Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 1962

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Questions [11 SEPTEMBER] Questions 327

TUESDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 1962 PETRIE RAILWAY SERVICE Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister Murrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m. for Transport- "In view of the statement by him that QUESTIONS cancelled suburban rail services would be DISMISSAL OF FoRESTRY EMPLOYEES, restored if hardship to a group of people GYMPIE DISTRICT were proved, and in view of the fact that I have been petitioned by eighty-one Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ residents of Zillmere and other areas ser­ Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister viced by the Petrie line, will he re-consider for Agriculture and Forestry- his decision and restore the 2.55 p.m. "(1) Is it true that twenty-one men were train from Central Station, because the discharged by the Forestry Department in removal of this particular service has meant the Mary Valley on Friday, August 31, that school children have been forced to 1962, a further six were put off at Widgee remain at railway stations for an hour in and a further six at Toolara?" some cases and it has caused a great deal "(2) Is it also true that twelve of the of inconvenience to shoppers and shift first twenty-one are to be re-engaged workers?" almost immediately and, if so, why was the Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) original decision reversed so quickly?" replied- "(3) Does he not think that with the present high percentage rate of unemploy­ "This matter has already been raised ment and the Government's plan to restore with me by the Honourable Members for confidence in the private sector of the Aspley, Wavell, Nundah and Nudgee, and community any large-scale discharge of whilst I have some knowledge of incon­ personnel is only aggravating the employ­ venience caused to a number of school ment situation?" children from Virginia, unfortunately the business offering is not sufficient to warrant "(4) Will he give the House any indica­ the expense of providing an extra service." tion as to when it is anticipated that the Forestry gangs in the Gympie district will be brought back to full strength?" LEVEL CROSSING BooM GATES AT ALBERT Hon. 0. 0. MADSEN (Warwick) replied- STREET, WoOLLOONGABBA "(1 to 4) As part of the Govern­ Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ ment's effort to relieve seasonal unemploy­ Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister ment in the early part of this year, for Transport- additional funds were made available to "Has his attention been drawn to the the Department of Forestry which was recent collision between a train and a truck thus able to increase its wages staffing at the level crossing in Albert Street, from 1,718 in January to a peak of 2,196 Woolloongabba, on August 27, 1962, and, in May-a nett increase of 478 men. Of if so, will he make arrangements to have these, over 50 were engaged in the Gympie the booms operating at all periods during Forestry District which includes the Mary which trains are using this section of the Valley. It was intended to continue these line as, otherwise, a motorist could be extra men in employment until the end of lulled into a sense of false security?" June only, but, in an endeavour to avoid the necessity for large-scale dismissal the Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) large work force was carried forward into replied- the new financial year in the hope that "The booms at Albert Street, Woolloon­ many of the extra men would gradually be gabba, are manually operated and when absorbed into other avenues of employ­ the signalman is off duty they are left in ment. However, the level of funds the raised position. 'Stop' signs with cats' available forced a reduction of staff at the eyes are provided about 10 feet from the end of August. The Government is anxious track on each side of the lines. However, to maintain employment at as high a level following the recent unfortunate occur­ as possible, and a reconsideration of the rence the matter of some additional position allowed the withdrawal of notice protection at this crossing is being in a number of cases. The extra employ­ investigated." ment provided early in 1962 was additional to the Department's normal staffing, and the number employed presently is far in FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY OVER TOOWOOMBA excess of that level. However, as forestry RANGE work provides a very satisfactory ratio of employment to funds expended, the Gov­ Mr. ANDERSON (Toowoomba East) asked ernment, in its constant review of the the Minister for Development, Mines, Main unemployment question, is endeavouring Roads and Electricity- to retain employment to the fullest extent "(1) Has the survey in connection with on Forestry works within the limits of the four-lane highway over the range lead­ finance available." ing to Toowoomba been completed?" 328 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

"(2) Will it follow the route of the Regulations now promulgated will provide existing highway from Essex Evans to an effective answer to this type of problem. Toowoomba or will it be re-located? If For the information of the Honourable so, where will the route be?" Member, I am advised that a detention "(3) Will the work be commenced in order was served on the owner of the craft this financial year?" 'Herr Horn' on Saturday last, this being the first order under the amended Boat and Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani) replied­ Punt Regulations. The notice drew the attention of the owner to the fact that the "( I) No." vessel was considered unseaworthy for the "(2) These questions cannot be answered waters in which it was to be used." until the survey is completed and results analysed." SMALL-BOAT HARBOUR, TOWNSVILLE "(3) Yes." Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North), asked the VOYAGES IN UNSEAWORTHY CRAFT Treasurer and Minister for Housing- Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the "Has any further progress been made Premier- with reference to the provision of a small­ "( I) Has his attention been drawn to an boat harbour for Townsville?" article and photograph in 'The Courier­ Mail' of Thursday, September 6, reporting Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) that a man named Horn is about to embark replied- on a Pacific cruise in a ramshackle, home­ "The proposal has reached a stage of made, galvanised iron contraption?" acceptance, and commencement merely "(2) Is he aware that a man named awaits the outcome of negotiations with Arthur Wilson left Cairns in July last the Townsville City Council concerning in a raft built of oil drums in a similar building of a rock wall and the widening irresponsible escapade, but later aban­ of Palmer Street with the dredged spoil." doned the queer craft along the coast?" "(3) In view of the fact that large sums LEVEL CROSSING BooM GATES AT of public money are spent and valuable BOUNDARY ROAD, COOPER'S PLAINS lives are endangered and sometimes lost while later searching for these people, Mr. SHERRINGTON (Salisbury) asked when they are reported lost or overdue at the Minister for Transport- some point, will he have the matter fully "Has any progress been made in negotia­ investigated with the view to establishing tions between himself, the Minister for (a) the bona fides of the people con­ Main Roads and the New South Wales cerned, (b) whether these 'voyages' are Railway Department for the replacing of actuated by a cheap desire for publicity wooden gates with boom gates at the and (c) that they lodge a substantial bond Kyogle railway crossing in Boundary against the cost of any search and damages Road, Cooper's Plains to eliminate the for loss of life in such search?" present traffic hazard which has been the scene of numerous accidents recently?" Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough) replied- Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) "(1 and 2) Yes." replied- "(3) As a precaution against unsea­ " At the present time information is worthy craft proceeding on voyages for being awaited from New South Wales which they are not adequately equipped, Railways before further consideration can suitable Regulations were promulgated be given to the matter." under the Queensland Marine Act on Thursday, September 6, 1962. The whole COMALCO AGREEMENT, WEIPA thought behind this action was that without seeking to impose any total Governmental Mr. ARMSTRONG (Mulgrave) asked the control on all such movements, which Minister for Development, Mines, Main would be most undesirable, there is some­ Roads and Electricity- times that odd occasion where the State "(1) Has Comalco, the company which should have power to intervene both to has the bauxite lease at Weipa, carried protect citizens from what looks to be out all terms of the agreement itemised sheer folly and to avoid the resultant in the franchise, particularly with regard burden on the State and its citizens of to money expended annually?" hazardous search parties and high costs. The case which brought this forcibly under "(2) What is the total expenditure the Government's notice was the Carpenter Comalco has been committed to in the expedition out of Cooktown, in which agreement?" instance my colleague the Treasurer "(3) What is the total amount of the thought it proper to intervene and found expenditure by Comalco since the granting there was no legal power to do so. The of the franchise?" Questions [11 SEPTEMBER] Questions 329

Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani) replied- "(3) Is there any likelihood of the "(1) Yes. The Company has more than Mackay Electorate being included in any carried out all the terms of the Agreement, allocation of Housing Commission funds and particularly with regard to moneys during the coming year and, if not, why expended annually." not?" "(2) Total moneys to be expended by Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- the Company, in the terms of the Agree­ ment, to the end of 1962, £725,000." "(1) Dissection of expenditure or of any information affecting the activities of the "(3) Total expenditure by Comalco since Queensland Housing Commission has the granting of the franchise, £3,850,000. never been made under the heading of I would point out for the information of electorates, consequently the information Honourable Members that the expenditure sought by the Honourable Member is not to date is more than the total obligation available." imposed in the terms of the Agreement to the end of the tenth year (that is 1967). "(2 and 3) No discrimination was shown. I think it timely to mention that statements In Mackay, excluding Workers' Dwellings, which have been made in the House that the Commission has erected 71 houses and Comalco was not complying with financial has 23 vacant allotments on the north commitments in accordance with the fran­ side of the Pioneer River and has erected chise-which, incidentally, was approved 106 houses and has no vacant sites on unanimously in Parliament-are utterly the south side of the river. Of these irresponsible. It is regrettable that so many houses 92 are rental. At August 31 last, members are adopting the role of the Clerk of Petty Sessions held only knockers." one application of 80 points priority from an applicant to whom a house would not GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN MACKAY be allotted as it is considered he would ELECTORATE, 1963 not be a satisfactory tenant, and ten applications of 40 points priority. From Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for this information it will be seen that Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the the rental housing needs at Mackay have Premier- been met and it would be inadvisable to provide for houses in the Mackay Elec­ "As there will be a large registration of torate during 1962-1963." unemployed in Mackay at the termination of the present sugar season, will he indicate what amount of public funds could be SHIPMENT OF SILICA SANDS FROM reasonably expected to be spent in the WHITSUNDAY ISLAND TO JAPAN Mackay Electorate during 1963 in the following Departments:-(a) Main Roads, Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. (b) Railways, and (c) Public Works?" GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the Minister for Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough) Development, Mines, Main Roads and replied- Electricity- "! do not know on what basis the "(!) With further regard to his letter Honourable Member anticipates there will to me of August 30 on the matter of the be a large registration of unemployed in arrangements for the removal of Silica Mackay at the termination of the present Sands from the beach frontages on Whit­ sugar season. However, I can assure him sunday Island, can he give the House any that the position in Mackay, as well as any further particulars with regard to the other centre that may be affected, will be arrangements that have been agreed to by closely watched with a view to ensuring, the Bowen Mineral Company Ltd., and the as far as humanly possible, that those Japanese interests?" persons who desire to work are given the "(2) Will he give an assurance to the opportunity of so doing." House that, whatever arrangements exist with regard to this agreement, the beach HOUSING COMMISSION ACTNITIES IN frontages on this particular island will not MACKAY ELECTORATE be sacrificed so that some particular person or persons can make capital out of these Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for natural assets?" Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the Treasurer and Minister for Housing- Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani) replied- "(1) How many Electorates other than "( I) No further information is available. the Mackay Electorate showed a Nil The proposals are apparently a business Expenditure in Housing Commission arrangement between the Bowen Mineral activities during the year 1961-1962?" Company Ltd. and Japanese interests." "(2) Why was discrimination shown inso­ "(2) The leases in question are below far as the Mackay Electorate was con­ high water mark and the conditions cerned in the allocation of Housing Com­ imposed on same are such as to ensure mission funds for the year 1961-1962?" there shall be no damage to the beaches." 330 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

