between In the 1991 Budget, the then Minister for 500 per cent and 2 000 per cent. Those new Education, Mr Braddy, gave the assurance rules allow the State Government to increase that there would be no reductions in regional the unimproved capital value of blocks of land education services. It is unfortunate that the while imposing a rent of 3 per cent of that Government could not remain true to that value. It amounts to little more than highway promise. Threats by the Education robbery by the Government. Department to reduce locality allowances for teachers in remote areas and the increasing The Budget figures reveal a 43.5 per cent accommodation costs will hardly attract increase in revenue from Crown land rentals, teachers to the bush. from $13.9m in 1990-91 to nearly $20m in 1992-93. Essentially, when the community is Mr Hollis: You have not lost essential already struggling under the effects of services; you have still got them all there. drought, recession and unemployment, by Mr MITCHELL: Yes. However, the way further increasing pastoral and business costs things are going, I am very worried that they the Goss Labor Government is adding to the Legislative Assembly 4455 16 September 1993 hardship being endured by the people in the their jobs, they take their children away from bush. The Government must be truly the local schools and they leave the town desperate to feed its coffers to force added seeking employment elsewhere. That affects expense onto the productive sector of the every aspect of a small community. The loss community, which is already suffering. It is of even a few children often results in a unfair of the Government to raise land rentals downgrading of schools with the removal of a at a time when the rural industry is already on teacher or teachers. The local businesses its knees. suffer from loss of revenue. The It is also ironic that the Government is consequences of closing such a railway line prepared to spend millions of dollars acquiring are endless. land, such as the Starcke property on the For the people of those communities, the cape, to be used as a park, yet it is cutting railway equals jobs. It has always been that costs as viciously as it can in the rural areas. I way. Those communities were built around the am referring to rail cuts, education cuts and railway lines. We beseech the Government to the downgrading of hospital services. It is leave them alone. The people of Hughenden, patently obvious that the Government has no Winton and surrounding areas are part of this regard for the needs of the people of rural State, and they need jobs, too. If the report Queensland. on the front page of yesterday’s Courier-Mail is Other problems relating to increased true, I am afraid to say that the State costs are leading to land degradation. To cut Government has just sounded the death knell costs, control programs are not being for businesses in those rural communities. If implemented. People are unable to afford to the Courier-Mail article stating that this railway rotate their stock or their crops. Most of them line is one of the nine earmarked to close is do not have any stock left. Dealing with the accurate, I hope that the State Government increased bureaucracy in the Department of will consider constructing a sealed road Lands adds further to the problems faced by parallel to the railway line before the line is the land-holders. The Department of Lands uplifted. That would at least alleviate some of now insists upon an all-encompassing farm the isolation between Hughenden and Winton plan or management plan prior to its and would provide easier access to services consideration of the renewal of a land lease, between those towns. regardless of the length of time for which the The establishment of Western Outreach lease was held by those persons. prisoner rehabilitation camps in the cape/gulf The same rigmarole must be undergone areas and in western Queensland is of some by anyone applying for assistance, such as concern. It is hoped that private enterprise that available under the Rural Adjustment operating in those areas will not suffer as a Scheme. The Government appears to thrive consequence of the establishment of those on expanding an already-bloated camps. Although it is acknowledged that the bureaucracy. It is no wonder that it needs to rehabilitation of prisoners is most important, so wrest ever-increasing amounts of money from is the protection of private enterprise in landowners through its burgeoning land isolated areas. Those people have businesses rentals. The review of the Winton-Hughenden to run, and they must not be affected by the railway line struck at the hearts of the people establishment of prisoners’ rehabilitation of the Charters Towers electorate. camps in those areas. Mr Ardill: What have you done about it? I note that the Government has kept its pre-election promise of providing $250,000 for Mr MITCHELL: I have been doing plenty the construction of the Riversleigh fossils about it. That review struck like a bolt of visitor centre. Under the National Parks lightning, given the promise made by Mr Acquisition Scheme, $4.6m has been Hamill to the people of Winton not to close allocated for the ongoing program to double down that line. That railway line is of immense the national park estate. importance to the people of the electorate of Charters Towers. The line provides jobs. It Mr Budd: Do you agree with that? provides a service and brings other services to Mr MITCHELL: Yes, but wait for it. It is to a sparsely populated area of the State which be hoped that no more properties in my is dependent upon those services. If the line electorate are acquired by compulsory goes, the jobs go, and the domino effect on acquisition. There seems to be some doubt all surrounding towns will be of enormous about this, however, since Mr Comben proportions. The ramifications of even a few promised that Riversleigh would be the last job losses are felt right throughout those property to be acquired in that manner, yet small, isolated communities. If people lose the Government is now proposing to acquire 16 September 1993 4456 Legislative Assembly

Starcke in that way. It is no wonder that and his ministerial office. The Minister voted pastoral landowners spend half their time himself and his office an 11 per cent increase, looking over their shoulders wondering just yet the DPI received a meagre 1.8 per cent what catastrophe will befall them next. increase and is making continuing cuts in Mr Welford: Starcke is not pastoral land. places where services are most needed, such as the Charters Towers electorate. In other Mr MITCHELL: Yes, but others are on words, the Minister’s office has received an the drawing board at this stage. The taking of increase of $100,000, increasing its Riversleigh has created torment for anyone on appropriation from approximately $844,000 to a property. The compulsory acquisition of $944,000. Riversleigh and the beat-up over Starcke has created further instability in the beef industry Mr Pearce: What department are you at a time when stability is crucial. talking about? The Goss Labor Government has Mr MITCHELL: The DPI. That amount of showed a lack of forethought, a lack of care, a money would be a lot better spent on some of lack of understanding and a complete and the properties. The services provided by the utter lack of consideration for the people in DPI have already been cut to the bone, and isolated areas in the north and north-west of now this Government, which places so little Queensland. For the Goss Government, it is a value on its primary industries business sector, case of “out of sight, out of mind” in the back is cutting services even further. blocks of Queensland. The Government’s failure to meet the The mining industry is vital to the well- needs of the rural constituents with regard to being of the local economy of the Charters health is evident by the difficulty that small Towers electorate. The lack of investment in towns such as Julia Creek and Richmond are the area is of enormous concern. A great having in procuring and retaining doctors. The many people in the electorate are dependent failure of the Government’s regional health upon that industry for their livelihood. Mining authorities to fulfil health requirements in rural investment in Queensland was 6.1 per cent communities is yet another indictment of the lower in the March quarter of 1993 than it was Government’s failure to provide satisfactory in the same period last year. This compares services. with a large increase nationally. The good Even though $1.7m has been allocated news, however, is that a number of large for the upgrading of the Moranbah Police mining and mineral processing investment Station, watch-house and staff projects are under consideration for the mid- accommodation, only $300,000 will be spent 1990s. in this financial year. That amount will not put Special tribute must be paid to Alderman much brick and mortar into place once the Dorothy Birgan, Mayor of Charters Towers, architects and planners get their fingers on it. and her council for their continuous lobbying An amount of $1.45m has been allocated for to have the dust problem at the Chariah the 1994-95 Budget. It is imperative that this resource site in Millchester Road, Charters upgrading be completed as soon as possible. Towers, commenced. Tenders have been The conditions under which those officers work called—— and live are nothing short of appalling. They work long hours in cramped conditions. Their Mr Budd: Are you pleased? job is hard enough without having to face Mr MITCHELL: I am very pleased about those hurdles every day. it. An amount of $400,000 has been allocated Mr Pearce: Do you give any credit to the to carry out that work. For many years, that former member for getting that station there? has been an issue of concern in Charters Towers. Mr MITCHELL: I do not know what that member did. However, I do know that the The deregulation of the milk industry has people came to see me as soon as I was caused problems for many pensioners and elected, and I have worked on that matter retirees in country towns, many of whom shop ever since. only once every seven days. The convenience of milk deliveries is greatly missed. The State Government Budget promised $10.96m in the future for the completion of The Department of Primary Industries has the Gregory Developmental Road. Only 33 had a budget increase of a meagre 1.8 per kilometres of dirt remains to be sealed, but the cent—an increase so paltry that it is below the Goss Government decided not to allocate the Budget average. The importance of the rural funds in the 1993-94 Budget. Tribute must be sector can be truly gauged by the flash paid to Mr Jim Turner and his Belyando Shire increase that the Minister voted for himself Legislative Assembly 4457 16 September 1993

Council for their efforts to date to have the Minister’s department, the National Trust, for Gregory Developmental Road from Charters which she has responsibility. Towers to Clermont and Emerald sealed as I question whether public funds should soon as possible. have been used to purchase that home and There is only one certainty for restore the roof of the building. I would like to Queensland in 1993, and that is that the know also the purpose for which the building Broncos will win back-to-back premierships. will be used. I understand that the department Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer) (2.48 p.m.): I hopes to rent this glorious old home; or, if it am pleased to join the debate on the cannot do that, to use it as an information Appropriation Bill (No. 2). I will not do the usual centre in the town of Kalbar. That is the trip around my electorate and speak about setting for what the story is all about. every public facility that has been provided by When officers of the Minister’s this Government. I wish to concentrate on a department went to Kalbar to look at the Wiss couple of major issues. One of those is the house, they were also shown another property misuse of funds by the Department of in Kalbar which was a derelict building known Environment and Heritage, particularly in one as the Wiss Emporium, as well as some other area compared with the lack of spending in cottages on the same block of land. That another area. Recently, there was a move by property belonged to Clifford S. Ryan and the purchaser of a home in Ann Street, Janice M. Kerr-Ryan, who had recently Kalbar, to remove that home and take it to a purchased the property. The outcome was property that he had purchased in another that that property, against the owners’ will, had shire. The people of Kalbar objected to what been heritage listed at the same time as the they believed was a grand—— home in Ann Street was listed. Mr Nuttall: What has this got to do with This matter was raised in the press on a appropriation? previous occasion by a member of this Mr FITZGERALD: It is to do with the Parliament. However, as the local member, I misuse of money by the Department of believe that the Parliament should consider Environment and Heritage. For the benefit of whether it is proper for a department to the honourable member for Sandgate and for purchase one property and not purchase other members who may wish to challenge another property. If it is going to become me later, I point out that everything that I will policy to purchase every historic property in say is predicated by that statement. I am order to preserve it, I suggest that the George dealing with the misuse of funds. Quaid trick could be played again. People could buy a property and threaten to move The property in Ann Street, Kalbar, was it—or, in Quaid’s case, advertise to sell it to a beautiful old building that was owned by overseas’ interests—and the Government early settlers in the area named Wiss. The would come in and buy it. The same thing has Wiss house was for sale. A Mr and Mrs occurred with the Wiss house. They wanted to McVickers bought the home and proceeded move it to another area, so a Government to shift it. I will not go into the legality of that instrumentality, with the blessing of the move with regard to the obtaining of council Government, bought it. If the Government will permits and so on; suffice to say that they do it for one property, will it do it for all commenced to move the house and had properties? trailers there ready to shift it. I understand that a call was made by local citizens to the If those types of transactions are to Minister for Environment and Heritage, who occur, what are the rights of property owners? took steps to try to stop the house from being I refer particularly to the rights of Mr and Mrs shifted. I accept that there was strong local Ryan. I believe that they will be made pressure for her to do so. bankrupt as a result of the actions taken by the Government in heritage listing their The matter was discussed by the Boonah property and cutting off the income on which Shire Council. The outcome was that a date they had planned. They purchased the for hearing the matter in court was set and property in May and had 45 days to settle the negotiations were entered into between contract. The area of the block was 3 roods officers of the Department of Environment and 33.9 perches. They settled the contract and Heritage and Mr and Mrs McVickers. The then found that the property was listed. Of outcome was that the McVickers were paid course, they had employed people to clean the purchase price of the house plus a fee of up the property. They worked at restoring the approximately $30,000 to rectify work that property, which had been derelict for about six they had already carried out. That amount was paid for by another section of the 16 September 1993 4458 Legislative Assembly years. It was completely overgrown. I have which was the same day that the letter was photographs if members wish to view them. written by the Crown Solicitor. It revealed that Mr Ryan was a draftsman/designer who the valuation had been again amended from owned a company called Yesterday Drafting $19,500 up to $31,000. Company. He purchased that old property with Through the Treasurer, I ask a question the intention of turning it into a commercial of the Minister for Environment and Heritage, venture by using the historic character and the and I also ask a question of the Department old-world character of the main street of of Lands, which issued that valuation: how on Kalbar to his commercial advantage. However, earth can the valuation in valuation notice once he purchased the property and it was F1064 be changed from $34,500 down to listed, the trouble started. He had great plans $19,500—I understand from the Ryans that for that property. The building had previously the notation on the bottom of that notice was been used by Chem-Air, which is a chemical “due to heritage listing”— and then, one company with a depot in Kalbar. It supplies month later, on 30 August 1993, be agricultural products and agricultural chemicals readjusted on the same notice from $19,500 to the Lockyer Valley and the Fassifern area. up to $31,000 on the same date as the Crown Mr Ryan intended to sell antiques from Solicitor wrote back to the Ryans telling them the building. He intended to include that their valuation was not $19,500, but really accommodation, a tea room and other $31,000? I believe that stinks. There is a smell facilities in the old complex. Because it was about this issue, and I believe that we have to derelict, he employed labour for a couple of find out the reasoning behind it. months to work on the place and then Mr Davies: All in good time. submitted plans. Because it was listed, they Mr FITZGERALD: As the member for realised that they had to comply with certain Mundingburra says, “All in good time.” I want conditions. However, they ran up against a answers for the Ryans. I assure the member brick wall. The Department of Environment for Mundingburra that the Ryans have no and Heritage can bankrupt any property owner time. They have borne a lot of those costs. who is relying on a property to return an They cannot modify their building. They income in a short time. It can take a month to cannot move into their building. Every time decide what colour paint should be put on the they make an application to have the matter wall. Somebody comes and takes a rectified, nothing is done. photograph of the wall, the photograph is sent away and approval eventually comes back. The other thing that really upsets those The value of the property immediately drops. people about the justice of this matter is that they are not listened to by the Minister. They The Boonah Shire Council amended have written numerous letters to the Minister valuation notice, valuation No. F1064 which and the Premier outlining their plight. Of was issued on 30 July 1993, showed that the course, they have gone to the media with this property previously had an unimproved issue. The matter has been taken up on the valuation of $34,500, and the new air by a departmental spokesperson. The unimproved valuation was $19,500. The Ryans are saying that not only is what has Ryans complained bitterly about the decrease been said by that person incorrect, but it is in value of 43 per cent and made a claim to also misleading the general public. the department for that loss in value. They received a letter from the Crown Solicitor, On Vicky Martin’s 4QR late edition news K. M. O’Shea, which stated— at about 5.15 p.m on Friday, 3 September 1993, more misleading statements were “. . . the valuation that is appended to made by Helen Gregory, the chairperson of your correspondence related to a the Heritage Council. That position is funded valuation which became effective on 30 by the Minister’s department—and members June 1991. The valuation as at 30 June are talking about appropriation of funds. On 1993 is $34,500.00 and will be reduced air, she said— to $31,000.00 being a 10% reduction and not, as ascertained by you, 43% “Confusion—I’m . . . concerned that reduction.” Mr Ryan feels that the Heritage Registration. . . caused this problem That letter was dated 30 August. Earlier, I because . . . there was no objection.” mentioned the amended valuation of 30 July 1993 from the records of the Boonah Shire If the Ryans had any inkling that the partial Council. approval would take eight months, they would have objected strenuously. Helen Gregory Surprise, surprise! A new amended also said— valuation was issued, dated 30 August 1993, Legislative Assembly 4459 16 September 1993

“. . . applications . . . related to painting, the Ryans have when they purchased that approved within days . . . so there was no place, which they wanted to turn into a hold up there”. commercial enterprise? That is what Helen Gregory said on air. It is That house was brought into the issue very convincing to the general public to hear because somebody wanted to stop another the Heritage Council chairperson say that on house from being moved out of the town of air. Kalbar. So the Wiss Emporium was lassoed The application was submitted by the into it. It is of some historical significance to Ryans on 8 October 1992 and registered by the town. I understand that it was derelict for the Department of Environment and Heritage about six years. Many homes throughout the on 9 October—one day later. The official Boonah Shire and surrounding shires are of approval notice dated 2 November 1992 historical significance. People are continuing reached them days later. That was a month’s to live in them. That gives them their historical delay on a painting application—not a few significance. A derelict building in the little days, as Helen Gregory told the world over the town of Kalbar does not give that town any airwaves. Helen Gregory also stated— heritage significance whatsoever. It is the live, living towns that continue to thrive. It is people “We were enormously excited . . . with live, thriving businesses that will make project of great vision.” those little towns thrive and survive. It is not The Ryans have had no support whatsoever the big, heavy hand of this Government, throughout these problems. They have raised which picks on a property that the Ryans a number of issues. Helen Gregory made this purchased and says, “We are now going to list point about the application for building— it”, so that the Ryans cannot continue with “It was approved, all but one small their normal business. Business is tough part of it . . . this one small part . . . most enough as it is. of it was approved, it could have started Then what happened? The McVickers, the very next day.” who purchased a house in the town, got paid I will tell honourable members what was out for their house. They got compensation for not approved. The Ryans wished to subdivide the money that they had spent on that house. two blocks and separate them from that area I understand that they did not get paid any so that they could conduct other business legal fees. I also understand that they still own there. They wished to get that land off the a block of land that was part of their original Heritage Register and leave the old building in parcel of land. I understand that they have it. But that request was denied. Any alteration made a profit from the deal, except for their to the cottages was excluded. As to the legal expenses. But what happened to that emporium—proposal alterations to the other couple because somebody from the northern windows, the dormer windows, the Heritage Council went up there and had a look door opening to the south, the French at that place without the Ryans being casements on the west end and the brick present? That person took photographs of it fireplace and chimney could not be carried and then put it on the Heritage List. out. Not approved were a new shop; a I believe that everyone who owns a home restaurant; a pavilion; a public toilet; car in Queensland should be concerned about parking; a double garage; a double carport; the methodology that has been used in this paths and paving; masonry, pillars and gates; case. This is an enormous waste of public and a picket fence. That was to keep the pup funds. The public has a right to preserve that they had bought. But they had to send homes, but I say to this Government, “Please that pup back because it had been hit by a compensate the landowners who own those car. They could not even put a picket fence properties. If we need a property for our around the place. cultural and environmental heritage, do so by But what did Helen Gregory say? “It was all means, and you will get some support from approved, all but one small part of it” and “it this side of the House. Most of us will support could have started the very next day”! The it wholeheartedly.” But those people who are Minister really has to grasp this issue. Every occupiers and owners have some rights as land-holder in Queensland who has a home is citizens of this State. When the Ryans go to now under threat by this legislation. the wall—and I say “when” because I believe that it will happen—this Government will have Mr Vaughan: Rubbish! that on its conscience. Mr FITZGERALD: It is true. What right did Time expired. 16 September 1993 4460 Legislative Assembly

Mr SLACK (Burnett) (3.09 p.m.): It is with allocated within those Budget papers, a large pleasure that I join in this debate on the tract of land that has been advertised Appropriation Bill at this late stage. Obviously, overseas, reportedly for US$18 billion— much has been said about the Budget US$18m—I may as well say “US$18 billion” brought down by the Treasurer, and most of because the owner has no chance of getting the points that I would raise have already either price—or $26m in Australian dollars. been made by Opposition members. Yesterday, the Minister for Environment and However, I wish to reiterate a couple of points Heritage said in this House that that money made by our Leader and Deputy Leader. I cannot come out of her department. Her also pay tribute to the very valuable department does not have that sort of money. contribution made late last night by the Her department has $4m. member for Moggill. When I read the papers, I wonder Since this debate commenced, a report whether this purchase was ever mentioned to in the Australian Financial Review has been the Minister for Environment and Heritage stressed in this House. That report made before it was suddenly announced by this reference to the lack of business confidence Government after a Cabinet meeting. and the lack of investment by business in Surprise, surprise! There had not been any Queensland. It went through the figures, announcements from the two previous demonstrating its case. It must be very Cabinet meetings, and the press was starting worrying to the Treasurer and all the people of to say, “This Government is pretty inactive; Queensland that, to date, business has not there is no announcement out of Cabinet,” seen fit to invest in Queensland. As a matter Then this big decision to acquire this land in of fact, I have just had lunch with some north Queensland for an undisclosed price is bankers. I asked them whether there was any made. It is claimed that it was a reaction to indication of increased investment on the part the Commonwealth’s dollar-for-dollar funding of business. They said that, except in the proposal, and that it was too good an small areas where superannuation funds are opportunity to miss. I think that it had more to being invested, there is no major investment do with green politics than it had to do with the happening within Queensland. Commonwealth’s offer. Since the delivery of this Budget, we However, the Commonwealth looks as if it have seen some actions on the part of the may renege on that decision. The Opposition Government which, when I think back, is quite entitled to ask—and should ask, and reminds me of what happened after the should receive an answer—how much money delivery of the last Budget. If honourable this Government is going to pay for that piece members cast their minds back to when last of land and where the money will come from. year’s Budget was brought down, they will If that decision was not the reaction of a recall that it was introduced on the basis that Government that is on the run, if it is a there would be no new taxes and there would reaction to the pressures of the day, if it is not be no alterations. The ink was hardly dry when a carefully considered decision, the Treasurer the $177m tobacco tax was announced. That should be in a position to answer the question blows out the window any claims that the which I have just asked and which I put it the Government may make about there being no Premier yesterday. new taxes. Mr De Lacy: All I say is: “Don’t you worry The ink was hardly dry on this Budget about that.” when the Premier announced to all and Mr SLACK: That is right, “Don’t you worry sundry that a large property will be acquired in about that.” I turn now to the merits of this north Queensland for environmental purchase that is going to cost this purposes. Surprise, surprise! There is no Government a considerable amount of allocation within the Budget papers money. However, firstly, let me make it quite whatsoever for that purchase. Is this clear that I am not, and this Opposition is not, Government a responsible and thoughtful opposed to the Government acquiring land. Government—one that goes through all of the proposals and addresses—— Mr Welford interjected. Mr Robertson: Yes, you are right. Mr SLACK: The honourable member should listen, and then I will answer his Mr SLACK: Is it? That is the question. Is interjection. The Opposition is not opposed to it a Government that governs by reaction to the Government acquiring land for national political pressure? The Budget was brought park purposes, provided that it is done down only a week before a sudden decision is properly, that it is itemised and that the land is made by Cabinet to acquire, outside what is a worthwhile acquisition in comparison with Legislative Assembly 4461 16 September 1993 other pieces of land that are available for the Mr SLACK: The honourable member national park estate. However, the Opposition wants to argue the point and display his is opposed to the Government rushing in, supposed legal knowledge. From a legal point overreacting and disregarding the legitimate of view, will the honourable member rights of land-holders who have land for sale acknowledge that fact? by proposing to acquire freehold land by a Mr Beattie: He is not in his seat. He can’t forceful, disgraceful means of blackmail. This acknowledge that. Government has embarked upon a heavy- handed process. Land has been for sale. Why Mr SLACK: Obviously, the honourable did not the Government negotiate with the member cannot acknowledge that because of person concerned? He has done nothing where he is sitting, but he knows that to be wrong. perfectly correct. This piece of land is very isolated. During a wet season, it could be cut The Treasurer should read the Cairns off for months. It has some nice coast land, Post to see what it says about this little deal but what is that worth unless the zoning can that the member for Cairns and his be changed, or the Government gives Government have concocted. Yet, the permission for the land to be used in a certain Government has this smokescreen of an way? It only has grazing land value; it has no investigation into the National Party’s handling other value. In fact, the owner of that land of the land at the time it was in Government, would not be able to sell it other than as despite the fact that the present Lands grazing land, unless the Government approve Minister has said that there is no impropriety a change of usage. There would never be a involved and no illegality. The Premier has sale entered into by anybody who wanted to said that there is no impropriety or illegality, pay more than that sort of money for it, unless yet out of the blue we have this nice little there were conditions—— proposition that we are going to buy this land, which has been advertised but has not been Mr De Lacy: What are you worried sold. There is no prospect of a sale of that about? land. Mr SLACK: I am saying that the Let me remind the Minister that some of Government does not need legislation to do the land is held in occupational leases and that. It can control the sale of that land. It can some of it is freehold. Any transaction of sale stop it being sold, if it wanted to. The land is would be subject—and the Treasurer is for sale. Does the Government do the right supposed to be a business person who thing and negotiate with Mr Quaid over its understands the workings of business—to sale? No, it adopts a heavy-handed, blackmail conditions before that transaction could take approach. It introduced a disgraceful piece of place, and those conditions would involve the legislation. It must send a shiver down the State Government and local authorities. spine of every land-holder in this State, because it shows that, as a reaction to a Mr Welford interjected. pressure group, the Government is prepared Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Bredhauer): to adopt a heavy-handed approach and Order! The honourable member for Everton blackmail anybody from whom it wants to buy should interject from his correct seat. land. The Opposition does not object to the Mr SLACK: If there is to be a transfer of Government buying the land for use—— usage, apart from grazing land, the Mr Welford: The only point I was making applications and the rezonings have to be was this: that the transfer of freehold property processed before the usage of that land can does not require the intervention of any level be changed. That is fact. The member would of Government, only the rezonings, and that have to admit that. has not happened. So legislation is required. Mr Welford: No, they wouldn’t; it is The State Government must stop the sale. freehold. Mr SLACK: The land needs beach Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I warn the protection authority approval, it needs honourable member for Everton. developmental approvals and it has to go through the objection process—all of those Mr SLACK: In actual fact, the things that go through with the approval of the Government would control the sale if it was to local departments. be sold in any other form other than for grazing use, and that is the point. Will the Mr Welford: That is not on a transfer; it is honourable member accept that point? only a rezoning. Mr Welford interjected. Mr SLACK: It is not on the transfer, but for the land to be of any value—for any other 16 September 1993 4462 Legislative Assembly use—those things do have to occur. Mr SLACK: It is the point. This Therefore, a prudent buyer in the business Government has overreacted. It has weighed who knows what he is about is not going to in with the heavy-handed big stick approach to part with US$18m, or $A26m, without those try to overcome a political problem, namely, things being part of the conditions of the sale. that the greens are beginning to show a liking Will the member acknowledge that? for the National Party. The greens are not too Mr Welford: No. happy with the Labor Party, so this Government thought it would win back their Mr SLACK: I am surprised at the support by adopting this sort of tactic. This member’s legal acumen. No wonder he is Government’s action is sending the wrong sort here and not out practising. He would not of signals to business. The Treasurer would have too many clients. Let us look at the know that the wrong signals are being sent to value of the land. Everybody has overreacted. business. It is no wonder that businesses do Mr Quaid has done nothing wrong. The not want to invest in Queensland. Premier has said that he has done nothing wrong, and the Lands Minister says that he Let me cite the example of another has done nothing wrong. That is on the property which was bought recently by the record. Mr Quaid has the land for sale for Aboriginal people. It was advertised as the US$18m. He is entitled to do that. only freehold coastal land in this State. The price was $750,000. Mr Barton: Is he entitled to US$18m for a $30,000 investment? Mr Beattie: What is the name of it? Mr SLACK: I can explain that, and I will. Mr SLACK: It is Line Hill. The member for The member should give me time to do that. I Brisbane Central can have a look at the will come back to that point. Let us look at this brochure if he wants to. I am advised—and I property in realistic terms. This is not the do not dispute the advice I have 1980s and this property does not involve the received—that the Department of space station about which we heard so much Environment and Heritage looked at this this morning. Negotiations of that type are not property. I do not doubt for one moment that involved. Take, for example, as a basis for it has equal or better value in terms of the comparison a well-known, established property environment when compared to the one that on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. the Government is proposing to purchase. We have just agreed that any comparisons This property was bought by an overseas should be on the basis of comparable investor. Is this Government going to buy properties. This property is bigger than the every property that is put up for sale and Starcke property. It comprises 2 671 square advertised overseas? Judging by the tactics kilometres, which is 267 000 hectares, and that have been introduced into this Parliament has 50 kilometres of beautiful beachfront. by the Government, that appears to be the case. The advertisement stated that the property included 13 000 head of top quality Let me refer to the opinion of the cattle. I can show honourable members a Wilderness Society in relation to the land that photograph of the cattle, and anyone can see will be sold to the Government by a person that they are top Brahman cattle. The property who, by the Treasurer’s own admission, has is close to the Asian market for live export. It is done nothing wrong. The Wilderness Society certainly a property which contains land which states— has environmental significance, as honourable “Little is known of the natural values members can see by the photograph that I of the land itself. Very little scientific am now showing them. According to the research has been done on its flora or Minister, this type of land is not overly fauna. However, the 120 km of coastline represented in our national park estate, which between Cape Flattery and Cape Melville is why we needed to buy the Starcke property. has been described as one of the most The property to which I am now referring was varied on Cape York, including three sold recently for $5m, and included the large mangrove areas, fringing coral 13 000 head of cattle and improvements. reefs, Melaleuca forest, Freshwater Honourable members opposite have referred wetlands, tidal flood plains, sand dunes, to the payment of $30,000 and the surrender and headlands.” of land effected by Mr Quaid, but they should That does not say very much. The Minister for do an analysis of the sale to which I have Environment and Heritage admitted that the referred and see how the values stack up in purchase of this property was not part of her terms of dollar per hectare. department’s acquisition program. As I said, Mr Davies: That is not the point. the Opposition is not against the purchase of Legislative Assembly 4463 16 September 1993 this property. We make the point that the confidence. The money is being spent on transaction should be carried out on proper, social welfare. fair and just terms and it should also be done I do not have a major problem with social in such a way that it does not reduce the welfare policies. The trouble is, however, that environmental dollar. the Government does not invest in other Mr Barton: He bought it for $30,000. areas that create wealth and drive the engine Mr SLACK: I will come to that. I ask the of the economy. That being the case, at the member to remind me and also to note that end of the day the Government will not have only six minutes remain for my speech. The the funds to address the social infrastructure Opposition is not against the purchase, but it needs of the State. One of the problems that is our job to ensure that the transaction is is emerging is that charges levied as a result completed on just terms and that the deal of this Government’s corporatisation legislation stands up. We seek an assurance that the are being imposed by every department. money that will be spent on purchasing this The imposition of one charge does not land—to which the Commonwealth sound much and that is all very well under the Government may not contribute—will not in principle of user pays, but if the application of the longer term reduce the conservation and that principle is broadened to the extent that national park budgets. Obviously, the one department charges for its services and Opposition needs to be assured that the every other department follows suit, primary Government will achieve its aim of having 4 producers and business people who are not per cent of this State declared national park making any profits have only one alternative. and that this property will be over and above They are endeavouring to provide that percentage. The Government is right to employment but, at the end of the day, when purchase the property; the Opposition faced with all those Government charges, they supports the purchase of the property do not take on another employee. Business because it is good, valuable land. people make those types of decisions just to Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Briskey): survive and they revert to family-type Order! I remind the honourable member that enterprises. That is what is occurring presently there is presently a Bill before the House to in my electorate. deal with this matter. The member will cease For argument’s sake, let us consider the speaking about it during this debate. situation in relation to the provision of water Mr SLACK: I take your point, Mr Deputy resources. The Government is no longer Speaker. However, in respect to the prepared to invest in water resources. In the appropriations that are before the House, Bundaberg/Isis irrigation area, another dam is there is a problem because the Government desperately needed to ensure the creation of has proposed to spend money and has not employment and give farmers some indicated to this Parliament where the funds confidence, but what has this Government will be coming from. done? The previous Government used to build dams and levy a charge for the use of Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I have the water. In contrast to that, this Government been very lenient in relation to this matter. I has come out and said that the farmers have suggest that the member cease speaking to pay. about that topic. The reality is that the farmers are not in a Mr SLACK: I will cease referring to that position to pay. They have been confronted particular property. with drought and low commodity prices. They Mr De Lacy: I have answered that are not making any money and are not in a question. I said, “Don’t you worry about that.” position to pay. Even when the Treasurer said Mr SLACK: I know. I turn now to address that farmers had to pay, he did not say how the level of business confidence in much they would have to pay. All he said was, Queensland. Having regard to the approaches “You put up a proposal and we will hold a adopted by this Government, it is no wonder Dutch auction. We might use some of the that business is apprehensive about investing money that we got from the Federal in this State. Sure, some investment has Government for the sugar adjustment occurred in association with the large influx of package.” people to this State, but the main reason why Mr De Lacy: Who should pay? the people of Queensland and people from Mr SLACK: If I have time, I will examine interstate have not been prepared to invest in the proposition of who should pay. Obviously, Queensland is that the Government does not the farmers have to make a contribution, and channel funds into areas that boost business they do that through the payment of water 16 September 1993 4464 Legislative Assembly charges. However, the benefits to be derived member has spoken about that. They have from the construction of dams flow right spoken about what the Government would do through the economy. For example, they for social welfare. They want the social welfare ensure a supply of cane to the mills; they payments, but somebody, somewhere must ensure the creation of employment; and they pay for them. I warn honourable members ensure that business people make some that one can milk a cow or squeeze an orange money and are able to employ people, and for only so long. that is what drives the wheel of the economy. Mr Beattie: Have you brought the Poker machines do not create business heavyweights in for moral support? confidence or wealth in the system. Rather, they just redistribute it. The production of Mr RANDELL: We need only one on this export goods for sale in other parts of the side. One of us is worth 20 Government world is what creates confidence in the members. Some day, the crunch will come, business community. If the Government does and the Government will not have those not create the right environment for business, economic areas from which to take money, as more and more people will be unemployed it has done in the past. and on the dole and the Government’s ability Where is the incentive in the Budget for to meet its social welfare costs will continually private enterprise? That sector certainly took diminish. the State to its great economic position in Mr RANDELL (Mirani) (3.29 p.m.): It gives 1989, a position which is slowly being eroded. me great pleasure to rise and speak to the Private enterprise created thousands of jobs Appropriation Bill (No. 2). As I am the last and a cornerstone of security for the citizens Opposition speaker in this debate, there can of this State. The Government makes huge be no doubt that the Opposition has kept its injections into the public sector to create short- heavy artillery until last. I am very pleased term jobs. In 1990, in response to a question about that because it gives me an opportunity by Mr Stoneman, the member for Burdekin, to review what has been said in this debate. I the Treasurer stated— enjoyed the speech made by the member for “Other Governments have tried to do Waterford, but if honourable members would that, particularly those in Western like to read a really good speech, they should Australia and Victoria. Stimulation of the obtain a copy of the speech made by the economy from the public sector does not member for Moggill, Dr Watson, who did a work and it is not the way that this very good job in analysing the Budget. Government will run the State. These The Budget brought down recently by the sorts of artificial subsidies to stimulate Treasurer contains some very good ideas. I business may achieve something in the would be the first to admit that it has some short term but, in the long term, they will merit, but the expenditure with which I do not simply lead this State into trouble.” agree will be highlighted during the course of I agree with that statement. Most honourable my speech. The Budget certainly highlights members have quoted an article in the the lack of planning for the future by this Australian Financial Review. The article gives Government for the benefit of this State and some credit to the State of Queensland. In its citizens. This is a typical ALP Budget, as some cases in the Budget, the Government the member for Waterford quite rightly pointed has looked after the State of Queensland. out. It is typical of the ALP Budgets that have Mr De Lacy: Read the last paragraph. been presented in the other Australian States and in the Commonwealth for the past several Mr RANDELL: I will read it. I will point out years—Budgets that have brought down one some paragraphs that the Treasurer should State after another. In years to come, this read to verify my point on public sector Government’s Budgets will do the very same. spending. The Government cannot do that all the time. It is the same as putting kids into This Government is pouring money into TAFE so that they are not on the social welfare to capture votes by hitting the unemployment lists. At some stage, those hip-pocket nerve, but this Budget provides kids must leave TAFE and be counted on the absolutely nothing for industries such as unemployment lists. The Government does mining and tourism, and small business and not give jobs to our kids. It gives short-term primary production. If Government members relief to tide them over for a couple of years. were to take an interest in this State, they The Australian Financial Review stated— would realise that the productive sector is where the wealth of this State is produced. “. . . the State’s growth is still well above What has the Government done for the the national average, it is being driven by productive area? Not one Government government spending and a rapidly Legislative Assembly 4465 16 September 1993

increasing population. But in business that he is saying things against us; however, investment, the key indicator of overall, he is fairly constructive and neutral. He underlying real business activity, stated— Queenslanders trailed the nation. “But whereas this Budget is high on . . . service delivery, it provides minimal An analysis of the figures reveals assistance to the productive that Queensland’s growth has been sector—industry, mining, tourism, small largely caused by a combination of strong business and primary industries. government spending and increased These are the areas where, under private consumption flowing from normal circumstances, Queensland might population rises. expect initiatives to stimulate job creation. . . . Instead, the Government has opted Business investment caused a 0.5 to go with record capital works to per cent point decline. stimulate employment ‘equivalent to around 46,000 full-time jobs’. For the current year, the economy will be even more reliant on government Note the wording. It gives the spending to promote growth. impression that those jobs will be created. Such is not the case.” . . . That is the point that I keep making. With Private investment, including public sector spending, the Government can expenditure on dwellings and business create employment in the short term. investment, will make no contribution to However, if the Government wants to get the growth—0.0 percentage points”— State up and running, it must encourage nil, nil, nil percentage points— private investment. “renewed strength in business investment Mr De Lacy: In the old days, you could remains crucial to prospects for growth in make a decent speech. output, employment and productivity over Mr RANDELL: The Treasurer will have his coming years. chance. Every time I make a speech, he says In the absence of strong business that. One thing encourages me. When the investment, it is only because of Treasurer starts interjecting, I know that I am Queensland’s strong financial position getting under his skin. I love seeing the that the Government has been able to Treasurer get upset and I love seeing Mr inspire growth through public-sector Beattie get upset. I know that I am hitting spending.” home with the truth. As I said, how much does The Australian Financial Review is saying the farming and grazing sector receive? that the Government was left a soundly based Nothing! The Government has given nothing economy but that it is gradually eroding it. The to encourage or to provide some incentive to article stated further— that hard-working sector of Queensland which, as I said before, provides so much for the “Business investment has been the economy of this State and nation. one key component of expenditure in Queensland to perform poorly.” The other great boast of the Goss Labor Government is that there are no new taxes in I stress “perform poorly”. It continued— the Budget. The Government said that last “The biggest decline was felt in the year—no new taxes. It is always a proud finance, property and business services claim—no new taxes. But what about the sector, which shed 13,400 employees, tobacco tax that the Government introduced? and large falls were also recorded in the The member for Burnett gave the figures that key mining and agricultural industries.” show the money that the Government raises That is the point that I am making. The from the tobacco tax. Government is not putting money into Mr Gilmore interjected. productive areas. It is going down the drain. Mr RANDELL: As the member for Shortly, I will cite some unemployment figures. Tablelands said, the Government will receive I will also quote a comment made by Mr Peter some money from taxes, but it is putting Morley in the Courier-Mail. All honourable businesses and families out of business. members would agree that he is one of the However, the Government does not care few neutral political reporters in this State. about that as long as it raises that money for There is no doubt that we in the Opposition its welfare programs. say things against him at times when we think 16 September 1993 4466 Legislative Assembly