WATER SUPPLY, MARY CREEK AREA Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South), for Mr. ADAIR (Cook), asked the Minister for "The purpose is twofold. Not only Public Lands and Irrigation- is it our wish to provide for the people of the near north coast a stable small­ "Owing to the fact that tobacco grown craft haven for which there has been a in the Mary River area topped last year's pressing need for many years, but it is sales in Queensland for tobacco production our intention to use this haven to our figures and also return per acre, and as the maximum advantage and provide from it future development of this area is restricted an efficient and more economic pilot owing to the limited supply of water avail­ service based on shore with staff living able, what measures have been taken by in the comfort of their homes and families the Irrigation and Water Supply Commis­ rather than in the isolation of offshore sion for a permanent supply of water for floating quarters. Might I add that the this area?" construction of such a work would provide Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham) employment for a substantial labour force replied- with a high local content." "The Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ DISMISSAL OF FORESTRY EMPLOYEES, mission has not to date made any investi­ MARYBOROUGH AREA gation of water conservation works on Mary Creek, locally known as Mary Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) asked the River. The position is the same as was Minister for Agriculture and Forestry- indicated in my reply to a question by "(1) Have men been dismissed from the the Honourable Member in November Maryborough Forestry area since July 1, last, when I informed him that thirteen 1962? If so, when and how many from licenses to divert water from Mary Creek each centre in this area?" were in force, each license being limited "(2) Is it intended to dismiss men in to an area of 10 acres. It is understood the Maryborough area in the near future? that almost twice the authorised area was If so, when, how many and from which irrigated last year. Normally the stream centres in the area?" is capable of meeting irrigation require­ ments, but investigation of water conserva­ "(3) How many men are employed at tion works will be made as soon as the Maryborough Tuan Forestry area at practicable. Meanwhile to meet future dry present?" periods it is suggested that farmers con­ " ( 4) How many acres were planted at sider provision of off-stream storage on Tuan centre this year?" their farms." Hon. 0. 0. MADSEN (Warwick) replied- DRIVER-TRAINING COURSE IN "(1) Yes, as follows:-State Forest SECONDARY SCHOOLS Reserve 915 (Tuan), three on September 3, 1962; State Forest Reserve 8 (Aramara), Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the two on September 3, 1962." Minister for Education and Migration- "(2) Yes. Notice of dismissal effective "In view of the increasing number of from September 7, 1962, has been given road accidents and the desire of all respon­ as follows:-State Forest Reserve 864 sible people to see this accident rate (Childers), three; State Forest Reserve decrease, will he have included in the 57 (Tiaro), one; State Forest proposed new educational curricula a course Reserve 676 (Woocoo), two; State Forest of driver training and traffic knowledge, Reserve 958 (Bauple), three; Fraser generally, in secondary schools?" Island, four. These dismissals were necessary to reduce to normal staffing Hon. H. RICHTER (Somerset-Minister following an increase in staff earlier in the for Public Works and Local Government), year with the object of reducing seasonal for Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (lsis), replied- unemployment." "The Department is willing to co-operate "(3) Forty-six." in any scheme of driver training in secondary schools provided that the "(4) 478 acres." courses are held outside normal school FISH BOARD PURCHASE OF REDCLIFFE leE hours or during vacations." WoRKs Mr. DEAN (Sandgate) asked the Treasurer PILOT STATION AT MoFFATT BEACH, CALOUNDRA and Minister for Housing- "On what date was the contract for the Mr. BROMLEY (Norman) asked the purchase of the Redcliffe Ice Works by the Treasurer and Minister for Housing- Fish Board from Gomersall Brothers "What is the Government's purpose signed, on what basis was the valuation of behind the proposed establishment of a £19,000 for the purchase of these out-of­ shore-based pilot station at Moffatt Beach, date ice works arrived at and by whom was Caloundra?" the valuation made?" Queensland Marine Acts &c., Bill [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 331

Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) FISHERIES ACTS AMENDMENT BILL replied- "The assertion in the question that the INITIATION ice works are 'out-of-date' is nonsense. Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ The Redcliffe Ice Works is right up-to-date Treasurer and Minister for Housing): I and fitted with modern equipment for the move- manufacture and expeditious handling of ice. It has an eight point automatic "That the House will, at its present ice mould filler with electric hoist. It has sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of two heavily insulated and heavily coiled the Whole to consider of the desirableness ice tanks with a total holding capacity of of introducing a Bill to amend the 520 moulds. The two compressors of Fisheries Acts, 1957 to 1959, in certain 50-ton capacity are capable of handling particulars." the heaviest loads under the most Motion agreed to. unfavourable weather conditions. The plant is complete with all electrical equip­ ment including ice crusher, saws and an COMMONWEALTH AND STATE (GLAD­ ice delivery truck. The building, which STONE COAL LOADING WORKS) measures 80 feet by 50 feet or 40 squares, AGREEMENT BILL contains the ice-making plant and five insulated cold rooms. The land included INITIATION in the sale covers four 20-perches highly Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ elevated allotments with frontage to two Treasurer and Minister for Housing): I streets and the area is fully sewered. move- Included in the sale were two modern brick frontage shops with cantilever "That the House will, at its present awnings and a butcher's cold room, which sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of were erected two and a-half years ago, the Whole to consider of the desirable­ at a cost of £4,750. The contract of ness of introducing a Bill with respect to purchase was signed on June 28, 1962. an agreement between the Commonwealth The Board satisfied itself of the value of of Australia and the State of Queensland the assets by inspection by its own in relation to coal loading facilities at Gladstone, and for purposes incidental officials." thereto." Motion agreed to. PAPERS The following papers were laid on the ADDRESS IN REPLY table:- Orders in Council under the Co-operative RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Housing Societies Acts, 1958 to 1961. Debate resumed from 6 September (see Orders in Council under the Racing and p. 326) on Mr. Lonergan's motion for the Betting Acts, 1954 to 1961. adoption of the Address in Reply, on which Mr. Duggan had moved the following Orders in Council under the Treasury amendment- Funds Investment Acts, 1958 to 1960. "Add to the question the following Regulation under the Fisheries Acts, 1957 words- to 1959. ' However, it is the opinion of this Proclamation under the Agricultural Legislature that- Requirements Control and Conservation (a) due in great measure to your Act of 1939. present advisers having failed to take Order in Council under the State Transport practical and efficacious steps to Act of 1960. remedy the disproportionately high percentage rate of unemployment in QUEENSLAND MARINE ACT this State; AMENDMENT BILL (b) the tragedy of thousands of young Queenslanders whose future INITIATION has been jeopardised by the denial Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ of the right to work, to the detriment Treasurer :and Minister for Housing): I of their moral and physical well­ move- being; "That the House will, at its present (c) the adverse effects to the well­ sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of being of the State if the Ford, Bacon the Whole to consider of the desirable­ and Davis Report is implemented; ness of introducing a Bill to amend the (d) the increasing tendency to Queensland Marine Act of 1958, in abrogate the functions of Govern­ certain particulars." ment to private and semi-private Motion agreed to. bodies; 332 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

(e) the failure of the Government Mr. RAMSDEN: I rise to a point of order. to promote large-scale secondary I know that the hon. member for Greenslopes industries, as promised in their elec­ cannot do this, but I draw the attention tion policy speeches; of the Chair to the fact that it is quite useless for the hon. member now speaking to (f) the inability of the Government say that members of the Opposition did not to effectively deal with the increased cast aspersions on the war record of the cost of living; hon. member for Greenslopes. The hon. and, accordingly, we desire to inform member for South Brisbane was one of them Your Excellency that for these, and and the hon. member for Salisbury was other reasons, this Government does another. not possess the confidence of the Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The House'." Chair will draw attention to any irregularity in the speech of the hon. member. Mr. THACKERAY (Rockhampton North) (11.24 a.m.): I rise to support the Mr. THACKERAY: We do not mind fair amendment moved by my Leader and so criticism, and I believe that every hon. mem­ ably supported by the hon. member for ber has the right to criticise. Government Barcoo, among others. I believe that the members certainly attack the Australian amendment, moved in the closing stage of Labour Party whole-heartedly, and last week this Parliament, is of particular interest to such an attack was made on the Lord Mayor the people of Queensland. Since it was of Brisbane, who is a very prominent man moved we have heard various Government in the party. I challenge any member of members not only attacking the Australian the Cabinet to be as forthright and as open Labour Party but also indulging in character as was the Lord Mayor in declaring his assassination of people not in the Chamber. financial position to the people of Queens­ We have also noticed that the former land. I should like to see the Minister for Deputy Premier, Mr. Morris, had to come Transport rise and declare his assets. here from his sick bed in an attempt to excuse the failings of the Liberal Party and Mr. Hughes: Do you say that the Lord to prop up their policy on unemployment. Mayor is a good Labour man? It is well-known in Queensland that he was Mr. THACKERAY: I say that he is an deposed from the position of Deputy Leader excellent Labour man; he always has been of the Government on account of his failings and always will be. I notice that "The and of his utterances from time to time, and Morning Bulletin" in Rockhampton was right we now have new blood in that office in behind the Government. The editor received the person of the Minister for Justice, an O.B.E. from the Queen, no doubt on the Mr. Munro. recommendation of this Government, and The Minister for Labour and Industry presumably felt that he must do something to is indisposed but is still hanging onto his prop them up. He said in his editorial- portfolio, and had to come into this House "The Moonie oil strikes and interest in to help prop up this Government and over­ the State's coal and mineral resources by come some of the things said by other strong outside financial interests all con­ members of his party. spired to give Queensland more money than perhaps she quite knows what to do Then we had the speech of the hon. with." member for Redcliffe, who walked the tight­ rope on three occasions, fell from grace in I should like to know where some of that the Country Party, fell out with the Liberal money is. Party, and was finally taken back by the The editorial goes on to say in another Country Party as one of their beloved mem­ paragraph- bers. The hon. member for Bowen then "Two other grounds for the no-confid­ came into the debate and spoke about the ence motion-'the tragedy of thousands of wonderful conditions in Bowen, and how he young Queenslanders whose future has been could solve the whole unemployment prob­ jeopardised by the refusal of their right lem in Queensland by sending all without to work' and 'the failure of the Govern­ work, the whole 14,000, to Bowen. "We ment to promote large-scale secondary can take the lot," he said. What a ridiculous industries' are so much poppycock." statement that was! This is what Mr. Westacott, the editor of There have been certain statements in the "The Morning Bulletin", said is all poppy­ Press concerning the hon. member for Green­ cock. I will show later whether or not it is slopes. I should like to say that never at poppycock. any time has any member of the Australian The Government think that everything is Labour Party attacked him. I will say, how­ rosy and that they will win the next election. ever, that when he gets up to speak he They should read the report in last Satur­ usually has a chip on his shoulder and likes day's "Courier-Mail" of the result of the to criticise members of the Australian Labour latest Gallup poll, which shows a swing to Party, especially those who are officials in the A.L.P. in Queensland. In February of the trade-union movement. He does that this year 52 per cent. of the people of every time he rises in this Chamber. Queensland said that they would vote for Address in Reply (11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 333 the A.L.P., and that figure is the same today. in Volume 232 of "Hansard" at page 2306 On the other hand, the Country Party and as saying that 600,000 tons of bauxite valued the Liberal Party have lost 4 per cent. of at £1,500,000 will be exported to Japan in their supporters in that period because of the three-year period from 1963. The royalty the various taxes they have imposed-the payable to the Government on that is only liquor tax, the betting tax, increases in stamp £15,000. If that is worked out on the basis duties, stock return fees, and increases in of the article to which I have referred the the valuation of land. bauxite is being exported for a return of 2td. a ton. That is the return on the value of Another question that is exercising the bauxite exported. minds of the people of this State is, what is the position of the former Premier, Mr. V. C. Mr. Evans: That is exactly in accordance Gair? Is he a liaison officer in the Depart­ with what is in the Act, which was passed by ment of Labour and Industry or is he the your Government. full-time organiser or agent for the Q.L.P., being subsidised by the Government? I Mr. THACKERAY: I believe we are should like to know how a man in his giving it away; it is far too cheap. position can openly say to the Government, "Well, you bring in preferential voting and Mr. Evans: We have not altered your Act. we will give you a helping hand," while he is still employed in the Department of Labour Mr. THACKERAY: The people of Moura and Industry. As I and other hon. members are very worried about many aspects of the know, it is very difficult to find him in his operations of Peabody-Thiess who, it has office. When one does find him there, he been stated on the radio, will be given an has a clean desk because he has no work to extension of their franchise for a period of, do. What industries has he brought to I think, 40 years. I have visited Moura Queensland? What have the Government to recently and I know that many of the people show for the salary of £2,500 that they pay there are greatly disturbed at the position, him? because the Government have not told them There is a very pertinent article in "Sunday the exact position on resumptions. Truth" of 26 July, 1962, about the jaunt of Cabinet to Quilpie. The Queensland Cabinet In addition, Peabody-Thiess are not meet­ could well be referred to as "Hagen's Circus" ing the conditions laid down in our industrial because of this latest visit. Members of Acts, particularly in relation to scaffolding. Cabinet went there to prop up a member Recently the miners of the town and mem­ of one of the Government parties who is bers of other unions met Peabody-Thiess losing his popularity and who will be defeated by way of deputation. The Building by the A.L.P. candidate in the coming Workers' Industrial Union organiser is out election. Cabinet embarked on this costly jaunt merely to try to keep the seat safe there now and the organisations are not at for that hon. member. The new Leader of all happy at the conditions operating. I the Liberal Party went out there in his believe these people should meet their obli­ corduroy trousers and his big hat, and he is gations under Queensland Acts. well-named "Maverick of the West". The Premier told the people what a wonderful Figures showing the incidence of "Twister" the Minister for Education and unemployment have been quoted by mem­ Migration was, and Mr. Pizzey did so many bers on this side of the House. The latest dives and twists that no-one knew which figures available to us show that the number way he was going. I want to place it on of registered unemployed in Queensland is record that in my opinion these jaunts have 14,195. The Minister for Labour and become a farce. Industry came into the House the other day The Minister for Development, Mines, with his own set of statistics to prove that Main Roads and Electricity, in answering a the proportion of unemployed was less than question this morning, gave us some informa­ 1 per cent. We are unable to obtain those tion about Weipa and the fact that, up to figures and we should like to see his record. date, Comalco had fulfilled the terms of its The only figures available to us are those contract. Let us look at it. The company supplied by the Commonwealth Statistician's has approximately 4,000 square miles. For department. Even now there are 374 the first five years, from 1958 to 1962, it unemployed at Rockhampton. has to pay £2 a square mile. I am open to correction on these figures, but I understand Much has been said by members of the that it is £4 a square mile for the next 10 Government over the last two or three years years, and then it rises to £15 to £20 a about factory employment in Queensland. square mile. It works out at td. an acre The Government are always blowing their for the first five years, then rises to 5id. trumpet about the number of new factories and n-d. an acre, and the Government have the right to take back a certain number of coming to Queensland and claim they have acres if the company does not abide by the done a wonderful job. Their theme is that terms of the contract. The main point is men are being absorbed into factory employ­ that the people of Queensland are receiving ment and that there is nothing to worry only 6d. a ton royalty. The Minister is reported about. 334 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I should like to quote from the journal of The Premier has made many statements the Bureau of Census and Statistics, No. 25, about what he was going to do. In "The page 3, which sets out the statistics on shops Courier-Mail" of 3 December, 1959, we and factories in Queensland for 1960-1961. read- This bulletin has just been released and it "British Move on £9 Million Fertiliser shows that there has been a fall in the Plant in Central Q." number of male employees, in the wood­ working section of 586; in the food and drink That is the last we heard of that one. On section of 605, and in the furniture and another occasion we read- bedding section of 150. The article discloses " 'Millions for C.Q. Venture'-Nicklin. the number employed in factories in Queens­ land in June, 1961, and other information as "The Premier (Mr. Nicklin) said last follows;- night he hoped before the end of the month to announce an investment 'worth "In June, 1961, factories in Queensland some millions in Central Queensland. He employed 17,217 workers under 21 years said it would be connected with fertilisers, of age, of whom 10,954 were males and and based on Mt. Morgan pyrites." 6,263 were females. This was a decrease of nearly 5 per cent. in total juvenile That was the last we heard of that one. employment compared with June, 1960. The Federal Australian Labour Party have There were 641 fewer males under 21 and said quite openly that when they are returned 198 fewer females under 21." to office they will invest over £60,000,000 Further over, the figures disclose a drop in in the north of Australia. We in Central males and females employed in factories in Queensland will reap some benefit from Queensland from 102,483 in 1959-1960 to that. At the moment the Commonwealth 99,322 in the year 1960-1961, a drop of 3,161 Government have forgotten all about the or 3 per cent. The figures show that the num­ North. In Central Queensland we could ber of youths emplo) ed in factories in support many industries. As far as we are Queensland dropped by more than 5 per cent., concerned the answer to the problems of in spite of the fact that the Government are Central Queensland is large secondary always boasting about the great job they are industries. doing for youths. Taking textiles and texile I am quite happy about the brigalow goods, not including dress materials, the drop scheme; it will mean that about 120 people in the employment of boys and girls was 17 will go on the land. It must have an effect per cent. In the skins and leather section there on Rockhampton's industries and in other was a 14 per cent. reduction, and in the saw­ fields of commerce. But in my opinion it milling and joinery section a drop of 22 per is only of secondary importance compared cent. The Government cannot say that they with what is required. In Central Queens­ have helped in the employment of youths in land we have a need for such industries as factories in Queensland. The latest figures a steel works, aluminium plant, chemical and prove what is happening in that direction. fertiliser works, and flour and cotton mills. We believe that the area can support them. The Government have always talked a In the Fitzroy watershed alone there is a great deal about decentralisation and how run-off of over 5,500,000-acre feet each they believe in it. The statistics show that year. Sydney's water consumption amounts in the southern portion of Queensland 73 to 101,000,000 gallons a day. The run-off people in 1,000 are employed in factories. from the Fitzroy River in one year would In the northern portion of the State 62 supply Sydney for 40-odd years. We believe in 1,000 are employed in factories, whereas that those industries should be started. in Central Queensland the figure drops to 49. That proves conclusively that decentrali­ Mr. Sheil, the Manager of the Mt. Morgan sation has not taken place in Central mine has openly stated that there are Queensland. 100,000,000 tons of limestone of startling purity at The Caves, with many more big The following figures show the number of apprentices indentured and serving time deposits elsewhere. Limestone is a basic in the Rockhampton district in the last six element in the manufacture of cement, which years:- is used in the construction of weirs, roads, and bridges, and is an essential commodity 1957 628 in the steel and chemical industries. Mr. 1958 603 Sheil informs us, too, that large quantities 1959 593 of soda ash are available. It is composed 1960 590 of limestone and salt, and could be used to 1961 572 produce alumina from bauxite. There are 1962 534 large deposits of salt at Bajool, and this In six years under a Tory Government the industry has been developed in the last number has dropped by 94. That is how three or four years. At Mt. Morgan there Rockhampton has advanced under this are 7,000,000 tons of pyrites, which can be Government. There has been an increase made into sulphuric acid and fertilisers. of eight in the number of factories, but the Carbide is a major factor in the manufacture overall increase in the number of workers of plastics from lime, coal, and coke, and is only 159. it is found in large quantities, of great purity, Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 335 only in Central Queensland. Port Alma and Previously the rate was 1OOs. 6d. a ton Gladstone are natural ports and there is a inclusive of handling and shunting charges railway system of approximately 400 miles from Gladstone to Rockhampton. The Rail­ connecting them with the Central Queensland way Department reduced the charge on petrol hinterland. The State Government must to 50s. 6d. a ton, showing a reduction of impress upon the Federal Government the 50s. a ton. It is estimated that there are urgent necessity for the appointment of a 300 gallons of fuel to the ton so the reduction Federal commission to examine the possibili­ in freight represented 2d. a gallon. ties of developing these industries in Central The people of Rockhampton were given 1!d. Queensland. If we had a commission similar a gallon. In reply to a series of questions I to the Snowy Mountains Authority we would asked the Minister for Justice, I was told progress in leaps and bounds and would not that Mr. Fullagar was still making inquiries. lag as we are at present. I have a very high regard for Mr. Fullagar but I do not think he is being allowed to I n?w refer to the Rockhampton City pursue those inquiries. I believe he is being Council and a few matters of local interest told to lay off and that the people of Rock­ to Rockhampton. In the Budget brought hampton are not being given the extra !d. down by the town clerk of Rockhampton on a gallon to which they are entitled. Instead 27 July, 1962, there appears a point of of being passed onto the consumer it is going particular interest that I should like to raise. to the oil companies. The Minister for The town clerk said- Justice should tell us at once why the td. a "The amount of carryover loans are a gallon has not been given to the people of matter of concern, as in the year 1961- Rockhampton. 1962 the total Loan expenditure amounted I should like to say a few words about the to £440,000, and the carryover was Rockhampton price of bottled beer, par­ £404,292." ticularly Fourex, and canned beer. A few I want to know what sort of loans they are. months ago "Sunday Truth" had to prod Are they loans from the Treasury Depart­ Mr. Kelly out of his slumber on the ment or debenture loans, and why have they exorbitant prices of spirits in the West, and I been carried over? A fortnight ago a man should like to prod him once more to go up was sacked from employment in the Rock­ to Central Queensland and have a look at the hampton City Council because of shortage racket operating with the breweries and the of loan works. His name was Tony Mather wholesale distributors there. It is not the and he was the campaign director for Mr. hotel proprietors who are "copping" the rake­ C. White, the endorsed A.L.P. candidate for off; it is one of these other two. There is a Rockhampton South. I believe he was sacked great deal of dissension in Rockhampton on political grounds, and for no other reason. among hotel proprietors about the price being How could the Council substantiate the charged up there. It is no good the breweries allegation of shortage of loan works when telling us that freight is responsible, because there is a carryover of £404,000? The people a concession is given by the Railway Depart­ of Rockhampton should know about it. ment for the carriage of beer from Brisbane to Rockhampton. Most of the merchants buy Mr. PILBEAM: I rise to a point of order. in 12-ton lots and the rate is 120s. a ton I think I should explain that the man from Brisbane. At 60 cartons of beer to the claimed victimisation and an approach was ton the freight works out at approximately made to the court, which ruled that there 2d. a bottle. The price of Fourex in Rock­ was no victimisation. hampton is 4s. 9d. a bottle as against 3s. 4td. in Brisbane. The profit on Fourex beer Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no allowed the publican is approximately 22 per point of order. The hon. member for cent. The same rates apply to canned beer Rockhampton North. except that there are 90 cartons to the ton and the freight from Brisbane to Rock­ Mr. THACKERAY: There was an indus­ hampton works out at id. a can. This is how trial conference and Mr. Applin recom­ the racket has operated in Rockhampton. mended that he be re-employed when loan Southern beer, V.B. canned, is sold to the money was available. What is this amount hotel proprietors of Rockhampton at the same of £404,292 doing there? Why hasn't it price as Fourex cans in Brisbane. Although been use