I know that the Premier calls it a “tobacco now the highest ever recorded in this State’s licence fee”. It is never referred to as a history. “tobacco tax”. Government members get up in I referred earlier to the Government’s front of the cameras and call it a “tobacco claim that it has introduced no new taxes, and licence fee”. It is purely and simply a new tax. I referred to one new tax that has been A couple of days ago in this House, the imposed. I am concerned about the hidden member for Waterford, Mr Barton, described it taxes in this State. The Government is taking as purely and simply a tobacco tax. He said up the slack in hidden taxes. I want to cite that the tobacco tax would be used for the some of the indirect taxes and increases that upgrading of schools. He did not call it a have been imposed on the citizens of tobacco licence fee but a tobacco tax. Queensland by this ALP Government. There is no doubt that that is typical of Ambulance subscriptions for a family have what is happening in most areas. The increased from $66 to $78. I might add that Government is squeezing an industry out of people who cannot afford to pay the $78 in business. Whether it is on the basis of health one hit have been invited to pay a family or for any other reason, the Government is subscription at the rate of $1.85 a week. If squeezing an industry out of business. That one multiplies that figure by 52, one discovers means that in a few years the Government will that the amount actually paid by those not be able to tap into that source to fund its families is $96.20. That is supposed to benefit grand social welfare schemes. Unless the the poor people who cannot afford to pay in Government provides incentives to the one hit. This Government is hitting those productive areas, in a few years’ time they will people indirectly. not be there and the Government will not be A couple of years ago, during the early able to milk them. The Government has its life of this Government, the fee for ambulance poker machines, but the strength and wealth services for non-subscribers was $114 for the of the nation is in the productive sectors of first 24 kilometres. It was subsequently rural industries, mining and tourism. increased to $116. Recently, the fee As I said, Mr Peter Morley said that the increased massively to $250 for the first 24 Budget gives the impression that jobs will be kilometres. Furthermore, there has been a created but that such is not the case. I take staggering rise in the rate per kilometre after members back to December 1989, when the the first 24 kilometres. A couple of years ago, National Party Government left office. The that rate was $2.85 per kilometre. Then it was official labour force statistics showed that, at increased to $2.90, and now it has been that time, 717 900 Queensland males had increased to $8.35 per kilometre. There is not full-time jobs. However, the latest labour force a word from Government side of the Chamber statistics for August 1993 showed that the about that fact. number of Queensland males in full-time jobs Mr Beattie: Oh, yes there is. has fallen by 3 200. With a Federal Labor Government for 10 or 12 years and a State Mr RANDELL: There is not a word. That Labor Government for four years, the number is an increase of 288 per cent. The means by of jobs has fallen by 3 200 to 717 900. which this Government is getting this State through is the user-pays system. It taxes I would also like to mention that, in the people not directly but indirectly. same period since 1989 when the Government attained power, the number of In the area of transport, penalties have unemployed males in Queensland has risen increased significantly. For a first offence, astronomically by 102 per cent to a total of some penalties have increased from $175 to 101 500. Males in this State cannot get a job. $240, and a subsequent offence from $250 to What about the kids in this State? If the $350. Fees have increased for the Government is not worried about them, I am. construction of harbour works, in particular a In Mackay, there is 28 per cent youth boat-ramp for private use. That fee is unemployment. That is the worry. What has $106.40, and the same applies to a retaining the Government done about it in the Budget? wall and a mooring pile. The Government is I cannot see a darned thing that the funding this State by all of those little charges Government has done about it. Today’s that it is imposing and increasing behind the statistics show that, under the Goss scenes. A pontoon will cost $167.30 to Government’s administration, unemployment construct, as will a jetty and any other single in Queensland has risen by a staggering 81 work. Even the boaties have been hit by no per cent to a total of 172 100. To put it simply, fewer than 81 increases in charges. They are the number of Queenslanders out of work is not cheap. Legislative Assembly 4467 16 September 1993

Even driving schools have been hit. An South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and application for the registration or the renewal Western Australia, but it simply has not. The of registration of a driving instruction school short-term picture may look healthy, but we has increased by $8 from $521 to $529. should consider the long-term outlook for Inspection and safety does not escape the Queensland. The Treasurer is aware of that increase net. A $5 increase has occurred in long-term outlook. He knows in his heart what that area. There are hundreds of other he would like to do, but he is being forced—— increases. For example, there are the Mr Milliner: I am pleased to see that a concessional vehicle registration fees. We find millionaire like you has got so much that Labor has jacked up the fee for compassion. registering an ambulance to $37.10. That is only a $1.10 increase, but this Government is Mr RANDELL: I have, too. I am not even hitting the ambulances in this State. For broke, but anything that I have earned has God’s sake! What will the Government do been earned with my hands, with hard work next? I have a list of all sorts of increases. My and sweat. I left school at 13. We have broke time is running out, but I will mention a few barristers and solicitors on the Government more. side of the Chamber who had to come into this House to make a living. I do not apologise Motor vehicle registration fees will for saying that. increase this year to a total of $404.7m—an increase of 3 per cent. Some truck registration Mr Beattie: Who I said I was broke? charges have been increased by 300 per Mr RANDELL: I did not say that the cent. Most of those trucks are being used by honourable member was broke, but if the cap primary producers. Once again, this fits, he should wear it. Government is hitting the productive sector. Mr Beattie: I’ll renovate you; I’m Registration on a 4-cylinder sedan, including renovating everything else. extra costs, will be increased to $329.70. A 6- cylinder vehicle will cost $407 to register—up Mr RANDELL: I would not hire the by $4. The actual registration fees will be honourable member, even if he offered me a $141.90, $219.70 and $309.20 respectively. discount of 50 per cent. I have referred to Workers’ compensation has increased by 25 unemployment. There is one area in which per cent. I could go on and mention liquor jobs are increasing at an enormous rate, and registration charges and consumer fees, and I that is the bureaucracy that has grown under am sure that Government members would like this Labor Government. The traditional blue- to hear about those items. collar workers of real value—and Mr Barton should know about them but he never Mr Barton interjected. mentions them, and I notice that he is not Mr RANDELL: I would like the honourable even in the Chamber now—are being put on member to do that, because I have plenty of the scrap heap, and a huge middle-class items on my list. I can keep going. bureaucracy is being built up. This morning, Government members do not like the truth out of curiosity, I piled up all the copies of the one little bit. In the area of consumer fees, reports that I have in my office. I am only five there have been hundreds of increases, foot seven and a half inches tall. That pile of including: associations of incorporation; documents measured five foot six inches. auctioneers and agents; bills of sale; business I can cite a few of the titles of those names; funeral benefit business; hawkers; reports. I picked a few at random. Their titles invasion of privacy; land sales; mortgage include: a review of the parliamentary brokers; motor vehicle securities; partnership committees; a review of the operations of the (limited liability); pawnbrokers; registration of Parliamentary Criminal Justice Committee and births, deaths and marriages; and retirement the Criminal Justice Commission; a review of villages. This Government hits everyone in this the Queensland Police Service; a review of State from the moment they are born until the the preservation and enhancement of moment they die. It is collecting many indirect individual rights and Freedoms; a report on taxes, yet nobody has touched on that fact the consolidation review of the Queensland during this debate. That is the source of this Constitution; a report on the review of appeals Government’s money. That is the only way from administrative decisions—— that this Government can keep Queensland out of the economic mire that Labor is Mr Welford: You are opposed to EARC, creating. are you? You are opposed to the Fitzgerald reform process? This Government should have learned its lesson from the Labor administrations of New Mr RANDELL: I am not opposed to those processes, but I am opposed to the money 16 September 1993 4468 Legislative Assembly that is being spent on them. The Government per cent inflation, that is a substantial real cut is not running this State; committees are. in funding from the Commonwealth. When we are elected to Government at the In that context, I think that most people next election, we will rectify that situation. did not expect a Santa Claus type of Budget There is also a report on the Queensland with a lot of giveaways. But I think that Legislative Assembly electoral system—— generally it has been well received. It has Mr Welford interjected. been well received because we did meet all of Mr RANDELL: The honourable member our election commitments on time and in full. I is one bloke who went broke in private believe that we satisfied Labor’s social enterprise. I do not even know what electorate objectives by way of increasing resources to he comes from. There is even a review by a those basic service areas such as education, committee on the operations of other health, the environment, welfare, committees. They could not find anything employment, training and so on. We did else, so they conducted a review of the commit to a major program of rebuilding committees. There are myriads of reports. The Queensland through a record Capital Works Government may say that those people have Program. We did address the biggest issue of been employed, and that is all well and good, the time—many members mentioned this— but those employees receive astronomically that is, unemployment. I will return to that high wages. This great bureaucracy does not later. We did all of those things at the same contribute anything to this State. Ask Clem time as maintaining the underlying strength of Campbell, the member for Bundaberg, what the Queensland Budget position. the bureaucracy is like. He is the only That is the reason why generally the Government member who had the guts to Budget has been well received by the people stand up in this Parliament and declare what of Queensland and by virtually all is happening to members of this place. All of commentators. One has just got to sit in this our rights and privileges are being slowly Chamber to see how far the people on the eroded away. I hate to see the bureaucracy other side of the Parliament are out of touch being allowed to do that. This State is being with what is going on in the rest of the world. run by committees. The sooner we scrutinise One would think that they were talking about those committees and ensure that they do not another Budget altogether. They are out of run the State, the sooner it will be run by a step with everybody—not just with us; we democratically elected Government. expect that. They are out of step with the Time expired. media commentators and the responsible economic commentators, even those from Hon. K. E. De LACY (Cairns— Treasurer) interstate. (3.49 p.m.), in reply: What a shattering climax we have just witnessed—the grand finale to Honourable members heard the themes the Budget debate! The member for Mirani is that Opposition members came up with: this is only a pale shadow of his former great self. I a big-spending Government and it is running can remember the days when he used to hold on empty. When the Leader of the Opposition us spellbound with his speeches on sugar. made his speech in the Budget debate in 1990, I remember him saying, “This is the last I want to thank all honourable members time that the Labor Government will be able to for their contributions to this debate. I think dine out on the good financial record that it is positive that all members have the inheritance of the National Party.” In 1991, he opportunity to comment on the Budget and said the same thing. He said, “This is the last the way in which it impacts generally on their time that you will be able to bring down a electorates. Having brought down the Budget, good Budget because of what you inherited.” having listened to members in this Chamber and having read most of the media reports In 1992, he said the same thing. This and commentaries on the Budget, I have to year again, he said, “You won’t be able to do say that it has been a fairly well-received it any more. The only reason that you have Budget. I say that because this Budget was been able to bring down a good Budget is brought down during difficult times when the because of the legacy that you were left.” I economic climate in Australia and the world in suspect that the Leader of the Opposition, general is not in good shape. We are still whomever it may be next year, the year after suffering one of the worst droughts on record. that, and the year after that, will continue to As well, we received from the Commonwealth say the same thing. He and his colleagues will Government fewer funds this year than we continue to be seen by the large majority of received in the preceding year. In the context the people of Queensland as totally irrelevant of 2.5 per cent employment growth and 2.8 to the political process in this State. Legislative Assembly 4469 16 September 1993

The big-spending Government with the Mr De LACY: I will return to that in a big-spending Budget—the Government that is moment. We inherited a net debt—the net running on empty—was able to bring in during debt is important because that is the balance the last financial year an underlying surplus of between the assets and liabilities—of $4.3 $1.046 billion. Yet Opposition members say billion. As of 30 June 1993, it was $1.9 billion. we are running on empty. There is only one At the end of this financial year, it will be about way to judge whether a Government is $1 billion. In two years’ time, it will be zero. spending more than it is earning, and that is While we are heading in that direction, the rest by looking at both the underlying of Australia is going in the other direction. Yet surplus/deficit position and, ultimately, the net we still have people on the other side of the debt position. On both measures, Chamber saying that we are on the Victorian Queensland’s financial position is getting track, we are on the Australian track, and so stronger, and stronger, and stronger. What on. How they can stand up with any integrity Opposition members continue to ignore is that and say that black is white or white is black, I our net debt is reducing at a rapid rate, and do not know. They must realise that, if they each year we bring in an underlying surplus of continue to stand up and say things such as up to a billion dollars. that, they totally lose credibility. Mrs Sheldon: A billion dollars? The whole world knows about the Mr De LACY: Well, it was $1.046 billion in financial strength of Queensland and the way the last financial year. in which it is getting stronger and stronger. Yet Opposition members continue to make Mrs Sheldon: What about this Budget? nonsensical comments such as, “We’re Mr De LACY: Let us talk about this spending more than we’re earning. We’re financial year. We have forecast a negative running on empty. We’ve used up all the cash net financing requirement of $205m, leaving balances. In another 12 months, it’s all going out the Gladstone Power Station. That means to collapse.” It is wishful thinking on their part. I that at the end of this Budget year we will be, assure them that it will not happen. because of our forecast, in a stronger position As I said, the Leader of the Opposition by $205m, even if the Gladstone Power has made the same speech four times. He Station is not sold. Each year we forecast a just changes his references to the years. It negative net financing requirement of fairly was full of all those oily one-liners that he modest proportions. comes out with. But the most important thing Last year, the forecast was, from to mention about his speech is his total memory, for a $140m underlying surplus or inability to read Budget papers. I might say negative net financing requirement. Does the that he is not the only member on that side honourable member know what it came in at? who suffers from that disability. I guess that $1.046 billion! This year, we are forecasting a the question is: is it an incapability or is he negative net financing requirement of $205m. deliberately misreading the Budget papers? I I put it to the honourable member that it will put it to honourable members that it is a come in at another $1 billion, even without the deliberate misreading. sale of the Gladstone Power Station. The I will give an example of that. The Leader reason why it always comes in at a much of the Opposition spoke about the $1,700 that better figure than the forecast is that we are each family pays to run the increase and the required to use ABS criteria in order to extra $1,700 that each family pays to run the estimate it. That requires us to make the State. He is saying that the total taxes, fees assumption that all of our trust funds and all of and fines have increased by that much per our cash balances are run down during the family over the last four years. But it is a year, and they never are. complete misreading of the Budget situation. I put it to the honourable member that, It is a flawed reading, because he is not even if we do not sell the Gladstone Power comparing apples with apples. In the last four Station, our underlying surplus at the end of years, we have abolished a whole range of the year will be of similar magnitude to the trust funds and brought them back into the one that we brought in last year. That is why I Consolidated Fund. For instance, motor was able to stand up and confidentially predict vehicle registration fees used to go into a trust during my Budget Speech that in two years’ fund. I think the figure is $405m this year. It time Queensland will be net debt free. does not go into the trust fund now; it goes Mrs Sheldon: What about the private into the Consolidated Fund. It is now investment level—your own Budget papers? mentioned in the Budget papers as part of taxes, fees and fines. A whole range of those 16 September 1993 4470 Legislative Assembly trust funds are now part of taxes, fees and Wales; $1,376 for Victoria; $1,342 for Western fines. Australia; and $1,242 for South Australia. In We have also inherited a tax from the New South Wales, people pay 48 per cent Commonwealth, namely, the bank accounts more per capita in State taxes than they pay debits tax. The Commonwealth said that we in Queensland. If one takes an average of all would take over the tax. It took the money the States, that is one-third more than people from our financial assistance grants—another pay in Queensland. I ask members to $75m. If one abstracts all those compositional compare that with the Leader of the changes to the Consolidated Fund’s tax Opposition’s claims. Members have heard him revenue, one finds that the comparable a dozen times claiming that this is the biggest figures—the real per capita increase in spending State and the biggest spending Consolidated Fund tax revenue over the Government in Australia. That is in total period 1988-89 to now—are less than 1 per contravention of the facts. But then, facts and cent, that is, from $809 to $814. That includes the Leader of the Opposition have never got the increase in the tobacco licence fee. If one on very well. took out that increase in the tobacco licence This is probably a good example of the fee, the per capita increase in taxes, fees and Leader of the Opposition’s double speak. He fines over the past four years would be said that the 1992-93 Budget year was— negative. That is the difference between the “a record which . . . saw spending reality and the rhetoric of the Leader of the increase by more than 9 per cent on an Opposition. actual-to-actual basis.” When talking about “the biggest Of course, it was convenient to use an actual- spending State Government in the country”, to-actual basis because, as everybody will the Leader of the Opposition spoke about— remember, the actual spending in 1992-93 “. . . a reputation firmly established”— was higher than the Budget because we in the last three years— called an election. We said that we would increase the tobacco licence fee and spend all “and the massive 20.6 per cent increase that money on the Jobs Plan. That all got into in total outlays.” actual expenditure. When the Leader of the He said that increase was so much bigger Opposition was comparing the year before than that of all the other States, and even with last year, he used actual on actual. That bigger than Joan Kirner at her best. But his was a 9 per cent increase. Sure, we increased statement just does not stand up. the tobacco licence fee. I am proud of that. Based on ABS data, per capita current This year, looking at this Budget, he said— outlays in Queensland have grown by 20.96 “On an Estimate-to-Estimate basis.” per cent compared with an average of 17.19 When comparing this year’s expenditure to per cent in the other States. We have last year’s, he does not talk about the actuals increased our spending by 3 per cent more last year—because that includes all the than the other States. We are proud of that. increased expenditure from the tobacco But it is nothing like the magnitude of the licence fee—but about the Budget, which was figures used by the Leader of the prior to the tobacco licence fee. So that Opposition—figures based on absolutely makes this year’s increase look a lot bigger. nothing, or a complete misreading of the However, when one takes this year’s Budget situation. on last year’s actuals, one finds that it is only a The 1993 Commonwealth Grants 2.5 per cent increase. But the Leader of the Commission report showed that Queensland Opposition wanted to create the impression of spends $2,246 per capita compared with big spending. $2,522 for New South Wales; $2,641 for Mr J. H. Sullivan: Dishonest. Victoria; $2,688 for Western Australia; and $2,839 for South Australia. The Leader of the Mr De LACY: So he dishonestly selects Opposition keeps calling this Government the those statistics which justify his argument. So biggest spending State Government in it goes on. Australia. But the fact is that the figure in New I should refer to the argument about South Wales, which runs second behind administration costs. The Opposition found Queensland, is 18 per cent higher than that of another column in the Program Statements Queensland. that talks about administration. This is the Similarly, our own sourced revenue at input area of a budget. We have divided it up $1,067 per capita—total State taxes per because it can be analysed in a range of capita—compares with $1,511 for New South ways. The Opposition has looked at the Legislative Assembly 4471 16 September 1993 increase in that input item called I turn to police staffing growth. Opposition Administration and said that that is a growth in members got away from the administration bureaucracy, or a growth in sludge, and that side and talked about an increase in corporate sort of thing. It is nothing of the kind. This just services. They said that this means an demonstrates a total lack of understanding of increase in administration. Over the past three the Budget on the part of the Opposition and or four years, this Government has been an incapacity to read the Budget papers. taking police away from desks and Let us have a look at the increase in that administrative duties and putting them out input category in respect of Education. The policing. It stands to reason that lower-paid Leader of the Opposition said that clerks have to do a lot of that work, hence the administrations costs in Education have grown increase in the corporate services area. It by almost $100m over the past four years to makes good sense. It is doing the kind of $232m. Let us see what that $100m is made thing that Opposition members like to lecture up of: large increases in school grant us about. We are doing that, then they payments; an additional $9.2m allocation this deliberately misinterpret what we are doing year for computers in schools; increased and say that we are just building up the textbook allowance payments for parents; administration. additional funding provided to P & Cs through The Leader of the Liberal Party, the the School Improvement Subsidy Scheme; Leader of the Opposition and every second and $25m in additional maintenance work person after that spoke about the Capital under the School Refurbishment Scheme in Works Program in a range of ways. They were 1993-94. That is what the administration is. It really trying to say that the increase is not is getting money out there and doing things really there. Somehow or other, Mr Borbidge that need to be done. The administration is came up with a figure that indicates that we not that middle-level bureaucracy that the have increased funding for capital works by Opposition would like people to believe it is. only 5 per cent. Where he got that figure from, Opposition members spoke about Health I do not know. I suggest that it is more of his and the increase of $130m in health creative use of figures. I will give the Leader of administration. One after the other they the Opposition the figures. In 1988 and 1989, parroted that. The administration costs when Queensland had a National Party referred to largely relate to hospital operating Government, the State Capital Works costs, including drugs, surgical, medical Program totalled $1.6 billion. In 1992-93, that supplies and so on. is the last financial year, the actual Capital Works Program was $2.9 billion. That is an As to the Ambulance Service—the increase of 77 per cent. The Leader of the Leader of the Opposition read the program Opposition has interpreted that figure as 5 per document and said, “There is only a $2.4m cent. increase in consolidated funding for the Ambulance Service, yet the Treasurer said Last year’s budgeted programs of $3.3 that it was increased by $15m.” He said, “I billion were not achieved. They were not fully challenge you to show me where that is.” On expended, and I accept that, because of that very page there is a footnote. If the reduced demand for the HOME Scheme. I honourable member had read that footnote think that the Government budgeted for he would know that a further $12m is provided $600m and spent $300m. There were some through the Department of Health for inter- delays in completing the approval process for hospital road ambulance services. In the past, some of the One Nation funding from the the hospital used ambulance services without Commonwealth Government. The paying for them. We thought that the best Government had to carry out some way of getting extra money into the environmental studies. That also caused a Ambulance Service this year was to get Health delay. However, the Government made a lot to pay the Ambulance Service for those inter- of savings because of the competitive hospital transfers and we would put the tendering environment. For all of those money into the Health budget. That extra reasons, we did not fully expend the Capital $12m will transfer to the Ambulance Service. Works Program budget. That is in the footnote, and it is quite clear. However, we did expend $2.9 billion But the Leader of the Opposition has not compared to the last National Party been able to read footnotes. We put them in Government Budget in which expenditure for mostly for his benefit. It is very disappointing the Capital Works Program was $1.6 billion. to learn that he never reads them. Somehow or other Mr Borbidge came up with that figure of 5 per cent. I challenged him on that during his speech. I said that it was wrong 16 September 1993 4472 Legislative Assembly to say that the actual Budget commitment, Mrs Sheldon: And to you. the part that is funded from the Consolidated Mr De Lacy: The taxpayer; that is not Fund in the Budget, was somehow reducing. me. So the consumer will benefit in two ways: How he came to that conclusion by reading through lower electricity prices and lower the Budget papers, I would not know. The fact taxes. is that in 1990-91, capital works sourced from the Consolidated Fund were 32 per cent of Mr FitzGerald: What is the magic the total program, and they totalled $744m. formula? This year, it will still be 32 per cent of the Mr De LACY: The magic formula is just a program, but it will be $1,078m—over $1 more efficient Queensland Electricity billion directly from the Budget into that Capital Commission and more and more profits. In Works Program, which is an increase of 45 per Queensland, we do things in a proper and cent. So our funding from the Budget has responsible way, not the way the the New increased by 45 per cent. South Wales Government is acting. This year, The Leader of the Liberal Party and it took $1 billion from its Government some other Opposition members see enterprises. New South Wales and Victoria something dark and mysterious about the have just about bankrupted their electricity sources of funding in the Capital Works authorities. Not so the Queensland Electricity Program. Again, being frank, honest and Commission. It can fund all of its capital works accountable, the Government says where all and pay off its old debts from retained the funding comes from. It came from the earnings. So that is the trust fund that the Consolidated Fund—32 per cent, or just over Opposition is talking about. Out of this magical $1 billion; I have just referred to figure, $100m for housing also comes from that—economic borrowings, 22 per cent, the the trust funds—people are paying off old Commonwealth 16 per cent—and I think to houses, or paying rent, so that goes into new get the right outcomes, Mr Borbidge added public housing. An amount of $87m for the the Commonwealth’s figures with the State’s Cairns and Brisbane Convention Centres will figures when it suited him, and he took them be funded by the up-front payment for the out of the State’s figures when it suited casino licence. That is not included anywhere him—and other funding, 30 per cent, or just else, so it is part of this “other” funding. over $1 billion. Mrs Sheldon says “hollow logs” Queensland Rail will be funding a proportion and “trust funds”. She likes to use those of its $635m Capital Works Program from terms—“hollow logs” and “trust funds”, internally generated funds. So that is what whatever the hollow logs and trust funds are. that “other” category means, and I think that it was important to place that on the record. Mrs Sheldon: You are a noted raider of hollow logs and trust funds. I just want to say a couple of things about the Gladstone Power Station, because it Mr De LACY: I will tell her what they are. seems to have bewitched the Leader of the The Queensland Electricity Commission is Liberal Party. The first claim that she made funding its capital works out of reserves—out was that the Government is depending on the of retained earnings; out of profits. Is there a sale of the Gladstone Power Station to reduce better way to fund capital works than by that its net debt. The answer is that it is not. I am method? I think that the QEC is using $383m still absolutely confident that Queensland will to fund its own capital works. achieve zero net debt by 1995-96 with or Mr FitzGerald: Why are you sending without the sale of the Gladstone Power them a bill? Station. The second claim made by the Mr De LACY: What does the honourable Leader of the Liberal Party about the member mean by “sending them a bill”? Gladstone Power Station was this wonderfully creative idea to sell it off and take all the Mr Fitzgerald: You do. money. Could members believe this Mr De LACY: They are doing all right. Government selling off the Gladstone Power They are funding all their capital works out of Station and taking the money back to the profits. Budget? I hope that the Opposition would Mr Littleproud: You are reducing. attack us if ever we did anything like that. I hope that the Opposition would not let the Mr De LACY: When corporatisation is Government get away with something like implemented, I think that the member would that. Imagine a Liberal Leader standing up, find that there will be a reduction in electricity looking everybody in the eye and saying, “Let prices in Queensland, and there will be an us sell it off and take the money back to increase in the money coming back to the Budget.” I will give the Leader of the Liberal taxpayer as well. Legislative Assembly 4473 16 September 1993

Party an absolute guarantee that if the Mr Ardill: And by bulldozers, too. Gladstone Power Station is sold, every single Mr ROWELL: No, not by bulldozers. To cent of revenue that comes from that sale will provide substance for this assertion, at the go back to the QEC, where it ought to go. height of the debate the Midday show telecast Mrs Sheldon: That’s not what you have footage of a burnt out, clear-felled section of said. rainforest as representative of the events that Mr De LACY: There is no way that I were taking place in north Queensland would ever take the proceeds from an asset rainforests. There was a retraction of the sale back to the Budget. I have never said footage, but the damage had been done. anything else. It is a principle that I hold to That is the way the media has been operating very strongly. One never sells off assets to in relation to this particular issue. fund recurrent programs; whether they are tax Mr Bredhauer: Tell us about the reductions, increased spending or whatever. Ravenshoe problems and the 2 000 people. Time expired. Mr ROWELL: No, I will not tell members Motion agreed to. about the problems experienced at Ravenshoe. I am sure the member for Tablelands will do that. At that time, many WET TROPICS WORLD HERITAGE countries around the world recognised that PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT BILL Queensland foresters were the leaders in Second Reading sustainable harvesting of rainforest timber. They were sought after for their sound Debate resumed from 2 September (see management practices. Those timber-cutters p. 4181). who operated in the rainforest said that if a Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (4.20 p.m.): tree was not felled in accordance with the The Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection directions indicated by the operators, that is, in and Management Bill is generally a machinery such a way that would minimise the damage Bill that enables the Government to support to the surrounding flora, penalties were the World Heritage listing of the wet tropical imposed on them. If the ground was rainforests in north Queensland. One matter excessively disturbed as a result of taking logs that does concern me is that some of the to a stockpile, yet another penalty could be amendments contained in this Bill relate to the imposed as the markings could cause erosion. removal of sections of the Nature A great deal of care and thought went into the Conservation Act. Some parts of the way in which the timber industry operated. legislation refer particularly to neighbouring The timber selection process was more a areas. I have received an assurance from the culling of the trees that had reached maturity. Minister that at some time in the very near Generally, only two trees were taken out of an future those sections that are either withdrawn area roughly the size of a football field every or omitted from this legislation will be 40 years. Some of the area had been logged reintroduced as amendments to the Nature three times. Anyone who has visited logged Conservation Act. areas would be aware that, after about five The World Heritage area covers years, even the most experienced bushmen approximately 900 000 hectares extending had trouble finding the logging tracks that from Cape Tribulation to Townsville. The were put in for trucks to do the hauling. The reason why the area was listed was the strong point I make to this Parliament is that a movement by conservation groups towards a regenerative timber industry was operating in Government that would seize any opportunity north Queensland. However, as a result of the to polarise the Australian electorate. The conditions laid down by the Federal Hawke Government was noted for its Government, it has had the door slammed on consensus decision-making processes. By it. picking on conservation issues in areas that Less than 20 per cent of the forest was are far removed from the more densely required to keep the timber industry viable. populated areas of Australia, people were The greater proportion of the area in the given a warm feeling about the Federal designated boundaries had not been used by Government’s proposals in relation to north the timber industry. The Federal Government’s Queensland. The protection of rainforests did desire for expediency and the southern not have a great deal to do with the reasons media’s pursuit of controversy closed a for the Federal Government’s intervention. sustainable industry. A study commissioned The myth that forests were being destroyed by by the Federal Government and carried out by the timber industry was being circulated. the Griffith University stated that, in 1984-85, 16 September 1993 4474 Legislative Assembly the milling sector was producing goods valued prohibited. The door has well and truly been at $43m. In terms of today’s values, this slammed on forest industries. The boundaries amount could be doubled or even trebled of the World Heritage area do not always because the value of rainforest timber has reflect rainforest values; in fact, in some increased so much. instances, the boundaries do not come within Australia now imports its rainforest timber a kilometre of rainforest. Locking areas into needs from countries that are often less World Heritage listing because of a line drawn vigilant in their manner of harvesting timber. In on a map to include country that is not reality, all we have done is rearrange the world consistent with the values of World Heritage rainforest timber industry and, in some cases, listing is a departure from the intention of the place a demand on people who are less listing. competent to look after a world-class resource. Forest plantations provide the benefit of a It is inevitable that at some stage after a tree renewable source of building material which is reaches full maturity, it will die. Old trees so badly needed for home construction. The become so large that they crowd the forest State Government should ask for the Federal species that are growing below them. Government’s legislation to be changed to Removing those trees for use by the enable this Government to be more pragmatic consumer results in carbon being stored, in cases in which small pockets of the listed rather than letting them fall over and die, area are required for forestry or other types of because when that happens, the carbon is industries. Reforestation schemes are being dissipated back into the atmosphere. implemented presently by the Queensland Queensland foresters and timber-cutters Forest Service, and this is being done in must have been doing something right. For relatively small areas in most cases. Doubts more than a hundred years, the area they have been expressed to me by practical, logged maintained the environmental values qualified people about the viability of the that qualified it for World Heritage listing. How project. many industries have that sort of track record? Trees have a major role to play in This is a matter that is worth considering. Not preventing erosion and in acting as enough recognition is given to people who windbreaks. They can be a valuable and very have made a living in the forests for long-term asset on spare pockets of land, but generations. It would certainly not be in their this will not compensate for the massive loss best interests to adopt practices that damage of a sustainable rainforest industry that existed the long-term viability of the forest. These are in Queensland before World Heritage listing the signals that are being sent to business, was sought. with the result that business confidence is One of the great tragedies of the demise being eroded. The effect of this approach can of the timber industry in the Hinchinbrook be compared with turning off a tap. electorate was the loss of jobs. Companies and individuals who are prepared to invest money and effort in building up Mrs Bird interjected. enterprises do not deserve to be thrown onto Mr ROWELL: The member for the scrapheap. Whitsunday would be well aware of that. At Over the last 50 years, a number of least 200 people who were directly employed factors have brought about reduced timber in the industry were displaced. When the yields in the Wet Tropics. One of the major recognised multiplier effect of 2.5:1 is applied, reasons for that has been the clearing of another 500 people would have been areas in the tropics for planting sugarcane, affected. Retrenched timber workers received bananas, a number of other crops, and for a one-off payment of $2,500 for dislocation. grazing cattle, etc. One particular When local authorities were successful in development requirement that had to be obtaining minor funding for small projects, complied with was that land had to be cleared short-term jobs were offered, but no long-term within a certain period. Consequently, due to projects have come out of the package. In the expansion of agricultural industries, the fact, the retraining that was provided was forests and their sustainable yields of timber undertaken for jobs that did not exist. Workers were reduced. Both sides of politics were over 55 years of age received up to $30,000 involved in opening up farmland for as a redundancy package, but the Federal agricultural development. Government short-changed north Queensland workers. The redundancy paid to workers on In the Minister’s second-reading speech, Christmas Island was much more handsome. it was pointed out that, under Commonwealth In some instances, $9,000 was paid to some legislation, commercial forestry operations are workers. Others who had been there for a Legislative Assembly 4475 16 September 1993 longer period received an average package of If tourism is to be the panacea for those $40,000. The package paid to the timber who are unemployed, the sooner that the industry workers may have looked attractive at decision can be made, the more chance there the time. However, those people are now will be that positions in the work force can be unemployed and little or no benefit has found for people. It is three years since the eventuated from the stopgap measures. $10m was allocated for the protection and I turn to a report in the Herbert River management plan. It was interesting to note Express by the community relations manager in the Minister’s second-reading speech the for the Wet Tropics Agency, Mr Andrew Government’s awareness of the McKenzie, which stated— Commonwealth’s ability to use its external affairs power to legislate with respect to “Australia and New Zealand were treaties, if required. probably the only two countries in the world where World Heritage”— Some of the workers in the timber industry had to leave the district to find listing— employment elsewhere. Having to bear the “was seen as a political issue. costs of selling a house when real estate ‘It’s unfortunate that World Heritage market values in towns such as Ingham and here has been surrounded by political Innisfail were depressed and then having to controversies that have often divided rent or buy accommodation in usually more communities. In other parts of the world, highly priced city locations was an additional World Heritage is more apolitical with trauma for those families. Quite a number of everyone seeing enormous benefits to be families were forced to leave the district. At gained from listing.’ he said. that time, the sugar industry was depressed, which compounded the problem of lack of It was difficult to deny that some employment opportunities for those people communities, especially those with strong who were made redundant in the World timber industries, were affected by World Heritage listing debacle. The limited Heritage listing.” employment opportunities in the country That is a very important point. In other words, towns have forced many of those people to the compensation has not been effective. go on the dole. I am sure that they would like As a result of that listing, no new industry their jobs back. in the Hinchinbrook electorate has been The special assistance package program created. At the time of its implementation, has continued in the Ingham district. A group there was a lot of talk about a tourist industry of 10 workers is involved in tree planting that could redeploy timber workers. Nearly projects around the Ingham and Cardwell three years ago, the Hinchinbrook Shire districts. Those plantings are in areas prone to Council, the development bureau and my erosion on river and creek banks. They have office put together a concept for low-key assisted in stabilising the areas that, under development in the Wallaman Falls region. I flood conditions, would be further undermined. hope that that is not the type of enterprise to No clear indication is available of whether that which the Minister referred in her second- funding is to continue. On a number of reading speech when she said that “narrow occasions, the program funds have been local interest and priorities” should not be extended. allowed to compromise World Heritage listing. Even the existing Tully River hydro She said that it was not on. I agree with that. scheme, which included the beautiful There is no problem. However, I am Koombooloomba Dam, did not impede the concerned about what she may have meant. I value of the region for listing. The ridiculous hope that she was not referring to what we are situation now prevails in which the trying to do in the Hinchinbrook electorate. Tully/Millstream, which is an extension and Although some finances have been makes more effective use of the water from made available to bituminise the problem Koombooloomba, is having the skids put areas of the road to Australia’s longest single- under it. Generation of clean demand/supply drop waterfall, no positive response has been energy for the State’s grid should receive the received about the low-key, family-style support of both State and Federal development in the area. Other proposals Governments. Exhaustive measures have such as those for walking tracks have, as yet, been taken to ensure that the impact of the received no response. I sincerely hope that scheme on the environment is minimised. The they are all being considered in the greater proportion of new dam sites are on management plan. either dry or wet sclerophyll forest and a number of small pockets of rainforests. 16 September 1993 4476 Legislative Assembly

The loss of 135 hectares of rainforest in gazetted that land as national park. I am not 17 pockets will be compensated by the QEC’s quite sure what the situation is with that. exchanging 300 hectares of prime rainforest Conservation is important and must be under its control. The loss of that small area of strongly supported. The preservation and rainforest will be nullified. Not only would the dedication of areas to allow species that are project support up to 1 000 jobs at its peak, protected and endangered must be carried but the tablelands area would have an out. Not enough has been done with the additional recreation facility at the Wooroora assimilative capacity of both plant and animal Dam. Due to the inclusion of some of that life to assist in the rapid change that has area in World Heritage listing, the project has occurred over the past half century. There is been mothballed for three years. no doubt that we have a greater level of Consultants commissioned by the Goss awareness of that issue now than we Government have said that Tully/Millstream experienced over that period of 50 years. With was the best option for Queensland energy. the advances that we are making with Yet, three years later, nothing has happened. technology, we have an increasing capacity to It is due only to Labor’s poor management of measure the impact of our actions. the Australian economy and the slowing-down Regenerative industries must be fostered to of growth, resulting in high unemployment, provide a sustainable lifestyle. that additional generating capacity can be Time expired. deferred. Mrs ROSE: (Currumbin) (4.40 p.m.): I am Mr Ardill: Just wait and see. Look what pleased to speak to the Wet Tropics World it’s like overseas. Heritage Protection and Management Bill. The Mr ROWELL: That is what happened. If World Heritage List exists for a number of very the economy were buoyant, we would have important reasons. Perhaps one of the most had a major problem in the future. important of these is to allow for the uniform Mr Ardill: It’s not buoyant anywhere. protection and preservation of unique and fragile areas through global management Mr ROWELL: I am saying quite simply practices and standards. There are two very that the facts are that, if our economy were important reasons why the Wet Tropics World buoyant, it would have been necessary to look Heritage Protection and Management Bill for an additional power resource before now. should become legislation. In the Australian of 20 March 1993, I picked up an interesting article which relates to a In 1988, the Wet Tropics of Queensland couple named Hilary and Geoffrey Kuhn of was entered on the World Heritage List. Julatten. It appears that 145 hectares of Following this, in 1990 an agreement was property is almost surrounded by World signed between Queensland and the Heritage listing. The Minister indicated that 91 Commonwealth developing a framework for freehold blocks and 110 leases were within the management of Queensland’s Wet World Heritage listed boundaries. When the Tropics. In order to achieve a positive result boundaries of the listed area were drawn up from the World Heritage listing of originally, how was that property not included? Queensland’s Wet Tropics, the latter It seems that the Kuhns wanted to sell their agreement between Queensland and the property to the Government. Some time ago, Commonwealth was absolutely essential. But they resisted offers from $2m from we need to go further. The principles of developers. Perhaps the Minister could inform management have been laid out, but they the House what is happening with that need to be effected in a meaningful way. transaction. State legislation is the appropriate and sensible way to put those management The main reason given for the high value principles into place. This Act paints in the of that country is that it has so many natural practical details of the general agreement on values such as pristine streams and a diversity how our Wet Tropics should be managed in of flora and fauna. If that land had all of those line with the expectations involved with its values, why was it not included for World World Heritage listing in 1988. Heritage listing in the first place? The Minister should be in a position to know why such a This Act is imperative to ensure that piece of rainforest, which has all of those Australia’s obligations under the World values for World Heritage listing, was excluded Heritage Convention are adhered to. It will from the original plan, which includes areas on ensure that our commitment to that which one could not run a goat to 20 convention will precipitate preservation and hectares. It appears that the Government has protection of the Wet Tropics through effective management. Under this Act, the Wet Tropics Legislative Assembly 4477 16 September 1993