I should now like to say something about reticulation? The water supply is drawn the cemetery trust in Rockhampton. The from a well approximately 2 miles from members of this trust are very upset at Keppel Sands. It served over 8,000 American the moment over the Government's failure soldiers during the war years. They had to do something about providing land for a 6-inch main from the well down to Keppel a new cemetery. This has been going on Sands, and to where they had their landing since at least December of last year. At barges. It is no good saying that there is present there is sufficient land available for not sufficient water there; there is. The no longer than another nine months. Repre­ failure lies in the original approval of the sentations have been made to the Depart­ plan, under which the water supply system ment of Health and Home Affairs, the was to be powered by a 3-h.p. electric Department of Public Lands, and the Depart­ motor driving a pump with a 2t-inch bore ment of Education, but nothing has been and a 5-inch stroke, sucking the water up done to provide more land. through a 1-!--inch pipe and discharging it The city council realises the position. through a 1t-inch pipe into a 2-inch main. It has done very good work there in pro­ The main is rusted inside, and the water viding machinery to mow the grass at the is going through it to Keppel Sands. Homes cemetery, but I can say without any doubt are connected to the main before it gets that the cemetery in Rockhampton is the to the two 10,000-gallon tanks, which are worst in Queensland. People could break supposed to provide reticulation to their ankles getting into it. Women going the beach-front. I think it comes down to funerals have to negotiate grass and in about H-inch and It-inch pipes to supply broken bottles, and other obstacles. half-inch outlets to the homes. There is no water in the pipe and no water in the The trust is in no position to carry out tank, and no water will ever reach the the work. I doubt whether it has sufficient beach-front because of the number of people money to meet long-service leave payments who are tapping the 2-inch main before and the cost of accumulated leave. What it reaches the tanks. The Livingstone Shire it requires is a block of land, and repre­ Council has made headlines of the fact sentations have been made to the Minister that a person who is prepared to employ for an area of land situated in the Uni­ a licensed plumber can get his home con­ versity block site, portion 65. It is owned nected to the water supply. Many people by the Department of Education, but so far have spent £50 or £60 to get water to their we have been unable to get any of it from homes but none has come through the main. them. It is situated at the Y eppoon turn-off, The scheme is a complete failure. At least and contains approximately 100 acres. a 6-inch pipe is needed for delivery from The Rockhampton Cemetery Trust plans the well, the tanks should be increased to to make this a model cemetery, with no 100,000 gallons' capacity, and more tanks headstones. The whole of the grounds will should be provided at the other end of the be mown, and it will be laid out similarly bluff to be filled at night when there to some of the cemeteries in the South. is less demand on the water. No-one is The trust also requires a loan of approxi­ satisfied with the present scheme, and it is mately £5,000 to begin work on fencing, up to the Director of Local Government offices, and machinery. It is now up to to go up there and see what can be done the Government to do something about it. about it. He should inquire why it was This has now been going on for over nine ever approved, because £2,700 of the rate­ months and the trust is sick and tired of it. payers' money has been completely wasted. The sooner the Minister gets a move on, Dealing briefly with housing, in the last the better it will be for the people of financial year Rockhampton was hit harder Rockhampton. than any other part of Queensland in home Another thing to which I wish to refer is building approvals. In that period only 198 the water supply at Keppel Sands. When homes were built in Rockhampton, whereas I was member for Keppel we made repre­ 352 were built in Toowoomba, 572 in sentations, with the members of the Living­ Ipswich, and 463 in Townsville. If there stone Shire Council, for a water supply were more secondary industries in Central to that seaside town. Situated about 25 Queensland, building would increase. How­ miles from Rockhampton, it is one of the ever, we have not the secondary industries beauty spots of the district. There are that we need, and the figures for housing approximately 120 homes there, owned give a very good guide to the prosperity mostly by Rockhampton people. of Rockhampton. The business people in Rockhampton say that the city is flat at This water supply was approved and present. gazetted in September, 1959. It was esti­ mated to cost £2,700, with a subsidy of As my time is running out, I shall leave approximately £540. The cost at present my comments on the Ford, Bacon and Davis is £2,727 6s. 5d. I should like to know report till the Budget debate. I content if the Director of Local Government myself with saying that the £120,000 spent approved of it. Did the men in the office on the report was completely wasted. The of the Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ Minister for Transport should have set up mission approve of it? Did they ever a consultative committee. investigate it? Have they looked at the (Time expired.) Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 337

Mr. HEWITT (Mackenzie) (12.9 p.m.): be taking root, judging by certain Press I should like to take this opportunity of correspondence, which rather more than once again congratulating His Excellency hinted at preferential treatment for some the Governor and Lady May on the way and injustice to others. in which they have made their time avail­ able to travel to many of the outlying areas "Secondly, it made public a lot more ilian of the State, thus getting to know the prob­ was hitherto known about this national lems of the people living there. Through scheme to develop to its maximum His Excellency, I also reaffirm my loyalty economic pmductivity a vast area of to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. country by the clearing of scrub, the estab­ lishment of improved pasture, provision of We have heard much in the debate on further water points, additional sub­ the amendment about things that this Gov­ divisional fencing, and ultimately the cul­ ernment have not done. I for one should tivation of fodder crops. like to say that I am whole-heartedly behind the Government because I believe that, over "In his address to the 200-odd farmers the last five years, they have carried out much and settlers who attended the meeting, excellent work and contributed a good deal the Chief Lands Commissioner (Mr. Muir) to the development of the State. can be said to have cleared the air con­ siderably. He gave in clearly under­ The other day in this House an attack standable terms details about certain things was made on me by the hon. member for which are agitating the landowners in the Warrego on the brigalow-development scheme brigalow belt-details relating to the areas that is to be undertaken within the Dawson, affected, tenure and the question of com­ Mackenzie, and Isis Rivers catchment areas. pensation for land already cleared and As one who is fully conversant with those coming within the area involved. areas and the problems associated with them, naturally I feel that I am able to "There is a general idea that the briga­ speak with some authority. For the hon. low belt is a vast area of unalienated member for Warrego to come here and Crown land which has only to be cleared, make accusations such as he did-more or grassed and offered for selection and the less stating that I had some privilege that district's cattle population is on the way was denied to other hon. members-is a to being doubled. The fact is that much lot of eyewash. Had he been energetic of it is held under lease by a number of enough and keen enough, he could have settlers who are alarmed at the thought found out the same things as I did in relation that they may be deprived of it under to how the £1,750,000 was to be spent. The less than equitable terms. information was available to everyone. We all knew that £1,750,000 was to be spent "Mr. Muir gave an assurance that the for this development during the current finan­ incorporation of existing leases in the cial year. As most hon. members know, scheme would be conducted by negotiation most of it is being spent within the bounds with the holders. He had to answer some of the Mackenzie electorate. I am proud of delicate questions regarding future tenure that fact and make no apology whatever on and compensation payable where clearing his accusations about my calling a public had already been done or was in progress, meeting at Theodore after a discussio!J w:ith but he implied that these things would the Minister for Public Lands and Irngatwn and the Chief Lands Commissioner, Mr. come out all right if there wa~ trust in the bona fides of the Government. He Eric Muir. urged the fullest co-operation by lessees We discussed the whole problem and with the Land Commission. 'If you will decided that the people who were living co-operate with us we will co-operate with within that area were entitled to know you,' he said. what was likely to happen. Ther_efore, th~s public meeting was called. What IS more, It "If the answers to questions and general was attended by approximately 300 people, statement did not clear away all doubts virtually all the land-holders within the they went some distance along that path. bounds of the No. 1 area to be developed, They were strengthened by Mr. Hewitt, and many of those in the No. 2 area. M.L.A., who is clearly on the side of the Mention was made of a photostat of the settlers. The Lands Department, he was Rockhampton "Morning Bulletin", _wh~ch sure, was out to help them. Moreover, circulates in the Central Queensland d1stnct. he hinted that the new Land Act to be I shall read what the leading article has introduced this session would contain good to say about that meeting. It says- news for them. "The Brigalow Meeting "In view of this it would seem that the "What was called 'the brigalow meeting' settlers can afford to take things at face at Theodore on Saturday was a most value. Many of them will probably find important one to many people, for several themselves better off than they would reasons. have been without any disturbance to the "To begin with it should have nipped in occupancy of their holdings. That, of the bud symptoms of dissatisfaction course, will remain for time and experience amongst land-holders which appeared to to unfold. 338 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

"For those who are not directly affected The hon. member for Warrego also but see in the brigalow scheme something criticised the system of land-balloting in of great importance to the Central this State. I assure him that there has Division, there is a lot to be gratified over. been very little change in land ballots. In Not the least is the Chief Commissioner's other words, the old Labour system has been anticipation of the scheme being sufficiently followed, but my view is that there should advanced for new settlement to commence be a change. This, I feel certain, will be within a year. It would be a tragedy if brought about when the Bill consolidating any serious obstacle were placed in its way the Land Acts is brought down. In a minute at the outset. or two I will substantiate that statement. The hon. member referred to Angellala Downs "The Commonwealth and State Govern­ and Bonus Downs and said how different were ments have embarked on an enterprise the ballots for those properties compared with from which much good is expected to ballots in the days of the Labour Government. accrue for the Central Division, for the How silly can the remarks of the hon. mem­ State and the Commonwealth. One goal ber be! I shall point out what happened alone is worth striving for-the big increase with Angellala Downs. For Lot No. 1, of the region's cattle-carrying capacity portion 8, parish of Mountview, with an area from 124,000 head to 340,000 head. of 21,737 acres and an annual rental of 6d. an acre, there was a survey fee of £335 15s., "It is not a half-baked idea with a lot the provisional value of the improvements left to chance. was £6,492, and applicants needed cash, "The most expert men in the employ readily-convertible assets or stock to a value of Commonwealth and State have visited of not less than £8,000, a matter of £1,500 the area, made a thorough investigation more than the value of improvements. and pronounced: 'No better area in the State lends itself so much to economic For Bonus Downs, Lot No. 1, portion 9, development.' parish of Dunkeld, with an area of 24,191 acres, the provisional value of improvements "The brigalow scheme, if it does all was £7,490 and applicants needed £9,000. that is expected of it, could not only be For Lot 2, portion 5, parish of Tullundunna, a great thing in its own right, but might the value of improvements was £17,585 and set the pattern of all future development applicants needed £19,000. For Lot No. 3, schemes in the northern part of Australia, portion 10, parish of Dunkeld, with an area the nation's most pressing need now and of 23,977 acres, valued at £7,070, appli­ for some time to come" cants required £9,000. Those were the con­ ditions applicants had to comply with to That is the article that the hon. member enter those ballots. I can recall a ballot in for Warrego held up, suggesting that there my own area in 1956 for portions 8 to 10, was something sinister about it. I take a parish of Barfield, County of Ferguson, and lot of satisfaction out of the fact that I portions 15, 17 and 18, parish of Tarramda, went along to that meeting. We were able County of Dawson, Shire of Banana. An to clear the air. One land-holder who asked applicant had to comply with these con­ two or three questions had approximately ditions- 60,000 acres of land. Most probably under "That he is in a positio~ to pay the the scheme he will finish up with no more than provisional valuation of Improvements 10,000 acres. He was asked by someone, "Are within the period allowed and in addition, you in favour of or against this scheme?" He is possessed of cash, readily-convertible said, "I am whole-heartedly behind the assets or stock of a sufficient value to scheme. I think it is a very good thing." enable him to establish a reasonable equity That was the spirit of the meeting right in the portions applied for." through. There was no trouble whatever. If we are knockers of this sort of thing Where is the difference? There is virtually no difference at all. It is a lot of nonsense where will we finish up? It is something to say there is. that we need. It has great potential. Reference is made in that article to the fact The hon. member said that Angellala that I was on the side of the original settlers. Downs and Bonus Downs were resumed for I am proud of that fact. They are the men closer settlement. They were not resumed who pioneered the way. They were the ones at all. They were expired leases that became who did a job when things were difficult. available to the Crown. The roads were bad. In those days doctors Let me cite another instance or two. I were perhaps many miles away. It was not a can well recall the Auburn ballots. Before matter of merely a trip of hours, but per­ I thought of entering Parliament there were haps days, in a buggy or some other means two boys named Hamilton who would have of transport not even as convenient as a made excellent settlers under any conditions buggy. They are entitled to some con­ if they had been allowed to go to ballot, sideration, and I am certain that the Minister but they were ruled out by the Government and the department in their wisdom are fully of the day as ineligible. Under this Govern­ conscious of that and will give them just a ment one of those lads has since drawn a little extra because they pioneered the area. block in the Taroom district and he is a I make no apologies for what I have done. very successful tenant of the Crown. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 339

I do not know where the hon. member taken place. At Mundubbera a new high-top for Warrego is heading when he makes state­ will be ready for the start of the 1963 school ments so far off the beam. In one breath year. That has been needed for a long Labour talk of closer settlement and of what time. We also have a high-top at Theodore, they did in their day while, in the very next with all buildings and equipment brought up breath, they say something quite different. to a very high standard. We have our prob­ Let us look back and take the case of a lems at Monto, where at present they have certain area not far away, where closer settle­ both Junior and Senior courses and there is ment has taken place. Under Labour one a certain amount of overcrowding. I trust person held approximately 500,000 acres of that the Minister will look into this matter country. I can give anyone the name of and see that by the beginning of the 1964 the properties and tell him where school year this centre has a separate high it is. Not only that, we had the spectacle school to meet the needs of the area. of a property controlled by the Dingo is only a small place, but on Satur­ Queensland Government, under the Queens­ day I had the privilege of opening the new land-British Food Corporation scheme, school that has been erected there to replace with an area of 364 square miles, the old one that served for some 70 years. situated on the main Bruce Highway about We all know the development that has taken halfway between Rockhampton and Mackay. place in the Moura-Kianga area because of It contained thousands of acres of top-class the coal deposits there. This has provided scrub land and numerous permanent water much more employment, and we now have facilities. Mind you, the Labour Govern­ increased accommodation for the children. ment owned the property-and what did This Government have seen that that has been they do when they sold it? They sold it provided. The same applies to the small stock and all, and I can tell hon. members town of Kalpowar. The Department of here and now that it had approximately Education has tried to ensure that all schools 11,000 head of cattle on it plus substantial in the area receive just and fair treatment. improvements. The value of improvements and stock would almost have made what the Of course, the change in the education property brought. They received £155,000 system means that there will be a need for for it and they sold it lock, stock, and additional high-tops at the beginning of the barrel. Moreover, they gave a brand-new 1964 school year, and I ask the Minister to lease to try to attract competition, and examine the problems facing the areas within written into the terms of that lease was a my electorate. The school at Baralaba serves provision that there would be no resumption a large farming and grazing area, and also rights during the first 15 years of its term. draws from nearby smaller schools. Then If hon. members opposite want to suggest there is the Duaringa-Bluff-Dingo area, that we as a Government fail to do justice situated within the boundaries of the in our land policy, let them say whether there Duaringa shire. Already the Duaringa is any justice in that. Let them first take Shire Council is arranging a meeting with a look at what happened in those days. the Regional Director of Education to dis­ Furthermore, we hear talk of sub-standard cuss with him the need for the erection at areas and so on under this Government. one of these centres of a high-top. I have had a few cases in my area that did Another thing for which the Government not come about during our time but, thanks can take much credit is school transport. If to the present Minister, we have been able to fix up one area. They were we look at this system of transport through­ very sub-standard. Although they are out the State, we soon realise how much it not really as good as we hoped they would has meant to all areas, particularly the become, the Minister and the department closer-settled ones where high-school tops did as good a job as possible. We still are being provided. When settlers went on have on our plate another area that we the land in days gone by, they had their are trying hard to do something about. I battles for the first four or five years, feel certain that it will receive the favourable just as they have today, with poor attention it deserves. old Mum trying to fit in an hour or two each day teaching the children before milking Although I have had to criticise the hon. the cows or doing some other tasks. member for Warrego, I am very pleased at least that the hon. member for Barcoo The Government have gone out of their and the hon. member for Rockhampton way to establish school-transport services in North did not try to knock the brigalow all these areas. I can call to mind three development scheme in the same way as in my own electorate. There is one in their colleague did, because it is something the Gibber-Gunyah area; there is another in in which they should be co-operating. If the area known as the Wallaby Group. It is they want to further the development of a fairly long service, too. The Minister for Queensland they should all be playing their Education and Migration himself inspected part. it and, having seen the conditions under Leaving land matters, I should like now which these people were striving to make to refer to some things that have made a ends meet, established the service. I might great difference in my area. I mention first mention that this is another area in which the field of education. Through the efforts a Labour Government cut up land into of this Government, great improvements have blocks that did not give adequate living areas. 340 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

This Government have at least tried to do All those men are today comfortably housed what they can for these people. The Depart­ in prefabricated homes and, what is more, ment of Education provided them with a many of them are high in their praise of my school-transport service, and the Minister for efforts to assist them. They also express Development, Mines, Main Roads and Elec­ their gratitude to the Minister for the job tricity made sure that an all-weather road he has done to give them something that was built on which the transport service could was denied to them previously. Hon. mem­ run. The children are now getting the bers can rest assured that living in a tent schooling to which they are entitled. The is not a very comfortable experience. I other service is in the Cottenham area. lived in one for part of my life, anyway; It was when I was in North Africa with the Mr. Sullivan: The change of government R.A.A.F. not that I wanted to, but I had meant a lot to people living in isolated areas. no alternative. Mr. HEWITT: That is true. The improve­ Mr. Sullivan: Under a Labour Govern­ ment has to be seen to be understood. If ment, too. one visits the people and talks to them, they are loud in their praises of what the Govern­ Mr. HEWITT: Nevertheless, it is not a ment have done for them. very comfortable experience. I did not live A Government Member: It is a pity the in tents for as long as these men did. In school-children did not have a vote. addition, many of them have been provided with refrigerators, which were impossible to Mr. HEWITT: Yes, that is true, too. obtain before. Electricity has also been From time to time we hear criticism of supplied to their residences. It was almost our hospital system, particularly certain impossible to get electricity in a railway aspects of it. The Government, through the house during the regime of Labour, but Minister for Health and Home Affairs and today, wherever it is available, the Minister his departmental officers, have given advan­ for Transport has provided it for railway-men. tages to country districts that they were No matter what is said about us, or what denied for many years. Dealing with my criticism is levelled at us, I assure our critics own electorate, we have the new Theodore that thev themselves must have been much Hospital, a hospital that Labour refused to give us for many years. more foitunate than some of their mates who suffered under the difficult conditions I have Mr. SuJlivan: It is something that will mentioned. These men have had a very good remain a monument to this Government. spin under this Government and they can rest assured that, when we are returned at the Mr. HEWITT: That is so. It is something next election, such treatment will continue. for which the people are very grateful. It We may be able to increase the amenities has been used virtually to its full capacity they are already receiving. since it was opened, and a small maternity section will probably be needed soon for the I should like now to make some mention people of the area. The hospital is fully of the main roads system in Queensland and staffed, and we have had no major staffing to pay a tribute to the Minister for the problems up to date. activity that has been carried on under his control. We have witnessed a tremendous Turning now to the railways, the Minister improvement in almost all roads in Queens­ for Transport has been subjected to a great land. The improvement can be seen in our deal of criticism for his administration of shires and we know that we are destined to the railways. In all fairness, I think it continue that progress if we keep in office a should be said that he has held the portfolio progressive Government and a Minister with during the most difficult time in the State's a progressive outlook. history. No person who is fair-minded will deny that. The hon. member for Rockhampton North Mr. Sullivan: He says he has not been had something to say about how concerned criticised by the railway workers themselves, the graziers in the Moura area, which is that they think he is doing a good job. in my electorate, are with the franchise given to Peabody-Thiess. He was referring to those An Opposition Member: You are joking! who might be affected by the shifting of equipment from one coalfield to another. Mr. HEWITT: I say to the member of Provision is made in the Mining Act, firstly, the Opposition who said, "You are joking" to protect property-holders against dis­ in reply to the interjection of the hon. turbance, and secondly, for the payment of member for Condamine that although many compensation for any damage to property. railway-men are critical of the Government, Property-owners can apply to the warden to many others in my electorate are very grate­ assess the damage. I assume that the ful to the Government. I became a member of this Assembly when parties now occupying franchise will afford further protection by the Government benches were in Opposition, giving property-owners access to a tribunal to and at the small mining township of Baralaba determine damages. That is all I have to say a number of men employed by the Railway on that matter. I think it clears the matter Department had been living in tents for up. It concerns people within my area and, years. There has been a complete change. naturally, if they are to be harshly treated, Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 341