Management Authority will be established to term future and standing of our remaining direct the management of the World Heritage natural assets which have been largely area in accordance with the aims of the untouched. In the Gold Coast border region, agreement between the State and Federal the Scenic Rim falls into that category. I Governments and the World Heritage believe that international recognition of the Convention. In the inter-governmental Scenic Rim as an area which is profoundly agreement, the role of the authority to ensure unique is extremely important to the Gold our obligations are met under the convention Coast region. Certain parts of the forest is described as its paramount function. I habitat and ecology in the Scenic Rim display believe that, under this legislation, that priority rare and sometimes endangered has only been strengthened. characteristics. Of course, the management of the Wet On 30 September 1992, Yvonne McLean Tropics is a task that involves a large, complex of the Tweed/Gold Coast Daily News area which is diverse in ownership and land described aspects of the Scenic Rim as usage. This complexity must be dealt with by having— the authority in a fair and effective way. But, “The potential to yield information most importantly, it must be dealt with in a that will contribute to an understanding of uniform way. The preparation of one plan for the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.” the entire Wet Tropics area is a mandatory requirement of the authority. I understand that It is clear that there is a local appreciation of it will also have the authority to develop plans just how much the Scenic Rim has to offer our for regions, as well. To maintain uniformity and country’s natural heritage. World Heritage allow the broad plans to be adhered to, the listing would merely extend this so that this authority’s plans will prevail over local magnificent and unique area is recognised as government planning schemes where having a natural and cultural significance inconsistencies occur. However, in doing this, globally. the authority will work in partnership with local Over recent years, through the efforts of government to allow sensible, consistent and local environmentalists and the eco-tourism consultative planning to take place. Public policies of the Goss Government, the tourism input into the planning process is an integral industry on the Gold Coast has geared itself to part of this Act. offer interstate and international tourists the The uniform protection and preservation opportunity to spend time in a region which of the Wet Tropics cannot be fully realised stands apart from most others in the world in until some practices in the heritage areas are terms of its natural heritage. Although it is prohibited. The World Heritage Convention is recognised that our beaches are special, the based on protecting the integrity of World real eco-tourist finds the Scenic Rim extremely Heritage areas. Certain activities which may attractive. It is, in a sense, an eco-tourism threaten or damage the Wet Tropics are drawcard for the Gold Coast region. If the area unacceptable in this context and will be dealt is World Heritage listed, more green tourists with by appropriate planning. will be attracted to the Gold Coast region. From a Gold Coast perspective, World The World Heritage listing of Heritage listing of certain aspects of Queensland’s Wet Tropics has rightfully made Queensland’s natural heritage is of great them part of nature’s global treasure chest. significance. The Scenic Rim region of Like any other treasure, they attract many Queensland—which, as many people describe thousands of visitors every year. When it it, is the green behind the gold of the Gold comes to the international recognition that Coast—has been nominated to the World World Heritage listing brings, Queensland has Heritage Commission for World Heritage quite a lot to offer. Not only do we have the listing. I understand the commission should be Wet Tropics and, if the World Heritage making a decision on that in December this Commission sees fit, the Scenic Rim; we also year. The Scenic Rim includes the national have Fraser Island and the Barrier Reef. That parks Warrie, Gwongarella, Wunburra, Mount sort of recognition and the inevitable influx of Cougal and Natural Bridge. visitors that it brings makes the proper planning and management of our World If the Scenic Rim is accepted by the Heritage areas absolutely essential—proper World Heritage Commission and listed, the management to ensure that recognised Gold Coast region will benefit immensely. In a treasures such as the Wet Tropics remain as region that has been characterised by rapid global assets. Again, that is where this Act will development and immense population play a vital role. growth, it is important that we look to the long- 16 September 1993 4478 Legislative Assembly

This Act demonstrates the Queensland Government, in an enormously cynical Government’s commitment to Australia’s exercise, using the ACF for its own political natural heritage, our dedication to maintaining imperatives. that heritage as a global asset and, most of To fulfil these political dreams, a all, our resolve to preserve and protect our standover man was introduced into the own backyard for present and future scheme by the Federal Government. His job generations. I congratulate the Minister on the was essentially to grind the people of far-north formulation of the Bill, and I support the Bill. Queensland into the dirt. The Federal Mr GILMORE (Tablelands) (4.48 p.m.): I Government employed one Graham do not bear much malice in respect to the Wet Richardson, a senator. I would like it recorded Tropics World Heritage Protection and in this Parliament that the senator is a thug— Management Bill. I do not bear much malice intellectually and physically. He is very much about what happened to far-north like the old blue dog: he can dish it out but he Queensland and the people in my electorate cannot take it. That was borne out on a in particular. What I am going to say is said number of occasions by the senator during without rancour and probably with some slight that period. He has an enormous capacity for bemusement. I want to spend some of the gratuitous cruelty and nastiness, and he was a next 20 minutes reviewing in retrospect the fine, fine champion for the Federal events of 1987 and 1988—the period of the Government. He plied his particular skills in the World Heritage listing of the rainforests of far- particular business of screwing the people of north Queensland. I believe that this far-north Queensland into the ground. The legislation is the last Act in this long and fairly senator is also an unrepentant liar who has no unfortunate saga. This saga has caused deep respect for people or for process. and enduring divisions in the community of The first casualty of the World Heritage far-north Queensland. debate was truth, and integrity followed soon I was fairly deeply involved in this after. The Federal Government employed process. Therefore, I feel that I am probably tactics which were dishonest, and a compliant uniquely able to record in this Chamber some press either accepted everything that the of the impressions of that time, some of the Government or the ACF said at face value or personalities and some of the things that were actively and knowingly conspired with the said and done. I think that it would be remiss Government to lie to and to mislead the of me not to record those events through the Australian people. Either way, almost without clear lens of hindsight and retrospect. exception, the press, both print and electronic, To do so, I have to go back to the prostituted itself. It seems that the end beginning and record my views of what justified the means. happened from then on. The listing was not, Mrs Bird: Everyone was wrong and you in my view and in the view of many of the were right. people who were involved at that time, as has Mr GILMORE: The honourable member been popularly recorded, motivated by a was not there. Rarely in Australia’s history has burning desire to save the rainforest. At least, there been such a concerted, orchestrated that was not the way it was seen from the and quite deliberate attack to publicise at political perspective. Certainly, members of the great length half-truths and outright lies in Australian Conservation Foundation saw it to order to discredit a Government—in this case be the way to save the rainforest, and they the Queensland National Party Government of were entitled to that view. But, politically, it was the day—and an industry, while at the same nothing more than rank political opportunism. time promote a pet scheme which was political It was aimed at reviving the flagging fortunes in nature and poorly researched. of an unpopular Government, but it was also aimed at rekindling the flame of union Even such luminaries as Peter Harvey in between the Labor Government of the day Canberra, a notable journalist, compiled and the green movement, and as a way of stories which were absolutely untrue. When I encouraging the Labor Opposition in rang him, talked about it and offered my time Queensland at that time. to personally take him through the rainforest and show him what the story was, he refused It is very easy to draw the quite correct to go to far-north Queensland. It was conclusion that the listing was the result of a obviously easier on his conscience to lie in symbiotic relationship of the worst possible ignorance. kind—opportunism on both sides. The relationship led to the ACF using the The Australian Broadcasting Commission Government for its own purposes, and the was as much to blame as anyone. That organisation regularly screened footage of Legislative Assembly 4479 16 September 1993

Tasmanian woodchip forestry operations promised to them. Many of the people who which involved clear filling and represented it worked in the timber industry have moved to the people of Australia as selective logging away. That created a vacuum. People could operations in the Wet Tropics. Ray Martin, on not rent their houses, so the rental was cheap. his Midday Show, also indulged himself in a There is no longer an industry there. The deliberate—and successful, I might say— tourist industry has not made them attempt to mislead the people of Australia. millionaires. There is just nothing happening. It Television is a powerful and selective is a quiet little backwater. The Government medium. Nothing has changed. A week ago, I failed those people. It failed them deliberately. saw on one channel an article on the Starcke It lied to them. holding, and the footage was of rainforest and I was a member of that delegation to the beach at Cow Bay north of the Daintree. Paris. I spent several days—I cannot The illusion and the quite deliberate deception remember how many—in Paris. was that that was a film of the Starcke Mrs Bird: Tell us about Copacabana and holding. That is a clear example of the Ipanema. despicable campaign of deception to which I and all of my north Queensland friends and Mrs Woodgate: Tell us about the can- colleagues were subjected during the World can girls. Heritage debate. Apparently the whores of the Mr GILMORE: I spent many hours at the press believe that they have the right to United Nations talking to delegates of the manipulate and deceive the people to achieve IUCN. I did some sightseeing in Paris. I visited an end which might seem desirable to them the Eiffel Tower just once. All I saw of Paris personally, or which just happens to suit their was what I saw on that one visit to the top of own philosophical beliefs. the Eiffel Tower. The rest of the time was I would now like to digress a little. I was at damned hard work trying to get the message the meeting in Ravenshoe when Senator across to people who did not understand the Richardson was bailed up in the street and message of the day. physically put on the back of a truck and told I would like to pay a tribute to the team of to address the people of Ravenshoe. It was people who went to Paris. It was made up of an interesting meeting, because that was industry representatives, politicians, public probably the first real protest that I had ever servants and two Aborigines. There were been a part of. At that time, I saw the fear, the some fine professional people on that team. I humiliation and the bitter tears of disbelief in will not name them because some of them the people of Ravenshoe and far-north are still vulnerable to victimisation by this Queensland. They could not believe that the Government. We managed to get through the Government would act so badly and treat door of the IUCN, and as we showed the them so poorly. The only reason that the people the documentation and told them our senator survived to get off the back of that story, we believed that we were actually truck was that Australians, being what they gaining the confidence of those people—and I are, believed in a fair go. believe that we did, until a couple of things The logging industry has been in far-north happened. We spent much time lobbying Queensland for over 100 years. As my those people. colleague from Hinchinbrook said, many of I was rostered on for the first day of the those areas which were subsequently listed on IUCN hearing. I sat there agog watching the World Heritage List have been logged for people of international repute meeting in three separate cycles. Might I add that the Paris. I saw the Australian Government early cycles of that logging were undertaken representative, one Edward Gough Whitlam, by men with bullock teams who had to clear representing our nation in a forum to which he wide swathes through that forest simply so had been a delegate for three years, and he that they could turn the teams around. Yet, lied. He stood up in front of his colleagues for after all of that, they still retained—according three years—the representatives of his country to the IUCN—the kinds of heritage values and this State—and he lied. I had to sit there which are highly prized, and the area was and watch him, because we were not allowed listed. to speak. That is the kind of slime bag that he The town of Ravenshoe is now a little turned out to be. I pay tribute to the two backwater in my electorate. Estimates vary, Aboriginal persons who were on that trip, but it has an unemployment rate up to 50 per namely, Eric Law and Eric Deeral. They are cent. The people there have not prospered fine Queenslanders and people of high from the manna from heaven that was repute. They put forward a very good argument indeed. 16 September 1993 4480 Legislative Assembly

I would like to speak about some of the SEQEB worker. They got nothing. You things that happened in Ravenshoe in respect shafted them. of the compensation packages about which Mr GILMORE: This Government shafted my colleague the member for Hinchinbrook the timber workers of far-north Queensland, spoke. Originally, $13.5m was set aside for believe me. I just wish to God that some of the retooling of the mill in Ravenshoe. The those new chums were there to see it happen. sum of $75m was set aside for compensation packages for displaced timber workers. Much I would imagine that this Bill gives force of that money was never spent. Approximately and effect to the Wet Tropics Management $7.5m was handed to the executive of Agency. I would like to say something about Plywood & Plastics, the company that owned that, too. The Wet Tropics Management the mill at the time but had its headquarters in Agency is a totally bureaucratic, ignorant and Kyogle in New South Wales. The head of that arrogant organisation. It comprises people organisation was Fergus McDonald. I regret to who do not answer their mail or their phone have to inform the House that the man is a calls. That agency has been responsible for thief. some of the most appalling bureaucratic decisions that far-north Queensland has ever Approximately $191,000 of that money seen. A few moments ago, I said that it does was spent on the retooling of that mill. The not answer its mail. I can justify that rest of it disappeared. To this day, the Federal statement, because I have written letters to Government has done nothing about the agency in the past. recovering those funds that were supposed to be used to retool that mill and pay off the I made an application under freedom of overdue and outstanding accounts to the information legislation with respect to the small-business people of far-north agency’s correspondence with the QEC about Queensland. Nothing has been done. That the closure of the H road from the bottom of money is gone. It was stolen with the the Tully Gorge to the Malaan. I obtained six complicity of the Federal Government. letters that were sent from the QEC to the Wet Tropics Management Agency, but not one Mrs Woodgate: That’s not true. answer. When I told the people to whom I Mr GILMORE: It is absolutely true. To this made the application that they were having a day, those people have not been paid for the go at me, they showed me the file. There was work that they put into that mill after the event. not an answer or a phone note on that file They put an enormous amount of time, and no memos from the Wet Tropics personal effort and money into the retooling of Management Agency. Absolutely nothing! that mill. The accounts have not been paid to That is how things get held up in this country. this day. The honourable member knows that It is no wonder that the country is on the is true. bones of its backside! Mr Ardill: He was a National Party Let me tell the House about a couple of supporter. He stole the money. other things that the Wet Tropics Mr GILMORE: He came from New South Management Agency has managed to hold Wales. I never met him. He is a thief. The up. I refer to those logs about which I Government set aside a $2,500 dislocation embarrassed the agency in this Parliament to allowance for each of those people, some of the point at which it actually had them picked whom had been in the industry for 35 years. up and sent to a mill. For safety reasons, 28 That is not enough to buy a second-hand logs of highly valuable timber were felled at motorbike. That was supposedly the side of a road by the Main Roads compensation for a lifetime lost. They could Department. It was then decreed by the Wet not even pay off their homes. They had to Tropics Management Agency that those logs leave town. They were handed a miserable should be left in the forest to rot because they sum of money. Some of them got $30,000. In had to feed the fungus and the little beetles the most immensely bureaucratic decision of that might be there. They had to be cut into all time, a person who was 55 years of age or two-foot billets so that nobody could use that over got $30,000. But a person aged 54 years timber. I so embarrassed those people that and 10 months got $2,500. Let me tell they agreed to have the logs sent off to the honourable members about the poor wretch mill. I understand that they have since who happened to be on sick leave for that changed their policy on that matter. As my period. They refused to pay him after his fifty- colleague from Hinchinbrook pointed out, the fifth birthday. agency has managed to hold up the Tully Millstream hydro-electric scheme for four Mr Livingstone: I bet he wasn’t a Legislative Assembly 4481 16 September 1993 years. This Government will never create that. Tablelands brought no malice or rancour to It will never create anything. this debate! Seldom in my four years in this I turn to the installation of power lines in House have I heard utterances from a far-north Queensland. Contrary to the point of member that have been more rancid or view expressed by Senator Richardson and malicious. The maligning of honourable others on numerous occasions to the effect people ranging from a former Prime Minister that nothing will be done by the Wet Tropics of this country, Edward Gough Whitlam, to Management Agency or by the listing of the people who work for the Wet Tropics Wet Tropics to stop the installation or Management Agency, people represented on construction of utilities, including water the Wet Tropics Management Agency and supplies or power supplies, it is now the policy Senator Graham Richardson was nothing of this Government—and it cannot deny this, short of a disgrace. It does no credit to the because I was told this by the previous member, to the party that he represents or to Minister—that power lines shall be the Government of which he was a part in constructed, where possible, across private 1988 when he took that junket to Paris with land regardless of the consequences or cost the former Minister for the Environment, Geoff to the private land-holder. This Government Muntz, disgraced our Government and made avoids Crown land, forestry reserves and Wet most of the people of Queensland and our Tropics areas as far as is humanly possible, country embarrassed of our State regardless of the cost to the people of far- representatives at that time. north Queensland. That is the kind of thing The passage of this Bill through that the Wet Tropics Management Agency is Parliament today marks yet another milestone doing to far-north Queensland and will in the efforts of the Australian community and continue to do. the Queensland and Federal Governments to Let me tell honourable members about preserve and protect an area of such the need for future water supplies for the environmental significance that it has earned township of Cairns—a little city that some entry on the World Heritage register. Unlike members might have heard about. This the previous speaker—and I hope that by Government is casting envious eyes across speaking here for 20 minutes today he has Tinaroo Falls Dam, which is a very useful been able to get some of those bitter and reservoir that was established for agricultural twisted feelings off his chest, because I would purposes. It is now part of the planning hate to think that the poor member is going to process for that city to get its water from that carry that like a cross for the remainder of his dam into the future. The only reason for that is life—it is not my intention to recommit the that this Government cannot build the Flaggy debate to the last 10 years, nor to reopen old Creek dam because the whole catchment of wounds or arguments, which he seemed the Flaggy Creek dam, which is in the intent on doing. It is, however, worth electorate of the member for Barron River, is remembering the significance accorded to included in the Wet Tropics. north Queensland’s rainforests nationally and internationally. Article 2 of the World Heritage Dr Clark: That’s not actually true that Convention, as agreed to in Paris in 1972, they can’t build it. The border of that dam is states— on the edge of the World Heritage area. If you knew your facts, you wouldn’t stand there and “For the purposes of this Convention, say that. the following shall be considered as ‘natural heritage’; Mr GILMORE: It is in the World Heritage area. I tried very hard to keep the ponded natural features consisting of physical area out of that. But this Government included and biological formations or groups of it. Now it has a problem because the ponded such formations, which are of outstanding area, which will one day have to be cleared of universal value from the aesthetic or trees so that a dam can be built, is right scientific point of view; smack dab in the middle of the World Heritage geological and physiographical area. The Government is never going to build formations and precisely delineated areas that dam. So water from Tinaroo Falls Dam, which constitute the habitat of threatened which is the only water supply for the species of animals and plants of agricultural future of far-north Queensland, will outstanding universal value from the be doing down the guzzlers of Cairns. point of view of science or conservation; Time expired. natural sites or precisely delineated Mr BREDHAUER (Cook) (5.09 p.m.): I am certainly grateful that the member for 16 September 1993 4482 Legislative Assembly

natural areas of outstanding universal “and without prejudice to property rights value from the point of view of science, provided by national legislation, the State conservation or natural beauty.” Parties to this Convention recognize that Through their nomination of north such heritage constitutes a world heritage Queensland’s tropical rainforests, the for whose protection it is the duty of the Queensland and Federal Governments have international community as a whole to co- recognised that in our tropical rainforests, we operate.” have a unique biodiversity within a regional The international community is cooperating by ecosystem which should be preserved and respecting the sovereignty of this State in protected for future generations. In fact, the managing this significant World Heritage listed commitment of the State Government should area. not be underestimated. Article 4 of the World I indicated from the outset that it was not Heritage Convention spells out the degree of my intention to reopen old debates. However, expectation which the convention generates in having been a member of this Parliament for the international community that our four years and having come to know some of Government will ensure the preservation of the members opposite through that this asset. I quote Article 4— association, I have to say that I wonder “Each State Party to this Convention whether their opposition to World Heritage recognizes that the duty of ensuring the listing in 1987 and subsequently until the identification, protection, conservation, State election in 1989 was not more an presentation and transmission to future exercise in opposing the Federal Government generations of the cultural and natural per se rather than an in-principle objection to heritage referred to in Articles 1 and 2 the listing. I refer briefly to a comment that and situated on its territory, belongs was made by the shadow Minister, the primarily to that State. It will do all it can member for Burnett, in his speech in which he to this end, to the utmost of its own said that his Government did not oppose per resources and, where appropriate, with se the World Heritage listing of far-north any international assistance and co- Queensland’s rainforests. The Opposition had operation, in particular, financial, artistic, an objection more in terms of the actual size scientific and technical, which it may be of the listing. I think the honourable member able to obtain.” said that the then State Government had Whilst discussing aspects of the World agreed to a listing of about 88 per cent of that Heritage Convention, I diverge briefly from the rainforest. I acknowledge that there may have Bill to canvas the concern on the part of some been members opposite who did not disagree people that listing on the register hands over with the listing per se, although they may have control of the area to some other Government had some difficulty with it. However, I contrast or agency. A couple of weeks ago, the that with the statements that were just made member for Barron River interjected during a by the member for Tablelands who said that speech by the member for Everton in regard the position adopted by the Australian to the stories that have abounded and still Conservation Foundation and the Federal abound in far-north Queensland about how Government at that time was nothing more we are handing over control of this area to than an exercise in political opportunism. people in Paris, or to the Cubans, or whoever I find it a bit difficult to reconcile the fact it might happen to be. But Article 6 of the that the previous National Party Government Schedule states specifically— would have supported the World Heritage “Whilst fully respecting the listing, yet when the Labor Government sovereignty of the States on whose wanted to do it, it disputed the boundaries of territory the cultural and natural heritage the area that should be included. When the mentioned in Articles 1 and 2 is previous National Party Government wanted situated”— to do it, it was a sensible conservation issue. When the Federal Labor Government wanted and I will repeat that— to do it, it was an exercise in political “Whilst fully respecting the opportunism. Opposition members cannot sovereignty of the States on whose have their cake and eat it too. The territory the cultural and natural heritage inconsistencies, the double standards and the mentioned in Articles 1 and 2 is hypocrisy of the member for Tablelands, the situated”— member for Hinchinbrook and most other and it goes on— members opposite when they were in Government and engaged in this debate in Legislative Assembly 4483 16 September 1993 the late 1980s is to the eternal shame of this Rainforest Aboriginal Network and the Wet State. Tropics Management Authority at Clump Point Much of what has been provided for in Mountain, 16 facilitators were contracted in this Bill has, of course, been under way for November 1992 to work with Aboriginal quite some time. The Bill discusses the Wet communities and to report to the strategic Tropics Management Authority and its board, directions planning committee. Agency staff the executive director and the staff, the have attended numerous community management plans and related issues, all of meetings, and written responses were which have either been in operation for some received from 13 communities through their time or are well under way under the current facilitators. These included Wujal Wujal, structure of the Wet Tropics Management Mossman Gorge, Mossman township, Authority. Yirrganydji, Yarrabah Council, Kunggandgyi, Yidinji-Buddabadoo and Yidinji-Malanbarra— I know that it has been a cause of some all of which are either in my electorate or are in consternation to the staff of the authority, the areas close to my electorate. community consultative committee and to some members of the public and conservation This Bill, in fact, requires specifically the groups that this legislation has not found its authority to have regard to the tradition of way through Parliament sooner. Undoubtedly, Aboriginal people, particularly with regard to one of the matters on which it has taken some land in the Wet Tropics area, and to liaise and time to reach a position is the role and the cooperate with Aboriginal people particularly relationship of Aboriginal people in the Wet concerned with land in the area. The Bill sets Tropics area. Allow me to make my position out that, in preparation of a draft plan, perfectly clear. The Wet Tropics area is not submissions should be sought from Aboriginal simply about flora and fauna, nor about people who have an interest in the area, and stream or river ecology. It is not just about that due regard be given to such submissions. wildlife corridors, the meeting of two It should be further noted that a Wet Tropics extraordinary ecosystems—the reef and the Plan cannot affect any rights Aboriginal rainforest—or about preserving the gene pool. people have under another Act—for example, Whilst the Wet Tropics is all of these things—it the Aboriginal Land Act or the Nature is significant in all of those areas—it is Conservation Act—where a Wet Tropics Plan essentially a landscape where people have overlaps the area of a national park which has interacted with nature for thousands of years been successfully claimed by Aboriginal and, hopefully, will continue to do so for people. Of course, a plan cannot affect native thousands of years to come. title rights where they may be established to still exist. The rights of Aboriginal people to At this point in my speech, I would like to forest products under other laws will not be pause to welcome the comments made by affected by the “prohibited acts” clause and, of the member for Hinchinbrook in his speech. course, the rights of Aborigines are He said that not enough recognition is determined not only by legislation but also by given—I jotted this down while he was case law or common law judgments, as I speaking—to people who, for generations, mentioned in relation to the native title High have made their living out of the forests. I Court case. welcome the support of the member for Hinchinbrook. I hope that he will accord the The member for Burnett mentioned that same degree of sympathy and support for the there had been discussions about native title people who have earned their living not for implications of this legislation, and that is true. generations, but for decades, for centuries Many discussions have been held with the and for millennia out of the rainforests of far- Rainforest Aboriginal Network and other north Queensland. organisations to arrive at an appropriate format. An amendment will be brought forward I have in my hand a tome which is by way of preamble which commits this published by the Wet Tropics Management Government to joint management Agency and which outlines the process of arrangements with Aboriginal people in the consultation with Aboriginal organisations Wet Tropics area, and I welcome that. It is about the strategic direction plans. That report unquestionably true that it has been a difficult is quite extensive. I should acknowledge that, and lengthy process for us to undertake. in September 1992, an Aboriginal consultation However, as I said earlier, we recognise the coordinator was appointed, and a total of 46 significance of the relationship between Aboriginal groups were contacted in an Aboriginal people and the land in the area, attempt to find community facilitators. After a and we are determined not to ride roughshod meeting that was organised jointly by the over the top of those interests. The member 16 September 1993 4484 Legislative Assembly for Burnett advanced an argument on behalf a track up the eastern face of the block. The of the Aboriginal group that contacted him. property has access, but an additional and Although he did not say who it was, I suspect unconditional access is sought. I make it quite it may have been the Rainforest Aboriginal clear that this Government does not support Network. In my heart, I just hope that as well or condone the construction of an internal as taking on board their views in relation to the road up the eastern face of Portion 144, and it Bill that is before the House presently, when never has. The Government is most we come to debate other issues such as concerned about the visual and environmental Aborigines’ rights to subsistence and impact that such a construction would have on ceremonial hunting in national parks, the many Cairns and Marlin Coast residents and, member will also have some sympathy— obviously, on the rainforest values of that perhaps even some empathy—for the block. This is clearly stated in a letter dated 26 Aborigines’ position. August 1993 to one of the owners, Ms Robyn I welcome the decision about the Poschelk, which was written by the Minister for Preamble in the legislation as a positive Primary Industries. I have had ongoing contribution towards the recognition of the discussions with both the present Minister for Wet Tropics as an area that is significant not Environment and Heritage and the Minister for only for its natural heritage, but also equally Primary Industries in relation to that matter. significant for its cultural heritage—which, of Another issue relates to an area that is course, is the other feature of IUCN criteria north of the Daintree River and, in particular, that are used in determining World Heritage to the Premier’s recent announcement of a values. I place on record my support for the freeze on further extensions to the electricity appointment of an appropriate Aboriginal supply. Again, a few points need to be made. person to the Wet Tropics Management I have consistently expressed the view that Authority. This is something that Aboriginal power can and should be extended along people have been asking for over a period. If Forest Creek Road, south of the Alexandra necessary, the current three-yearly review of Range, which is not in the World Heritage area management arrangements should discuss and which is not opposed by the Wet Tropics and propose recommendations to achieve this Management Authority. I have also outcome. The Minister will recall that I have consistently expressed the view that grid spoken to her about this issue on a number of power should not cross the range at least until occasions. the Douglas Shire’s development control plan Although I could say a lot about the and the Wet Tropics Strategic Directions and management plans that are currently being Management Plans are finalised in relation to prepared as they affect significant parts of my this area. This Government never made an electorate and although I could canvass many election promise to connect electricity into the issues, perhaps I might confine myself to area, as claimed by a number of people in the making a few comments on some of those media recently. issues. The first relates to a matter that is No election promise has been broken by currently quite pressing, namely, a freehold the Premier’s announcement. People who block of land on Mount Buchan which is have claimed in recent letters to far-north described as Portion 144. The property Queensland newspapers that the Government contains over 63 hectares and is largely a has extended grid power to the Torres Strait rainforest area. It is partly within the World seem to misunderstand what being connected Heritage area and is adjoined by a World to the State electricity grid means. Each island Heritage area on two sides. There is a small in the Torres Strait operates on an isolated cleared area and the remains of a dwelling on diesel generating plant, and power is top of an escarpment, but mostly the property reticulated to buildings on the island. Those is on a steep eastern fall which is visible from buildings are not connected to the grid and most of the Marlin Coast and even from parts constitute a different circumstance entirely of Cairns. The property is actually located in from the situation in the area north of the the Douglas Shire in my electorate. Dedicated Alexandra Range. I reiterate my support for access is from the lower boundary off the the Government’s alternative energy advisory Cook Highway, but the current serviceable group, which is chaired by the member for access to the cleared area at the top is to the Everton, and advise that follow-up work in west, via a permit to traverse a forestry road, relation to my visit to the Daintree area with and through the State forest and World the member for Everton is currently Heritage area. proceeding. Among the many other issues The main issue is the owner’s expressed that I would like to discuss is FNQEB’s need to improve internal access by bulldozing proposal to augment the power supply to Port Legislative Assembly 4485 16 September 1993

Douglas. This is currently the subject of a stop the destruction of this treasure-house of publication and consultation period. beauty and untold resources, namely, the Wet I wish to mention a couple of issues Tropics of north Queensland. raised by the member for Burnett during his Already, there have been incursions and speech. He referred to the rights of freehold destruction by such well-known vandals as land-owners in the area, and this Government George Quaid, who has been aided and has recognised their rights by removing the abetted by “Crocodile” Tenni and the fox in the buffer zones. I also mention that it is my chicken house, the unlamented former view—and I believe that it is shared by this Environment Minister, Geoff Muntz—the Government and by the Wet Tropics character who led the first crusade to Rio to Management Authority—that we should not protect the vandals and Huns from the wrath get into compulsory acquisition of land. What of World Heritage listing. I am not sure we would like to do is acquire land where it is whether or not it coincided with the carnival freely available for sale and where its values orgy that is held there from time to time. are such that it leads us to acquire the land. Today, in the House, National Party members However, we recognise that there will always were still defending the vandals. be freehold land-owners in the area and that Mr Rowell interjected. we will need to establish cooperative management systems with those people. We Mr ARDILL: I exclude the member for would like to take a cooperative approach to Hinchinbrook from that remark. When I dealings with freehold land-owners in the area. listened to his speech, I found a lot with which to agree. Today, in this House, National Party Previous speakers referred to the value of members were still defending the vandals. In the timber industry, and I recognise that. I this House, the National Party spokesperson believe that both the Federal Government and for or against Environment—I am not sure the State Government have recognised the which—defended the privilege of the despoiler value of the timber industry through their of the Daintree, the bulldozer of the Big efforts to establish the Rainforest Plantation Mitchell Track from the Port Douglas Road to Timber Service, which has the potential to the top of the Great Divide and all of the earn great income and provide significant timber along the Mitchell at Southedge, and employment—140 or 150 jobs when it gets also the recipient of incredible National Party into full swing. I also mention, though, that the largess from the public purse at Starcke, which environmental values of the Daintree area the second George Quaid Bill will rectify. have been estimated to be worth approximately $75m to the far-north How those members can justify only Queensland economy through tourism. This $30,000, which they accepted in the dying value is based on the environment of the days of their regime in 1989, to freehold area; therefore, preserving that environment is 24 000 hectares of land along the McIvor- the key feature to preserving that level of Melville road I cannot imagine. investment and spending in the area. Mr Dollin: There were a lot of deals done This is an important Bill. I will continue my like that in 1989. active interest and involvement in this Mr ARDILL: That is right. It cost legislation. I thank the Minister and her approximately $1m to obtain the leasehold of predecessor for their perseverance in 210 000 hectares of that land. addressing the many issues that I have had to Mr SLACK: I rise to a point of order. I was talk to them about. I thank also their staff, not allowed to mention that because a Bill is whom I have badgered incessantly on before the House in relation to the Starcke occasions, because I have always come away land deal. I was precluded from mentioning from them in a good frame of mind. I that matter. I would have liked to have commend the Bill to the House. debated those details in the Parliament. I Mr ARDILL (Archerfield) (5.29 p.m.): First would be quite happy at any time to debate of all, I congratulate the Minister and her staff the details with the member for Archerfield. on this historic day. When one of the nation’s However, as I was reminded of my treasures is secured against the danger of responsibilities, Mr Speaker, I ask you to despoliation, it is an historic day for Australia. remind the member for Archerfield. The road to success has been long and Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Starcke Bill arduous, but success will surely be achieved if was introduced this morning. I suggest that this Bill is approved by the Parliament. It is a the honourable member does not specifically project that has occupied all the efforts of mention matters related to that Bill. hundreds of people who were determined to 16 September 1993 4486 Legislative Assembly

Mr ARDILL: I was taking the opportunity when policemen, including a commissioned to reply to the member for Burnett, who has officer, vandalised personal property and now taken a point of order against me on that committed acts of arson, as they later same subject. This afternoon, he spoke at recounted in court. Under the National Party, length on that subject. I drew to the attention they were found not guilty. of the Deputy Speaker the fact that the That is all now behind us. The days of honourable member was speaking on that fast-buck vandals are over. The victory subject. I said that, if he were to speak on it, I belongs to the great people of the would answer him. environment movement, some of whom now Mr SPEAKER: Order! As long as the work effectively in the Minister’s office and in honourable member comes back to the her department for the people of Queensland. provisions of this Bill. The victory belongs also to the ordinary Mr ARDILL: Although the 210 000 people who fought long and hard to protect hectares cost approximately $1m, which is $5 the tropical rainforest and who never gave up a hectare, the former Government allowed hope of defeating Bjelke-Petersen and his ilk, that person to freehold 24 000 hectares for who saw trees only as targets for bulldozers. It $30,800, which is $1.28 a hectare. belongs also to the political people, such as the Honourable Pat Comben, Angus Innes, Mr SLACK: I rise to a point of order. I other members of this House and members of readily admit that I was given fairly free rein on all political parties who kept up the fight. that Bill by the Deputy Speaker. However, there were interjections relevant to the point Mr Bredhauer: Bob Scott. raised by the member for Archerfield. I Mr ARDILL: Certainly Bob Scott, the mentioned that, within the speech, I would like member for that area, who fought long and to address those points—the acquisitions, the hard. I hope that the Opposition has learnt amount of money that was spent and the something from losing the battle. The Wet other arrangements. However, I was not Tropics of Queensland are now on the world allowed to do so. map. There will be benefits to everyone in the Mr ARDILL: I think that the honourable region, and particularly to tourism. This is the member is making a speech. only World Heritage tropical rainforest in a developed country on earth. It will be the Mr SPEAKER: Order! He is. sixteenth tropical rainforest in the world to be Mr ARDILL: The tropical area of far-north gazetted as a World Heritage area and will be Queensland has always had an aura of the fifth largest in size. Only Zaire in the romance about it that has attracted Congo region of central Africa, Peru in the adventurous spirits for centuries. The Andes of South America, a 14 000 square Aboriginal people have been there for kilometre reserve in Thailand, the Talamanca thousands of years without causing Range in Costa Rica, and Panama are larger appreciable change to the environment. Asian than Queensland’s Wet Tropics World visitors have certainly been making visits to Heritage area. the area for centuries and have left their The Wet Tropics are eclipsed only by the progeny. European adventurers almost Great Barrier Reef as Australia’s greatest certainly predated Captain Cook. Since national treasure. What the despoilers do not European settlement, artists and writers found take into consideration is that the earth needs the far north with its tropical rainforests an more than energy, food and money to survive. attraction that they could not ignore. The Without photosynthesis, there could be no adventurous people who colonised the Cairns oxygen and no food on earth. Australia, with region in the last quarter of last century not the fifth-largest tropical rainforest World only captured the land of the rainforest but Heritage area in the world, is contributing to they were also captured by it. They were the balance of nature. Even more importantly, certainly heroic people. as a developed nation, we are setting an With the polarising of the Australian example to the rest of world. We are saying, people, and particularly the young Australians, “In the interests of world environment, we will at the time of the disgraceful incursions into set aside a section of our country. Certainly, Vietnam, large numbers of young people those tropical forests produce some of the opted out and headed north. That culminated, most beautiful and valuable timber that can 17 years ago last month—on the 29th, in be obtained in the world. We are foregoing fact—in one of the most disgraceful episodes the use and enjoyment of that resource.” in the history of the area. I refer, of course, to Unfortunately, those trees are mostly slow the disgraceful, violent attack on Cedar Bay, to reach maturity, otherwise we would be Legislative Assembly 4487 16 September 1993 farming the softwoods instead of hacking Mr Rowell: It has been five years. them out of precipitous, soaking mountain Mr ARDILL: And it has taken five years terrain. In exchange, the economy will receive because of the Opposition and because of all an upsurge in international eco-tourism. That the stages which had to be completed before is the coming chief industry of that region. The reaching this point. The implementation of the beginnings are now visible in the young World Heritage listing of this area will be the backpackers who visit Cairns. That will become start of eco-tourism. Until the area is World a flood once the World Heritage region is Heritage listed, the rest of the world will not listed and becomes known around the world. know what we have to offer. That is the huge Cairns has the most diverse range of tourist advantage of World Heritage listing—the fact attractions of any place in Australia. It must that it puts us on the world stage. It will bring protect its natural beauty, its natural people to the area. I was pleased to hear the attractions and also its transport resources for member for Currumbin mention the proposed the future of international eco-tourism. It is the World Heritage listing of the wonderful Scenic future of Queensland. Rim. I have supported the concept of the The Bill will set up the management listing of that area for a very long time. That structure on a formal basis. I will not go into area will also be part of the eco-tourism the details of that management. During the industry of Queensland. Committee stage, no doubt, further discussion This State has the greatest natural will take place. Suffice to say that the environment diversity of any State in Australia. unnecessary, unfair and untrue attacks that I am sure that World Heritage listing will have been made by various people on the increase immeasurably the awareness of the management of the area to this point in time whole world to what we have to offer. It will are completely wrong. Firstly, there is no buffer take a considerable degree of management zone, nor will there be a buffer zone. In recent skills to ensure that we do not destroy what we times, less reference has been made to that have and that we do not allow tourism to furphy. Perhaps that fact has been realised override the natural beauty of the area. I am and accepted. Developers who have sure that the management structure that this complained publicly about delays in their Bill will put in place will ensure that the area is developments have been making unfair fully protected. There will be proper noises. They have been unable to accept that management. There will be a careful the area first has to be protected. If they have husbanding of the natural beauty and the to accept alternative access to their natural attractions of the area. developments rather than their first choice, that is a justified constriction that has to be As I mentioned earlier, under the National addressed by them. Already, we have seen Party, the Department of Environment and one incursion into the proposed World Heritage was controlled by the fox in the Heritage area by the proposed sky way. That chicken coop. Under the present is a most unfortunate incursion, but it is in management of the Honourable Molly place. Robson, I am sure that the department is in very good hands and that Queensland’s The management authority and the natural beauty will be protected and will board have a widely representative range of forever be a part of world eco-tourism. I interests. They will represent the Federal support the Bill. Government, the State Government, the people of the north and, hopefully, the Hon. M. J. ROBSON (Springwood— Aboriginal population. The management Minister for Environment and Heritage) authority and the board will have a range of (5.45 p.m.), in reply: This has certainly been a expertise that will ensure that good decision very interesting debate. It has clearly brought making is possible and in fact occurs. The Wet out a great array of views, prejudices, Tropics will be part of the eco-tourism industry misconceptions and an alarming number of of Queensland and Australia. As I said, that quite disgusting personal attacks against will be the major industry of north Queensland. various people who felt strongly enough about That industry will provide employment for this issue to have promoted the preservation Queenslanders. No doubt exists that to this of the beautiful Wet Tropics area over a long point there has been a deleterious effect on period. I want to acknowledge the presence in employment because of World Heritage the public gallery of Dr Aila Keto. I pay tribute listing. That cannot be corrected overnight. to her and her colleagues for their wonderful The sort of interest which will inevitably flow and consistent effort to have this area from World Heritage listing cannot be protected. generated—— 16 September 1993 4488 Legislative Assembly