I am sympathetic towards them. However, Mr. ARMSTRONG (Mulgrave) (12.49 I am sure that the Minister and the Govern­ p.m.): I should like to associate myself and ment are, too. the people of my electorate whom I have Unfortunately, I will not be here for most the honour to represent with the expressions of the remainder of this session, not because of loyalty of other hon. members. We are I desire to be absent, but because I shall delighted at the news that Her Most Gracious probably be absent through ill-health. As I Majesty and Prince Philip will again grace shall miss the debate on the Estimates of the the shores of this State with their presence Department of Health and Home Affairs I next year. Naturally we regret the very should like to say a little now about the short time that has been allotted to their Department of Native Affairs, with which I visit, and their inability to travel more have had some association in recent years. extensively in this State, more particularly After we became the Government in 1957 I to the northern part which, as you know, accompanied the Minister for Health and Mr. Deputy Speaker, is one of the diamonds Home Affairs and departmental officers on a of the State. However, we are delighted to visit to cattle properties controlled by the know that Her Majesty and Prince Philip Department of Native Affairs. I was quick will again be visiting us. Her Majesty is to realise that all that should have been done highly regarded by the people of Queensland, had not been done. I believe that the and they are very loyal to her. Government should always be a first-class I congratulate His Excellency, Sir Henry tenant of the Crown. When they hold land Abel Smith, on the extension of his term as they should develop it, improve it, and set an Governor of this State. I sincerely hope example. But what did we find? The that he and his good lady are blessed with property the Government had acquired in continued good health to carry out their about 1946 did not even have a complete duties. As hon. members know, during his boundary fence. term of office Sir Henry has never spared lrimself physically. He has travelled exten­ Mr. Rae: Where was that? sively and made himself familiar with most of our industries. We have only to read Mr. HEWITI: Foleyvale. The area on some of his speeches to realise just how which they were farming was completely much he knows about the many industries flooded. They would lose a crop two or in this State, particularly primary industry, three times a year. We had the boundary also the problems associated with them. He fence erected in no time and we quickly did has made his presence felt in almost every what was necessary about the farming area. corner of the State and lras endeared him­ I congratulate the Minister, the Director of self to all Queenslanders. Indeed, many of Native Affairs, and all the others who have us think he is a good Queenslander, and assisted. We developed a scrub area of when he returns to his native land at the end of his term of office he will indeed be 6,049 acres at a cost, including grassing, of a worthy ambassador for Queensland. £2 1Os. 6d. an acre. I think that amount can be regarded as very reasonable because I congratulate the mover and seconder the land contained some of the most difficult of the motion for the adoption of the Address in Reply. As we know, the hon. terrain in the area. It will give an indication member for Flinders, wlro moved it, was to departmental officers of what the cost not in good health at the time, as he had should be when developing the brigalow contracted one of the diseases that have land. been so prevalent in Brisbane in the last I said, "As all these things are not right, few months. He was labouring under extreme difficulties, yet the Leader of the before starting off let us have a bang-tail Opposition snidely implied that he could muster and find out where we are going." not understand or hear the lron. member What did we find? On Woorabinda there and had to wait to read his speech. I ven­ was a shortage of 385 head that could not ture to suggest that if the Leader of the be accounted for. On Foleyvale there was Opposition had been suffering from the a shortage of 113 head, including bullocks same disability he may not have been here. and steers. Who was playing round I would During their speeches the mover and not know. I am not necessarily criticising seconder of tlre motion tried to cover in the people there. They never had anyone no small way some of the developments directly in charge and able to maintain the that have taken place in the State since necesary supervision. The income for this Government assumed office. From time the year prior to my taking an interest to time we hear a great deal about how was £9,104. Over the last four years it has little the Government have done. If hon. been in excess of £120,000. If we get a members on my right are preserved until his­ reasonable season this year and we pay the tory is written they will find that is not attention to the properties that I hope we true. The Nicklin-Morris regime will take can, we should reach an income figure in the its place in history as one of tlre most virile vicinity of £40,000. Governments the State has ever known. (Time expired.) Mr. Hanlon interjected. 342 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. ARMSTRONG: I will tell the hon. with him. I sincerely hope that eventually, member more about the Moore Govern­ when he is discharged from hospital, he ment if I have time. I remind him that the will see fit to put himself before the State Scullin Government were in power at that for a brief time and take a holiday so time, and, as he knows, the national Govern­ that he may be restored to good health. men have a substantial effect on any State I can assure hon. members that he is a Government. I have heard much from hon. very noble Queenslander and one who will members opposite about the Moore Govern­ leave his mark when time with him is no ment, but very little about the Scullin more. Government, who reduced pensions and other benefits. It took years for this State to Let me say at the outset that I am recover from some of the Scullin Govern­ very proud to be a member of this truly ment's actions. democratic Government, who have dedicated themselves to the development not merely I congratulate the Minister for Justice on of the southern or the northern part of the his election as Leader of his party. Know­ State but of every part of it. It is a ing him as I do, I have no doubt that he Government with a great record of will discharge his duties very conscien­ unparalleled achievements. Study those tiously, with satisfaction to himself and, achievements and they will speak for no doubt, with advantage to the party that themselves. he has the honour to lead and also to the Government. Naturally, as a representative of North Queensland I am more interested in the At this stage I should like to pay a welfare and development of the North than tribute to the two Cabinet Ministers who that of any other part of the State but I have been unfortunate enough to be stricken still realise that, as members of this Parlia­ down with ill health, the hon. Mr. Morris ment, we have a responsibility to the State and the hon. Mr. Pizzey. I know that as a whole. It is just that, having lived hon. members opposite are very charitable in North Queensland for many years and in this regard and that they share the views made myself very familiar with its potential, I am about to express. I am naturally more interested in it than I suppose no Minister has, during his in the rest of the State. term of office, knocked himself about physi­ cally, and perhaps mentally too, as Mr. During the five years in which the present Morris has. He has been a very enthusiastic Government have been in office, we have worker, not sparing himself in any way. witnessed great changes in the field of He has done much for the tourist industry education. This is something that has been of Queensland, something I hope to have aired quite a bit in this Chamber, and I time to tell the House about later. He feel, as a Government member, that it is has done much to encourage industry. He something that we should continue to air has done much in his capacity as Minister because our record in this field, as in many for Labour and Industry. He has taken others, is very good. Much more care and a great interest in the safety of workers attention has been given to the maintenance in this State and in protecting the lives not only of school buildings but of all Gov­ of people who use the roads and footpaths. ernment buildings. We have seen more houses All this has added up and caught up with built for public servants. We have seen more him. He put the State before himself and school-building and additions to schools, not unfortunately he is now suffering for it. only in my electorate but all over the State. We sincerely hope that, following the short We have seen more money spent on both rest he is taking and his resignation from building and maintaining roads. We have the leadership of his party, he will before seen greater allocations from Commonwealth long be restored to very good health and Aid Road Grants to local authorities, which once more be able to carry out his duties have been of considerable assistance to them. in his usual virile manner. I have heard it said by members of the I am sure all hon. members share my Opposition that the Government had no alter­ views about the hon. Mr. Pizzey and the native but to go ahead with the education way he has not spared himself in his con­ policy that has been followed. If my memory tribution to the State. He has been very is correct, I heard one hon. member say the active. He has moved round the State and other night that any Government would have has made himself familiar not only with had to do it. Hon. members opposite were the problems of education but also with in office for 40 years and did not carry out nearly every other field of government. 1 such a programme. We have done more in know. I have had the opportunity of mov­ five years than they did in 40. Had they ing round with him. One has to be in remained the Government, there is no doubt very good fettle to follow him. Wherever in my mind that they would have continued he goes his policy is that, if someone wants up to the present time the don't-care attitude to see him, he does not mind if it is mid­ night or 6 o'clock in the morning; he will that they had for years towards education. always do his utmost to interview him and This Government will go down in the history to help solve any problems. He is a com­ of education as one who recognised their paratively young man and it is indeed responsibilities in the interests and welfare unfortunate that the strain has caught up of future generations of this State. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 343