I turn now to some of the specific management plans will reflect that philosophy comments that have been made during this of no buffer zones. I ask honourable members debate. I will start with the comments by the to rest assured that this is not a sleight of member for Burnett. He raised a series of hand trick that the Government is up to. We issues related to local authorities and the are very committed to the promise that we powers that they would have. He has a gave in Innisfail in August 1992. genuine concern about that matter. Of course, The Daintree consultative process was we recognise that local government has an another issue raised by the honourable extremely valuable and valued role to play in member for Burnett. He claimed that people managing these areas, and we respect that. involved in that process appeared to have a We certainly have engaged in very meaningful pre-set agenda to which they wished to consultation with local government. We will adhere. The Wet Tropics Management continue to do that. We will work closely with Authority is currently preparing a draft local government to develop management management plan for the Cape plans for the area. For example, the Tribulation/Daintree area. This process honourable member would be aware that we involved an initial extensive community are already working with the Douglas Shire consultation phase. That phase has now been Council in terms of preparing a plan for the completed. Sixty-one submissions were area north of the Daintree. That consultation is received and over 300 people attended 20 going very well. I am very pleased with the meetings. The draft management plan is cooperation and the enthusiasm that those being developed in consultation with the local government representatives are throwing Daintree Management Coordination Group, into their discussions with the Government. which involves the Wet Tropics Management Local government planning schemes will Authority, the Department of Environment and still operate, but, quite clearly, where there is Heritage and the Douglas Shire Council. There an inconsistency between local government have been no complaints regarding that planning and Wet Tropics management plans, consultation process to date. I am not aware the Wet Tropics management plans will have of the existence of any problems in that precedence. That is quite a natural path to regard. take. I am sure that the honourable member The member for Burnett also pointed out understands that the joint management that World Heritage listing was not done between the Commonwealth and the State against the wishes of the previous State gives it that power, and this legislation gives it Government. Honestly, how can the that power. However, we do not want to enter honourable member say that? I have here into confrontation situations with local Hansard extracts which demonstrate that government. We are certainly working through members of the National Party Government the arena of problems that it has raised with stated clearly that they did not wish to support us. That will continue to occur. Quite clearly, World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics at as we design the way in which we are going to any price. manage these areas, we will be holding those meaningful discussions well into the future. We must get this straight. The member for Sunnybank spoke of that and cited The honourable member for Burnett also statements from Hansard which indicated raised concerns about local authorities categorically that it would not be supported. regarding the withdrawal of the provisions They may have changed their minds when relating to management areas—the buffer they realised that the cards were stacked zones provisions. I can assure the honourable against them, but the statements that were member that that has been done, and the made by representatives of the former honourable member will see that through this Government indicated clearly that they were legislation. The member for Hinchinbrook has totally opposed—not just mildly opposed—to also raised those concerns with me on a that listing. couple of occasions. I have explained to him—and I will be quite happy to further Mr Slack: My understanding was that at explain this—that the amendments to the the end there was support for World Heritage Nature Conservation Act will also reflect the listing, but of a reduced area. removal of any buffer zone management area Ms ROBSON: No. That might be a provisions. As the honourable member would convenient interpretation. The reality is that be aware, at this stage, until it is proclaimed, there was total opposition to that listing. They the Nature Conservation Act has no force of fought it all the way. I think that the debate law. It will have the force of law when the today has largely illustrated that members management plans are designed. The opposite still hold the same objections to that Legislative Assembly 4489 16 September 1993 listing. They still believe that an area of adjustment owing to the declining availability natural, beautiful rainforest is there for of the resource. The region had a diverse plundering; that it is there only as an economy dependent on agricultural economic resource. production, processing—particularly of sugar— Mr Rowell: It was never logged. and tourism. Ms ROBSON: It does not matter whether The 1980s were a period of significant the area was never logged. The reality is that growth in visitation to far-north Queensland, Aboriginal people have spiritual and traditional associated with which was a boom in connections to those lands. The scars that commercial and residential construction and they have endured by having it raped and rapid rates of growth in the population. The pillaged in the way that it was is something logging and sawmilling industry was only a that I do not think we non-Aboriginal people small part of the regional economy. For most can understand. They have tried to explain it of the period, the region experienced boom to me. I am not an Aboriginal person, but I economic conditions. feel for what they are saying. We have to be Mr Rowell: Yes, but it varies. You know realistic. I will not linger on the point of who what agriculture is like. was right and who was wrong about the listing, Ms ROBSON: Okay. The member for but I will continue with the debate so that I can Burnett also talked about the fact that three make a few points. years on there was not a detailed plan for the Both the member for Burnett and the region. I will address that point by saying that member for Hinchinbrook had concerns about a document titled “Wet Tropics Plan Strategic the number of jobs that were threatened and Directions” was released for public comment lost, and concerns about families and on 20 August last year. That document was businesses that had to move out of the area. I published as a discussion document to assist will provide some statistics which I believe will with public consultation in regard to the help to address the particular issues that they development of the draft Wet Tropics Plan. An raised. extensive consultation process was Mr Rowell: Do you mean to say I don’t undertaken. This encompassed 30 community know what is happening in my own area? workshops, radio and television advertisements, a specific Aboriginal Ms ROBSON: I will give the honourable community consultation process using member some accurate statistics, and he can facilitators and the receipt of 374 written take them or leave them as he wishes. Of a submissions from the community. The draft sample of 129 displaced timber workers Wet Tropics Plan is currently under surveyed by Kinhill for the then Department of preparation and will be published later this Art, Sport, Environment, Tourism and year for public comment. Territories in September 1991, 71 per cent were employed and 8 per cent had retired I move on now to the member for after receiving early retirement assistance. Mooloolah, who is not in the Chamber. He Only 5 per cent to 7 per cent reported asked whether an inventory of the Wet Tropics manifestation of stress, and 46 per cent had been completed or was under way. The reported no negative impacts. From response is that an extensive research and information gathered during the survey, it is inventory program is being conducted by the estimated that only 10 per cent of displaced Wet Tropics Management Authority. This timber workers had left the region. includes scientific research grants, research by contract and direct funding of research. The Mr Rowell: What happens when the SAP Wet Tropics Management Authority is package is finished? currently investigating efficient techniques for Ms ROBSON: Those are the results of a a long-term inventory program. The survey which assessed the impact. honourable member asked also about the Mr Rowell: But that was in place. cost to the taxpayer to date of the contributions to the WHC and the expected Ms ROBSON: I acknowledge the future cost. The total contribution to the WHC honourable member’s point. I am not in 1993 was $68,317. Future costs are prepared to argue at this stage. I will move on calculated as 1 per cent of Australia’s annual and talk about other aspects of the matter. In contribution to UNESCO, and the Queensland the decade prior to World Heritage listing, the Government bears none of those costs. Queensland Government had been progressively reducing the allowable cut to The member for Callide made a point reach a sustainable yield from the forest that there is a need for a single tourism resource. The industry was in a period of strategy for the region. In early 1992, the Wet 16 September 1993 4490 Legislative Assembly

Tropics Management Authority commissioned Kuhns did not want it included. We are the National Centre for Studies in Travel and currently negotiating with them. The Lands Tourism to develop a tourism strategy for the Department has done evaluations of their area. land. They are now prepared to sell that land Sitting suspended from 5.56 to 7.30 p.m. and to have it included, but they have not been able to settle on a price with us. We are Ms ROBSON: The draft tourism strategy about to move onto a further phase of to which I referred before the dinner recess will evaluation of that property. I am sure that the form one of the bases for the development of honourable member would agree that we do the draft Wet Tropics plan. A draft tourism not go around forcing people to do that. strategy was prepared in mid-1992 and has been circulated to the tourism industry via the Mr Rowell: They have had a change of Wet Tropics Tourism Liaison Group. heart. Comments have been received and Ms ROBSON: They have had a change incorporated into the draft Wet Tropics tourism of heart, but the honourable member’s plan. question related to the original determination I turn to the issues raised by the member of boundaries. for Hinchinbrook. He said that the boundaries The member for Currumbin has a clear of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area do not recognition of the ecological and heritage reflect true rainforest values. The honourable values of listing a World Heritage area. She member should be aware that the World spoke about the proposed listing of the Scenic Heritage values of Wet Tropics are not just Rim in her electorate. The honourable tropical rainforests. Other vegetation types member has been supportive and enthusiastic such as tall, open woodlands, melaleuca about this issue. As a member of my swamps, mangrove forests and sand ridge legislative committee, she has been extremely communities are included in the World helpful. Her contribution has been valued. Heritage listing for the Wet Tropics. The Wet I must admit that I was very saddened Tropics World Heritage area is one of only a and shocked by the bitterness of the handful of World Heritage sites which meet all contribution of the member for Tablelands, four criteria for listing as a natural site. These who attacked people who are not here to other vegetation types are essential to the defend themselves. He attacked members of overall integrity of the Wet Tropics. The the Federal Government, senators and evolutionary history is one point. The ongoing various other people who have been involved biological evolution is another. These are all in the debate and obviously carry opinions points of consideration when determining that are contrary to his own. They were these boundaries. viciously attacked. This is not the forum in The member for Hinchinbrook seems to which to do that. It is a very cowardly way to have raised quite a lot of economic operate. I condemn him for that. considerations. I referred to this when I was The comments made by other members addressing my earlier comments to the opposite were far more focused and sane. I contribution made by the honourable member am sad that the member resorted to those for Burnett. The member for Hinchinbrook very low tactics to score a few points. I am seems to feel that these priorities should be sure that, in the long run, he will pay the piper. related to economic considerations, but in In the interim, I apologise to all those people doing so he fails to recognise the economic whom he has offended and, in a sense, contribution and the value of that contribution slandered. He called them thieves and liars. to the tourism dollar as an attraction. While the ecological considerations are principal and The honourable member also attacked primary in these listings, there is an economic community groups and the media simply benefit to that area. Clearly, it is not as direct because they made their contributions in terms of return for the dollar as the felling of towards promoting the listing of the Wet trees. But we are not talking about an Tropics as a World Heritage area. That is quite enormous loss. The size of that logging a legitimate activity. We all do that in the best industry was not the major economic motivator way that we can. The honourable member’s in that area. I think that I have covered that implication was that, in order to do that, they aspect. resorted to lies and misleading statements. In some cases, perhaps people got a bit In terms of the Kuhn land—the desperate and twisted the truth a little. But the honourable member wanted to know why it thing sold itself. was not included in the original listing. It was not included in the original listing because the Legislative Assembly 4491 16 September 1993

Fundamentally, there was a great deal of The H road was constructed to build the community support for the listing of that Kareeya to Tully Gorge to Innisfail powerline. unique and wonderful area of our State by The road is closed. It has a land slip on it that people all over Australia. The bitterness that has not been removed by agreement with the the honourable member reflected says QEC and QFS. A letter from QEC of something about his philosophy, which November 1991 stated— fortunately is not shared by many people, that “We confirm also that it is desirable is, that economic resources are to be from both the Wet Tropics Management plundered, pillaged and abandoned when Agency and QEC’s point of view that the they can no longer seed some sort of crop. It slip which has closed the H road should was a disappointing contribution from the be left in place to prevent unauthorised honourable member, but a clear illustration of use of the road.” the nature of his thinking and insensitivity in relation to issues of this nature. I am glad that The honourable member spoke about we have moved past this. Those dim, dark water supplies. He would know that there are ages are behind us now. I believe that this is at least 17 community water supplies for an incredible move forward. The eyes of the towns and cities in the Wet Tropics World world are upon us with this unique piece of Heritage area. About 230 000 of the 300 000 legislation. The honourable member insulted people living within 50 kilometres of the Wet and abused honest people simply because Tropics World Heritage area obtain their water they have beliefs different from his own. That from that Wet Tropics World Heritage area. At is sad. least three community water supplies have been approved by the Wet Tropics Some of the concerns that the Management Authority and Ministerial honourable member reiterated relate to the Council. installation of power lines. The Wet Tropics Management Agency and the Queensland The member for Cook illustrated clearly electricity supply industry have developed an that he has an excellent working knowledge of environmental code of practice, which is a that area and the reasons behind the listing. milestone in providing for the protection of He spoke about the relationship between the World Heritage values and the future supply of Aboriginal people and the land. He also spoke electricity to the residents of far-north about the spiritual and traditional relationships Queensland. The Wet Tropics Management which they value above all else. The member Authority has held discussions with the QEC represented their interests and concerns regarding the proposed Chalumbin-Woree energetically and consistently. He has shown powerline. The authority is not obstructing the that he genuinely cares and has concerns new powerline. about these issues. I thank him for the information and help that he has given me in Mr Bredhauer: The member for the 12 months that I have been the relevant Tablelands is being obstructive. Minister. He has helped me to understand Ms ROBSON: The member for Cook says what those issues are and has given me that the member for Tablelands is being current and relevant information. Those obstructive. I acknowledge that. The authority concerns that he raises are very real. They are is working with the QEC to find a route which very significant to us, and we intend to minimises the impact on World Heritage recognise them and promote active values. The honourable member also referred participation in the joint management to the H road and claimed that the agency arrangements of the Wet Tropics World does not respond to his letters. During the Heritage area with Aboriginal people. dinner recess, my officers did a quick check to Certainly, we have agreed that we will place see why that was happening. They found that an Aboriginal person on the authority body it is not true. The member for Tablelands when it is appointed. actually wrote a letter to the agency, which Typically, the member for Archerfield, in was received by it on 5 April 1993, about the his wonderfully enthusiastic and energetic H road. On 6 May 1993, the agency replied to way, was outgoing and presented a spirited Mr Gilmore’s letter. In the interim period, it delivery which, once again, confirmed his consulted the QEC and QFS. It is all very well commitment and the commitment of our for the member to call people liars, but the Government to the preservation of this area. reality of some of his accusations has been Again, Mr Ardill spoke passionately. He spoke undermined by the information that my of the magical quality of the Wet Tropics in officers received. very poetic and lyrical terms. I know that he feels very strongly about its preservation. 16 September 1993 4492 Legislative Assembly

I will draw my comments to a close and by the Council of Australian just say that the Bill that is before us tonight is Governments on 7 December the culmination of an incredible and prolonged 1992;’.” effort by literally thousands of people who This amendment simply defines the genuinely care about nature; people who do document referred to in amendment No. 5, not support the philosophy of the National which follows. Party that all resources on earth are here to be plundered and destroyed. I thank all of Amendment agreed to. them, including my predecessor the Mr ROWELL: I would like to speak to this Honourable Pat Comben, for getting the clause. Presumably, this clause refers to the legislation this far. They are to be National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable congratulated. This is their Bill. They have Development? fought a long battle, and they have won. Ms Robson: Which clause is the member Motion agreed to. talking about? Mr ROWELL: Clause 4. Have we got to Committee that yet? I am not quite sure. Hon. M. J. Robson (Springwood—Minister The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr for Environment and Heritage) in charge of the Bredhauer): The Committee is dealing with Bill. clause 4 now. An amendment has been moved by the Minister. Clause 1, as read, agreed to. Mr ROWELL: The Minister has talked Clause 2— about Crown land. The next amendment Ms ROBSON (7.43 p.m): I move the refers to the National Strategy for Ecologically following amendment— Sustainable Development. “At page 9, lines 2 to 3— Ms Robson: That is correct. omit ‘(other than section 86 so far as Mr ROWELL: The Minister has referred to it relates to amendments of the Nature that? Conservation Act 1992)’.” Ms Robson: Yes. This deletion arises as a result of the Mr ROWELL: I would like to have a full removal from the Wet Tropics Bill of the appreciation of what this clause really means majority of the consequential amendments to because, if it means what I think it does, I the Nature Conservation Act 1992. believe that it opens up an avenue for Amendment agreed to. sustainable development in the World Clause 2, as amended, agreed to. Heritage area. Is that correct? Clause 3, as read, agreed to. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! To what clause is the member speaking? Clause 4— Mr ROWELL: I just read it out—the Ms ROBSON (7.44 p.m): I move the amendment that refers to the National following amendment— Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable “At page 10, lines 2 to 8— Development. omit the proposed definition ‘Crown Ms ROBSON: Yes, it certainly does. The land’.” National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable The definition of “Crown land” should be Development has been endorsed by all State removed because, following the removal of Premiers and Chief Ministers as well as the the management area provisions, there is now Prime Minister. These amendments define the no reference in the Bill to Crown land. national strategy and require the authority to perform its functions in a way which is Amendment agreed to. consistent with the guidelines and principles of Ms ROBSON: I move the following the national strategy. amendment— Mr ROWELL: For some time, we have “At page 11, after line 3— been pushing for development in the region to insert the following definition— counter the unemployment problem. I think that the Minister would be well aware of the ‘ “National Strategy for Ecologically Wallaman Falls Road. I know that during her Sustainable Development” means visit to Ingham, she went along that road, saw the National Strategy for Ecologically the state of the road, and gained an Sustainable Development endorsed appreciation of what the region had to offer. Legislative Assembly 4493 16 September 1993

Some time ago, we presented a plan to the within the World Heritage area to service Wet Tropics Management Authority for low- Wallaman Falls and the general area. key development in that area. I understand Mr Rowell: Not all the money was spent that, since then, the funding for the road has on the World Heritage area of the road? been cut off completely. Would that be right? Could the Minister enlighten me as to what Ms ROBSON: No. It was supposed to be exactly is happening in respect to that, spent on maintenance and upgrading. An because it is important in terms of developing amount of $5,000 was spent on the the tourist industry and creating job investigation of alternative quarry sites but, opportunities. generally, the money was spent on upgrading and maintenance. The reality of life is that, in The Minister would be well aware that in considering funding applications from any my speech during the second-reading debate body through the authority, an important I made reference to the fact that quite a few criterion is the number of visitors who will jobs in my electorate were lost during the impact on the area in any given year. In the course of the World Heritage listing process. case of this area, it is estimated that The timber industry was more or less taken approximately 20 000 visitors go there. Quite out of the district totally. I am fully aware that clearly, the agency is still undertaking packages such as SAP—the Special negotiations with the council. That was the Assistance Package—and also a number of case when I was up there. Communication approved assistance programs enabled the was still open. However, I think we should note council to employ those people who were that substantial funding—over half a million formerly working in the timber industry. I dollars—has already been provided for that understand that those projects are now very particular area. It is probably fair to say that nearly at the point of finishing. that is an equitable amount for the area to I mentioned also the figures that the receive. Minister relayed about the number of I have just been handed a note which unemployed. I do not think that they reflect says that, in this particular year, there will be the true situation, because the unemployment no special funding provided. In terms of the figures have been propped up as a result of provision of funds to local authorities for roads, the money that has come from the World we have been reassessing how much money Heritage package. However, I believe that we are spending on how many roads. That those employment projects are now getting has to be considered as well. very close to terminating. We have to provide employment opportunities for those people Mr ROWELL: Because the funding will be who lost their jobs some five years ago during reduced or deleted as time goes on, we want the period of the closure of the timber the opportunity—or perhaps the right, one industry. might say—to look very seriously at putting up some type of low-key development in that The Minister mentioned tourism. We are area. Somehow or other, we have to get the well aware of the tourism potential of the message across to the agency in Cairns that if region because of its beauty. If we can tourism is ever intended to replace industries promote tourism in a sustainable way—and that once used to operate in the area, the that is very important; I have always stressed approval of some of the proposals that have that—I think that we have to really look at been put forward will be necessary. I hope doing just that. We have put forward some that that will be taken into account by the proposals to the Wet Tropics Management Minister. Authority. It appears that they have not been received all that well. In any event, we have I realise that the sum of $1.4m has been not received any positive feedback from the allocated in the Budget for World Heritage authority. I would certainly like some indication listing in this financial year. I think it would be of the prospects for future funding of the appropriate for some of that money to be Wallaman Falls Road. If we want tourists to be diverted into that region rather than some able to visit the very beautiful area of other areas that have been able to attract the Wallaman Falls, those roadworks will be attention of the authority—areas that are a essential. little bit closer to home. At the end of the day, when the money runs out as far as the Ms ROBSON: I appreciate the point that workers who are doing some of the work for the member is making. From 1990-91 to the the council are concerned, that will be the end present, $685,000 has been spent on that of the Government’s effort. As a result, there road. Approximately six kilometres of road is will be an increase in unemployment in the area. 16 September 1993 4494 Legislative Assembly

Clause 4, as amended, agreed to. Tropics Area and other persons; Clauses 5 and 6, as read, agreed to. and’.” Clause 7— This amendment extends the original concept of cooperative management Mr SLACK (7.54 p.m.): The clause states agreements to include joint management with that the authority is established to ensure that Aboriginal people, particularly in relation to Australia’s obligation under the World Heritage land in specific areas within the Wet Tropics Convention in relation to the Wet Tropics Area area. Such agreements would not be confined is met. Could the Minister explain to the to Aborigines and could extend to other land- Parliament what the consequences would be holders as well. The authority may facilitate if those obligations were not met? I am asked such agreements between, for example, an many times by members of the community as Aboriginal community and a primary land- to Australia’s position if we were to default on holder, even when it is not itself a signatory to our obligations under World Heritage listing. the agreement. Ms ROBSON: I ask the member to bear Mr ROWELL: This is an interesting with me while I seek advice on that. I just clause. This is something that I have been needed to check. I am not familiar with what working on with Aboriginal people. Some time would happen. I have not thought it through. ago, a proposal was put forward for walking Apparently, it would actually place the listing in tracks to be created in the region. Actually, the danger if that were the case. We have a former Minister, Mr Comben, took a day’s walk convention and we have to abide by it. If we with us in one of the creek areas. We were do not abide by the rules of any given proposing, along with the low-key convention, we put that convention in development in the region, to have some jeopardy. walking tracks. I think that if that type of facility Mr SLACK: I will just take the matter a is conducted correctly, it can be very little further. What the Minister is saying is that successful. It certainly presents some that action would place the listing in jeopardy, marvellous opportunities for Aborigines and but there is no action that a foreign body such Islanders. as the United Nations would be able to take, When I was talking to the Aboriginal and other than the recourse mentioned by the Islander people from Townsville, I put forward Minister—if that is a recourse. The Minister a proposal for unemployed Aborigines. The was not even sure of that. proposal was that they should assist in the Mr Mackenroth: It would just make us a construction of walking tracks that may extend laughing-stock. for some distance. They could even be a four- Mr SLACK: Sure, but it is a question that day or five-day walking track from point A to is widely asked in the community. point B, and probably go on to somewhere else. Ms ROBSON: I suggest that that is a rather strange question. We are appropriately Mr Beattie: Point C? listing this area under the World Heritage Mr ROWELL: That is a good point—point Convention. If we are not going to obey the C. The proposal would provide some convention, I cannot see the purpose of going marvellous opportunities for tourism and the through all this agony. creation of employment opportunities for Clause 7, as read, agreed to. Aboriginal and Islander people. I understand that, by virtue of this clause, that could Clauses 8 and 9, as read, agreed to. happen. How much emphasis has been Clause 10— placed on assisting unemployed Aborigines to Ms ROBSON (7.56 p.m.): I move the become involved in this type of scheme? following amendment— What prospects does the Minister foresee for the creation of walking tracks in the region “At page 13, lines 23 to 25— surrounding my electorate? omit proposed clause 10 (1) (f), Ms ROBSON: Quite clearly, insert— arrangements relating to the type of project ‘(f) enter into, and facilitate the entering suggested by the honourable member would into of, cooperative management be incorporated into any management plan agreements (including joint for the area. Certainly, the nature of the management agreements) with land- project suggested by the honourable member holders, Aboriginal people particularly is a very feasible one. We are very conscious concerned with land in the Wet of that aspect, and our arrangements with Aboriginal people are such that, just as the Legislative Assembly 4495 16 September 1993 member has been talking to them about that? There must be a delineation between these issues, so also have we. Clearly, we Government liaison, which Governments have taken cognisance of those issues. Those should do but which an authority would not types of things will happen further down the have the authority to do. Yet the words “make line when the management plans are being representation” indicate that the authority put together. must liaise. Amendment agreed to. Ms ROBSON: Sure. That subclause Ms ROBSON: I move the following further refers to any relevant agencies or authorities. amendment— It is not just “all or any”. It must be relevant. “At page 14, after line 28— Clause 10, as amended, agreed to. insert the following subclause— Clauses 11 and 12, as read, agreed to. ‘(6) Subject to subsection (4), the Clause 13— Authority must, as far as practicable, Ms ROBSON (8.02 p.m.): I move the perform its functions in a way that is following amendment— consistent with the objectives and “At page 15, line 16— principles of the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development.’.” omit ‘It is the role of the Board—’, The amendment requires the authority to insert— perform its functions in a way that is consistent ‘(1) The Board is responsible for the with the objectives and principles of the way in which the Authority performs its National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable functions and exercises its powers. Development. The format follows that ‘(2) Without limiting subsection (1), it developed for the preceding clause, 10 (5), is the Board’s role—’.” which requires the authority to have regard to Aboriginal tradition in performing its functions. This amendment was prepared to clarify the distinction between the authority and the Amendment agreed to. board and the powers of the board. This Mr SLACK: Clause 10 (1) (b) refers to the amendment is for clarification only and makes formulating of performance indicators for the no material difference to the intent of the implementation of policies and programs clause. Subclause (4) has been omitted, as approved by the Ministerial Council. I take it that circumstance is now dealt with by the Acts that the authority sets its own performance Interpretation Act 1954. indicators. What is the rationale for that? Amendment agreed to. Usually, another body sets the performance indicators for a body, otherwise the body is Clause 13, as amended, agreed to. governing itself in terms of its performance Clauses 14 and 15, as read, agreed to. requirements. Clause 16— Ms ROBSON: It is quite appropriate that Ms ROBSON (8.03 p.m.): I move the the authority should formulate indicators for following amendment— the implementation of policies and programs. Those policies and programs must be “At page 16, lines 18 to 19— approved by the Ministerial Council. That omit proposed subsection (4).” council is the supreme body. It comprises four Clause 16 (4), referring to defects or Ministers—two Federal and two State. Any irregularities in the appointments of directors indicators that are brought forward need that of the board, is now dealt with under the Acts approval. That is probably a fair scrutiny. Interpretation Act 1954. Mr SLACK: Clause 10 (1) (c) (ii) states Amendment agreed to. that a function of the authority is to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and Clause 16, as amended, agreed to. the Ministerial Council in relation to Australia’s Clauses 17 to 40, as read, agreed to. obligation under the World Heritage Clause 41— Convention in relation to the Wet Tropics area. Clause 10 (1) (k) states that another function Ms ROBSON (8.04 p.m.): I move the of the authority is to liaise with Governments following amendment— and authorities of the State, the “At page 25, after line 2— Commonwealth, other States and the insert the following subclause— Territories, and international and foreign organisations and agencies. How broad is ‘(5) For the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act 1992, a management 16 September 1993 4496 Legislative Assembly

plan is a statutory instrument made by put together. Those issues are being the Authority under this Act.’.” discussed. Submissions are being drawn from This addition clarifies the legal status of all over Australia. Quite clearly, the plans prepared under the Act. The result of conservation movement and other the amendment is to confirm that Wet Tropics movements are lobbying for support to affect plans will be subordinate legislation under the that decision one way or the other. The Act. Government must be very careful that any determination that it makes under any Act is Amendment agreed to. not in contravention of other Acts, such as the Clause 41, as amended, agreed to. Racial Discrimination Act and the Aboriginal Clause 42— Land Act. We must bear that in mind. That clause is aimed at guaranteeing that Ms ROBSON (8.05 p.m.): I move the assurance. following amendment— Mr ROWELL: In terms of the Racial “At page 25, line 13— Discrimination Act—can the Minister see any omit ‘interest’, insert ‘interested’.” discrimination against ordinary Australians who This amendment corrects a minor may go into that area? I know that is a very typographical error requiring submissions on touchy subject, but I would like the Minister to the preparation of draft management plans to try to define why one group can do a certain be invited from “interested” groups rather than thing. As I said, I have no problem with the “interest” groups. Aborigines engaging in their traditional methods of hunting. That is fine. However, the Amendment agreed to. subject of endangered species raises quite an Clause 42, as amended, agreed to. issue. Are those species endangered by one Clauses 43 to 50, as read, agreed to. only lot of people? We are all Australians. Surely to goodness, we must consider Clause 51— whether one group, irrespective of its Mr ROWELL (8.06 p.m.): I refer traditional beliefs, should be entitled to affect specifically to clause 51 (4), which states— the future of a species here on earth. “To remove any doubt, subsection Ms ROBSON: Absolutely. We agree on (1) does not affect any rights that that. Clearly, in terms of those management Aboriginal people have in relation to plans for traditional hunting and gathering— native wildlife under another Act.” any consideration given will include whether The conservation groups have found that endangered species and protected species clause to be quite controversial. I understand are concerned. All of the conservation plans that they have raised a petition which will be subject to permits being issued in both addresses the issue of the rights of Aboriginal cases. Under the Racial Discrimination Act, the people to go into World Heritage areas and Government must consider Aboriginal and use the likes of four-wheel drives and guns to non-Aboriginal people equally. That Act does pursue wildlife. In terms of the endangered not apply only to Aboriginal people. Those species in those areas, there is some considerations are very much at the forefront controversy. I would like the Minister to of our minds. respond as to her view on Aboriginals who Clause 51, as read, agreed to. have the ability—I am not saying that they are Clauses 52 to 55, as read, agreed to. doing it—to go into those areas. If they are using their traditional spears and boomerangs Clause 56— to hunt wildlife, there is no problem. The Mr SLACK (8.10 p.m.): I seek an problem is that they are using fairly explanation from the Minister as to what sophisticated methods, which are not believed restrictions could apply under this clause. For to be traditional for Aboriginal people, to take argument’s sake, people may be restricted in game. What is the position of protected the number of cattle that they can graze on a species? block of land. Would that be envisaged under Ms ROBSON: That clause, which this clause? That would mean that a person’s resolves inconsistencies between conservation ability to earn a certain income on the land plans and Wet Tropics plans, has caused a would be under a cloud. If that were the case, great deal of concern. A debate is under way one would imagine that a compensation factor in the community on the Nature Conservation would be involved. Act and the traditional hunting and gathering Ms ROBSON: That is a relevant point conservation management plan that is being which is at the forefront of our considerations. Legislative Assembly 4497 16 September 1993

A hierarchical structure is actually anticipated, graze cattle, all of those activities may be but we are not aiming to stop all activities in restricted under this clause. That person would any given area. Clearly, we will attempt to put have to obtain a permit from the authority together a series of exemptions which will before he could undertake those activities. relate to specific areas. There will not be a Ms ROBSON: As I have said, if a person blanket exemption on all areas, but there will wanted to put in a fence on a World Heritage be exemptions which can be considered in the property, clearly that person would not be able light of given circumstances. It may be that to do that. But an activity on freehold cattle grazing is one of those; I do not know. property—unless it is under a special That will be in the form of a regulation, and agreement of some description under the Wet that will in fact be proclaimed after the rest of Tropics World Heritage Convention—would not this Act is proclaimed, when the regulation is be affected. completed. Mr ROWELL: But it is still in the Mr SLACK: I take the Minister’s boundary; that is the point that I am making. explanation, and I understand the explanation We cannot simply say “unless there is an that she has given. To take the matter a little agreement”. The fact is that such a property is further—what will happen if a person is within the boundaries of the World Heritage earning a living in a certain manner or has a listed area. What would occur in that certain income from an activity within the Wet scenario? Tropics area, and that activity is restricted under the management plan for the area? Ms ROBSON: I have explained it as clearly as I can. I explained to the member for Ms ROBSON: That is a legitimate Burnett that hierarchical structures and question. The answer to that, fundamentally, exemptions are being formulated under is that all existing leases will certainly be regulation, and those matters will be honoured. I am led to understand that grazing addressed under that regulation, which will be will, in effect, be exempted. proclaimed at a later date. Mr Slack: That is just one example. Clause 56, as read, agreed to. Ms ROBSON: I know, but it will be done Clauses 57 to 64, as read, agreed to. on a zonal basis. Quite clearly, when the zone is under consideration, existing leases and Clause 65— existing activities will be considered until such Ms ROBSON (8.16 p.m.): I move the time as leases expire or whatever agreed following amendment— practices occur. “At page 35, line 10 (after ‘service’)— Mr ROWELL: What happens in the case insert ‘the Minister’s’.” of freehold properties? It was mentioned that there are some 91 freehold properties in the This amendment makes it clear that it is World Heritage area. Will those property the Minister’s powers, not the authority’s occupiers be restricted from undertaking powers, which the Minister can delegate. This certain activities on that land? Will freehold amendment is for clarification only and makes property occupiers come under the auspices no material difference to the intent of the of this clause? clause. Ms ROBSON: The same sort of Amendment agreed to. philosophy will apply. Clearly, there is a Clause 65, as amended, agreed to. different consideration for freehold lands. Clause 66, as read, agreed to. Unless an agreement is entered into—a conservation agreement or some sort of Clause 67— coordinated activity agreement—those people Mr SLACK (8.17 p.m.) I use this clause to will be able to continue under their current make my point, but I am talking broadly to the leases with whatever activities—— powers of officers to stop and search, etc. I Mr Rowell: It is not a lease; I am talking would like the Minister to make a general about freehold. comment on the overall powers of those officers. Will there be a review of those Ms ROBSON: All right, their current powers? What rights are given to the people tenure. They will continue under their current who may be apprehended? There is some tenure. Clearly, any activities that will impinge concern about the privacy rights of individuals upon the World Heritage area and the values in relation to these powers. The legislation is in the convention will have to be considered. extending the power to stop and search, etc., Mr ROWELL: For instance, if a person to people other than police officers. Those wanted to install a fence, cut down a tree or powers are being extended to public servants. 16 September 1993 4498 Legislative Assembly

What sorts of qualifications will those public Parliamentary Counsel does not think so, servants have? either. Ms ROBSON: I thought that the manner Clause 67, as read, agreed to. in which that part of the legislation is styled is Clauses 68 to 82, as read, agreed to. very explicit. It gives a definition for “person in control”; it gives a definition for “vehicle”; it Clause 83— talks about the authorised officer, and there is Ms ROBSON (8.22 p.m.): I move the a definition of the—— following amendment— Mr Slack: What sort of training are these “At page 52, lines 7 to 10— people going to have? omit proposed section 83.” Ms ROBSON: In terms of stopping a This clause relating to the fines applicable vehicle and inspecting it? to corporations has now been omitted Mr Slack: The people who are going to because of its incorporation in the Penalties be able to do this. and Sentences Act 1992. Ms ROBSON: They are authorised Mr SLACK: I would like to support the officers of the agency. Is that what the Minister in the withdrawal of this clause. It was member is asking? concerning us in that family companies and Mr Slack: Sure, but are they going to trusts would have been incorporated in the have some special training? same thing and there would be an unreal situation in which individuals in law could be Ms ROBSON: Is the honourable member fined five times more than it was intended. now asking me who will be authorised? Ms ROBSON: That is right. Mr Slack: Yes. What sort of training will they have? Amendment agreed to. Ms ROBSON: They will have the same Clause 83, as amended, agreed to. sort of training as the other officers we have in Clauses 84 and 85, as read, agreed to. the field. They will be authorised officers. I do Clause 86— not know how to explain it to the honourable member any clearer than that. They are Mr SLACK (8.23 p.m.): Could the Minister authorised officers in the same way as inform the Committee whether there will be a authorised officers are provided for under the requirement that the regulations be advertised Nature Conservation Act and under the other in the Government Gazette? The Governor in Acts administered by my department. Does Council may make regulations. Must they be the honourable member want to know the advertised in the Government Gazette and specifics of their training regime? therefore be subject to disallowance? Mr SLACK: Yes. Do they have the Ms ROBSON: That is correct. training to become these officers? Clause 86, as read, agreed to. Ms ROBSON: Yes, they are trained. They Clauses 87 to 91, as read, agreed to. are not just people who come in off the street Insertion of new clause— and upon whom we pin a badge and say, “You are hereby an authorised officer.” I am Ms ROBSON (8.24 p.m.): I move the informed that the training is detailed under following amendment— clause 58 (2) (b). That talks about the “At page 55, after line 20— appointment and terms of appointment of insert the following clause— authorised officers and sets that out in clear detail. Clause 58 (1) details fairly explicitly with ‘Executive director and staff what those persons are expected to do. ‘92. On the commencement of Part 2 Mr SLACK: The Minister is missing the and without further appointment— point that I am making. I acknowledge what is (a) the person who, immediately contained in clause 58, but there is no specific before the commencement, reference to a specific training program that held the appointment of Director these people may have to undergo prior to of the Wet Tropics Management being appointed as authorised officers. It does Agency, becomes the first not tell us about their training. executive director under section Ms ROBSON: I do not know that a piece 23; and of legislation is the appropriate forum in which (b) a person who, immediately to outline a training program; and, clearly, the before the commencement, Legislative Assembly 4499 16 September 1993

held an appointment to a The proposed amendments will allow the position in the Wet Tropics local authority to state unequivocally, at the Management Agency, becomes time of the decision on a development an officer of the Authority under application, whether the decision was made section 33.’.” solely because of the requirements of the Wet This is a transitional provision to provide Tropics plan. It will then be clear to the for current staff of the agency to become staff applicant, the authority and the court why of the new authority under the Act. such an application was rejected. The authority will not be required to become a co- Amendment agreed to. respondent unless such a statement has New clause 92, as read, agreed to. been made. Schedules 1 and 2, as read, agreed to. Amendments agreed to. Schedule 3— Schedule 3, as amended, agreed to. Ms ROBSON (8.24 p.m.): I move the Preamble— following amendments— Ms ROBSON (8.26 p.m.): I move the “At page 93, line 15 (after ‘made’)— following amendments— insert ‘, and states that it is made,’. “At page 8, line 1— At page 94, line 11 (after ‘land’)— omit ‘WHEREAS’, insert ‘BECAUSE’. insert ‘within or’. At page 8, after line 21— At page 94, line 15 (after insert— ‘designated’)— ‘(8) It is also the intention of the insert ‘or relevant’. Parliament to acknowledge the significant From page 96, line 15 to page 108, contribution that Aboriginal people can line 9— make to the future management of cultural and natural heritage within the omit the proposed amendments 1 to Area, particularly through joint 30, insert— management agreements.’.” ‘1. Section 93— In the first amendment, the initial word of omit, insert— the Preamble has been changed to reflect ‘Definitions current drafting practice. In the second amendment, this addition to the Preamble ‘93. In this Part— signals the intention of Parliament to “land-holder” includes a person recognise the significant contribution that having an interest in land; Aboriginal people can make to the “protected area” includes the Wet Tropics management of the Wet Tropics area. This Area within the meaning of the Wet clause identifies joint management Tropics World Heritage Protection agreements as the main mechanism for and Management Act 1992.’.’.” involvement of Aboriginal people in management of the cultural and natural These amendments recognise that heritage of the area, as has been included in decisions are rarely made or interpreted by clause 10 (1) (f). courts to be made merely because of a single factor—in this case, a development decision Amendments agreed to. made by a local authority, merely because of Preamble, as amended, agreed to. a provision in a Wet Tropics plan. On the other Bill reported, with amendments. hand, the intention was to allow the management authority to enter an appeal case—and assist the local authority legally Third Reading and financially—when the local authority was Bill, on motion of Ms Robson, by leave, obliged to make a certain decision because of read a third time. a Wet Tropics plan and might have decided otherwise in the absence of that plan. It was not intended to allow the authority to be drawn INTEGRATED RESORT DEVELOPMENT into each and every appeal when the contents AMENDMENT BILL of a Wet Tropics plan may simply have Second Reading influenced the local authority’s decision, along with a number of other factors. Debate resumed from 11 May (see p. 2603). 16 September 1993 4500 Legislative Assembly

Mrs McCAULEY (Callide) (8.29 p.m.): Mr BENNETT (Gladstone) (8.32 p.m.): Again we have amendments to another piece Honourable members in this House would be of legislation which was a National Party well aware of the vital role that tourism plays in initiative. When the legislation was introduced ongoing wealth creation in Australia, originally, it was opposed by both the Liberal particularly in Queensland. Queensland has and Labor Parties, but it has proved a great many good God-given assets which people success and has given us very good, high- from around the globe are willing to pay to level facilities in this State. Five schemes have see. Getting them here through holiday been approved under this legislation, the packaging is half the battle. We also need a latest being the Laguna Quays resort in the range of facilities from backpacker hostels to Pioneer Shire, which was approved in May last resort developments to cater for all the year. socioeconomic stratums in the world today. The original Act was formulated in Queensland is in the forefront of holiday response to a substantial demand from within resorts which cater not only for the the tourism industry, as the Minister said, for international visitor but also for locals who wish fully serviced, self-contained destination resort a change of pace from hectic travelling communities. It has become apparent over schedules. I would like to make this Chamber the past few years that the Act needed aware of the excellent island holiday amending to provide for more effective destinations in the beautiful Gladstone region. development, subdivision and management There are harbour islands such as Curtis of resorts under the Act. Island, Facing Island and Quoin Island. Curtis The amendments will provide for bodies Island is one of the largest of the islands, corporate within these schemes to be hugging the mainland for most of its 40 expanded to cater for staged development, if kilometre length. There is a permanent required, instead of the present course of settlement at the south end which is readily action which requires a new body corporate to accessible by weekend ferry and offers lodge be formed each time an expansion occurs. accommodation, camping, general store and This, of course, will not occur unless a set licensed kiosk. Fishing is excellent from the percentage of the existing members of the jetty and the beaches, where flathead, coral body corporate agree. I think the percentage trout, squid, mackerel, bream and salmon is 70 per cent. The amendment which allows abound. Curtis Island is one of the largest for the principal body corporate to utilise parts turtle hatcheries in Australia. The base of of secondary thoroughfares, which could be Connor Bluff is the best vantage point to either public or private ones, will benefit the observe nesting between November and communities of the particular resort in January. question. Facing Island is the first port of call on the The requirement of access to ferry run. From Farmers Point landing it is a infrastructure services, such as sewerage two-kilometre walk from the weekend cabins to mains, by the body corporate which has The Oaks at the northern tip. Here there are responsibility for maintenance of those shady picnic and camping areas. Along the facilities, is sensible and logical. It is similar to western beach is a rocky ledge from which local authority access to such infrastructure for slabs were cut in Gladstone’s early building which it is responsible. The local authority days. On the eastern beach are a series of must still approve the infrastructure, and limestone “Gnome Homes”, relics of the old standards will still be maintained to the coral reef. At the southern end of Facing relevant local authority standards. Island is Gatcombe Head and another community of holiday cabins. There is an Some of the amendments are the same excellent picnic and barbecue area with provisions as provided for in the mixed use shelters and toilets. Gatcombe Head is development legislation, which was passed accessible only by private boat. through this House some months ago—or MUD, as it was called by the departmental The ferry departs O’Connell wharf to visit officer who so kindly briefed me on these Quoin Island, a fauna reserve with an changes. Each explanation for the changes abundance of native animals, wallabies and made to this legislation refers to greater birds. Daytrippers are permitted to use the flexibility and variation. This will obviously be of pool facilities at the resort. The island is great assistance to developers involved with licensed and equipped to serve food and projects such as those covered by this Bill. We drinks on the premises. Guests can swim, play will not oppose the legislation. tennis, fish off the pontoon and go for bushwalks around the island. Legislative Assembly 4501 16 September 1993

Heron Island is one of the most famous the additional subdivision options will provide holiday destinations in Queensland. Unlike developers of resorts with not only greater most resorts along the coast, Heron Island is flexibility but also the means to respond to actually part of the Great Barrier Reef, albeit a rapid changes that are occurring at an ever- tiny drop in the 2 000 mile chain of coral increasing rate in consumer demand, which is formations that make up the earth’s largest an ongoing trend in the development living thing. The Tropic of Capricorn cuts industries today. through just a stone’s throw away from where The Integrated Resort Development Act the island lies, tucked away in the Capricorn was formulated in 1987 in response to a great group 73 kilometres from Gladstone City. demand from developers within their towns’ Evergreen pandanus palms, pisonia trees and industries for fully serviced, self-contained she-oaks cap the coral cay providing rare destination resorts where the land use and sightings of birds and their habitats for the facilities are shared and where provision is most discerning ornithologist or amateur. made on site for all day-to-day living For the water sports men and women, requirements. As I said earlier, the there are carefully researched dive sites, good combination of the Mixed Use Development boats and a fully equipped dive shop on the Bill and this Bill will greatly free up and speed island run by qualified and efficient personnel. up approvals and the paperwork that had to Divers can don a scuba tank and head down be waded through in the past. Of course, the 12 metres or so to meet Harry and Fang, the easier that our legislation makes it to obtain tame moray eels that inhabit the famed Heron quick and easy titling, the more development Bommie, or see the dramatic drop-offs at that we will achieve. I know that nothing turns Gorgonia Hole. But swimmers who prefer to developers away quicker than months of filling keep the surface at closer range may simply in applications one after the other, which can choose a mask, snorkel and fins and drift over literally take years to wade through. Not only is gloriously coloured reef fish and coral life only this frustrating, but it also costs a small fortune Barrier Reef lagoons offer. Alternatively, just to shape up to a project before one starts snorkelers may head out on a short boat trip digging in the foundations. with the divers to see the reef close up. All the The Act also provides the approval of equipment needed for such fun in the water is schemes of integrated resort development available at the island. Also close by is Wilson and the subsequent subdivision and ongoing Island. management of approved resorts. The Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Briskey): ongoing management of approved resorts will Order! The honourable member will return to become the responsibility of a hierarchy of the Bill shortly. bodies corporate created by the subdivision Mr BENNETT: These islands would lend which will be effected. Generally, these are themselves wonderfully to resort created in accordance with provisions very developments that would come about with the similar to those contained in the Building Units Integrated Resort Development Amendment and Group Titles Act. Bill. During the five-odd years that the Act has As to the significant features of this been in force, five integrated resort schemes Bill—the introduction of additional subdivision have been approved and built and they are options will bring the Integrated Resort functioning very successfully. These include Development Act closely in line with the Mixed the Kingfisher Bay Resort Village on Fraser Use Development Act and provide the Island—a $65m enterprise. This is in the developers of these resorts with not only Maryborough/Wide Bay region. Kingfisher Bay greater flexibility but also the means to employs some 130 people. It is a marvellously respond to rapid changes in consumer mixed purpose resort which functions demand, which is a feature of current trends extremely well. It is a lovely resort that I within the development industry. I support the recommend to honourable members. They Bill. should make sure that they take the time to visit Maryborough—the heritage city of Mr DOLLIN (Maryborough) (8.36 p.m.): It Queensland. We will make sure they are most is with pleasure that I rise to support the welcome, and we will point the way to Hervey Integrated Resort Development Amendment Bay and Fraser Island. Bill. This Bill follows close on the heels of the Mixed Use Development Bill, which passed The other four resorts are the Mirage through the House in May this year. I wish to Resort at Port Douglas; the Royal Pines add that this amendment will complement that Resort at the Gold Coast; the Skinks Hope legislation in many ways. The introduction of Island Resort in the Albert Shire; and the 16 September 1993 4502 Legislative Assembly

Laguna Quays Resort in the Pioneer Shire. Heritage listing of Fraser Island and the When those resort developments are Goss Labor Government.” completed, the capital investment will exceed With the passing of this Bill, other States $2 billion—a large investment indeed. I will not be able to see us for the dust created believe that investment will be surpassed in a by excavators digging the foundations for a very short period. With the combination of the further $2 billion tourist development. Mixed Use Development Bill and this Bill freeing up this area of development, we will Some of the mechanics of this Bill are the see a more accelerated pace in tourist resort enabling of bodies corporate within the investment in Queensland. hierarchy to apply for variations in the annual general meeting dates and accounting Queensland is the envy of other periods. Where a hierarchy of a body Australian States, as under the Goss Labor corporate exists, it is advantageous for Government Queensland outstrips them in the administration and budgeting purposes for tourism stakes. This is no accident. Our these meeting dates and accounting periods Minister for Tourism, Sport and Racing, the to coincide. That will benefit all members of Honourable Bob Gibbs, has been a driving those bodies corporate, because there is force behind tourism. Queensland is going potential for cost savings to be achieved. from strength to strength—so much so that New South Wales recently sent spies up here The Bill will allow the principal bodies to try and discover why tourists are bypassing corporate which are responsible for the that State for Queensland destinations. management and maintenance of common areas within the residential precincts of resorts I refer to an article in the Courier-Mail on to utilise and develop parts of those common Saturday, 10 July, which stated— areas in ways that would benefit all residential “A couple of weeks ago, scouts from proprietors. Another important feature of the New South Wales government travelled Bill is the ability for the body corporate to up to Queensland to discover why this extinguish plans in a progressive way to state is so popular with holiday-makers. enable the retrieval of a subdivisional scenario It must have been a humiliating which is no longer appropriate or viable. This experience for the servants of a state will give flexibility to proprietors to change which has more scheduled flights than certain sections of their enterprise, which may any other to realise that the only part of upgrade their investment, both for Sydney many tourists see is the flight appearance and monetary gain. lounge at the domestic terminal on their I see this Bill as being good for tourism way north. development which, in turn, will be good for In any case, their trip was only the job creation. That adds up to being extremely latest example of how the rest of good for Queensland and its workers. I Australia is looking to Queensland for congratulate the Minister on bringing this guidance on harnessing one of the few legislation to the House. I support the Bill. really successful industries of the Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central) 1990s—tourism. (8.43 p.m.): Having heard my two colleagues Queensland is far ahead of the other speak of the virtues of the islands off states in just about every sector of the Gladstone and the benefits of Fraser island, I industry. feel obligated to invite everyone to come and have a look at wonderful downtown Brisbane. Half of the tourism infrastructure in the country is located within a short drive Mrs Woodgate: They could all have a of Brisbane airport. look at King George Square. The industry provides jobs for Mr BEATTIE: We should all have a look 120 000 people (13 000 of them created at the beautiful King George Square. But this last year) and injects about $4.5 billion is very relevant to the Bill, because I can invite into the state’s economy.” people to come and look at the wonderful South Bank in Brisbane—— This Bill will further boost tourism in the Fraser Island Coast/Burnett region, which was Mr Campbell: It has a beach. worth $95.5m in 1991-92—an increase of Mr BEATTIE: Exactly. I take that $42m from 1989-90. The manager of the interjection from the honourable member for Fraser Coast Tourist Board had this to say— Bundaberg. Not only does South Bank have a beach but it also has one of the most “This speaks volumes for the World attractive inner-city presences of any city in the western world. Although I have given that free Legislative Assembly 4503 16 September 1993 plug for South Bank, it is relevant to this honourable member for Gladstone. The ability legislation because some very ingenious and to expand the membership of principal bodies constructive suggestions from the Opposition corporate within resorts as further residential of the day—— precincts are developed and subdivided in An Opposition member interjected. subsequent stages will result in substantial management and administration cost savings Mr BEATTIE: I say to the honourable for all members of these bodies corporate. member that that was the Labor Party. This legislation offers flexibility, it provides cost Mr Veivers interjected. savings and it responds to rapid changes in Mr BEATTIE: I would have thought that the tourism industry. One of the reasons why I someone such as the honourable member for mentioned South Bank was that the types of Southport, who supposedly represents a legal arrangements necessary were simply not tourist area, would have been supporting this possible under Queensland law at the time it Bill with some enthusiasm instead of was developed. All we had was the strata title spreading himself across the whole of the arrangement for units and bodies corporate Opposition benches, which is easy for him to that went with the old six-pack block of units. do. The Bill will enable bodies corporate within Of course, units now come in different forms. the hierarchy to apply for variations in annual When it came to the construction of the Expo general meeting dates and accounting site and then subsequently South Bank, the periods. Where a hierarchy of bodies legal mechanisms did not then exist for the corporate exist, it is advantageous for flexibility that was required for the financial administration and budgeting purposes for relationships and other ownership these meeting dates and accounting periods relationships necessary for the operation of to coincide. The potential exists for cost that site. We brought about changes that savings to be achieved where they coincide, have made that possible and, indeed, this and this will benefit all members of those legislation is a continuation of that process. bodies corporate. As has already been indicated by the There is a range of other provisions in the Minister, the Integrated Resort Development Bill. For example, the Bill will allow the principal Act was formulated in 1987 in response to a bodies corporate, which are responsible for substantial demand within the development the management and maintenance of and tourism industries for fully serviced, self- common areas within residential precincts of contained destination resort communities resorts, to utilise and develop parts of those where the use of land and facilities is shared common areas in ways which will benefit all and where provision is made on-site for all residential proprietors. The construction of day-to-day living requirements. The Act community facilities could include, for provides for the approval of schemes of example, passive and active recreation integrated resort developments and the facilities, community halls and the like. The subsequent subdivision and ongoing ability for bodies corporate to extinguish plans management of approved resorts. The in a progressive way to enable the retrieval of ongoing management of approved resorts a subdivisional scenario which is no longer becomes the responsibility of a hierarchy of appropriate or viable will have potential bodies corporate created by subdivision which benefits not only for developers in the early is effected generally in accordance with stages of the construction of integrated resorts provisions similar to those contained in the but also individual proprietors after the Building Units and Groups Titles Act. development had been completed. The During the five and a half years that the subdivision of integrated resort developments Act has been in force, there have been five requires the registration of a significant major integrated resort schemes. They were number of plans and the ability of local outlined by the honourable member for authorities to be able to approve, and the Maryborough, so I will not repeat them. When Registrar of Titles to register a sequential finally completed, those resort developments series of plans. That will enable significant will represent a total capital expenditure of the time savings to be achieved. order of $2 billion on today’s values. Mr Veivers: Are you going to put out a But there was a need for change. The press release? introduction of additional subdivision options, Mr BEATTIE: I will. When I put it out as a which is a feature of the present Bill, will bring press release, I will point out that in his normal the Integrated Resort Development Act closely way the honourable member opposed the Bill into line with the Mixed Use Development in the House, and was not working in the best Act—a point which was made by the interests of the tourist industry, which I am 16 September 1993 4504 Legislative Assembly prepared to advocate. At the State next Motion agreed to. election, I will doorknock everyone in his electorate and point out that he is opposed to the tourism industry, and that he spends most Committee of his time wallowing in the House. Clauses 1 to 21, as read, agreed to. I congratulate the Minister on the Bill reported, without amendment. introduction of the Bill. He has been involved over a period, as was his predecessor, in making certain that these flexible Third Reading development laws were available to assist the Bill, on motion of Mr Gibbs, by leave, tourism industry. This is the sort of enlightened read a third time. legal mechanism which is necessary to assist the tourist industry. At a time of economic difficulty, which we have experienced in recent WILLOWS SPORTS COMPLEX BILL years in Australia, it is important that we do Second Reading whatever we can to ensure that the legal Debate resumed from 24 August (see mechanisms make it easier for legal p. 3817). relationships to exist to assist the tourist industry. I support the Bill before the House. Mr VEIVERS (Southport) (8.54 p.m.): The Opposition will not oppose the passage of this Hon. T. M. MACKENROTH Bill, but that is not to say that we are at all (Chatsworth—Minister for Housing, Local happy with what has happened to the Willows Government and Planning) (8.49 p.m.), in complex under this Minister’s stewardship. In reply: I thank Opposition members for their actual fact, this proposal would have to be support for the amendment Bill and the described as a tragedy because this support given by members of my impressive facility has been rendered useless parliamentary committee. and now stands as testament to what the Motion agreed to. Goss Labor Government and the current Committee Minister for Tourism, Sport and Racing have done to the harness racing industry. Clauses 1 to 45 and Schedule, as read, The Willows was built by Russ Hinze to agreed to. provide a suitable home for harness racing in Bill reported, without amendment. north Queensland. Of course, Russ Hinze had Third Reading a great commitment to the development of racing—particularly harness racing—in all parts Bill, on motion of Mr Mackenroth, by of the State, and he was prepared to spend leave, read a third time. real money as an investment in the future of the racing industry. The Willows was to be QUEENSLAND TOURIST AND TRAVEL home to harness racing in the north, but the CORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL current Minister was really too impatient to allow that to happen. It did not take long for Second Reading the new administration to kick out harness Debate resumed from 24 August (see racing and turn the Willows into the white p. 3816). elephant that it is today. Mr VEIVERS (Southport) (8.51 p.m.): The There is very little point in crying over spilt Opposition has no problem with this Bill. milk, but what we have to do is ensure that Basically, it is machinery legislation. I have the Willows serves some useful purpose for had quite a good look at the Bill and the the people of north Queensland. If the Minister assures me that there are no hooks in passing of this legislation makes it easier for it. As I said, this Bill contains machinery sporting groups to use the Willows, then the provisions and, as such, has the support of Opposition will not stand in the way. the Opposition. Mr Nuttall: Big heart! Hon. R. J. GIBBS (Bundamba— Minister Mr VEIVERS: I definitely did have a big for Tourism, Sport and Racing) (8.52 p.m.), in heart; the honourable member is right about reply: I thank the member for Southport and that—but that was a long time ago. I seek the Opposition for their support for the some assurances from the Minister. One legislation. The honourable member is correct. reason advanced in the Townsville area for This is fundamental legislation, and I am the banning of harness racing was to enable pleased that the Opposition supports the Bill. the Willows to be available for the North Legislative Assembly 4505 16 September 1993

Queensland Cowboys when they play in the a pretty torrid time, and they are a very good Sydney Rugby League competition. I do not example of what happens when a team is not want to pour any cold water on Rugby League winning, namely, the team does not draw the in the north, but what assurances can the crowds, and if they do not attract the crowds, Minister give that that arrangement will be the facilities end up being white elephants. I enough to keep the Willows going? What will just hope that that does not happen in north happen to the viability of the Willows as a Queensland. venue in the long term if the Cowboys cannot The people of north Queensland are very keep the ground full? I will deal with that issue parochial—as I found out when I used to play in more detail at a later stage. I also want to football against them. When I went to know about redevelopment plans for the Townsville with a south Queensland team, Willows. Will any work that is to be carried out people came out of the woodwork to cheer make it impossible for harness racing to make their teams on and endeavour to flog hell out a comeback there? of the south Queensland teams they were Mr Gibbs interjected. playing against. Mr VEIVERS: It will? Mr J. H. Sullivan: And they did it, too. Mr Gibbs interjected. Mr VEIVERS: Yes, on lots of occasions, Mr VEIVERS: There will not be any they did. What I am saying is that I have had harness racing there? Right. At least that is a experience of professional sport. Honourable straight answer. It reminds me of Tom Burns’ members have seen an example of how it answer to the question that was asked operates in relation to the Broncos and would yesterday morning. The Minister would know know that winners are grinners. I know that I as well as the rest of us that Townsville is a am repeating myself, but it is worth while fast-growing area, as is the rest of north emphasising that the Seagulls on the Gold Queensland. One could describe Townsville Coast are a good example of what happens as a Government town because a lot of when a team is not winning. There are all sorts Federal Government public servants live there of reasons why that has happened to the and the university, the army and the air force Seagulls. Quite frankly, I think the salary caps are also in the area. I understand that the ruined the opportunity of getting a team Federal Government intends to expand the together quickly. Lots of reasons have been defence forces facilities and capabilities in that given for the recent occurrences, and I really area. It should be obvious that in an area that do not blame the coach at all. He can only go is growing so rapidly, the people will want along with the players that he is given. sporting facilities. I draw to the attention of the member for There are still a lot of people who are Mulgrave the fact that if the Cowboys do not involved in harness racing in north win in north Queensland, they will suffer the Queensland. They still have horses that they same fate and encounter the same difficulties are keeping in the paddock, and they want as those that have occurred in northern New somewhere to race them. They are not very South Wales and south-east Queensland. I happy about this venue being knocked out am talking about this because the Willows because it has left them holding the baby. I development will now be used mainly for believe that the demand for harness racing will football and secondary sports. develop and that there will once again be a Mr Davies: Do you support that? demand for a top-flight venue. I hope that the Mr VEIVERS: Yes, I do. If the Minister will be able to come up with honourable member had been listening something. instead of talking to “the Phantom”, he would Mr Budd: They could race around your have known what I was talking about. girth. Mr Davies: I have only just arrived. Mr VEIVERS: Yes. I also want the Mr VEIVERS: Is that right? There are two Minister to give an assurance that the North dream walkers together. Queensland Cowboys will be sufficient to keep the venue viable. When football teams get An honourable member interjected. under way, all types of guarantees are given. I Mr VEIVERS: I could not coach a choko have had personal experience of that situation vine over an outhouse toilet door. I am honest on the Gold Coast in relation to the Gold enough to admit that. However, I could play Coast Seagulls. I realise that they are over the football. border in New South Wales and that they are Mr Davies: Mr Veivers? basically in no man’s land, but they have had 16 September 1993 4506 Legislative Assembly

Mr VEIVERS: No, I will not take an months ago, following a Cabinet decision, the interjection. I want members to understand Government completely paid out the that the Government must be very responsible indebtedness of the harness racing club to the in the way in which it looks after facilities that extent of a quarter of a million dollars. The are funded by taxpayers, where the Government said to the club, “Here it is. All of Government’s protected cash flows come your bills are paid. All accounts are square. from. It was not done correctly on the Gold The line has gone through the ledger. Start Coast, and I do not want the same thing to afresh.” Within 10 months, the club had an happen in north Queensland. It is lovely for all overdraft in excess of $100,000. of the people who sit in Brisbane and follow The simple fact is that harness racing in the Broncos. Every major TV station, every Australia and in the United States is not major newspaper, every major AM radio holding the crowds and getting the support station and every major FM radio station in that it did a decade ago. That is a fact of life. Queensland supports the Broncos. The local It is nobody’s fault. A number of problems guys, the Crushers, will take a part of that. have contributed to that happening. In spite of When the team from north Queensland that, where harness racing is being run comes in, the cake will be divided by three. professionally and with good administration, it There are only three million people in is now recording its highest turnover on the Queensland. The Government should get TAB. Those clubs that are doing well receive ready for situations—— good money from the Government from the Mr Mackenroth: You don’t think this will TAB. Under the new formula, that will divide families, do you? You don’t think it will increase. Those clubs will continue to do well. divide families—Broncos and Crushers support The honourable member raised the in the same family? matter of the Seagulls. Again, the honourable Mr VEIVERS: Yes, it looks as though it member and other Opposition members do could divide families, but we will not go into not seem to understand some of the financial that. That is all that I have to say. The implications. I do not disagree with some of Opposition supports the Bill, but we would like the comments that the honourable member the Minister to answer those few questions. made about the Seagulls. When the Seagulls Hon. R. J. GIBBS (Bundamba— Minister came to see me, asking—would members for Tourism, Sport and Racing) (9.03 p.m.), in believe—for $8m to relocate from the Tweed reply: I thank the honourable member for to the Carrara complex on the Gold Coast, my Southport for his tacit support for the first question was, “You have had the poker legislation. The very clear message that machines since 1956. What has happened to people should understand from the legislation your money?” The club said, “We have is this: the Cowboys are in; harness racing is expenses and overheads.” out. It is out permanently. I have made the I did not want to say that perhaps it was point before, and I will say it for the last time time that the club explained why, for example, for the express purposes of not only the when it bought the Greenmount tourism honourable member for Southport but also resort, a cool million dollars disappeared on the small group of people in Townsville who the transaction on the way through. That is have the desire to see harness racing not the only example. There have been other resurrected. As long as I am the Racing examples at that club. Why did the New South Minister, there will never again be harness Wales Government on three occasions racing at the Willows in Townsville. There will consider closing down the club? I will make it be no harness racing in Townsville supported very clear that the Government will not touch by Government funding in any shape or form. the Seagulls Rugby League Club with a barge The honourable member made a pole. comment about not spilling milk. The The honourable member made reference honourable member is right. It is not milk that to the Cowboys. The Cowboys will be at the is being spilt; it is millions of dollars of Willows complex in 1995. A very, very clever taxpayers’ money. That complex cost $6.5m smokescreen has been put up by the member in Racing Development Corporation funds, in for Southport. What he did not tell honourable other words, taxpayers’ money. members tonight is that he is on a very Mr Veivers interjected. secretive contract with the Cowboys to lose nine stone and make a comeback as a half- Mr GIBBS: Or the racing industry. That back. That is what the debate is all about. complex cost $6.5m to build. By the time it is paid off in the year 2001, it will have cost the My discussions with the Cowboys indicate taxpayers of this State $18.5m. Eighteen that that club is in a solid state in terms of Legislative Assembly 4507 16 September 1993 players whom it is signing for the 1995 names do not come readily to mind. I season. It is heavily recruiting players from the understand the honourable member’s point. New Guinea Rugby League competition. There has been a reticence on behalf of the North Queensland has been a great ARL and the New South Wales Rugby harvesting ground for Rugby League in the League in relation to the private ownership of past, and it will continue to be one in the Rugby League teams. That is not a matter in future. The Cowboys have an excellent which Government becomes involved. That is sponsorship contract with Castlemaine Fourex. a matter for the administration of the Rugby In the not-too-distant future, additions will be League. made to the board of the club, in other words, As to the overall use of the complex—the more expertise will be brought onto the board. offer which I made to ensure that this complex The club is a private-enterprise is utilised fully is that it must be a multi-use organisation. When I talk business with those complex. This legislation will allow both people, I must believe that they are on the councils—that is, the Thuringowa City Council level. All indicators are that they are. and the Townsville City Council—to come Townsville—the great sports capital of north together and negotiate a deal with the Queensland—is looking forward to the Cowboys as to leasing the complex. Had a Cowboys being involved in the 1995 similar deal been offered to the Broncos last Australian Rugby League competition. I year or the year before, that team would never recommend the legislation to the Parliament. have left Lang Park. In this case, the Cowboys Motion agreed to. will have the entire rights of the ground—for example, rights in regard to signage, sponsorship, beer and food. The Cowboys will Committee have a club with poker machines. The team Hon. R. J. Gibbs (Bundamba—Minister will have that revenue-earning capacity, which for Tourism, Sport and Racing) in charge of I believe will be of great assistance to it. the Bill. I take the honourable member’s point. I Clause 1— think it is very important that the Cowboys put a competitive side on the turf in its first year to Mr VEIVERS (9.10 p.m.): The Minister draw the support which the team can just stated that the Cowboys is a privately obviously attract. Further to that, the owned football team. I was of the discussions that I have had with Mayor understanding that the Winfield competition Mooney from Townsville and Mayor Tyrell from did not condone the private ownership of Thuringowa have been on the basis that this football teams. The Broncos is a privately complex must be multi-purpose. It will be owned team, but not in the way that it was in multi-purpose. There have already been its early days. Similarly, the Bears football expressions of interest from other team was owned by Christopher Skase and by organisations which want to utilise the one or two other people. Is this the case with complex. As far as I am concerned, the issue the Cowboys? If so, I would like to know the of who uses that complex and when will be a identity of the principals of that football club. I matter for the two councils to resolve. know that Kerry Boustead is on the committee, along with a few other people. Clause 1, as read, agreed to. Who is putting up the money for the North Clauses 2 to 6, as read, agreed to. Queensland Cowboys? Is the Minister aware of that information? This matter is relevant to Bill reported, without amendment. whether the facility will run at a profit and whether the blokes in charge of the club are Third Reading capable of running a multimillion-dollar business such as this. Bill, on motion of Mr Gibbs, by leave, Mr GIBBS: Firstly, the honourable read a third time. member is asking me for a prediction on the performance of those people, and I am not in MR DEPUTY SPEAKER’S RULING a position to give that prediction or an undertaking on their behalf. There are a Motion of Dissent number of people involved in the ownership of Mr BORBIDGE (Surfers Paradise— the club. The chairman is Mr Ron McLean, Leader of the Opposition) (9.16 p.m.): I who is involved with the Townsville Bulletin. move— There are a number of other people involved whom I have met from time to time but whose 16 September 1993 4508 Legislative Assembly

“That the ruling of Mr Deputy place, the honourable member had been Speaker on 14 September 1993 in subject to threats and to telephone calls in relation to matters raised by the member respect of his family. The allegations for Broadwater in the Budget debate with concerned—and I do not know whether they regard to Operation Medusa be are right or not—were certainly of a very dissented from.” serious nature, and this Government has I say at the outset that the Opposition spent millions of dollars investigating much does not move this motion lightly. I also stress less. that we respect the general conduct of the Notwithstanding that, let us return to the Deputy Speaker and the Chairman of reason why the Opposition has moved this Committees in this place. But the Opposition dissent motion. Let us consider what Labor contends that, on this occasion—and this is members have spoken about in Budget the only such occasion that I can recall—you, debates in this Parliament. Let us return to the Mr Deputy Speaker, made a mistake and you so-called bad old days, when the National were wrong, wrong, wrong. Party allegedly used to restrict freedom of speech in this Parliament. In the Budget For the benefit of honourable members, I debate in 1986, the then Leader of the want to reiterate that there has been a long- Opposition, Mr Warburton, spoke about the established tradition in this Parliament that the Alan Callaghan affair. He then attacked two debates in which honourable members QTQ 9 in his contribution to the Budget have been given the opportunity to make debate. In 1987, the present Attorney-General wide-ranging contributions are the Budget launched an attack on Brian Austin and the debate and the Address in Reply debate. number of quangos. He did not refer to the Notwithstanding that fact, I want to refer to the Budget at all in his Budget address. Again in comments made by the member for 1987, the member for Port Curtis, who went Broadwater in this place on 14 September on to become the Government Whip, spoke 1993. Shortly before he was sat down, he about a mother whose son was bashed up at stated— a disco. “The Goss Labor Government has The Minister for Transport attacked shown a great willingness to spend Russell Hinze and his travel itinerary. The millions of dollars each year on a great member for Thuringowa attacked the National range of inquiries.” Party’s Federal tax policy as it related to the The honourable member went on to say— “Joh for PM” campaign. Mr Deputy Speaker, “I believe that it is time to spend you would think that that would not have a lot some money on a real inquiry into to do with the Appropriation Bill or the Budget. matters of vital importance to all the The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Warner, people of Queensland and not just the talked about SEQEB workers, industrial unrest Goss Labor Government and some of its and the electoral system. Ministers.” Let us go to 1988 and what Labor Mr Davies then rose on a point of order and members spoke about in the Budget debate. said— The member for Thuringowa spoke about local authority voting issues, the way votes “I understood that members were were counted, and then attacked an alleged speaking to Appropriation Bill (No. 2).” rort in the Transport Department. The The honourable member for Broadwater went Attorney-General attacked payments made by on to state— a Minister to attend certain functions. You “As I said, since I made that call for a yourself, Mr Deputy Speaker, in the Budget royal commission”— debate in 1988 did not speak entirely about the Budget. You spoke about a cause that and he again related his contribution to the was close to your heart—the untouchables in debate to the spending of money. Whilst the prison system. raising this matter, the honourable member for Broadwater—deliberately and with intent—was Let us go through to 1989, another year obviously calling on the Government to make of the National Party Government. Mr Braddy, available funding for certain inquiries to be the present Police Minister, attacked the undertaken. Liberal Party and its inability to win Government. He gave us a dissertation on I want to make the further point that the electoral analysis. I hope that honourable honourable member did not raise those members will take this on board. I refer them matters lightly. The situation was that, to Hansard of 26 September 1989. When it following his raising of certain matters in this Legislative Assembly 4509 16 September 1993 was suggested that Mr Braddy, the present member of Parliament to raise issues in this Minister for Police and Emergency Services, place under conventions that have been long should really get back to the Budget, he told held and long respected. the Parliament, quite rightly—and the Speaker Mr Deputy Speaker, it is my view that you agreed with him—“I can talk about anything I have made an error in otherwise sound wish in the Budget debate.” He was not sat judgment, and I believe, with regret, that you down. He was not gagged by the Government should acknowledge tonight that you made of the day. He continued speaking. that mistake. Let us look at some of the other Time expired. examples. That human dynamo, the Minister for Lands, the member for Townsville, talked Mr LINGARD (Beaudesert—Deputy about the National Party, the Liberal Party, the Leader of the Opposition) (9.26 p.m.): It is my change of Premiers and the changes in pleasure to second the motion moved by the portfolios. And in a matter of riveting relevance Leader of the Opposition. I do not wish to to the Budget debate, he talked about an detail why that motion should be agreed to, incident that occurred at the Italian Club in but I believe that we as a Parliament and Townsville. Was he sat down? No! those people who are in charge of this Parliament should quickly fix up the Let us go on. In 1990, what did the discrepancies that we have between the first Minister for Industrial Affairs, the member for and second readings of any Bills presented to Yeronga, talk about in the Budget debate? He this House. When rules are enforced as they spoke about the need to have a Bill of Rights. have been recently, we realise that the rules He did not talk at all about the Budget. The relating to debates on the first and second member for Archerfield, Mr Ardill, spoke about readings of Bills have been changed very the city council. He talked about the National dramatically—they were certainly changed Party. He attacked John Stone. He had a before 1986-87. swipe at the GST. And then he got on to the policies of the Federal Liberal Party. When we had speeches on the first reading of Bills, members were allowed to If we want to go on, in 1992 the member engage in very wide-ranging debate. We for Mount Ommaney, in his speech during the changed that rule; but, in changing the rule, Budget debate, spoke about domestic we allowed members to speak in a wide- violence. I want to make the point to back up ranging way on the second reading of a Bill. what I am saying. In 1992, the honourable Clearly, if you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and the members for Redlands, Sandgate, Waterford, Speaker are going to enforce this rule to the Springwood, Gladstone, Mount Ommaney, letter of the law, then you will have discontent. Currumbin and Bulimba made their maiden Because of the haphazard rulings which have speeches in the Budget debate, and have been made during this session of obviously followed the traditions of maiden Parliament, I believe that is what has speeches in this place by talking about a wide happened. If members were permitted to range of issues. make wide-ranging speeches on the first I believe that the record speaks for itself. reading of a Bill, they could put forward their Government members interjected. views on education when legislation relating to education was introduced. But at present it is Mr BORBIDGE: Is it not amazing how absolutely impossible for any new member to members of Parliament who were not even come into this Parliament and put forward in a here when the Labor Party sat in Opposition wide-ranging way about his opinions on can try to stop a member on this side of the anything. House from saying what members on their side of the House were always permitted to Mrs Woodgate: Or her. say during a Budget debate? I say to those Mr LINGARD: Or her, because he is honourable members who are interjecting and limited to the exact details of that legislation. should know better: go back and read Mr Deputy Speaker, you have seen that Hansard. happen. The last thing that they should do in this Members know that, when specific place is give away their rights as legislation is being debated, Government backbenchers, their rights to raise matters of members are given briefing notes by legitimate concern. Sooner or later the worm departments. It is easy for them to stay on the will turn. Sooner or later they will be sitting over topic. But it is very hard for Opposition here and they might be suffering because members to stick to the topic. That problem they may give away a freedom or a right of a should be fixed. I believe that it is wrong for 16 September 1993 4510 Legislative Assembly this Parliament to continue in that way and not two months of the 1992-93 financial fix up a problem which is becoming very year—nothing more and nothing less. obvious. The speech made by the member for Honourable members should look at what Broadwater was nothing more than slur and happens when the Budget debate is limited slander. I shall tell the House what the so that members cannot speak about matters honourable member said. He spoke about contained in a notice of motion. Members John Huey and said— virtually cannot talk about any legislation that “I am told that he is a man whom is before the House. If they observe the rules criminal lawyers would love to get into the to the letter of the law, they are strictly limited. witness box. Lawyers tell me that he is a Mr Deputy Speaker, you attempted to liar and a perjurer.” limit debate on this occasion. Because that The honourable member was not speaking to occurred, we have this discontent. There have appropriation. After being advised to come been many other occasions recently when back to the Appropriation Bill, he refused to do there have been some haphazard rulings so. The Deputy Speaker said— which have led to discontent. If that had been corrected, we would not have had to debate “I stick by my ruling that I made in the two motions of dissent before the relation to the honourable member for Parliament tonight. Broadwater, in that I gave him the opportunity to return to the contents of I believe that it is up to the people who the Appropriation Bill. At no stage in the run this Parliament—in other words, the final four minutes of his speech did the Government—to quickly fix the problem. It is a member refer to money matters at all.” problem that we have inherited. It is a problem that we did not experience when we were in I refer to Standing Order 141, which Government because we did not enforce the states that the Speaker or Chairman may call rule that a speech in the debate on the attention to irrelevance and order the second reading should be specific to the Bill. discontinuance of a member’s speech. It We allowed it to be a wide-ranging debate. states— However, if you are going to enforce this “Mr Speaker . . . may call the ruling, Mr Deputy Speaker, you must attention of the House . . . to continued subsequently allow time when members of irrelevance or tedious repetition on the this Parliament can indulge in a wide-ranging part of a Member, either of his own debate. It is my pleasure to support the arguments or the arguments used by Leader of the Opposition in his motion of other Members, and may after such dissent. warning direct the Member to discontinue Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) (9.30 p.m.): his speech”. The movers of the motion, the Leader of the The Deputy Speaker advised the member to Opposition and the member for Beaudesert, speak to the Appropriation Bill. A speech have erred. They have erred, firstly, in that containing slur and slander against Huey is there has been a change in the procedure for not a speech about appropriation. The the adoption of the Budget Speech. member was asked to come back to the Bill, Secondly, they have erred because it was not and he did not. Other members have been the Speaker who necessarily sat down the sat down by National Party members—— member for Broadwater; it was he himself who Mr GRICE: I rise to a point of order. I find insisted on sitting down. Under the Standing offensive the remark that I was only on my Orders, it was ruled that the member was feet to slur people. I ask that it be withdrawn. indulging in tedious repetition. He refused to heed the Deputy Speaker’s ruling at that time. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Palaszczuk): Order! The member will withdraw that Members should keep in mind that the statement. debate is about appropriation. The member’s speech contained only slur and Mr CAMPBELL: I take it that was not the slander—nothing about appropriation. I will tell only reason for him to be on his feet. members what appropriation is. Appropriation An Opposition member interjected. Bill (No. 2) primarily seeks to provide legislative Mr CAMPBELL: I withdraw. It is easy for force to the State Budget. Specifically, it seeks Opposition members to say that speeches approval for expenditure included in the during the second-reading debate are always Budget Estimates for this financial year; broad-ranging. When the Labor Party was in unforeseen expenditure incurred during the Opposition, its members were sat down. last financial year; and expenditure for the first Legislative Assembly 4511 16 September 1993