Mr. Donald: You cannot find work for and we met a wall of resistance when we the children. What are you talking about? endeavoured to get land. The man from whom we eventually took the land was one Mr. ARMSTRONG: That is interesting, of the few returned soldiers in the particular and I shall have something to say about it area, a man with a large family, and he is later. I should like at this stage to pay my one of the happiest men in Babinda with the respects to the Minister for what he has done deal he received. He knew that a school in my electorate. must come, and he gave us the land with Mr. Houston: You said that earlier. very good grace. The Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation will bear out what I Mr. ARMSTRONG: I was then referring to say because he also played some part in his illness and wishing him well. On this the negotiations. occasion I am expressing to him not only my Hour after hour, hon. members opposite gratitude but also that of the people in my have told us a gloomy story about the lack of electorate whom I have the honour to repre­ development under this Government. To sent. Since he assumed control of education, give hon. members an idea of what has we have seen many changes. We have occurred in North Queensland, I will give already secured an excellent high school at them some figures showing that the Govern­ Malanda that would never have been built ment are not merely sitting on their tails, as had hon. members opposite been the Govern­ did Labour Governments for almost 40 years. ment, as people there tried, unsuccessfully, In the period from 1 July, 1953, to 30 June, for many years to get even a high-top. 1956, and on to 20 June, 1957, when, as Mr. Gilmore: They were completely hon. members know, we finally got rid of ignored. Labour administrations that had done so much to hamper the development of the Mr. ARMSTRONG: More or less. State, £89,536 was spent by the Department of Public Works on school buildings-as an It has been suggested that people in the hon. member on this side interjected a short country have been reasonably well served time ago, they looked something like gaols­ with school-bus services. We, too, have been and £49,730 was spent on other buildings. well treated. In my electorate we hope to That is a total of £139,266. Let us now have in the coming year two more schools, look at what has occurred in the two years one at Gordonvale and one at Babinda, that that I have represented the Mulgrave elec­ will ultimately go to high-school standard. torate. No less than £154,006 has been spent We had a lot of trouble at Babinda because on school buildings, yet we are told that of the attitude that I referred to a while the Government are doing nothing and that ago of the previous Government. What they no development is taking place. That ls did was one of the silliest things that any not a bad record. Government could do. In accordance with Mr. Donald: What about the decrease in their general policy towards companies, par­ the purchasing power of the £1? ticularly co-operatives, that are trying to do a job for the State, they took about 20 acres Mr. ARMSTRONG: Do not bother talking from the Babinda Central Mill. Who in his about that. I got houses built, and people right senses would build a high school were squealing for houses all the time that against a sugar mill? Labour were in government. They would Mr. Gilmore: The Labour Party would, not even build police residences or a residence in their wisdom. for the clerk of petty sessions at Babinda. Mr. ARMSTRONG: Of course, and they Mr. Donald interjected. took it at an unfair price. Immediately this Mr. ARMSTRONG: The hon. member Government came into office, those of us in my should sit there and take it. He knows it is electorate who took an interest in the welfare true. of the children said to the Minister for Educa­ tion and Migration, "If we are to have a high The sum spent on other buildin2"s was school, let us have it in a proper position, £54,677. The total expenditure was £208,683, not up against a noisy sugar mill where there compared with the miserable amount of is a lot of megass--" £139,266 in almost four years of Labour rule. Those figures are correct, and the buildings Mr. Donald: We are hearing a lot of gas I mentioned have not been erected at the now. expense of other electorates. Hon. members know that under Labour the policy was that Mr. ARMSTRONG: The hon. member will those who were in favour got everything and hear more if he listens. those who were not in favour got nothing. We had a good deal of difficulty in getting I remember hearing a Labour Premier advis­ land in Babinda-1 know, because I played ing people during a political campaign that a small part in the negotiations-and one if they wanted anything done they should of our main difficulties was in overcoming the return a Labour member. That is a ill-feeling that resulted from the way in terrible state of affairs. We did not do that; which Labour Governments took land from we have recognised the rights of the people owners. They took it without giving the whether they were represented by Labour or owners a right of appeal or anything else, by us, and they got their just dues. 344 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I should like briefly to touch on the This industry over the years has done sugar industry. I have not much time and much in research in every field. It has I have much to say. This year we have spent a great deal of money keeping itself been blessed with a record crop. I am abreast of the times and has a record in not going to say, of course, that the Govern­ this field unrivalled in the primary industries ment should take the whole of the credit of Queensland or Australia. for that. Mr. Donald: We did a lot of planning. Mr. Dewar: Labour did. Mr. ARMSTRONG: I know all about Mr. ARMSTRONG: I know, but, we Labour's planning. Had I the time I should have instilled into this great industry­ be pleased to tell hon. members opposite and it is a great industry and employs just what they did for the sugar industry. many men, paying them well-a great deal However, I do not want to waste time on of confidence. If I had time I would tell that now because that is history and we hon. members opposite what their Govern­ cannot do very much now by looking at ment did to the sugar industry, both in history. We will tell the people of Queens­ this State and in the Federal sphere. land, at the right and proper time, what To outline the present position briefly, hon. members opposite did and will again I remind hon. members that the present do if they are given the opportunity. Commonwealth Sugar Agreement has only recently been signed. Prior to the signing The total quantity of cane crushed in of that agreement a very competent com­ Queensland mills up to this stage is again mittee was set up by the Commonwealth a record-no less than 5,310,926 tons. That Government to look into the price structure has been made possible by the expenditure of the sugar industry in general and to of vast sums of money over the years. see what was occurring in the industry. We have trained personnel in every field There were some very bright boys on that of activity and great credit is due to the committee and after very exhaustive and men in charge of the various sections of far-reaching inquiries they recommended to research who have made this possible. the Commonwealth Government that the Another interesting feature is that 520,000 price of sugar in Australia should be reduced. tons of cane have been crushed in one week­ Having in the Federal sphere as Minister again a phenomenal figure. It is an increase for Primary Industry a man who understands of 70,000 tons on the previous record. At the problems of primary producers in this this stage roughly 45 per cent. of the esti­ country and who knows how much is mated tonnage has been crushed. The dependent upon them-if I had time I overseas sales represent another interesting would point out to hon. members that we feature. Again it is something that has been are still substantially dependent for our brought about by tlre confidence that has economy on these great industries, which still been instilled into all sections of the industry. play a very important part so far as credit At this stage we have sold 1,000,000 tons is concerned-- of raw sugar, which is a remarkable effort. Mr. Davies: The Labour Party was the I think we should all pay tribute to the first to appreciate that fact. various organisations responsible for mar­ keting that vast quantity of sugar, particu­ Mr. ARMSTRONG: Do not talk to me larly to Messrs. Wheen and Jackson, who about the Labour Party. have been examining the marketing posi­ As I was saying, having such understand­ tion for some considerable time. The sale ing people who know the value of this of that great quantity of sugar will mean industry and who knew full well what was a good deal to tlre Commonwealth of occurring overseas in the international field Australia in overseas credits. of marketing, plus the uncertainty as to where Britain would line up in the European Yet another interesting feature is the Common Market, the Commonwealth world price for sugar. It will be remem­ Government-and I know this Government bered that the International Sugar Agree­ played some part in it, advising them cor­ ment collapsed about 12 months ago. The rectly and well-finally decided to leave present New York market price is 3.35 the price of sugar as it was. This, as I cents. a lb., roughly £33 a ton. The London indicated, instilled such confidence in the price is slightly in excess of £26 sterling. industry that today there is a record crop, At this time last year it was considerably the greatest in our history. lower, namely, about £23. At the present time, the estimated quantity I should like to place on record the of cane-and these are the very latest great loss that the sugar industry suffered figures and go a little further than those in the death of tlre former chairman of the in "The Courier-Mail" this morning-is no Queensland Cane Growers' Council, Mr. less than 11,853,000 tons, which is by far Foley, who gave many years of good and an all-time record. It is estimated at this faithful service and wise leadership to the stage-and I might mention that the esti­ industry. Men like the late Mr. Foley are mates are increasing-that from that crop responsible for what we are witnessing in of cane we will mill 1,700,000 tons of raw the sugar industry today. I should like to sugar, or 1,750,000 tons of net titre sugar, say a great deal more about that industry which also is a record. but my time is running out. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 345

Let me touch briefly now on the dairying Mr. Thackeray: Where did you get those industry. My electorate has the greatest figures from? amount of dairying of the northern elec­ torates. Both butter factories are in my Mr. ARMSTRONG: They are available to electorate. My colleague and friend from the hon. member. Tablelands is very interested in this indus­ The Government have done everything try, which has played a very big part in possible to encourage the tourist industry. the development of North Queensland. We If hon. members opposite are fair they will are particularly grateful to the Minister for admit that when we took office hotel accom­ Agriculture and Forestry for the assistance modation was sub-standard. What is it like he has given but there is still room for a little more assistance in research. A very today? We have some world-class hotels, good job is being done on the investigation and many others have been extensively into improved pastures, but unfortunately it renovated and remodelled. There are now is again too late. Our friends opposite did 150 modern, up-to-date motels and that not understand how important pastures and number is increasing daily. grasses were to Queensland and therefore Mr. Thackeray: Give them a liquor licence. they were not very greatly interested in them. Mr. ARMSTRONG: I will deal with that, Opposition Members interjected. too. Mr. ARMSTRONG: It has been left to In the last five years roughly £4,500,000 this Government to do it. Pasture improve­ has been spent on motels and no less than ment has been going on in other parts of £13,000,000 on hotels, both new and Australia for 30-odd years. Our Labour modernised. That is a pretty fair record. friends did not understand what pastures The Licensing Commission has ordered that were. They would not know whether they a further £2,000,000 be spent in the current are an ingredient of salads or are part of year. farming equipment. It is very interesting to learn that the champion R.N.A. pasture Mr. Thackeray: That is not enough, either. award went to one of the young farmers in my electorate, Mr. 0. F. Daley, of Millaa Mr. ARMSTRONG: It is a damned sight Millaa, who is the son of a man who more than was done by the A.L.P. Govern­ played a very big part in the development ment. of pastures in the 45-inch rainfall belt. The hon. member was worrying about They are doing a particularly good job. It licences. I am happy that he reminded me would be a very good thing if we could as otherwise I may have overlooked the do something to assist them by way of other matter. No fewer than 14 licences have crops, but it is very difficult in that area. been allocated to tourist areas since the Had we been the Government over the years Government took office. This has helped I have no doubt we would have endeavoured the tourist industry, and will continue to help to solve the problem. But hon. members it in the future. opposite have never had any interest in pastures. They were interested only in There are two beautiful lakes in my fostering the sale of margarine and the like. electorate. It would be a good idea if some They were not very interested in the dairy­ members of the Opposition came to the area farmers or, for that matter, any other for a rest and at the same time study what farmer. All they were interested in was is being done there. They could make the~­ getting their votes. selves familiar with the development that IS Mr. Gilmore: Did I understand you to taking place instead of living in a world of say that the Labour Party were fostering gloom and darkness, without hope, as t~ey margarine? have been for many years. They are trymg to gain the confidence of the people of Mr. ARMSTRONG: The hon. member Queensland to return them to the Treasury knows that. benches so that they can repeat their past An Opposition Member: You have not performance, but the people have more sense altered it. than that. Mr. AR.t'VISTRONG: How could we alter All types of water sports are engaged in it? It is something like their friends and on the lakes. Last year both the North the nationalisation of the banks. Once you Queensland and the Queensland water-ski strangle something you cannot unstrangle it. championships were held in my area and May I say a little now about the tourist skiers who have competed overseas industry? It is extremely important to my told me that nowhere in the world had electorate as some of the best tourist attrac­ they experienced such a magnificent. pla<:e tions in Australia are there. Hon. members for water ski-ing. The accommodatiOn IS opposite did not think the tourist industry excellent at these places and in recent years was worth cultivating. Our Government were it has improved out of sight. We also have the first in Australia to realise the advantage Tinaroo, with a lovely motel and other forms of fostering the tourist industry and today of accommodation. it is worth no less than £38,000,000 to the Mr. Thackeray: There is no liquor licence State. That is indeed a handsome figure. there. 346 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. ARMSTRONG: If I were the hon. The Minister in charge of main roads has member I would not worry about that. I done a great job for the people of the Table­ thought he was a tee-totaller and was not land in widening the Gillies Highway. Let interested in such things as liquor licences. us compare the money spent in my area by this Government with that spent by the Mr. Dewar: A wardrobe drinker. previous Government. From 1952 to 1957 Mr. ARMSTRONG: That is more like it. Labour spent £752,000 in my electorate, and for a good deal of that time a member of All the small towns offer excellent accom- that Government represented the electorate. modation and the Eacham Shire Council In the five years that this Government have has done a particularly god job been in office no less than £1,426,895 has for caravanners. It has built two been spent-almost three times as much­ caravan parks, which are extensively yet hon. members opposite say we do nothing. used. Very many caravan parks in North Queensland have been built privately and by I should like to go through the the local authorities, and it is interesting to Commonwealth aid allocations to the note that they are always fully occupied. various shires for main roads but time Since this Government came in to power will not permit it. The total is more than and indicated that they would seal the road £144,000 in excess of the best Labour could from the border to Mossman, the tourist do. What is more interesting is what has industry has been greatly encouraged. We occurred in the last 12 months. On per­ should thank the Minister for Development, manent works and maintenance in the Mul­ Mines, Main Roads, and Electricity. He is grave electorate, we have spent £335,176, a very good North Queenslander and a man or more than half the amount that was spent of great wisdom and vision. He has done during the last five years under Labour. more for Queensland than all hon. members Hon. members opposite have spoken of opposite and their colleagues put together did unemployment and told us what Labour in 40 years. Time will prove that to be would do about it. I assure them that the correct. Government are very conscious of their Mr. Dewar: It has proved it already. responsibilities and have not ceased in their efforts to meet the problem of unemployment. Mr. ARMSTRONG: We are only on the This year our friends, the Federal Govern­ fringe yet. We have oil. We have Weipa. ment, were very favourably disposed towards I know some hon. members opposite do not us and they gave money to help meet the understand it; God forgive them for that. position. Sitting in the House this session, I The Minister has finished the work on the have come to the conclusion that hon. mem­ road from Mossman to Port Douglas and he bers opposite are using unemployment for has widened that beautiful drive from Cairns nothing but cheap political propaganda. to Port Douglas, as the hon. member for Cook appreciates. He has done a lot in the (Time expired.) Peninsula, which again is appreciated by the hon. member for Cook. Mr. INCH (Burke) (2.45 p.m.): In rising to support the amendment moved by the Mr. Thackeray: Why shouldn't he? Leader of the Opposition, I take the oppor­ tunity of again expressing my loyalty, and Mr. ARMSTRONG: If Labour were in that of my constituents, to Her Majesty office they would not do it for him. He is Queen Elizabeth Il. and also of offering my not a member of our Government. Theirs congratulations to His Excellency the was a policy of non-activity and it is no Governor, Sir Henry Abel Smith, on his re­ good shrinking from it. They did nothing. appointment for a further term as Governor We know it very well and so do the people of this State. He has travelled widely of Queensland. throughout the State, taken a very keen Mr. Duggan: You closed the port and you interest in the people, our industries, and our closed down the school. welfare as a whole, and has done a remark­ ably good job. I am quite confident, how­ Mr. ARMSTRONG: We closed nothing ever, that before his next term has expired down. To the contrary, we have done every­ he will have the pleasure, as the result of thing to open things up. We opened Weipa. efficient Labour administration, of presenting No doubt hon. members opposite would say to this Assembly a report much more they had plans and that everything was heartening than those that he has been able ready, but goodness knows how long it to present in the past. would have taken them. It was the same In conformity with their usual practice of with their planning for schools. What is the seizing upon any and every reason to cloak good of planning if the plans are not put the ineffectiveness of the administration of into operation? The Leader of the Opposi­ the various departments, I notice that the tion knows all about Weipa. We had the Government have again resorted to this tactic pleasure of visiting it together and I know as a means of excusing their inability to show he was impressed with it. Were his party much improvement in the cost of running the the Government the project would still be railways in the past year. Previously they lying in the pigeon-holes and nothing would have used drought as the excuse for losses have been done about it. in railway revenue. It is interesting to note Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 347