Mr Veivers: In Budget debates? the honourable member to resume his Mr CAMPBELL: No, in second-reading seat.” debates. On 17 September 1986, Ted Row This has happened in the past and it will said— happen in the future. We have to stick to what “I point out to the honourable is regarded as appropriate. The Deputy member for Sherwood that, Speaker at that time acted appropriately notwithstanding his comments about the because he followed the Standing widening of the scope of the second- Orders—Standing Order 141. He called on the reading debate because of the abolition honourable member to get back to the subject of the introductory debate many years matter. But the member disregarded the ago, nothing in the Standing Orders direction of the Chair. He deliberately went refers to that issue. As far as I am back to what he had been speaking about concerned, Standing Orders entitle me to when the Deputy Speaker asked him to move ask for relevance in the debate, which is on to a new matter. He deliberately refused to what I am doing.” obey the Deputy Speaker’s ruling. There are times when we must accept that we have a On another occasion, Deputy Speaker Row Speaker—— made a ruling about a speech being made by Mr Underwood, who was then an Opposition Mr GRICE: I rise to a point of order. The member. He said— fact of the matter was that I did not refuse anything. I did return to what I was speaking “I appreciate that, since the about, and on four occasions I mentioned elimination of the introductory debate, the funding. I ask for that remark to be withdrawn. Chair is required to exercise discretion about the scope of debate. However, Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is there is a limit. I have all but exhausted no point of order. The member will resume his the tolerance I have on the matter.” seat. He sat him down twice. Mr CAMPBELL: According to Erskine May, the Standing Orders and the Rules of In 1987, this happened to me. I was Practice of the House of Representatives, talking about the Sugar Milling Rationalization broad debate is allowed in all speeches during (Far North Region) Act Amendment Bill, and a second-reading debate. But the speeches Mr Row said— must be relevant to that matter. In this case, it “I advise the honourable member for was not. The Deputy Speaker acted Bundaberg that this Bill deals with an appropriately. He brought it to the attention of amendment that refers to a rather the member and asked him to come back to specific matter. I also suggest that he is the Bill. The member refused and sat himself indulging in a great deal of repetition of down. The Opposition wants to insist on the matters concerning the principal Act. I right to make irrelevant speeches. That will not therefore suggest that his speech is be the case. irrelevant. On those grounds, I ask him to Erskine May says that if a member discontinue his speech.” wanders from the question under discussion, He then called the next member. I accepted the Speaker will interrupt him and remind him that ruling and sat down. that he must speak to the question. If the Mr McLean was sat down by Deputy member persists with irrelevance or tedious Speaker Burreket, who said that the point was repetition, either of his own arguments or the not relevant. The member then moved that he arguments used by other members in the be further heard. A division was held and we debate, the Speaker, after calling the accepted the will of the House at that time, attention of the House to the member’s which was that the honourable member was conduct, shall direct him to discontinue his not to be further heard. It upsets the speech. On this occasion, the Deputy Speaker Opposition when it does not get its own way. followed Erskine May. He was right, and the Opposition has erred in moving this motion. This also happened again when Pat Comben was speaking to the Criminal Law Mr BEATTIE (Brisbane Central) (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Bill. The Deputy (9.39 p.m.): I rise to oppose the dissent Speaker said— motion moved by the honourable member for Surfers Paradise and seconded by the “I now consider the honourable honourable member for Beaudesert. When member’s speech to be quite irrelevant to members speak to dissent motions, they must the subject-matter of the Bill. I rule that clearly examine the Standing Rules and he should discontinue his speech. I ask Orders of the Legislative Assembly to 16 September 1993 4512 Legislative Assembly determine what are the appropriate rules and onion farming today. If there is something whether in fact the appropriate ruling was wrong with the Standing Rules and Orders, let made by the Deputy Speaker or the Speaker, us examine them and change them. Until that depending on the circumstances. It may well happens, we have to follow the Standing be that differing rulings have been made over Orders and Rules as they exist. Two Standing the years. The honourable member for Surfers Orders are relevant. The honourable member Paradise made reference to some decisions for Bundaberg has partly covered this already, that were made, particularly under Speakers but it is central to the dissent motion that I who were National Party members. deal with them. The first is Standing Order An Opposition member: And last year. 120, which states— Mr BEATTIE: The honourable member “A Member shall not digress from the should not get too excited; I am going to subject-matter under discussion”— come to that. The reality is that, whether those Which is the central issue— rulings were, in fact, right or wrong, it may well “or comment upon expressions used by be that they were not tested under the another Member”— Standing Orders, which are very clear. It may well be that, in fact, the honourable member and it goes on. The relevant part is that a for Surfers Paradise, in his comments, may member shall not digress from the subject have concluded that the National Party matter under discussion. On this occasion, we Speakers of the day were incompetent in that are talking about Appropriation Bill (No. 2). they did not enforce the Standing Orders as Mr FitzGerald: Money. they existed. Mr BEATTIE: I am not paying the I made some notes in relation to honourable member anything. I turn now to comments that the Leader of the Opposition Standing Order 141. This is the mechanism had made about Allen Callaghan. However, which is used to implement Standing Order he made some errors. He said that the 120. Standing Order 141 states— honourable member for Springwood had “Mr Speaker, or, in a Committee of made her maiden speech in 1992. In fact, she the Whole House, the Chairman, may call made that speech in March 1990. She was a the attention of the House or the Minister in 1992. So I do not know what other Committee, as the case may be, to factual errors and inaccuracies he made. I am continued irrelevance”— sure that Molly Robson would be delighted to hear that she made a maiden speech at the which is the central issue— end of last year. Without getting into those “or tedious repetition . . .” finer points, it seems to me that if those The point is continued irrelevance. We have rulings were as indicated by the Leader of the two Standing Orders that say that a member Opposition, the reality is that the National shall not digress from the subject matter under Party Speakers were, in fact, wrong. They did discussion. If, in fact, that is the case, under not interpret the Standing Orders. Their errors Standing Order 141, the Speaker or the should not necessarily dominate what we do. Chairman of the Committee of the Whole If the Standing Orders are not to the House may call to the attention of the House liking of the Opposition or, indeed, the that someone is involved in continued Government, we should change them. If we irrelevance. Therefore, the issue to determine want a broader debate, let us change the is whether the contribution made by the Standing Orders. I have said in this place honourable member for Broadwater was fitting before that I have reservations about some of within those two Standing Orders, that is, that the Standing Orders. he was digressing from the subject matter Mr FitzGerald: He was calling for the under discussion. Did he digress from the spending of money. subject matter? Mr BEATTIE: The honourable member Let us look at what he said. In his should let me outline what I am going to say. I contribution, he was not talking about money. am about to deal with some of the He made some references to money, but they inaccuracies that he made in his contribution. were references to material that were not contained in the current Budget. Indeed, the Mr FitzGerald: I haven’t made any references that he made were to events that contribution. took place four years ago. They were not Mr BEATTIE: The honourable member dealing with matters relevant to the does not even know what was in Hansard. He Appropriation Bill before the House. Therefore, should just relax. We are not talking about I argue that, since they were not relevant to Legislative Assembly 4513 16 September 1993 that Bill before the House, he was digressing point of order. The honourable member from the subject matter under discussion and, for Broadwater will continue.” under those circumstances, Mr Deputy So the Deputy Speaker extended to the Speaker quite rightly exercised the Standing member for Broadwater the tolerance that has Orders of this Parliament. been the tradition of this House, and he The point of the matter is that if we do showed fairness. The member for Broadwater not like the Standing Orders, or the way in then went on and for one large paragraph, which they are written, for heaven’s sake, we another large paragraph and another large should try to change them. However, paragraph—a significant contribution—— members should not come in here and attack A Government member interjected. the Deputy Speaker for following the Standing Orders as they exist, because that is what the Mr BEATTIE: I take that interjection. Mr member did. Deputy Speaker was more than fair. Then the Deputy Speaker warned the honourable I will explain in some length why the member. He said— member digressed from the subject matter under discussion. In his opening remarks, he “Order! The member for Broadwater mentioned the fact that the so-called Goss will resume his seat. The Chair has been Labor Government had spent millions of very tolerant up until now in allowing the dollars in the past on a range of inquiries. That member for Broadwater to pursue the was not relevant to the Appropriation Bill. He argument that he is pursuing. However, I made a reference to money, but it was not must remind him that members are relevant to the Appropriation Bill. He was speaking to the Appropriation Bill.” talking about something that happened four The Deputy Speaker warned him. Mr years ago. He then went on and, in a long Fitzgerald rose and said that the member had statement, attacked Rob O’Regan and the referred to the Budget papers—which, of CJC, and, as the honourable member for course, he had not. Mr Fitzgerald was wrong. Bundaberg said, he made a personal attack Nevertheless, we all make mistakes, although on Huey. He was seeking to denigrate a I am sure that some make them more than number of people in his contribution. It was others. Then the Deputy Speaker said— nothing to do with the Appropriation Bill. The “Order! I have made my ruling.” honourable member for Mundingburra, Mr Davies, rose to a point of order. In that point First of all, he was tolerant and then he of order, he raised the issue of relevance. The warned the honourable member. Mr Grice did Deputy Speaker demonstrated a degree of not get the message. I know that he is fairness and equity. sometimes a little bit hard of hearing. He then went on for another long paragraph. Mr FitzGerald: He made a mistake. The Deputy Speaker demonstrated Mr BEATTIE: The honourable member tolerance and fairness. The fact of the matter said that the Deputy Speaker made a is that the honourable member for Broadwater mistake. The Deputy Speaker allowed the did not get the message. The only people member for Broadwater to continue. So the who ought to be criticised is the leader of the member is saying that the Deputy Speaker Opposition business and the Leader of the should not have allowed the member for Opposition, because the member for Broadwater to continue. He is a peanut. I will Broadwater is a new member. We all come stick to the facts. When Mr Davies rose to his into this place a bit wet behind the ears. They point of order, the Deputy Speaker said— should have said to him, “Hang on, you are “What is the member’s point of getting the message, ‘Get back to the order?” Appropriation Bill.’ ” He was never properly Mr Davies said— tutored by those members. Of all the members, Mr Fitzgerald is the guilty party. It is “I understood that members were his responsibility to educate these members speaking to Appropriation Bill (No. 2).” so that they do not come in here and make Dr Watson interjected. jackasses of themselves. We feel sorry for the Mr BEATTIE: Does the member have the member for Broadwater for a whole lot of numbers or not? Until he has, he should not reasons, but the leader of Opposition come here braying about it. Mr Deputy business and the Leader of the Opposition Speaker said— should give him some tuition. The reality is that the Standing Orders were followed and “I will make that decision. There is no the Deputy Speaker was right. 16 September 1993 4514 Legislative Assembly

Question—That the motion be agreed per cent, yet those increases had not resulted to—put; and the House divided— in an increase in services to schools. The AYES, 33—Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, Cooper, Minister for Education was asked to inform the Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, Gilmore, Grice, House of the true situation. Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Lester, Lingard, The Leader of the Opposition rose to a Littleproud, McCauley, Mitchell, Quinn, Randell, point of order and said that the question Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Stephan, related to the Budget debate, Appropriation Stoneman, Turner, Veivers, Watson Tellers: Springborg, Laming Bill (No. 2). I can understand Mr Speaker saying that, in his view, the question did not NOES, 47—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bennett, Bird, so relate because it was obviously referring to Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Budd, Campbell, the Rod Henshaw program. The question Casey, Clark, Comben, D’Arcy, Davies, De Lacy, clearly included reference to the Rod Henshaw Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, Mackenroth, McElligott, McGrady, program. The Leader of the Opposition said Milliner, Nunn, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Power, that the question referred to Appropriation Bill Robertson, Robson, Rose, Spence, Sullivan J. H., (No. 2). The Speaker who, to his mind, was Sullivan T. B., Szczerbanik, Vaughan, Warner, Wells, quite correct, said that there was no point of Woodgate Tellers: Pitt, Livingstone order. The Leader of the Opposition took a Resolved in the negative. further point of order and said that the question related directly “to a speech that I made yesterday, and it is before the House.” MR SPEAKER’S RULING Mr Speaker, as you would be well aware, Motion of Dissent precedents have been set on these matters. On Tuesday, 14 September, the Leader of Mr FITZGERALD (Lockyer) (9.57 p.m.): I the Opposition addressed the House at length move— in his response to Appropriation Bill (No. 2), “That the ruling of Mr Speaker on 15 and that is a fact of life. It is also true that the September 1993 in relation to the point next morning he went on the radio and made of order raised by the Leader of the his comments with regard to the speech that Opposition concerning Questions relating he had made in the House on Appropriation to the Appropriation Bill (No. 2) be Bill (No. 2). His comments related to his dissented from.” speech. The Leader of the Opposition drew to your attention, Mr Speaker, the fact that he This is the second motion of dissent that was commenting directly on that speech, but has been moved this evening. It is not with you, Mr Speaker, did not uphold that point of pleasure that I move the motion. I do so order. I know that the Leader of the because I believe that this is an important Opposition persisted and pointed out that a matter. It is not without some disappointment, dissent motion was before the Parliament, I suppose, that the Opposition moves motions and earlier this evening that matter was dealt of dissent. I would not like members of the with. Again the Speaker said that there was public or members of this Parliament to gain no point of order, and the Leader of the the impression that the Opposition is being Opposition took a point of order again. He was cussed in its handling of this issue. I feel very warned after he tried to take another point of strongly that Mr Speaker was wrong in the order, and was then asked to leave the ruling he made, and that is why I have taken Chamber. steps to move this motion of dissent from the ruling. I am not disputing the fact that he was asked to leave the Chamber—that is not what The Standing Orders of the House are I am talking about. The issue is the quite clear. However, members have correctness of your ruling, Mr Speaker. I have precedents, practices and previous rulings of moved this motion to overturn your ruling, other Speakers over a number of years both namely, that the point of order taken by the in this Parliament and in other Parliaments to Leader of the Opposition concerning the look at and consider. On the afternoon on 15 question relating to Appropriation Bill (No. 2) September, during question time, the member was invalid. for Currumbin asked a question of the Minister for Education. The question appeared to be If your ruling is upheld, Mr Speaker, the innocent enough. It referred to comments Parliament will be left in a quandary. Any Bill made by the Leader of the Opposition on that before the House that is adjourned overnight morning’s Rod Henshaw program wherein he may give rise to a member going on radio the claimed that the administrative costs of the next morning and commenting on what he or Department of Education had increased by 70 she said the previous day in the House. That Legislative Assembly 4515 16 September 1993 can then become the subject of a question referring to a radio interview. Mr Borbidge rose that next day. If yesterday’s occurrence is an to a point of order and said that it was. Mr indication of the way that situation is going to Speaker did not see the point of order. I can be interpreted, it will change the whole understand that. Then Mr Borbidge, the system. Leader of the Opposition, again as an This is an important matter. If there honourable member standing in this place, debate on a particular Bill at a particular time, said— the debate is then adjourned, and a member “It relates directly to a speech that I subsequently talks to the press which, in turn, made yesterday, and it is before the reports that a member made a point in the House.” debate the previous day and the report Mr Speaker, I believe that you are appears in the Courier-Mail the next morning, inaccurate. You made a mistake. I can a member of the Government can ask a understand that, during question time, things question of a Minister in relation to a point were rather heated. There was a lot of raised in the article. This is the point at which exchange between members in the House, as we have arrived. there has been at times. Mr Speaker, I believe There was a deal of confusion at the time that you made an incorrect ruling in not your ruling was made, Mr Speaker. I felt that accepting that point of order. I do not make the Leader of the Opposition had a valid point any comment about the expulsion of the and I think that most members of this member or the member’s being asked to Parliament can now see that if we are to stick withdraw from the Chamber. That is not the strictly to Standing Orders, we will have point in question. problems. The precedents show that that will If members of the Government back be the case. I can remember making a bench do not support me on this, they must comment in the House and the next day a sit down with the Speaker and work out—in newspaper made a comment on my remarks. accordance with the Standing Orders—what The Minister for Business, Industry and the precedent will be and whether members Regional Development was asked a Dorothy can, when debating another matter, comment Dixer. I took a point of order. I said, “Mr upon matters that are before the House. It will Speaker, I made no comment outside the go back to that. I will not make any comment House.” That was a comment made in a on the previous debate that took place in the speech during a debate in the same session. House this evening. Under Standing Order The Standing Orders refer to “the same 120, I cannot do that. Honourable members session”. On that occasion, Mr Speaker know that, and they know it well. correctly ruled that question out of order. If we allow a brawl to go on, we should Mr Mackenroth: Mr Borbidge made focus on the issues before the House at the comments on the radio, on the Henshaw time. That is a reasonable Standing Order. program. We look at the Parliaments of the world that Mr FITZGERALD: I take that point. It was operate under the Westminster system. Mr during an interview concerning the Budget Speaker, I had no hesitation in moving a Speech. When an honourable member motion of dissent from your ruling. I believe stands in this place—and we are all that your ruling was inaccurate. Mr Speaker, I considered honourable members unless believe that you were incorrect. If this House proven otherwise—and says, “It relates directly does not want to change the precedent that to a speech that I made yesterday in this has been set, honourable members should House”, it is accepted. It is parliamentary support me in this motion of dissent. practice that, if an honourable member Mr LINGARD (Beaudesert—Deputy demands that courtesy, it is given. Leader of the Opposition) (10.07 p.m.): I have Mr Mackenroth: Only if it is proved. He pleasure in seconding the motion moved by spoke about it on the radio. the member for Lockyer. As I said before, I do Mr FITZGERALD: Yes. He referred the not want to argue about who is right and who question, and I can understand Mr Speaker is wrong in the decision. Honestly, once again, not picking it up straightaway. inconsistency, irregularity and haphazard decisions have caused the disturbance and Mr Mackenroth interjected. the notice of motion. That is quite obvious Mr FITZGERALD: I do not wish the from the statements that were made the Minister to make a speech. He can speak later previous night and then the statements made if he wishes to. I can understand that Mr by you, Mr Speaker, when you said to the Speaker at first did not recognise that it was Leader of the Opposition that the Budget 16 September 1993 4516 Legislative Assembly concerns everything about the State, but that I will explain why. The question that was everything would be out of order. asked was a broad, general question on Once again, there is no doubt that that is education. It did not mention the debate. Mrs inconsistent with the ruling given the previous Rose stated— night by the Deputy Speaker. In the cut and “In directing a question to the thrust of politics and across this Chamber, it is Minister for Education, I refer to very difficult being in the Opposition. The comments made by the Leader of the Opposition accepts that the Standing Orders Opposition on this morning’s Rod will always favour the Government. The Henshaw program wherein he claimed Opposition will always lose. That is how the that the administrative costs of the Standing Orders are framed. That is the Department of Education had increased Westminster system. The Opposition accepts by 70 per cent and that increases in that. However, it is certainly up to the funding had not resulted in an increase in Opposition to fight for every right that it can services in schools. I ask: can he inform get. the House whether this is the case? What I say to Mr Speaker, to Mr Deputy is the more accurate situation?” Speaker and to the Leader of the House: this If the Speaker was to have ruled that question has been going on now for four years and, if it out of order, no questions would have been is not fixed up, it will go on again tomorrow asked. The Leader of the Opposition then night, and it will continue to go on. If members said— of the Opposition want to stop a debate on “I rise to a point of order. The any particular matter, all that they have to do question relates to the Budget debate, is move a wide-ranging notice of motion that Appropriation Bill (No. 2).” would prevent any future debate on that topic. When we come to that, we really will have a Mr FitzGerald: Still no problem. fight in the Parliament. Mr CAMPBELL: No problem. The If we want to observe that ruling Speaker ruled that that point of order was absolutely correctly, if 20 pieces of legislation invalid. Mr Speaker’s ruling should have been are on the notice paper, we cannot mention accepted and understood. Instead, what anything about those 20 pieces of legislation. happened? Six times, the Leader of the Obviously, that is ridiculous. As I said Opposition deliberately questioned the previously, if the Government is to observe Speaker about that ruling in different ways those rulings to the letter of the law, we must with interjections. Six times! That work out what we will do in the debate on the demonstrates the undisciplined behaviour of first reading and what we will do in the debate the Leader of the Opposition. He should have on the second reading to try to make sure that accepted the Speaker’s ruling. If we follow the this does not occur again. logic of the Leader of the Opposition—who objected to the question asked by the Without talking about who is right and member for Currumbin because he claimed who is wrong, I am saying that you, Mr that it referred to Appropriation Bill (No. Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Leader of 2)—what about the question asked by the the House and the Government have the member for Maryborough, Mr Dollin? Why did chance to change it and fix it. If you do not, the Leader of the Opposition not object to that you must accept the responsibility for what will question, which was— continue to occur. All members play the Standing Orders to the hilt. I have pleasure in “I ask the Deputy Premier and seconding the motion moved by the member Minister for Rural Communities: could he for Lockyer. please advise the House as to the status of the proposed State Government office Mr CAMPBELL (Bundaberg) building for Maryborough?” (10.10 p.m.): This is an absurd and illogical debate on the motion of dissent. The motion In effect, the member for Maryborough asked was moved for one reason only, that is, the how much money was allocated in the Budget Leader of the Opposition cannot control to that project. But the Leader of the himself. He is stubborn and undisciplined. To Opposition did not object to that question. be a Leader of the Opposition, one must have That demonstrates the illogical nature of his discipline. The Opposition got caught in a argument. What is more, the member for situation in which it had to back up the Ipswich West asked a question about the indefensible from the Leader of the Queensland economy. Not one but three Opposition. That is the reason why we are questions that related directly to the Budget here tonight—not for any other reason. were asked. In her contribution to the Budget Legislative Assembly 4517 16 September 1993 debate, the Deputy Leader of the Coalition Mr Goss said— referred to self-insurance by the Government. “He asked me a question.” The question carries the heading “Government Insurance Policies” and was Mr Speaker said— directed to that very topic. The Opposition “Order! The Leader of the Opposition should not be illogical. It was not just one will resume his seat.” question; many questions of a very broad Mr Goss said— range were asked that day. “Do you want an answer?” We are debating this motion only because of Standing Order 123A, which Mr Speaker then said— states— “Order! I warn the Leader of the “The Speaker, or the Chairman of Opposition for the first time under Committees, may, after warning such Standing Order 123A.” Member, order any Member whose Mr Ahern then continued to answer the conduct, in his opinion, continues to be question. In other words, Mr Goss, as the grossly disorderly, to withdraw Leader of the Opposition, accepted that immediately from the Legislative warning from the Speaker and sat down. Assembly Chamber.” However, in the present instance, the Leader That Standing Order is applicable to this case. of the Opposition displayed a lack of discipline Six times, the Leader of the Opposition and was not prepared to accept that ruling. As interjected. He was warned under Standing a consequence, the Opposition is in disarray. Order 123A. He refused to accept that It has to support its leader, so it has moved warning. He stood up and said— this motion of dissent. However, this was a very illogical issue on which to move such a “With respect, there is a dissent motion. motion before the Parliament.” The Speaker acted with all propriety. He Mr Speaker said— acted within the provisions of Standing Order “Order! There is no point of order. 123A. He acted in a most logical way in ruling The honourable member will resume his that the question asked by the member for seat . . . I call the Minister for Education.” Currumbin was in order. When he was asked Mr Borbidge interjected again. Mr Speaker— to withdraw from the Chamber, the Leader of the Opposition should have done so. I support “Order! I warn the honourable the Speaker in his ruling. member under Standing Order 123A.” Question—That the motion be agreed Mr Borbidge interjected again. He was then to—put; and the House divided— asked to leave the Chamber. AYES, 34—Beanland, Borbidge, Connor, Cooper, I want to contrast the discipline of the Davidson, Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, Gilmore, Goss Premier when he was the Leader of the J. N., Grice, Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Lester, Opposition with that of the member for Surfers Lingard, Littleproud, McCauley, Mitchell, Quinn, Paradise. In 1989, when Mr Goss was the Randell, Rowell, Santoro, Sheldon, Simpson, Slack, Leader of the Opposition, an interesting Stephan, Stoneman, Turner, Veivers, Watson interchange occurred under Speaker Lingard. Tellers: Springborg, Laming The Premier at the time was Mike Ahern. In NOES, 47—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bennett, Bird, answering a question, Mr Ahern said— Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Budd, Campbell, Clark, Comben, D’Arcy, Davies, De Lacy, Dollin, Edmond, “I ask the Leader of the Opposition: Elder, Fenlon, Foley, Gibbs, Hamill, Hayward, Hollis, is he a party to this hanky-panky?” Mackenroth, McElligott, McGrady, Milliner, Nunn, Mr Goss stood up and said— Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, Power, Purcell, Robertson, Robson, Rose, Spence, Sullivan J. H., “Mr Speaker——” Sullivan T. B., Szczerbanik, Vaughan, Warner, Wells, The Speaker said— Woodgate Tellers: Pitt, Livingstone “On what point does the Leader of Resolved in the negative. the Opposition rise?” Mr Goss said— WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AMENDMENT “I thank the Honourable the Premier BILL for his question.” Second Reading The Speaker said— Debate resumed from 16 July (see “Order!” p. 3680). 16 September 1993 4518 Legislative Assembly

Mr SANTORO (Clayfield—Deputy Leader most efficient in Australia and which of the Liberal Party) (10.23 p.m.): There is no has served the needs of the State in doubt that, when the Goss Labor Government a most satisfactory manner. came to power, this State boasted the best Two and a half years after the workers’ compensation system in Australia. implementation of the Labor Party’s Workers’ The rot began to set in when the Goss Labor Compensation Act it saddens me to say that Government overhauled the workers’ our fears have been proven correct. That is compensation system of Queensland via the why we are here today. We are here today to introduction of the current Workers’ right a wrong and to basically get the Compensation Act. Government off the hook. At that time, the then Minister quoted the The Opposition does not want to be comparative statistics which detailed the bloody minded about this and does not take Australian experience. He acknowledged that particular delight in causing the Government the average net premium rate in Queensland discomfort. However, we intend opposing this for the financial year 1988-89 was 1.4 per Bill for three major reasons, those being— cent, considerably lower than that in all other Australian States, where the rates range (i) its retrospectivity provisions, which between 2 per cent and 3.5 per cent. The seek to legalise hitherto illegal Minister also acknowledged—and the actions; Opposition at that stage agreed with him—the (ii) it transfers funds from the Workers other very desirable features of the current Compensation Fund which has been workers’ compensation scheme, which established to provide compensation included— for workplace related injuries; and (1) unlimited liability for common law (iii) the transfers have and will continue damages; to put upward pressure on workers’ (2) the board being the sole insurer; compensation premiums and this in turn will place the private business (3) its strong emphasis on rehabilitation; sector under further cost pressures, (4) its general support amongst thus limiting its ability to expand and employers, employees, unions and employ more people. the medical and legal profession—a The Opposition consulted widely about truly magnificent achievement the provisions of the Bill before the Parliament indeed, even in these days of so- tonight. We circulated the Bill to most of the called consensus politics; and, most major employer organisations, and I can importantly, inform the House that it enjoys very little (5) the scheme was fully funded. support within the private sector. The Opposition at that stage opposed The major objection to this Bill as the Bill because we considered that— expressed by the private sector finds its (1) it was extremely detrimental to the source in its retrospective provisions. Business long-term interests of private sector is obviously very touchy and very employers; apprehensive about a Government which shows as strong a tendency towards (2) it set up a system that in our opinion retrospectivity as does this Government. They will be open to rorting, abuse and believe that, if the Government changes the political interference; rules for one aspect of its operations and (3) it would eventually become responsibilities, it will do it again in other actuarially unsound as the costs of instances. Thus, Mr Speaker, the most administration and the level of essential and basic reason that the Opposition benefits payable soar; will oppose this Bill is because of its (4) it would eventually lead to an retrospectivity provisions. escalation in the level of premiums Clause 2 of the Bill amends section 4 (2) payable by employers; of the Workers’ Compensation Act of 1990 so (5) it would encourage a deterioration of that it retrospectively applies from 1 January the work ethic within the workplace; 1991. This section of the Act provides for and, most importantly, various payments to be made out of the Workers Compensation Fund, but currently (6) it would dismantle a workers’ does not contain specific provision for compensation system which has for payments towards certain undertakings by the many years been recognised as the Workers Compensation Board, including Legislative Assembly 4519 16 September 1993 payments to the Division of Workplace Health agree with her statement that it was a very and Safety. good system. It is obvious why the Minister is keen to In fact, there are many signs which retrospectively legalise these transfers, for emanate from the workers compensation they have burgeoned since Labor came to system and which should be of concern to power from $0.618m in 1989-90 to $5.98m in Queensland small businesses, including— 1990-91, to $8.159m in 1991-92, and to the extension of the Workers’ $13.011m in 1992-93. In other words, the Compensation Act net—for example, Goss Government has plundered the Workers moves to include new categories in the Compensation Fund to the tune of $27.15m premium-paying club, that is, certain during the past three years, and has been labour hire agencies which are currently doing so without any real authority under the exempted; Act. a massive reduction in the merit bonus Undoubtedly, the Minister will say that this payments returned to employers—the was occurring under previous National Party 1992-93 assessment notices contained a Governments. However, what he will not tell us 10 per cent reduction in the merit is that the figures involved are very small bonuses—no-claim bonuses—which compared to the plunder of the Labor Party. effectively meant a 10 per cent increase The figure for 1989-90 was $0.618m, which is in premiums; chicken feed compared to Labor’s massive the further increase in premiums and illegal grab. announced in May which were way above And this is being done by a Government the rate of inflation—for example, the loaded with lawyers, including none other than recent increase of 13.5 per cent, which our very own doubtable Premier and, of the Minister said was an average and course, the Minister for Industrial Relations. which in many occupational categories is One could be excused for thinking and as high as 25 per cent; believing that they were just closing an eye to the reluctance of the State Government this cosy arrangement, only to be flushed out to introduce realistic limits on common by the prospect of legal action by a leading law payouts to successful workers’ Queensland employer organisation. compensation litigants; I wish to commend the QCI for taking the the expansion of the definition of injury extremely responsible action of threatening and rehabilitation so that injuries legal action to stop this Government from previously excluded from the net are now milking the Workers Compensation Fund. It included—this with dramatic cost blow-out was this threat that undoubtedly brought this implications—and Bill before the House. It has been the extent of the milking of the Workers Compensation the selective targeting of certain sections Fund for the funding of the Workplace Health of the economy in the latest round of and Safety Division which makes it all too premium increases, including local obvious that WorkCare Mark II is being visited authorities and rural producers. upon Queensland by a Premier and his As I have just mentioned, the financial Government who once promised that he pressure which the transfers put on the would “do to Queensland what Cain had done workers’ compensation funds have recently to Victoria”. seen the introduction of massive increases in It is my contention that the workers’ the level of workers’ compensation premiums. compensation system is being used by the And these transfers which, as a result of the Goss Labor Government as a means of Bill, are now to be legalised, will continue to be destroying small business in Queensland. I made year after year in what I predict will be am of the belief that Queensland is heading ever-increasing numbers. down exactly the same road as Victoria under the old WorkCare system, which saw The massive increases in workers’ thousands of small businesses go broke compensation premiums are outrageous and under the weight of a mass of taxes levied on hit very hard the most unusual of industries. I them to pay for Government spending wish to detail to the House some of the excesses. unusual applications and the size of the Mrs Woodgate interjected. recent increases in workers’ compensation premiums. If we have a look at the recent Mr SANTORO: I take the interjection from increases in the premiums according to the honourable member for Kurwongbah, who occupation codes, we can only assume that said that it is—or was—a very good system. I 16 September 1993 4520 Legislative Assembly some of the increases have been imposed increases, 23 per cent increases, 19 per cent because of this Government’s desperate and increases and many other rates of increases obvious need to replenish the Workers that are well above the average rate of Compensation Fund because of the transfers inflation. When people ring me and ask, “Why which we are legalising today. have we been slugged so highly?”, I say to Members on all sides of this place might them that the reason is obvious, that is, the be interested to learn of the very large reserves of the fund are being run down and increases in premiums following the recent this Government clearly needs to replenish rate review which began to apply as of 1 July them. 1993. One might ask why certain occupations Of course, Queensland’s struggling rural have been inflicted with massive increases of industries have also been hit hard by massive up to 25 per cent when there is no justifiable increases in workers’ compensation premiums. reason for this, other than the one which It would seem to me that the State requires the workers’ compensation coffers to Government is hell-bent in pursuing a be filled as a result of the Government’s raid vendetta against rural Queensland. I have on them. I ask the Minister: why, for example, previously referred to this as “class action”. As have churches had their workers’ the following table indicates, some of the compensation premiums increased by 25 per major rural industries of this State have been cent? Can the Minister prove that praying has hard hit by massive increases in workers’ all of a sudden become a more dangerous compensation premiums. Again, I shall name pursuit since his Government came to power, only a few of the rural sectors to indicate just and why? how hard this Government has been on that I have had cat and dog breeders call me, particular rural sector. I shall name only a few objecting to the 25 per cent increase in their because it is not my intention to speak to this workers’ compensation premiums—again legislation for an hour. I inform members suggesting that their level of claims on the opposite that these are the rates of increases fund has not been on the increase and that that apply to that rural sector which the the animals in their charge have not become Government says that it is trying to help, but more dangerous and voracious in recent this is really an indication that it is not serious times. Similarly, hat manufacturers are when it makes that claim. mystified by the 25 per cent increase in their Industry Sector in Premium % Increase premiums, and again are asking why they Agricultural Machinery 25% have been hit so hard by this Government. These are only some of the many unusual Stock Sales 25% increases which can be gleaned from the Dam Construction 25% schedules of the board. However, other very Meat Preserving 20% important and productive sectors of the economy have been well and truly slugged, Droving Cattle 25% thus inflicting an additional and heavy tax Droving Sheep 25% burden on small businesses which are Sheep/Cattle 24% struggling to stay afloat in this Labor-induced Cattle only 24% recession. Sheep/Goat 25% The following occupations that I shall outline are just a few of those that have been Mr T. B. Sullivan: No, 22 per cent. hit by 25 per cent increases: accommodation; Mr SANTORO: I will take that interjection. alumina manufacturers; painters; tilers; butter It may be 22 per cent. I shall check that later. I and cheese manufacturers; carpet layers; may refer to it again. But even if the carters; cleaners and cleaning; earthmoving; honourable member for Chermside is correct, automotive dredging; gardeners; 22 per cent is still a massive slug by any manufacturers; local authorities—and I will get definition. The list continues— back to them soon; wholesale sellers; Shearing 25% salespersons; chauffers; newspapers; nursing Saw Sharpeners 25% homes; paper card manufacturers; pottery manufacturers; railway construction; stables; Sprinkler Erection 19% stables training; surveyors of land; Sugar Plant 25% undertakers; furniture manufacturers. The list Sugar Mill 25% goes on. And these are only the 25 per cent Timber Post Suppliers 25% increases. There are plenty of 24 per cent Legislative Assembly 4521 16 September 1993

Timber Getters 25% A great number of councils have, Woollen Yarn Manufacturers 25% however, already invested significantly in this area over the last few years. Local Wireworkers 25% government’s action can only influence—they And as if wine merchants have not been hit go on to say—one side of the equation. There enough, they face a 24 per cent increase. is general concern about the inability of These represent just a few of many increases employers to have any control over the being inflicted on rural industries or rural- operation of the scheme in areas such as related industries and will simply put upward claims management and investigation; pressure on the price of rural produce. This is common law claims; and transfer of funds at a time when the Government is still from the scheme to other avenues such as considering the closure of rail lines and cutting the Division of Workplace Health and Safety. back on other rural services, including the In fact, local authorities say that this is a closure in the past few years of court particular concern because, according to houses—not to mention the devastating them, the performance of the division in some effects of the drought, which has seen many key areas is questionable. By the way, that is farmers and graziers suffer as they have never one of the major reasons why local authorities suffered before. oppose this Bill. They have gone on the That brings me to another related and record very strongly as saying that. very serious concern held by local authorities Local authorities believe that there is which involved the operation of the Workplace credence in the suggestion that the Health and Safety Division and the recent Government instructed the board to increase massive increases in the workers’ premium income by 13.5 per cent. If that is compensation premiums as they apply to local the case, they are concerned that premium authorities. In a media release issued on 16 increases may have been greater than would August of this year, the Minister for otherwise have been produced by a review of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations local government experience on its merits tried to justify the massive increases in alone. The association certainly does not workers’ compensation premiums as they accept at all that the increases in workers’ apply to local authorities. He said— compensation premiums are modest. In fact, “Councils should recognise their own the increase applicable to the primary contribution to the size of their premiums. classification of local government employees is, as one of my other honourable colleagues Councils have an opportunity to mentioned to me before, 24.86 per cent. reduce the cost of workers’ compensation by improving their own workplace health What local government is saying is what and safety performance. representatives of all the other occupational groups which I have mentioned, and which Upcoming increases in workers’ have suffered those massive increases, have compensation vary across industry been saying to me, and that is that they want sectors based on the rate of injury and the Government to justify the increases. They illness claims by workers in that industry want the Minister to actually place on the sector. record the merits of the increases which have Unlike insurers in the private sector, been announced and which, over the next few the Workers’ Compensation Board offers months, will be increasingly applied. I do not its customers—including local believe that that is an unreasonable demand authorities—assistance to reduce from local authorities or from any of the other premium costs by cutting claims for occupational groups. I think it is reasonable accidents and illness.” that those groups that have been hit by those The general message that comes across very high increases, which are well above the from that media release is that the more effort rate of inflation, have a very legitimate local government puts into improving expectation. If those justifications and if the workplace health and safety, the better off, in merits of the arguments put forward by the terms of workers’ compensation, they will be. Minister are not clearly displayed, the major After consulting local authorities, they certainly argument that this Opposition is putting to the told me that they agree that it is very difficult Minister is that the reason why these to argue with this basic philosophy. However, increases are necessary and the reason why a they make the following valid points. In the lot of other things are occurring in the area of current economic climate, there is a limit to the workers’ compensation is that the fund has resources that local government can devote to been run down to cater for extraordinary levels workplace health and safety. 16 September 1993 4522 Legislative Assembly of funding and expenditure in other areas of out to clients on a casual basis. Government administration. Consequently, it will be necessary for you It is very obvious to us that the drain to declare the wages of such workers which the transfers to the Workplace Health under a Workers’ Compensation policy. and Safety Division represents on the As you do not appear to hold a Workers’ Compensation Fund is forcing the current policy I have enclosed an Minister and his department to look for further application form for your convenience and fertile grounds for the levying of new and should you require it. higher premiums. For example, early in 1993, It is anticipated”— the Workers Compensation Board announced that the Workers’ Compensation Act would be and this is the interesting part of the letter and amended so as to bring under the workers’ I will come back to this point in a moment— compensation umbrella labour hire agencies “that the amendment will take effect from which refer employees to employers without 1 July 1993, if enacted.” employing them directly. The board in that The proposed amendment was meant to letter said— have gone before the Parliament at its sitting “The Board has recently reviewed the commencing on Tuesday, 11 May. I situation of casual staff engaged by ascertained that by speaking to various labour hire agencies on a labour only departmental people and various labour hire basis. The central issue under agencies that had made contact with my consideration relates to establishing who office after they, in turn, had made contact is the employer of such workers under the with the Minister’s officers. They believed that terms of the Workers’ Compensation Act.” that was the day when that particular Mr Foley: It is not in this Bill. amendment was going to be introduced. However, following representations and Mr SANTORO: I take the interjection from adverse publicity generated by the Opposition the Minister, and I will interrupt the quote and and by certain labour hire agencies, the acknowledge that it is not in the Bill. However, amendment, I suspect for that reason, was the thesis that I am building up in this debate not introduced. is that one of the reasons—and I have just mentioned it but I will reiterate for the I contend that labour hire agencies act as Minister’s convenience—why the net is being intermediaries, or middlemen between casual widened, or attempts have been made to employees and the employers to whom they widen the net, and why these increases that I are referred. They have no say or influence am talking about are occurring, is that clearly about the work practices and the work the Government needs more funds to top up conditions into which the casual employees the Workers’ Compensation Fund. So the they refer end up. These labour hire agencies pressure is on the Minister and the board to do not pay the casual employees. These are cast the net wider and to cast it in a harsher paid directly by the employer to whom they way. are referred. Thus, no reliable estimate of total payroll for each casual employee, let alone all I am about to pay the Minister a of the casual employees referred to by an compliment. I am not having a go at him agency, can be easily calculated by the about this issue. He may laugh and he may referring agency. The paperwork, the be smug about it, but he has actually monitoring and the inquiring by the referring behaved responsibly in relation to this, and I agency would be enormous if this was will come to it. That letter stated further— required, as would be the case if the proposed “As a result of the review, it has been amendment to the Act had been proceeded determined that there is a need to more with. clearly establish liability in respect of Ms Spence: This is boring. persons employed by labour hire agencies. To this end it is intended to Mr SANTORO: I will take the interjection recommend an amendment to the from the honourable member for Mount Workers’ Compensation Act which will Gravatt. She may find it boring, but it really is have the effect of deeming such workers a point of concern. I had 11 labour hire as being employed by the labour hire agencies contact me and I have had many agency. other colleagues from this side of the House refer this particular issue to me. They are If such an amendment is enacted, worried about the prospect of being slugged a your agency will be deemed to be the premium for workers’ compensation that they employer of any workers which you hire really do not believe, for all the reasons that I Legislative Assembly 4523 16 September 1993 have stated, they should have to pay. If the sensitive financial details of their company member wish that I make available to her operations and performance. The most some of these documents so that she can charitable construction that can be placed on actually see for herself the real concern—— this demand is that the board, acting on Ms Spence: Table them. behalf of the Government, wishes to milk every possible cent out of small business. Mr SANTORO: If the member wishes, I According to a communication from the can table them tomorrow and place a motion Workers Compensation Board, the Workers’ that we debate that point again. I am happy Compensation Act requires that— to do that tomorrow. I am very happy not to speak the full hour, but if members opposite “. . . the gross earnings of all workers keep interjecting in that manner, I may have (including casual and part-time earnings) to do so. be declared in the annual Declaration of Wages. Gross earnings include the full Mr T. B. Sullivan: We will keep quiet, we monetary value of salary packages and promise—anything to get you off the stage all salary allowances except payments in quicker. reimbursement of outlays.” Mr SANTORO: That is the most sensible The Act further empowers the board so that— interjection that I will ever take from the honourable member for Chermside. I trust that “In the second half of the year (after he will be true to his word and keep quiet. 1 January 1994), the Workers' Compensation Board may seek Mr Beattie: But will you reciprocate? documentary evidence to confirm Wages Mr SANTORO: I can inform the member Declarations for the 1992-93 year.” for Brisbane Central that I have certain I wish to make it clear that although employers responsibilities in relation to this debate which find these provisions quite intrusive, they are I will take far more seriously than members prepared to co-operate with these provisions opposite would wish me to. As I said, the so as to enable officers of the Workers paperwork, the monitoring and the inquiring by Compensation Board to calculate the the referring agency would be enormous if this premium payable. However, employers object was required, as would be the case if the to providing certain other information which proposed amendment had proceeded. This, can be demanded under the Act. In its letter in turn, would increase the operating costs of to employers, the board advises—and this is referring agencies and, again, several of them the point that is of particular concern to the operating at the margins said that this would small businesses that have made many force them to fold. It is also most inequitable representations to members of the opposition and unfair that a labour hire agency, which is parties— not the employer of the casual labour, should pay the workers’ compensation premium “In addition, in respect to selected which should be paid by the ultimate employers, the Board will be seeking to employer. In fact, in some cases, the casual exercise its power under Section 4.16 of labour pays a commission to the referring the Workers’ Compensation Act to obtain agency and, in reality, could be regarded as wages records and supplementary the employer of the referring agency. documentation to conduct an audit of wages declared. Clearly, this is a very complex issue which requires a lot more consideration and The audit documentation may include— consultation than what I believe has already Group Certificates and Group taken place. The Minister has acknowledged Employer’s Reconciliation Statement this in a recent exchange with me, and I Wages books/records commend him for not proceeding with this move for, as I said, it would have destroyed Profit and Loss Account several small businesses. I ask him in his Business Taxation Return.” reply—if possible, or otherwise by Employers who have spoken to me are at a correspondence—to provide me with an loss to understand why the Workers assurance that the workers’ compensation net Compensation Board needs to have access to will not be widened as indicated by the profit and loss accounts,business taxation Minister and his department earlier this year. returns and other records. They see this as a Again, I also wish to bring to the attention gross invasion of privacy. They believe that of the House the objections of many small the only people who should be able to look at businesses to demands by the Workers these sensitive business documents, accounts Compensation Board that they reveal and records should be the company’s 16 September 1993 4524 Legislative Assembly auditors, accountants and the Australian other Government fees and charges. They Taxation Office. They have absolutely no have asked me to obtain an assurance from concern about those records being made the Minister—perhaps after consultation with available to those bodies, but they claim that his other ministerial colleagues—that this this is yet another case of Big Brother, and much-talked-about State Government plan is another example of business harassment by a not going to be forced upon the already over Government that really does not care less for burdened whipping horses that are described the welfare of business. I call on the Minister as local government authorities. to repeal these provisions within the Workers’ During the Opposition’s consultations with Compensation Act and Regulations, and to interested parties in relation to this Bill, several make some comment in relation to the other major and long-term concerns were concerns expressed by small businesses, raised. Many employers mentioned to me the either in his reply or in correspondence later. apparent unwillingness of the Workers It is common knowledge that for decades Compensation Board to support employers the Division of Workplace Health and Safety who contend that the injury of certain has been infamous for its inability to collect employees did not occur in the workplace. fees to which it has been entitled. In fact, it They contend that certain doctors are easy has been put to me that the compliance rate touches, yet the Workers Compensation in terms of fee collections falls within the range Board does not seem to challenge them or of 10 per cent to 20 per cent, and that their tendency to embrace the soft options. although the rate varies from year to year, it Employers also have complained that has never been much higher than 20 per certain employees who gain access to the cent. However, I want to bring to the attention workers’ compensation system simply of the Minister one example of revenue disappear into the system with no advice to shortfall as it applies to the Division of the employer as to what is going on, or when Workplace Health and Safety. This example they are liable to return to work. These has been brought to my attention by several employers contend that a little courtesy goes people who claim to know what they are a long way, and that this should be extended talking about. I will provide the Minister with by the Workers Compensation Board. They some figures. Again, he may wish to reply also claim that these types of practices bump directly or he may prefer, as is his usual up the costs of operating the workers’ courteous practice following a debate, to reply compensation scheme which, in turn, makes it in detail by correspondence. necessary for the transfers that we are I am told that the annual turnover in the presently discussing to take place. Queensland construction industry is in the Members on both sides of the House order of $6.2 billion and that of this, would appreciate that the Workers approximately $3 billion is in housing. Compensation Fund and the contributions to However, construction fees are payable only the fund are under ever-increasing pressure on houses which are valued in excess of because of the increasing size of common law $120,000. These represent about 10 per cent claim settlements. In fact, the private sector is of the total, that is, $300m. Consequently, the anxiously awaiting the outcome of the fees collected should be $2 per $1,000 on deliberations of the committee which was set $300m, which equals $600,000. For the non- up to review the issue of common law claims. housing sector, it is $3.2 billion, and fees Business is beginning to think that Ministers collected should be $2 per $1,000 on $3.2 Wells and Foley and their advisers have lost billion, or $6,400,000. Therefore, together the themselves in a maze of legalese and have fees should total approximately $7,000,000. It forgotten about the urgency that is felt in is believed that the compliance rate is in the private enterprise for a solution to the problem order of 12 per cent. If this is so, then 88 per of common law claims. I notice that a member cent of $7m, or $6,160,000, is not being opposite is shaking his head. collected each year. A Government member: He is falling People involved in business contend that asleep. one of the reasons why these transfers are necessary from the Workers Compensation Mr SANTORO: No. He was shaking his Fund—the transfers that we are legalising head and was actually acknowledging what I retrospectively tonight—is the inability of the am saying. division to collect it own dues. This brings me Mr BREDHAUER: I rise to a point of to another related point, and that is the fear of order. I was not acknowledging what the local authorities that in the near future they will honourable member was saying. I find it be asked to collect these fees and perhaps Legislative Assembly 4525 16 September 1993 offensive that he thinks that I might have Despite surveys demonstrating that video been agreeing with him. I ask him to withdraw. libraries made hardly any claims last year, their Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Palaszczuk): rating has not been reclassified as sought Order! The member requests a withdrawal. and, in fact, will be subject to a further increase. The reason obviously has nothing to Mr SANTORO: Certainly. I withdraw do with claims experience—which one would unequivocally. expect to be the appropriate criterion—but To be fair, the Premier has announced rather with fund raising. If a small sector of that some changes will be introduced. industry such as video retailing is being However, the changes announced so far by victimised in that manner, one can only the Premier will have little effect in mitigating wonder how many other rorts of that nature the drain on the fund caused by excessive are going on. growth in common law claims. The majority of Some employer organisations were also those claims are for relatively low-level injuries somewhat amused to learn that funds are that people are taking to common law, and, in being hived out of the Workers’ Compensation many cases, being awarded unrealistic Fund to fund, among other things, the Division settlements by the courts. of Workplace Health and Safety, given that The employers strongly supported a this Government has, from time to time, proposal that access to common law be suggested that other charges and fees be denied to people who had injuries that were levied to fund the division. For example, for below 10 per cent whole person impairment several years now, the Retailers Association of on the American Medical Association scale. Queensland has been urging the State That is a very moderate level of restriction, as Government to follow other States in a number of other States have already abolishing factories and shops registration. It introduced higher levels of restriction. For appears that the reason why that charge was example, South Australia has a 30 per cent retained, albeit under a different name, was to level and the Northern Territory has a total fund the Division of Workplace Health and prohibition on common law actions. Safety, at least in part. It is also recognised that total prohibition If that is the correct reason, retailers are on access to common law can cost more. asking what is the Government doing dipping Employers are very conscious that that further into workers’ compensation funds. If it situation could arise. As an example, they is not the correct reason, the Government have informed me that a 24-year-old must do some pretty good explaining as to quadriplegic would be entitled to weekly why Queensland employers are required to payments and all medical care and attention pay registration fees for no purpose, when required up until age 65, whereas a million- their counterparts in NSW and Victoria do not. dollar payout may totally settle the claim. They are asking: if those registration fees are There are many complexities within the field of still applied, when they were meant to be common law settlements. Employers are levied to fund certain operations of the beginning to worry. Some are almost Workplace Health and Safety Division, why are beginning to panic about the prospect of such further funds being extracted, as indicated claims. They are asking the Government to earlier this evening? The answer is obvious. expedite the process of review to bring forward I now wish to turn briefly to an issue some positive action. about which I and several other members in Considerable concern is also expressed this place have received several about the inconsistent application of workers’ representations during recent times. The issue compensation premiums. An instance that is relates to the ineligibility of certain claimants to constantly brought to my attention is that of benefits, particularly after they have become video libraries. Since their introduction into self-employed. For example, two people have Queensland 10 years ago, video libraries have written to me about industrial deafness been rated along with shops such as grocers, incurred in a work environment, which they hardware shops and carpet retailers, with a have since left. They have become self- premium of $1.34 for each $100 of wages. employed and, because of that, are incapable For the past few years, they have attempted of being considered eligible for benefits. to be rated with shops such as newsagents The Minister has written to one of those and music shops, which have the considerably people and has provided advice which lower premium of $0.40 for each $100 of explains the technical imperatives of the Act. wages. He stated— 16 September 1993 4526 Legislative Assembly

“Industrial deafness was included in workers’ compensation premiums by the definition of injury in the Workers’ Government departments. Provision for the Compensation Act in December 1962. non-payment of premiums by the Government The provisions have remained very similar is found in sections 1.5 (2) and 1.5 (3) of the since that time. As industrial deafness is Act, where provision is made for the payment caused by prolonged exposure to noise, of benefits to Government employees. On no date of injury can be specified and pages 4 and 5 of the Act, section 1.5 (3) qualification periods are used to establish states— the work relationship. “Notwithstanding any provision of this Act, It was therefore necessary for special if the Board makes payment of provisions to be incorporated in the compensation under this Act to or on Workers’ Compensation Act. The account of a worker employed— provision regarding industrial deafness in a department of government; or which specifically relates to your claim is Section 5.8 (3) which reads inter-alia, by the Crown in the right of the State; ‘A worker is not entitled to the Board may recover from the compensation under this Act in department or, as the case may be, the respect of the injury referred to in Crown— subsection (2) unless— the amount so paid by the Board; . . . and (b) the claim for compensation is an amount determined by the Board as made— its charge for administering the claim for (i) at a time when the claimant is such compensation.” a worker’. Under that subsection, the sum Section 2.1 of the Act states that a recoverable by the board may be paid with the worker means a person who works under authority of the Minister of the Crown a contract of service or apprenticeship or administering the department concerned from otherwise with an employer in work of any moneys available to the department for the description.” purpose and from moneys specifically appropriated by Parliament. That has led to a Those people have asked me to raise situation in which the Workers Compensation several questions with the Minister for answer Board has paid benefits to an injured either in his reply at the end of the debate or, Government worker but has not asked the again, by correspondence at his earliest Crown to contribute to the fund. That means convenience. The questions seek to highlight that the Government’s component of the the plight of the aggrieved parties. They ask, system has been subsidised by the private firstly: did the architects of the Workers’ sector, which needs to pay its workers’ Compensation Act 1990 believe that a compensation premiums when they fall due. “worker” would regain his lost hearing by becoming self-employed? Secondly, does the As my colleague the honourable member Minister believe that it is fair to discriminate for Nerang recently outlined, in the financial against a person after the alleged time of year 1991-92, the Government paid out over cover? Thirdly, do those who drafted of the $20 million in workers’ compensation claims Act believe that Part 2.2 is in keeping with from the private enterprise funded pool section 1.4 (a), which states in part— without paying its share of the premiums. Later on, at its convenience, the Government “providing adequate and suitable cover rebated that money to the fund. Thus, it could for workers who suffer injury”? be said that the premium paid by the Those making representations to me Government, which employs up to 30 per cent have asked me to put it to the Government of the total Queensland work force, is just over that the Workers’ Compensation Act 1990 be $20m. reviewed and amended where necessary so Recently, Business Queensland as to reverse the discrimination which, in their calculated that the Government should be view, has taken place in relation to them. I paying upwards of $122m, which, in turn, invite the Minister to consider their requests means that private business is subsidising the and to provide a response. Government system by upwards of $100m. It There is another major reason why the is not fair, when one considers that private Workers’ Compensation Fund is under enterprise in the 1991-92 financial year paid pressure, and that is the non-payment of $377m and that, if the Government had paid Legislative Assembly 4527 16 September 1993 its fair share to the fund, business in turn That is because we knew what he was going would have paid much less. The Minister may to say. Much of what he said was grossly wish to make some comment about that inaccurate. The member for Clayfield needs to funny little rort that the Government has been get rid of his little group of consultants, sit running on the side. down and do a bit of hard yakka himself and I acknowledge that the Minister has said get his facts right. that the Government will commence meeting The member for Clayfield referred to its full liability as at July 1995. We on this side workers’ compensation premiums. Members of the Chamber ask the Minister to bring can be assured that the Workers forward that plan, because there is nothing Compensation Board determines the rates of more urgent required from this Government those premiums in conjunction with than moves which will help reduce the cost independent actuaries. They apply a burden on small businesses. As I have just completely impartial approach to the said, they are currently subsidising the determination of the rates that are applied. In workers’ compensation system to the tune of 1990, there was a review of premium rates, $100m. which the member for Clayfield omitted to As I said at the outset, the Opposition will mention. In 1990, on average, there was a 4 oppose this Bill because of its retrospectivity per cent premium rate reduction. Since 1990, provisions. It will oppose this Bill because it will the board’s independent consultant actuaries entrench the ability of the Government to have recommended that there be a premium legally transfer funds from the Workers’ rate increase to cover increasing claims from Compensation Fund to other Government the 1994 year. The net average premium rate administration and other Government policy will increase from 1.41 per cent to 1.6 per initiatives which are not meant to be covered cent. Yet we hear bleating that industry by the contents of the Workers’ Compensation cannot afford it. That 1.6 per cent is still the Fund. This legislation will help to diminish the cheapest and the most financially efficient in actuarial soundness of the fund. If these Australia. strategies in relation to the workers’ Mr Santoro: You are creeping up and compensation system are pursued by this you know that. Government, Workcare Victoria style is well Mr NUTTALL: It is the lowest in Australia. and truly on its way. It is for these reasons that I turn to the grants. As the Honourable the the Opposition will oppose this Bill. We give Minister has explained to the House notice that we will call a division on this Bill. previously, since 1926, the Workers Mr NUTTALL (Sandgate) (11.12 p.m.): I Compensation Board has made annual grants am sure that my colleagues would agree with from the Workers’ Compensation Fund to me that that was not one of the better efforts various organisations which promote safety in from the member for Clayfield. He struggled the workplace or which provide services or for quite some time. At the moment, he has treatment to injured workers. On listening to other things on his mind that would cause him the member for Clayfield, one would think that to struggle with his speech this evening. was a new concept! The rationale for that is Mr T. B. Sullivan interjected. quite simple. It is about the prevention of injury and illness, which is always going to be Mr NUTTALL: The member for cheaper, both in an economic and a social Chermside is holding up an article referring to sense, than treating the consequences and nine faceless men. I am sure that is the compensating the victim. reason. But there is another reason why the member was not performing at his peak. Last If prevention fails and a person is injured year, he claimed during a speech on industrial or becomes ill, it is again less socially and relations that a high trade union official was economically costly to facilitate the victim’s leaking information to him. Let me assure the return to a stable family and workplace member for Clayfield that some former union environment through the effective treatment officials in this House know who that person is. and management of his or her problem. A Let me also assure him that he has a mole return to work is a return to dignity for an among the little group of industrial consultants injured worker. For these reasons, regular that advises him. We have already read the grants have been made to the following speech delivered by the member for Clayfield organisations to the benefit of sick and injured this evening. That speech was as boring as workers: the Mines Rescue Brigade since hell. There were no interjections. The 1926; the Royal Flying Doctor Service since honourable member struggled and searched 1956, with the exception of 1988-89; the for interjections, but none was forthcoming. National Safety Council from 1982 to 1991; 16 September 1993 4528 Legislative Assembly the State Health Department since 1983; and Service. Grants have been made to the Royal the Division of Workplace Health and Safety Flying Doctor Service annually since 1956, since 1988. I want to address each of those except for the 1988-89 year. Over the past five organisations on an individual basis. three years, these grants have totalled The Mines Rescue Brigade provides a $126,000—an investment in rural and remote vital service to Queensland’s multimillion-dollar communities and a further clear indication of mining industry and the thousands of this Government’s commitment to the rural employees who work in the inherently sector. This grant assists the organisation to hazardous underground coal mines of maintain a much-needed community service Queensland. The brigade is a volunteer to people in remote western and northern brigade, made up of mine workers trained by areas of Queensland and gives them the a small team of paid trainers employed by the security of knowing that expert medical help is brigade. They are trained in rescue never far away. techniques, including resuscitation, particularly The Royal Flying Doctor Service allows in what are known as irrespirable workers injured in remote parts of Queensland atmospheres, that is, in conditions requiring to have access to medical services soon after breathing apparatus such as occurs in coal injury and to obtain quick transportation to the mines after major accidents. A high degree of nearest hospital if necessary. In a fitness and a high degree of skill are required decentralised State such as Queensland, the before volunteer miners receive their certificate Royal Flying Doctor Service has often been of competency, which allows them to the difference between life and death for rural participate in rescue operations in the event of workers and their families. The board has an disaster. obligation to support this organisation not Often, these rescue brigades are not just purely on a payment for services rendered saving lives but are also saving mines so that basis, but to ensure the continued viability of they can continue to operate and provide the Royal Flying Doctor Service as an jobs. Mines Rescue Brigade centres operate important safety net for workers in remote in Collinsville, Dysart, Ipswich, Moura and areas of the State. On a purely economic Blackwater. As I mentioned earlier, funding basis, getting an injured person to expert has been supplied to the Mines Rescue medical assistance quickly can significantly Brigade as far back as 1926. In the past three reduce the time in which they return to health years, almost $1.64m has been granted to and work, thereby reducing the cost to the the Mines Rescue Brigade. The legislative workers’ compensation system. provision for this funding is contained in the I turn now to Queensland Health. Since Coal Mining Act, which states that one-third of 1982, the board, through negotiations with the the total required funding each year shall be Health Department and a statistical analysis of provided by the Workers Compensation Board the services provided, has determined an of Queensland. annual level of funding to the public hospital The funding given to the brigade was system. This represents a payment rather discussed earlier this year to determine the than a grant. Many injured workers either board’s ongoing involvement, and it was attend or are admitted to public hospitals for agreed that the grant should be continued, treatment following work-related injuries. The based on the creditable performance of the payment covers the cost of this in-patient and mining industry in containing workers’ out-patient care, as the public system should compensation claims costs. The funds are not bear the cost of these injuries. Prior to used to provide an effective infrastructure for 1982, payment to the public hospitals was via the operations of the brigade and also provide a system of accounts for individual injured an effective system of training for brigade workers and services provided. Of course, the members. This includes high-level administrative burden of this process was competitions to ensure that members are considerable for both the hospitals and the given the opportunity to train under conditions board. Over the past three years, these which most closely resemble those that would payments totalled $18.6m. be encountered in real emergency situations. I turn to the National Safety Council. It is Mr Pearce: It is very much respected in a non-profit organisation which provides the coal industry. extensive industry training in the area of risk management, in workplace health and safety, Mr NUTTALL: The member for Fitzroy is and for health and safety officers employed in correct. The brigade is very much respected industry under the Workplace Health and by the workers of the industry and is greatly Safety Act 1990. The National Safety Council appreciated. I turn to the Royal Flying Doctor also conducts health and safety audits of Legislative Assembly 4529 16 September 1993 workplaces for its members to provide expert Clearly, the ultimate aim of the grants is a advice on potential hazards and areas where worthy one—to minimise the social and improvements could be made to employee economic cost of workplace injuries through training, work practices and the operation of supporting prevention initiatives. Might I say in plant, all with the goal of avoiding illness and closing that the work carried on initially by the injury. Honourable Nev Warburton and by his As one of the objects of the Workers’ successor, the Honourable Ken Vaughan, the Compensation Act is to encourage safety in member for Nudgee, has been commendably industry, the grant of funds to the National carried on by the Honourable Minister, Matt Safety Council of Australia was logical Foley. I commend him on his efforts. between 1982 and 1991, at a time when the Mr ROWELL (Hinchinbrook) (11.25 p.m.): council was developing accident prevention The Workers’ Compensation Amendment Bill consultancy services. Private enterprise is now is an important Bill. The Workers widely involved in the provision of occupational Compensation Board is an organisation that health and safety consultancy, and the need supports those who have been involved in to promote this service through the National workplace injuries. While the purpose of this Safety Council was considered no longer amendment may be to validate the necessary. The grant for the National Safety movement of finances from the Workers’ Council of Australia was discontinued at the Compensation Fund, it could be used as yet end of 1990-91. another means for this Government to siphon The unions have also played an money from the workers’ compensation important role in terms of workplace safety, resources to bolster up funds in other particularly with the Trades and Labor Council departments that have a freewheeling workplace health and safety training unit, of mentality. which I was a member. Its major role, and that When the National Party left Government of Safework Queensland, is to spend in 1989, it had mustered a fund that had considerable time and effort in training reserves of $66m. Premium rates were very workplace health and safety delegates to give competitive in Australian terms. Just recently, them the skills to ensure that workplace health we witnessed a substantial hike in premium and safety is paramount. rates which, for the bulk of business in an Let us talk about the chair of electorate such as Hinchinbrook, represented orthopaedics. Orthopaedic injuries, or injuries a 25 per cent increase. Banana farmers, to the bones and joints, account for about 45 sugarcane growers and cane harvester per cent of workers’ compensation claims operators were all lumbered with the 25 per accepted and 65 per cent of costs each year, cent hike in workers’ compensation premiums. which is approximately $190m. It is therefore Even the shire councils did not miss out. As a financially sensible for the board to invest in result of the additional impost with the better medical treatment of injuries and premiums, plus the Treasurer’s requirements rehabilitation of the victims, again to reduce with the Queensland Treasury Corporation’s the amount of time spent on compensation. borrowing policy, councils around the State increased rates by a substantial amount, The board has sought to do this by varying from 2 per cent, 3 per cent, 4 per cent funding a chair of orthopaedics at Queensland and 5 per cent. The increases in workers’ University. The funds will assist the University compensation premiums are reflected in those of Queensland in setting up a unit comprising rates. a professor, an associate professor, a number of readers, researchers and support staff to The eventual outcome of those higher improve undergraduate and postgraduate rates will be a decrease in employment and a training in orthopaedics. Under the less competitive ability for those export arrangement with the university, these experts industries such as the sugar industry to will be assisting the board in helping other compete with low labour cost countries, many medical professionals to understand the of which would not have workers’ importance of rehabilitation techniques and compensation for their employees. Details of returning injured workers to the work force. So countries that have workers’ compensation far, the university has been granted $200,000, and their rates are difficult to obtain. At which has been used to set up the unit at the present, Queensland’s premiums are about Royal Brisbane Hospital with a professor and 1.58 per cent or 1.6 per cent of wages paid. I some administrative staff, as well as establish understand that Japan’s rate is approximately facilities at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. 1.1 per cent. Countries such as Thailand have very questionable workers’ compensation schemes. The reason I mention those 16 September 1993 4530 Legislative Assembly countries is that, when we import or export any equipment has been misplaced, stolen, goods, it means that we must compete with broken or worn out in the course of events. countries that have lower rates, whether it be Every employee—whether it be a full-time or workers’ compensation or actual wages. It all temporary employee—had to be supplied with adds to the cost. It is an important issue. the safety gear. That gear cannot be reused Mr Budd: Are you saying we shouldn’t by another person. have workers’ compensation? Queensland is the only State in which Mr ROWELL: No, I am not saying that we chiropractors are still required to work under a should not have workers’ compensation. I am general practitioner’s referral when involved in saying that we must be competitive. Many a workers’ compensation claim. Is there any industries have to compete against imports value in allowing chiropractors to be better from countries that have labour costs that are utilised for lower back pain and sprains of only a fraction of what our award rates are. many of the joints in the body, such as ankle, Increasing workers’ compensation rates is like shoulder, neck, knee, wrist, and so on if there applying an additional tax on employment. is a sprain? The drop in the no-claim bonus from 50 It is possible that substantial savings per cent to 40 per cent is having an impact on could be made in the cost of treatment and the incentive for those employers who have reducing time away from work if a worker is had unblemished records of workers’ injury being treated by a person who has the claims. It is interesting to note that there have necessary qualifications to provide the been substantial contributions going to the treatment. As I have said, those people are Division of Workplace Health and Safety. In very competent in reducing the level of strains 1988-89, an amount of $618,000 was paid to and sprains. that division, and that progressed to $11m last Mr Budd: Did you strain your larynx? financial year. Admittedly, in 1988-89, about Mr ROWELL: No. It is fairly important to $210,000 went into the Queensland branch of acknowledge that those people do get some the National Safety Council. recognition. Many workers in Queensland work The amount contributed to workplace for above-award wages. Because of their health and safety has increased by $5m in skills, and as an incentive to do a fair day’s two years. There is an indication that this work for a fair day’s pay, employers pay above amount could escalate to about $18m this the award rates. Many employers have a very financial year. It must be asked how effective good relationship with their employees. The the expenditure in the workplace health and value of their ability to perform their work safety program is if premiums for workers’ quickly and efficiently is rewarded by paying compensation have to increase by 25 per cent them over the award. and no-claim bonuses are cut by 10 per cent, The Workers Compensation Board of while a massive amount is being spent on Queensland sent out a circular to employers. programs that are not reducing the blow-out in That circular, which refers to an Audit of the number of claims that are paid out. It Wages Declaration, states— really just does not add up. Something is wrong. “Gross earnings to be declared We are paying out more for the The Workers’ Compensation Act workplace health and safety program, which requires that the gross earnings of all goes into great detail as to how employers workers (including casual and part-time should instruct their employees to work. earnings) be declared in the annual Because of the need to raise the premiums, I Declaration of Wages. Gross earnings believe that this creates a conflict. If we are include the full monetary value of salary trying to prevent accidents by paying more, it packages and all salary allowances means that the system is not working if we except payments in reimbursement of have to pay more for the premiums. It should outlays. be quite simple. The Act also requires that payments A council in my electorate has claimed to labour only contractors, and persons in that, last year, safety gear had increased by that category being paid under the up to 70 per cent to comply with workplace prescribed payment system . . . be health and safety requirements. Goggles, declared as wages. safety helmets, sunscreen, gloves, Audit of Wages Declaration glasses—the list goes on of protective In the second half of the year (after 1 equipment that the council has had to supply January 1994), the Workers’ under the Act. In many instances, that Legislative Assembly 4531 16 September 1993

Compensation Board may seek A wages-only contractor who is very documentary evidence to confirm Wages efficient at his work could earn double the Declarations for the 1992/93 year. In award wage for the time spent on the job. addition, in respect to selected Once again, the employer has to pay the employers, the Board will be seeking to premium based on the gross amount of the exercise its power under Section 4.16 of wages to the Workers Compensation Board to the Workers’ Compensation Act to obtain cover the employee. If the payment on a wages records and supplementary claim is only at the award rate, why is the documentation to conduct an audit of premium paid not based on the award rate? wages declared. With any other insurance policy, if a The audit documentation may premium is paid to cover a certain liability, include— then that is the amount received if a claim is Group Certificates and Group made on the policy. An employer is not Employer’s Reconciliation Statement allowed to pay a worker less than the award, so there is no unders and overs aspect of Wages books/records equalising an employer’s declaration. Profit and Loss Account It is quite clear that the Workers Business Taxation Return Compensation Board undoubtedly is getting a Your co-operation in ensuring that all windfall profit from the premiums. Just what employees contribute equitably to the this amounts to would be hard to gauge. But cost of funding workers’ compensation a lot of employers value their workers and pay insurance would be appreciated.” them over the award rate. That is an absolute fact. No doubt with an enterprise agreement It is signed by J. R. Hastie, General Manager. which was brought in by this Government a This directive ensures that an employer has to similar situation would prevail. I have some declare every cent of wages that an employee advice from the Workers Compensation Board earns. The employers have to make about what could happen with enterprise absolutely sure that they declare the gross agreements. payments to the workers. If there is any doubt, an audit can force an examination of the The Workers Compensation Board has business. But if an employee is injured or has advised me that its legal advice is that, as the reason to make a claim on workers’ workers’ compensation does not specifically compensation, the claim is paid in relation to refer to certificate agreements resulting from the award, not in accordance with the hourly, enterprise bargaining, the position on daily or weekly rate of the employer. Yet the compensation for an employee covered by premium paid is on the gross earnings, not on such an agreement is unclear. There has not the prescribed award rate. Quite simply, this yet been any test cases to cause a means that the Workers Compensation Board determination to be made of this. It is certainly is receiving premium rates in excess of the unclear what would happen in the event of an rate for which it is paying out claims. enterprise agreement and a claim being made. I cite the example of a worker employed picking bananas at 10 per cent over the If a worker receives more for his labour award. If he or she is a very good because of his working ability and diligence, worker—which is quite common—that worker he will receive no more for a workers’ would only be covered for the award rate compensation claim than a person on a lower should a claim be lodged. But the employer award rate will receive. While there is an award paid the workers’ compensation premium on for increased productivity, this is not reflected the award plus 10 per cent, because the Act in the additional amount obliged to be paid by requires the gross wage to be declared. Two the employee if a claim is made. The identical businesses employing workers for a Government is saying, “You can make these job could be working side by side. If one agreements if they comply with the provisions business paid the employees the award rate of the Act, but if it comes to a work-related of, say, $400 per week and the other paid claim, we will only pay the employee the $440 per week for the same work, there would award rate”, despite the additional percentage be a proportionate difference in the premium. paid when the gross wage is assessed. But if there was a claim on either business’ Mr Foley: Would you like the board to employee, the employee would get the same increase the payouts to injured workers to workers’ compensation rate. Where does the include over-award payments? difference in the premium go? Mr ROWELL: I am just stating a simple fact. If an employee is being paid more, and 16 September 1993 4532 Legislative Assembly the premium is higher, does it not necessarily that he should have done it before, but he did mean that that employee should be entitled to not. I rest my case. more workers’ compensation? The other Mr BARTON (Waterford) (11.44 p.m.): I solution is that we only pay the premium rates rise to support this Bill. The Workers at the award rate. That would simply mean Compensation Board of Queensland has that in the event of workers’ compensation been making grants to various organisations claims, the employee would get the award since 1926. I will repeat that for the benefit of rate. The premium is being paid at the award Opposition members who object to money rate, so the worker gets compensation at the being dispersed by the Workers award rate. Compensation Board for genuine preventive The Workers Compensation Board measures. The board was established in should have a clear policy. Either it strikes a 1926. Of course, the inane interjections by the premium at the award rate and pay claims on member for Nerang simply go along with what an award basis, or the premiums are paid as Mr Peter Morley and Mr Tony Koch of the they are now—some above the award Courier-Mail say. They stated in an article in rate—and those award rates claims should be that paper— paid in accordance with the rate paid by the “Too often went off half-cocked on employer. The Workers Compensation Board prison stories not properly checked out.” is really ripping off employers and the workers. I will have something to say about that. Mr Foley: That’s rubbish. We all know that the value of money has Mr ROWELL: That is a fact. It has to be. changed substantially since 1926, so it would Can the Minister cite any other organisation be absolutely pointless to start comparing that insures anybody operating in this present-day figures with the figures from 1926. manner? People pay for what they get. If they The key point is that since 1926 there have pay an insurance premium for X amount of been grants from the Workers’ Compensation dollars, they receive a certain amount for a Fund under its various names to bodies to be claim. If they pay for something less, they get used for the prevention of accidents. It is not less compensation. That is the way the something new. From the nonsense that we insurance industry works. Why is it any are hearing from the Opposition side of the different in regard to workers’ compensation? House tonight, one would swear that it had This is paying for what people are not never ever happened before. getting. With the amending legislation, the It is important that the Workers’ Government will be able to go in and raid the Compensation Fund provide services to Workers’ Compensation Fund when there is a injured and disabled workers and to shortfall in its social welfare program. The organisations that promote safety in the retrospective aspect of this legislation is workplace. The reasons for the granting of interesting. Why does the amendment go funds to such organisations are obvious. The back only to January 1993? prevention of injury and illnesses is always Mr Foley: Because that’s when the going to be cheaper, both in an economic and current Act operates from. social sense, than having to treat the problem and its consequences by compensating the Mr ROWELL: But it had been going on victim afterwards. That is what it is all about. It for some time before that. Why did the is what is happening in the mining industry, Minister not do it at the time when legislation and it has been happening since 1926. was passed? There was an opportunity to do it then. It could have been done It is the Queensland Government’s contemporaneously with the legislation. Why Workplace Health and Safety Division which was not it done then? Why did the Minister plays a key role in the prevention of injury and wait until now? There is no doubt that the deaths in the workplace. It is for this reason amounts that the Government is paying out to that in 1988 the National Party Government—I the likes of the Workplace Health and Safety emphasise that although I cannot see too Division had multiplied—— many Nats opposite—decided to take $1.5m from the Workers’ Compensation Fund and Mr Foley: One might say: why was it not pay it to the Workplace Health and Safety done in 1926? Division of the Department of Employment, Mr ROWELL: The Minister has to admit Training and Industrial Relations. It was an that the amounts that he is paying out to the important first step that even the National likes of the Workplace Health and Safety Party Government saw needed to be taken Division are considerable higher. The towards the prevention of injuries and argument that the Minister is putting forward is accidents in the workplace. Legislative Assembly 4533 16 September 1993

To help fund the implementation of the existing laws. It was, therefore, essential that new health and safety legislation, the previous standards should be developed and that they Government further decided that the total should be developed by those who create the funding of prevention programs should be risks and those who work with them. However, increased to $10m per annum. Furthermore, it they should also cover all industry sectors, decided that the extra money should come because some sectors in this State were not from the Workers’ Compensation Fund covered by the previous legislation. The (Accident Prevention Programs). I stress that Queensland legislation introduced in 1989 that those were the decisions made by the responded to a death and injury rate in National Party when it was in Government. workplaces which was among the highest in The member for Hinchinbrook is OECD countries and which, at that time, mumbling away to himself. If he keeps resulted in 83 000 claims on the Workers’ mumbling, the people on the Government Compensation Fund. side of the House are likely to persist with an Mr T. B. Sullivan: And a terrible social industrial claim against the Clerk of the cost. Parliament for dull money for having to sit Mr BARTON: And a terrible social cost, as here and listen to him. the member points out. It was a totally In July 1989, Queensland became the unacceptable social cost. As a result of last State to introduce comprehensive improvements that have been made since workplace health and safety legislation that time, the claims rate declined to 80 000 in following the model recommended by the the year 1992-93, but this still represents a Robens inquiry in the United Kingdom, which huge human, social and financial cost to our had been implemented in that country, most community, in spite of the fact that the OECD countries and in all other Australian number is declining. It requires not only the States during the preceding 25 years. It took a level of support that it is getting now but also a long, long time. In my previous work life before potentially greater level of support to ensure I came to this place, I was personally involved that this blight on our society is eliminated. in putting submissions to successive Ministers The 1991 figures show that there were for Industrial Relations, both Liberal and 395 road fatalities and 7 887 road injuries per National Party Ministers, over something like annum, so there are more deaths, but fewer 10 years trying to get them to take that step. injuries, arising from road accidents than there But they finally did it. are injuries to employees in workplaces, but The Governments in the other States and possibly half the number of road deaths and countries which had implemented this injuries are connected with work-related travel. legislation recognised the inadequacy of the Potentially, the fatality incidence could be former machinery Acts, scaffolding Acts and reversed. However, the monies that have similar legislation, and the importance of been provided to the workplace health and addressing not only plant and machinery safety programs from the Workers safety but also the problem of hazardous Compensation Board over the past five years substances, manual handling, noise and other have been used to fund a variety of activities risks in the work environment. Workplaces had that are aimed at preventing injury and illness become much more complex. They had in the workplace. changed substantially, and to find safety The Workers Compensation Board has legislation in this State up to that point in time, provided funding for the implementation of one had to read through myriad pieces of training programs and initiatives that are legislation. However, I give credit where credit designed to assist industry in meeting its is due. The National Party took some obligations under the Workplace Health and important steps in 1988 and 1989, and this Safety Act, and to promote the idea of Government has built on them very prevention as the best tool for reducing substantially since then. workplace injuries. The level of funding is Safety standards needed to be established on a needs basis. One such developed to address those areas not initiative is the development of strategies to covered by the earlier legislation. They caused target industries with poor claims performance. almost two-thirds of the compensated injuries, Once identified, these industries can be but had not been addressed in that earlier provided with accident prevention programs legislation. The Robens report of the United and education courses that are designed to Kingdom Parliament in 1972 identified a lack reduce both the number and the cost of of information about preventing those causes workplace injuries to the employer and the of injuries as being major shortcomings in its employee. The Workplace Health and Safety 16 September 1993 4534 Legislative Assembly

Division has developed industry-specific estimated total cost; 66 per cent of education and information products to assist administration costs of the workers’ various industry sectors to implement compensation scheme, that is, excluding preventive strategies that are appropriate to benefit payments; and 33 per cent of the the hazards that are encountered in the amount spent on road safety. Expenditure on workplace. The division has also introduced prevention benefits workers, their employers new codes of practice for industry that have and the taxpayers. It also has strong support been drafted in consultation with the major from independent professional safety stake-holders in key areas. When I refer to organisations. “stake-holders”, I am not referring to John In March this year, the Safety Institute of Goss; I am referring to the participants in the Australia came out strongly in support of the industry. State Government decision to pay $13m from The division has funded the training of the Workers Compensation Fund to the workplace health and safety officers through a Division of Workplace Health and Safety. The maximum rebate of $250 which is paid to announcement was made over the name of employers. This has assisted employers to the Queensland President of the Safety comply with the requirements of the Institute of Australia who was very critical of Workplace Health and Safety Act by having the current Leader of the Liberal Party’s qualified officers appointed in the workplace. objections to the $13m being transferred. He Funds have also been utilised for the said that the money would be used to support purchase of monitoring equipment that is preventive measures in workplace health and necessary, and for research. The funding for safety. The most telling statement, however, is occupational health and safety coordinators the following one— has also been provided. Both employee and “What is the use of workers’ employer organisations have benefited from compensation insurance if there is no the actions of this division. emphasis on prevention?” If one listened to members of the Liberal The professional organisations that have to Party and the National Party, one could swear deal with these problems all the time are that the only people who are receiving funds asking similar questions, but members of the are people associated with trade union Liberal Party and the National Party are organisations. The funding is being distributed suggesting that the transfer is simply a equally to employers and employees, and that bleeding-off of money to the trade union fact needs to be well and truly spelled out. movement. The members who say that The funds have been allocated to provide should examine precisely how this money is improved information about the prevention of being spent and the good work that is being injuries in the workplace; to develop, in done equally by both the employer consultation with workers and employers, organisations and the trade union movement, health and safety standards under the and the excellent results that are being Workplace Health and Safety Act 1989; to achieved. Unfortunately, most members of the obtain statistical information about the causes opposition parties can see no benefit in doing of injury and disease in workplaces in all injury that. sectors; to inform and educate workers and employers about prevention; and to improve When the Goss Labor Government was the enforcement of safety standards in elected in December 1989, it established 12 situations where businesses have failed to tripartite industry workplace health and safety effectively self-regulate to prevent injury and committees to assist the peak advisory body disease. of the Workplace Health and Safety Council in developing standards to address workplace Mr Pearce: How come you know so hazards and to involve extensively much about workers’ compensation and representatives of workers and their employers industrial relations? in this process. These committees were Mr BARTON: I suppose that, unlike provided for under the Workplace Health and several of the speakers who preceded me in Safety Act but had not been formed in this debate, I have had some involvement December 1989. Consequently, work had not with workers’ compensation schemes and commenced on the development of improved workplaces. Total current spending by the health and safety standards. The industry Queensland Government on the health and committees were funded to enable the safety inspectorate and the health and safety development of standards and to assist in the program is as follows: 9 per cent of preparation of information materials to cover a compensation paid out; 2 per cent of wide range of hazards in all industry sectors. Legislative Assembly 4535 16 September 1993

The industry committees work with the integrated into all trade courses. In Division of Workplace Health and Safety and accordance with the Workplace Health and employer and union organisations to conduct Safety Act, training has been established for seminars for the benefit of employers and workplace health and safety officers. workers, and to provide practical advice on The training of officers is provided controlling risks in workplaces in all industry through accredited providers, including the sectors. The workplace health and safety National Safety Council, TAFE colleges and a industry committees cover the following areas: number of large employer and industry building, chemicals and chemical products, associations. Training of workplace health and community services and public administration, safety representatives is provided by the union diving, electricity, gas and water, engineering movement through SafeWork Queensland, construction, finance, property and business and no tuition charges are levied on services, manufacturing, recreation, personal employers for the training of representatives. and other services, retail and wholesale, rural The member for Sandgate, the Government and transport and storage. The Workplace member who preceded me in this debate, Health and Safety Council, the industry knows all about that. For a period, he was a committees and the Division of Workplace training officer in that body and and has a Health and Safety also support and participate good knowledge of precisely what is involved in the development of national health and in training. safety standards at the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission level. The funding provided for the training of officers and representatives is on exactly the Mr T. B. Sullivan: Miles ahead of anyone same basis—up to $268 per person trained. else. To date, over 5 600 officers and Mr BARTON: Certainly—miles ahead of representatives have been trained to provide anyone else. For the new health and safety basic health and safety expertise to employers legislation to be effective in reducing injury and workers at Queensland’s 150 000 and disease, it was essential that employers workplaces. Although workers’ compensation and workers be much better informed as to data provided broad figures on the large the hazards in their workplaces and how to number of people injured and killed in control them. A major part of the previous Queensland workplaces, little information has Government’s commitment of funds to been able to be extracted from them about accident prevention programs was intended to the causes of injuries, illnesses and death. achieve this purpose. I give the previous The National Occupational Health and Government credit for that. Safety Commission has developed a standard Mr Davies: Would you say that they had for compensation-based injury reporting their heads off the ground? systems. That provides for a much better Mr BARTON: I am not sure whether they understanding of the causes of injury and did or not. This Government has provided diseases in workplaces and therefore assists basic health and safety training materials to in the development of preventive strategies by schools to be used prior to undertaking work the tripartite Workplace Health and Safety experience or prior to leaving school. This was Council and its 12 tripartite committees. a very responsible action that was taken by a Funding from workers’ compensation has very responsible Government. It took steps to been used to develop computer-based make young people aware of what they would databases to properly code workers’ face in the workplace before they get there, compensation records and is now done in all and that is something that had never been other States according to the national done previously. standard. We are now doing that in this State Mr Elder: No flies on us. with the money that Opposition members object to being spent on those very good Mr BARTON: I take that interjection, purposes. That information will become because there has been a lot of debate about available late this year and will be distributed flies tonight. In conjunction with three to those bodies responsible for the universities, the Government has also development, dissemination and, ultimately, instituted tertiary undergraduate and the implementation of preventive measures in postgraduate courses to provide the expertise Queensland workplaces. that industry needs to control safety in the use of very complex technological equipment A further key point to be made is that the which is now in use in workplaces. TAFE funds from the Workers’ Compensation Fund courses have also been developed, and have provided for preventive programs run by health and safety components are now the Division of Workplace Health and Safety, 16 September 1993 4536 Legislative Assembly which, with the cooperation of starting to turn off businesses. They are employers—and employers do support that starting to get worried about it. We are also program and are directly involved in it—and seeing a reduction in the investment by the the union movement, have made substantial business community in Queensland. Other the reductions in the high human, financial and past couple of years, in the most important social costs of work-related injuries and areas investment has gone down about 25 diseases in Queensland workplaces. per cent. Mr T. B. Sullivan: And more productive I would like to talk about why Queensland workplaces. is going that way and, if we are not careful, Mr BARTON: More productive workplaces how long it will take us to go down the are what the legislation is all about. There is Victorian path. I want to talk also about the 50/50 involvement between employers and industry’s suggestion for a tribunal and what unions. Those courses are being conducted will happen if one is not set up. right around the State from Bamaga to Before I do that, I refer to a book titled Beenleigh. The program is very successful. It Trials in Power, which is about Victoria. It was is already reducing the tragic number of edited by Mark Considine, who is a senior injuries in our workplaces. Every single dollar lecturer in political science at the University of that is transferred from the Workers’ Melbourne. One of the contributors to the Compensation Fund is money well spent. book is John Cain himself. The legislation legitimises the correction Mrs Woodgate: What’s that got to do of technical legal oversights. That is why the with anything? legislation must be retrospective. I fully support the action taken by the Minister on Mr CONNOR: The book covers workers’ workers’ compensation. He is forward thinking, compensation. I thought that that was what and his actions are far reaching. I support the we are debating. legislation. Mr Bredhauer: The book covers workers’ Mr CONNOR (Nerang) (12.04 a.m.): The compensation, so you’re going to give us a Opposition has no objection to the Division of quote from it. Workplace Health and Safety. The National Mr CONNOR: I was going to be brief. Party Government set it up. Our objection is to Mark Considine stated— the amount of money that is being pulled out “In some important respects this of the fund. I have not seen the latest Division major reform serves as an illustration of of Workplace Health and Safety annual report. the government’s record as a whole. The It has not been supplied to us yet. As I WorkCare case exhibits several strengths understand it, the amount being taken out is including: exceptional policy being reduced. I believe that it was development, impressive interest group announced in the press that the amount consultation and negotiation”— would be reduced. very much like workers’ compensation in Mr Foley: It was in the Budget. Queensland— Mr CONNOR: It was in the Budget, was “outstanding policy presentation and it? The amount will be reduced by $5 or $6m. effective initial implementation of the new The Government is starting to address a major scheme. Then followed a series of part of the problem. problems with the financial administration Earlier, I was speaking to the member for of the central fund, followed by a break- Mulgrave. We do not have a problem here. down in relations with key interests such Most honourable members share the same as unions, employers and labour opinion. None of us wants Queensland to go lawyers.” down the path of Victoria. Again, I am not That is very much along the lines of workers’ suggesting that workers’ compensation in compensation over the past few years since Queensland is going that way. However, it Labor has been in power in Queensland. That could, and that is what I want to talk about. If industry consultation is very important. we are not careful, it could go that way. Mr Foley: There’s one small difference. I say that for a reason. The only annual All our liabilities are fully funded. report from which I can work is last year’s. As Mr CONNOR: I will come to that in a we saw, there was a 34 per cent increase in moment. That is a very important difference. I the number of claims. That is quite a blow-out commend the Workers Compensation Board in one year. The increase by more than 21 per and the Government for keeping it that way. cent in the number of common law claims is The book stated further— Legislative Assembly 4537 16 September 1993

“During the last months of 1984”— medical fraternity making abnormal claims. they— The medical fraternity was rorting the system, to say the least, in rehabilitation—— “secured the support of the Metal Trades Industry Association (MTIA), and of key Mrs Woodgate: You’re smearing the employers such as the Ford Motor doctors again. Company and CRA Australia. In a series Mr CONNOR: In Victoria, they were of bargains the government promised rorting the scheme. A commission of inquiry large cuts in insurance premiums in held in 1988 made that finding. We need to exchange for employer support. In look out for rorting of the Queensland November premier Cain met with them scheme. I am not suggesting for one moment and asked for their written commitment to that it is occurring. However, I am saying that it the new public scheme, warning that must be watched very closely, because it cabinet would do nothing without it. A happened in Victoria and it could happen further cut in premiums was needed to here. move them from acceptance to active support, and a number of those To give the House some idea of the representing the Business Council extent to which a scheme can be rorted, I wanted something done to help the want to refer to the 1992 annual report of the insurers, but they finally agreed. The top workers’ compensation scheme—Workcare— rate for employer levies was cut from in Victoria. I showed this document to the 4.5 . . .” member for Mulgrave earlier. The report was written by the Cain/Kirner Government. It Even though employers can be involved, scales the differences in unfunded liabilities of quite often the Government can try to Workcare in Victoria from 1986 to 1992. In negotiate deals that are not in the best 1984, the Workcare scheme was interests of the community. Not only that—the implemented. In the first full year of its Government was prepared to negotiate a deal operation, the unfunded liabilities were only that would underfund workers’ compensation. $165m. That was the level of unfunded That is what I am particularly worried about. liabilities two years on from when the scheme I think that I should explore in more detail was first set up, which is very much where we why we are potentially moving down that track. are at the moment. As I said before, workers’ compensation Mr Foley: Rubbish! That’s not true. claims increased by 34 per cent in the year 1991-92. That was the first full year of the Mr CONNOR: I am not saying that our changes which were implemented on 1 scheme is unfunded; I am saying that we are January 1991. If we compare the overall about two years on from the major changes. claims in 1991-92 with those of the previous In fact, I said earlier on that we are fully year, we discover that there was a 34 per cent funded. We have the potential to follow that increase. I want to quote from page 23 of last path unless we do something about it. We year’s annual report of the Workers have seen a 60 per cent increases in common Compensation Board of Queensland. Under law damage costs. If that is not a recipe for a the heading “Common law damages”, the major problem, I do not know what it is. In report states— Victoria, unfunded liabilities increased from $165m in 1986 to $4.1 billion in three years. “The Board, over recent years has Those are not my figures; they are the figures had concerns about the increasing trends of the Victorian Labor Government. By 1989, in both the incidence of and the costs the unfunded liabilities of Workcare in Victoria associated with common law claims. were $4.1 billion. I will table that document, Research has indicated that legal costs because I think that it is important. had risen significantly with the costs/damages ratio rising from 19.95% The knee-jerk reaction of a Government in 1986/87 to 31.19% in 1990/91.” when it starts experiencing those sorts of problems and starts losing the confidence of A scale appearing on that same page the business community is to start limiting demonstrates that the actual claims between common law rights. In Queensland, we have 1991-1992 and 1990-1991 increased by 60 no limitations on our common law rights. I do per cent. In one year, there was a 60 per cent not want to see the imposition of limitations. increase in common law damage costs, from The people who need it the most, the people $62m to $89m. One does not need a vivid who are going to make the big claims, such as imagination to realise what will happen if that paraplegics, are the ones who will suffer in the statistic is repeated year after year. Many of long run unless something is done about it the problems in Victoria were caused by the now. 16 September 1993 4538 Legislative Assembly

For those members who are possibly not Mr CONNOR: I am saying that it is worth aware, there are two types of coverage with considering. I am not suggesting that such a workers’ compensation. There are statutory tribunal should be set up in the same way as rights, which set out the scale of claims that a the one in Victoria. In fact, quite the contrary. person can make on workers’ compensation. It should not be viewed as another bite of the If a person loses an arm, an eye or whatever, cherry. The business community and others the level of compensation is set out in the are suggesting that if a tribunal is established legislation. But a person also has the right to and if a person does not abide by the go to the courts and make a claim. In both umpire’s decision and takes the matter to a Victoria and New South Wales, as a result of court and loses—in other words, the court the lack of funding and the unfunded liabilities does not award a greater amount than the in the workers’ compensation fund, it was tribunal did—that person should be liable for necessary to limit common law rights—the the legal costs. Under that system, the right of appeal to the courts. In 1990, the limit individual is not prevented from taking a for a non-economic loss in New South Wales matter to a court. That is only fair. Why should was $190,000. That was the limit that the the premium payer, the business community courts could award a person. and the Workers Compensation Fund pay for Mr Foley: Is that what you advocate, is such additional legal costs, when such people it? have had two goes at the system—they have exercised their statutory rights and have had Mr CONNOR: No, that is what I do not the matter heard by the tribunal. I think that want to happen. I said that before. proposal has merit, and I would like to hear Mr Foley: You advocate a threshold of what the Minister has to say about it. I would 10 per cent impairment, do you? also like the Minister to set a time-frame within Mr CONNOR: I am not suggesting that, which the matter of the blowing out of either. I know that some sections of the common law claims should be addressed. As I business community are suggesting that, but said, if we do not do something about that, we other sections of the community are will follow Victoria’s path. suggesting that a tribunal should be An Opposition member: Don’t hold your established. I think that is well worth breath waiting for it. considering. A tribunal is a low-cost body—— Mr CONNOR: I sound a warning that if we Mr Foley: Tell us what your policy is. do not do something soon, we will go down Mr CONNOR: I would like to hear the that path. At this stage, we have seen Minister’s opinion on this. A decision has to be massive increases in premium hikes about made on it very quickly, unless we want to which the business community is not happy. follow the path of Victoria. Victoria had a In many cases, those increases have been 25 $140,000 maximum on non-economic loss per cent. We have had reductions in the merit common law claims. Some sections of the bonus—another matter about which the community are suggesting that a tribunal business community is very unhappy. should be established and that if a person is Queensland is now not that much cheaper to make a claim in excess of the statutory—— than New South Wales. Granted, we are cheaper on our workers’ compensation—— Mr Foley: Perhaps you should hear some of the judges that your colleague in Mr Santoro: We are catching up. Victoria sacked from the accident Mr CONNOR: We are catching up. We compensation tribunal down there. just had a major increase—— Mr CONNOR: Victoria was in deep Mr Foley: Would it make any difference if trouble. I have cited some of the figures to the we bumped it up to New South Wales level? House. Mr CONNOR: I am not saying that for Mr Santoro: Are you suggesting they one moment. Queensland enjoys a should have kept on going along the same comparative advantage in the cost of way? employing people. As a result, people are still Mr Foley: I’m just interested in your coming over the border, and we have an argument. You are advocating a tribunal, yet economy that is performing better than that of your Liberal colleague in Victoria sacked most other States. If we want that to continue, judges from an accident compensation we need to keep our costs of employing tribunal. I was just wondering how you people down. Workers’ compensation is one reconcile the two arguments. of the biggest costs of employing people— that and payroll tax. That brings me to another point. Legislative Assembly 4539 16 September 1993

Payroll tax has been extended to cover managed organisation since inception fringe benefits. Is the Government going to and provides an excellent cost benefit include workers’ compensation premiums as a and an economic workers’ compensation component of a fringe benefit? That is a very system.” important issue. The Government has already It went on to state— done it with payroll tax. The business community is worried that the it might do it “Queensland is unique in its with workers’ compensation, as well. successful workers’ compensation scheme as premiums and administrative Mr J. H. Sullivan: That’s an excellent costs continue to be kept to an absolute recommendation. We’ll do that and tell them it minimum, with appropriate benefits to was your idea. injured workers maintained.” Mr CONNOR: It is only because I knew Truer words were never spoken. people were aware of it that I mentioned it. I was worried that I might put ideas into their The arguments that have been mounted heads. If we continue down the path of having against the Bill relate firstly to retrospectivity. these massive increases in common law Let me say that these payments which have claims—and they will get bigger—the lawyers been made to these bodies since 1926 are will have a field day. The lawyers are the only payments which have been made for a very ones who are making big profits out of the good and proper purpose—payments to the current system. Mines Rescue Brigade, payments to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, payments to the State Mr J. H. Sullivan: It’s a scheme to keep Health Department for treatment provided to them out of Parliament. workers’ compensation claimants, payments Mr CONNOR: I take that interjection. to the National Safety Council and payments Mr Littleproud: That’s the best comment to the Division of Workplace Health and of the night. Safety. Mr CONNOR: It is. The Act has always provided, and continues to provide, for the making of Mrs Bird: Have you lost your place? payments in respect of the administration of Mr CONNOR: No, I have not lost my accident and other insurance business place. I am saying that, if we do not want the undertaken by or on behalf of the board. But same thing to happen in Queensland as legal advice was obtained as a result of some happened in Victoria, now is the time to make discussion and debate about this matter, and the changes. legal advice was obtained to the effect that, Hon. M. J. FOLEY (Yeronga—Minister for whilst those payments may have been Employment, Training and Industrial beneficial to the future of the Workers Relations) (12.22 a.m.), in reply: Let me start Compensation Board and policy holders, they by making a couple of simple points. The first were not presently permitted to be made in one is that workers’ compensation premiums terms of the Act—hence this Bill, which fixes in Queensland are the lowest of those in any up any defect that there may have been in Australian State. Let us get that well and truly the making of these payments by both sides understood. Secondly, the liabilities of workers’ of the House, by Governments of all compensation in Queensland are fully funded. complexion since 1926. Thirdly, the worker in Queensland retains his Let me turn to the contribution to the or her common law right, unlike the case in debate by the honourable member for many other jurisdictions around Australia. Clayfield. One of the false propositions which This Bill is about regularising payments he urged upon this House was the suggestion which have been made since 1926. But that the means of allocating the premium before we go into that, let me respectfully rates to different industries is somehow a rort. adopt the words of the Queensland Those words are untrue and they are insulting Confederation of Industry which were to the Workers Compensation Board which advanced by the honourable member for calculates these industry rates. Let me remind Clayfield in his speech. I will respectfully adopt the honourable member and the House that the words put in the submission of the the Workers Compensation Board is a Queensland Confederation of Industry to the tripartite organisation which includes industry commission inquiry into workers’ representatives of industry, representatives of compensation. It stated— the trade union movement and representatives of Government. “In Queensland the Workers Compensation Board has been a well 16 September 1993 4540 Legislative Assembly

It is necessary to consider for each Mr Connor: There’s lots of 25 per cents. industry the financing of the estimated future Mr FOLEY: Let me explain it in plain claims costs resulting from each year’s terms. The reason that people have to pay business, management expenses and a higher insurance premiums is that there are margin for merit bonus discounts. In higher payouts to injured workers. The way to developing revised rates of premium, the cut premium costs is to reduce the level of board examines the incurred claims costs accident and injury to injured workers. This associated with each industry classification. An department stands ready, willing and able to average of claims paid and premium collected assist employers, including local authorities, to for the past three years is analysed for each build best practice in terms of workplace industry in determining the performance of health and safety in their workplaces. that industry. Wherever possible, industries of a like nature and similar risk are combined into Complaints were made about the the same rate, but at each rate review the increase in fees. I remind the House that this performance of individual industries is always is the first increase in fees since 1984. As the analysed. Members may be well and truly honourable member for Sandgate so assured that the Workers Compensation eloquently pointed out, this follows a reduction Board determines these rates in conjunction made by this Government several years ago. with its independent actuaries and applies a The honourable member for Nerang completely impartial approach to the raised a number of other matters that are not determination of such rates. relevant to the Bill. I shall try to deal with them Let me move to one of a range of issues briefly. Labour hire agencies are not referred that were raised by the honourable member. to in the Bill. The board has a concern to try to This issue is important to those thousands of clarify the proper responsibility to ensure that workers who work in rural industries. The those who are working have the appropriate honourable member urged upon the House a premium cover. That is one of a range of concern in respect of rural industry. Yet, at the machinery matters that the board has a very time when he urges a concern about the concern to try to clarify. cost and the incidence of injury in rural With reference to the power to obtain industry, his colleagues the member for Crows records—that is set out in section 4.16 of the Nest, Mr Cooper, and the member for Act. That section sets out the powers of the Cunningham, Mr Elliott, are running about the board to obtain the relevant records. With countryside telling anyone who will listen that, respect to common law claims—what a pretty if re-elected to Government—perish the pass we have come to. This would not have thought—they will abolish the application of happened in Angus Innes’ day. the Workplace Health and Safety Act to rural Mr Gibbs: It wouldn’t have happened. industry. Where is the concern for rural workers there? There is one policy being Mr FOLEY: I thank the Minister. This advocated by the National Party and a party—the so-called conservative party that is different policy being advocated—— supposed to stand up for the conservative values—is now advocating the cutting down of Mr Santoro: I never said anything about the ordinary citizen’s common law rights. The that. honourable member for Nerang urged upon Mr FOLEY: Does the honourable the Parliament that the common law rights member support what Mr Cooper and Mr should be reduced so that a threshold of 10 Elliott say? per cent impairment should exist. It should be Mr Santoro: What we are supporting is noted carefully in the context of this debate the application of a fair Workplace Health and and other jurisdictions around Australia that Safety Act for the rural sector. have limited or abolished people’s right to common law, that this Liberal Party, which Mr FOLEY: The honourable member will once upon a time purported to stand for the not answer the question. When it comes to rights of the individual, is coming into this industrial relations and workers’ compensation, Parliament advocating the limitation of the there are divisions between the National Party common law rights of the individual. Let that and the Liberal Party. They have more be clearly understood. As to video libraries—— divisions than General Rommel. Mr Santoro interjected. As to the issue of local authorities—they are one of the industries that were considered. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Palaszczuk): They have had a rise of 20 per cent. The Order! I warn the member for Clayfield for average rise is 13.5 per cent. making persistent interjections. Legislative Assembly 4541 16 September 1993

Mr FOLEY: That matter does not bear I thank the honourable member for his remotely upon this Bill. I shall give attention to novel suggestion that workers’ compensation the other matters raised by the honourable premiums might be increased by calculating member. Let me dispose of one misleading them not on the basis of payroll but so as to proposition that somehow non-payment by include fringe benefits. Frankly, I am not sure Government departments of workers’ which particular industry group has urged that compensation premiums is prejudicing the view upon him, but I have no doubt that his board. Nothing could be further from the truth. consultations are far and wide. The fact of the matter is that Government Mr CONNOR: I rise to a point of order. I departments pay to the board the costs did not make that remark. I find it offensive, incurred by the board, plus 12.5 per cent. Do and I ask the Minister to withdraw it. Opposition members know who increased it to 12.5 per cent? This Government! Under the Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is previous Government, it was merely 7.5 per no point of order. The member will resume his cent. On the basis of actuarial advice, this seat. Government increased it. The proposition Mr CONNOR: I find it offensive and ask urged by the honourable member is really that it be withdrawn. without foundation. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Would The honourable member for Sandgate the honourable member tell me what remark made an important and eloquent contribution he finds offensive? to the debate. He is proving himself to be a Mr CONNOR: I did not say that I am fine successor to that great law reformer, the promoting a fringe benefits tax. former member for Sandgate, who introduced the Workers’ Compensation Bill into this Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is Parliament. The member dealt with the issue no point of order. The comment is not worthy of premium levels and outlined succinctly the of being withdrawn. useful purposes served by those organisations Mr CONNOR: I find it offensive. to which payments have been made since Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The 1926. member will resume his seat. I call the The member for Hinchinbrook made an Minister. important contribution to the debate in Mr CONNOR: I rise to a point of order. I stressing an important principle, namely, that find it offensive. in all our deliberations about the workplace and workplace costs, we must keep in mind Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The the issue of international competitiveness. The member will resume his seat. honourable member departed from that Mr Connor interjected. excellent start and expressed some quaint Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I warn the and, frankly, eccentric views about the method member for Nerang. of funding insurance, which I have no doubt will be of interest to those students whose Mr FOLEY: Mr Deputy Speaker, I know scholarship may come after us. that you have not given me any such instruction, but notwithstanding, out of a The honourable member for Waterford superabundance at this hour of the evening, I was, as usual, crystal clear in his advocacy of will withdraw the suggestion that the the need for prevention of injury and honourable member finds offensive. I cooperation between employers and commend the Bill to the House. employees. He set out the development of the legislation built upon the Robens model. Motion agreed to. The member for Nerang, Mr Connor, sought to develop an argument that, at any moment, Committee the Workers’ Compensation Fund, the Workers Compensation Board and this Hon. M. J. Foley (Yeronga—Minister for Government might go down the Victorian Employment, Training and Industrial path. That is a frightening prospect. There was Relations) in charge of the Bill. only one piece of evidence that failed to Clause 1— support the proposition. It was a concession Mr CONNOR (12.41 a.m.) I reiterate the made fairly by the honourable member, that comments that I made during the second- there was this small difference between reading debate, that is, there is talk of Victoria and Queensland, namely, that all extending workers’ compensation to the fringe liabilities in Queensland are fully funded, benefits tax. I am certainly not in favour of whereas the liabilities in Victoria were not. 16 September 1993 4542 Legislative Assembly that. I am seeking an assurance from the Mr CONNOR: The Minister may at a later Minister that he is not intending to do that. date like to advise me by letter, if he would not MR FOLEY: I had not any such intention mind, of which industries are subsidising but, as always in this debate, I am happy to others. Obviously, these ones that the Minister listen to the Opposition. Now that the said are having these substantial increases in honourable member has raised the issue for injuries should be incurring a much higher consideration, I can say that I have no rate. Obviously, that has to be intention of proposing any such course of compensated—cross-subsidised—by other action, and nor has it been suggested to me industries. I would like to know what industries by anyone else in the Government. are subsidising these high risk industries and how substantial, as the Minister says—— Mr CONNOR: The Minister said that independent actuaries had made impartial The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Ms decisions in relation to the increases in the Power): Order! I think that the member is now rates. The Minister also said that the increases straying well and truly beyond of the bounds in the rates had been capped at 25 per cent. of clause 1. The two do not go together. The Minister Mr CONNOR: It is the title. cannot have both impartial decisions about The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: No, the increases in the rates and capped clause 4 is far more relevant to payments and increases in the rates. That means that if the like. I have allowed the member some some rates are capped, others are paying leniency and I caution him now. more to compensate; otherwise the Minister would not have been able to fully fund the Mr CONNOR: I have another issue in Workers’ Compensation Fund. Therefore, if relation to clause 1. The Minister mentioned in the Minister is capping the increases in the the media that he would require the public rates, it is not impartial and the Minister is service to pay workers’ compensation by misleading the Committee. I would like the 1995. Does the Minister stand by that Minister to resolve that situation. commitment? Mr FOLEY: The function of these MR FOLEY: Yes. proceedings is not, as I understand it, 20 Mr SANTORO: Clause 1 deals with the questions on any matter that the honourable workers’ compensation system and this member finds distracting. However, I suspect particular Bill—— that it may be quicker if I answer the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! It honourable member’s question without going is the title and the title only. to too much pain to inquire as to the relevance of it to clause 1. In a system of Mr SANTORO: Can I refer to a matter of insurance, there is a sharing of risk. That is general concern? During his reply, the Minister what a system of insurance entails. If one made some fairly derogatory references to the were simply to increase the rates without alleged willingness of the Opposition to reduce regard to the containment of risk in the whole access to common law damages by people of the insurance system, that would lead to a within the workers’ compensation system. I parlous state indeed. The actuaries reviewed challenged the Minister at that stage to take the rates within upper and lower limits set by an interjection as to what the views of Mr Goss the board, and that is the limit within which and the Cabinet were, and the Minister did not they were set. The limits within which the take up the opportunity. I would like to quote increase was set was up to a limit of 25 per the instruction that has been given to Mr Foley cent, and that is for the very simple purpose and to the Attorney-General in relation to that to allow the rates to go beyond that would common law. I refer to an interview which lead to very substantial increases on the part appeared in the Sun Herald on 13 June. It is a of some of those industry sectors on behalf of very brief quote and it states— whom complaint was made. Regrettably, “Most importantly, Mr Foley and some of them have very bad claims records. Attorney-General Dean Wells have been Some of them have many injured workers and instructed to come up with ways to so are involved in high costs, so in accordance ‘substantially reduce the legal fees and with previous practice, a limit is placed upon outlays involved in common law the maximum of the increase. The average compensation claims.’ increase was 13.5 per cent. The upper and ‘It is estimated that a $20,000 lower limits have always been a feature of payout to a worker involved an additional board rate reviews. $20,000 cost to the board in legal fees Legislative Assembly 4543 16 September 1993

and outlays including medical opinions,’ socialism and as being in favour of an Mr Goss said. administrative system as opposed to the ‘The $64 million question is ‘Can we common law, and the Liberal Party held itself afford to continue this traditional workers’ out as the champion of individual liberty. For right?’ ”— the sake of the record, I note the advocacy of the limitation of workers’ rights in this Chamber Mr Goss asked. The quote continues— by the member for Clayfield, and we will take “ ‘Our answer was ‘Maybe’. his views into account—as we would take ‘A number of ministers said this anybody’s views into account. The advocacy strategy might not solve the problem and adopted by the member for Clayfield in this that we would be back here in three years debate is significant. with the same problem. ‘Let’s bite the Clause 1, as read, agreed to. bullet now,’ they said.’ Clause 2— The responsible ministers have to Mr SANTORO (12.52 a.m.): The major report back to Cabinet by November this reason why the Opposition is opposed to this year on ways to ‘substantially reduce Bill is that it contains a retrospectivity clause. legal fees and outlays in common law We oppose it in principle. Therefore, we intend actions’.” to divide the Committee on this clause. The Minister has accused the Opposition Question—That clause 2, as read, stand of wanting to deprive workers of access to part of the Bill—put; and the Committee their common law rights. He is under divided— instruction by his Premier and his Cabinet to do precisely the same thing. All that AYES, 41—Ardill, Barton, Beattie, Bennett, Bird, Braddy, Bredhauer, Briskey, Budd, Clark, Comben, Opposition members have said—and if he D’Arcy, Davies, Dollin, Edmond, Elder, Fenlon, Foley, reads Hansard very carefully he will note Gibbs, Hayward, Hollis, Mackenroth, McElligott, this—is that we were simply representing the McGrady, Milliner, Nuttall, Palaszczuk, Pearce, views of employers who are urging the Purcell, Robson, Rose, Spence, Sullivan J. H., Minister to get on with the review and to come Sullivan T. B., Szczerbanik, Vaughan, Warner, Wells, up with feasible options to reduce the risk to Woodgate Tellers: Pitt, Livingstone the actuarial soundness of the workers’ NOES, 30—Beanland, Connor, Cooper, Davidson, compensation scheme of this State as a result Elliott, FitzGerald, Gamin, Gilmore, Goss J. N., Grice, of the ever-increasingly large payouts under Healy, Hobbs, Horan, Johnson, Lester, Lingard, common law. That is all that Opposition Littleproud, McCauley, Mitchell, Quinn, Rowell, members have said. We will look at the Santoro, Simpson, Slack, Stephan, Stoneman, proposals that come out of the Minister’s Turner, Watson Tellers: Springborg, Laming review, and we will consider our position, Resolved in the affirmative. bearing in mind the Liberal Party’s very strong, The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! long-term traditional support for common law. For all future divisions, the bells will be rung for Mr FOLEY: It would not have happened two minutes. under Angus Innes. The point of containing Clause 3, as read, agreed to. common law costs is an important one. The Attorney-General and I are working together in Clause 4— order to try to do that. The Cabinet considered Mr CONNOR (1 a.m.): Earlier, the Minister this matter very carefully earlier this year and said words to the effect that some industries the Government made a decision to retain the had significantly greater increases in their full rights of workers to have access to injury rate. He mentioned what the required common law benefits at a time when other premiums would be if it were not for the fact Governments throughout Australia have that they were capped at 25 per cent. This abandoned or limited it. However, this must mean that some industries must be Government, like any prudent Government, is cross-subsidising other industries. To save me very, very careful to ensure that costs in that the trouble of making an application under area are reduced, and that is why the Attorney FOI, I ask the Minister to send me a list of and I and our departments are working in that those industries showing the greater rate they area in accordance with the announcement are paying and what the rate should have made by the Premier. been increased to. In other words, what would The point that I make, and that I continue the increases have been if they had been to make, is that there was a time when, in a actuarially worked out on the basis of the debate in this country, members of the Labor claim rate? Party were characterised as the champions of 16 September 1993 4544 Legislative Assembly

I wish to explore this issue a little further because certain industries are region specific. This means that some regions may be paying more than they should be, and some industries that recently received a 25 per cent increase in their premiums and a further reduction in their merit rebate—total increases of 40 per cent or more, and which are correctly actuarially defined as paying the increased rate—are paying that increase unfairly as a result of other industries not having their premiums increased by the appropriate amount. I ask the Minister to give me an assurance that he will send me the information I have requested; otherwise I will write to him, if he would prefer that. Mr FOLEY: I have already answered that question. I did so out of a super abundance of goodwill. It is not relevant to the clause before the Committee. Clause 4, as read, agreed to. Schedule— The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! Two drafting errors appear on page 11 of the Schedule to the Bill. On line 1, “Section 8.15 (1)” should read “Section 8.15 (2)”. On line 6, “Section 8.27 (1) (a)” should read “Section 8.27 (2) (a)”. Those clerical errors will be corrected at the table. Schedule, as read, agreed to. Bill reported, without amendment.

Third Reading Bill, on motion of Mr Foley, by leave, read a third time. The House adjourned at 1.05 a.m. (Friday).