that this time the industrial stoppage at Mt. It was interesting to hear the hon. member !sa has become the whipping-post and the for Mulgrave speak of the assistance that Government's reason for their failure to show "our friends in the Federal Government"­ a greater improvement. ! think that is the way in which he referred to them-have given to Queensland. The Nothing has been said about the £115,000 only time that Queensland received that expended on obtaining a report from Ameri­ assistance was just prior to, and shortly after, can engineers who are unable to run even the last Federal election. I point out that their own railways at a profit. No-one will over the past year or two there has been a deny that the stoppage at Mt. Isa contributed noticeable increase in the number of visits to a substantial loss of revenue to the depart­ paid to the far-northern and western areas ment, but I draw attention to the fact that of the State by Federal Parliamentary it also caused financial loss to the workers at members of the Liberal-Country Party. Their Mt. Isa and to thousands of other Queensland workers, the company and its shareholders, purpose was ostensibly to carry out an inves­ without mentioning the adverse effect that tigation of the potential of these areas-how it had on the national economy. it could best be developed and exploited, and the contribution that would be made to the Who is to blame for those losses? It is State and national economy as a result of no-one but the Minister for Labour and Indus­ any developmental plan that they might put try. He is responsible for the losses incurred into operation. The potential of these parts by that stoppage. He studiously and relent­ of the State is well known to most Queens­ lessly ignored my warnings, and those of my landers, and we are aware, also, of the colleagues, when we tried to tell him what valuable contribution that is being made to would be the eventual outcome of his intro­ our economy by the production and sale of ducing a Bill to amend the Industrial Concili­ the metals, beef, wool, sugar, and other com­ ation and Arbitration Act. We have here a modities produced in them. If the Federal Government, and their Minister for Labour members had been sincere in their desire and and Industry, supposedly dedicated to the had extended their stay over several days in encouragement of industry and a policy of each of the areas that they visited, instead full employment. Yet members of this Gov­ of confining it to what might be termed bed­ ernment sat idly by, without raising their and-breakfast visits, they would undoubtedly voices in protest, when the Minister for Labour have received a great deal of enlightment and Industry bulldozed through this House a from civic authorities, members of the Bill which caused the complete cessation of chambers of commerce, and persons engaged production in one of the largest and most in industry on the requirements for the important industries in this State. It also further development and expansion of had the effect of adding several thousands to industries already established and for the the army of unemployed. This fear of unem­ establishment of new industries that would ployment has become a daily threat in the assist in the absorption of the huge army lives of so many Queenslanders labouring of unemployed and eventually lead to the under the maladministration of this Govern­ closer settlement of sparsely-settled areas. ment. The action of the Minister and the It is rather significant that some of these Government in withholding £3,000,000, which visits were made prior to the last Federal will not be used for the relief of unemploy­ election. No doubt the real objective was ment until just prior to the next election, to bolster up the waning prospects for the is symbolic of the cynical and contemptuous return of their own party. disregard in which they hold the workers Most of these so-called fact-finding tours of this State and their indifference to the can be described only as political jaunts. plight of those who are unemployed at present. However, I am pleased to say that not all For this reason they stand condemned in the Federal members made these fact-finding eyes of every right-thinking elector in Queens­ tours an excuse for a holiday jaunt through­ land. out the State. That has been illustrated by the recent visit of a number of Federal Other legislation that they have introduced, parliamentary Labour members, who stayed such as the Transport Act, which resulted in in Mt. Isa for a period of several days, the gaoling of one person and the imposition during which time they were active in of heavy fines on other transport operators, obtaining as many facts and in collating as has lost the Government the confidence of much information as possible to help them their own traditional supporters, and they in submitting worth-while proposals for the are now beginning to realise the full effect further development of that portion of the that their maladministration has had on the State. welfare of various sections of the community. I had the pleasure of driving these Fed­ The Premier, his Ministers, and members of eral members to Mary Kathleen and Cion­ the Government parties are now scattering curry. They were very interested in the small over the length and breadth of the State in mining projects that are going on through­ a frenzied attempt to retrieve the political out that area and I feel that, when any fortunes that are already lost to them, as proposition is put forward in the Federal will be shown by the return of the Australian Parliament for financial assistance to Labour Party as the Government at the gougers, those members will be to the fore forthcoming election. in assisting them in every possible way. 348 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

In addition there was a recent visit to from enforcing a law that would force them Mt. Isa by my colleague the hon. member out onto tl:re streets with no prospect of for Belmont, and the Leader of the State obtaining other accommodation. parfiamentary Labour Party, Mr. Duggan. This clearly indicates the interest of Labour Mr. Hughes: Your Government put them members in elector11tes throughout the State. into all sorts of hovels, like the huts in As a result of their visits they are more Victoria Park. They did nothing about it. conversant with conditions prevailing in my This Government removed that lot. area where development and expansion have reached an unprecedented level. Mr. INCH: Those are the worries of the hon. members down here. My worries Mr. Sullivan: They did not take much are in Mt. Isa. interest when in Government. That is the most remarkable feature. The solution of our problem lies in the construction of Housing Commission homes, Mr. INCH: The only interest the hon. not only for purchase but also for rental. member's Government is taking now is A reliable estimate of the absolute mini­ because a State election is close and they mum number of houses that would be are frightened of going down the drain. required to alleviate the acute shortage that They see the writing on the wall. exists at present would be 400 homes. That number would relieve the position of only The development and expansion projects those persons living in sub-standard accom­ undertaken by Mount Isa Mines Ltd. over modation. It does not provide for those the past decade have resulted in a tremen­ who are renting reasonable accommodation dous increase in population with a conse­ and who would like to have homes of their quent increased demand for housing accom­ own. If we were to take into consideration modation. Unfortunately, the Government the number of married employees living in have failed miserably in their obligation to barracks at Mount Isa Mines Ltd. and those house the people of Mt. Isa, preferring to employed by large contracting firms, or leave it to private enterprise and individual engaged in other avenues of employment, landlords to provide this facility. many of whom are engaged in a vain On what is known as the town side of search for a home to which they could Mt. Isa this has resulted in the mushroom bring their families, the number of homes growth of a jerry-built, sub-standard type required could be increased by a further of accommodation in most instances, and 300 to 400. tenants are called upon to pay exorbitant I mentioned earlier that so far it has rentals for the privilege of living in so-called been left to private enterprise to provide houses and fiats under conditions which, at much of the housing requirements in best, can only be likened to those that Mt. Isa. In this respect Mount Isa Mines one would expect to find in slums. Ltd. has played a major role. That com­ Housing conditions such as these are pany has been responsible for providing intolerable and a disgrace to any civilised somewhere in the vicinity of 2,000 homes. community. The Government will have to In addition it has assisted many of its realise that Mt. Isa can no longer be employees to purchase materials for the con­ regarded as simply another source from struction of their own homes on their own which revenue can be derived to be expended land. Had it not been for this company, on projects that will benefit metropolitan housing accommodation in Mt. Isa would and provincial city inhabitants, and that be in a precarious state indeed. Had they we, too, have a population that requires to ceased to provide further after 1,000 such be housed and accommodated under homes had been constructed, the Govern­ satisfactory conditions. ment today would be faced with the immedi­ ate necessity of providing 1,400 homes, There are instances of three or four instead of the minimum of 400, to relieve families occupying the one dwelling with the present extreme shortage. inadequate toilet facilities, and each family is called upon to pay a weekly rental of £7, Although I surmise that the position has £8, £9, or £10 a week. Similar conditions now reached the stage where this company are prevalent in many of the so-called considers that it has done its share towards fiats. I am sure that hon. members will the housing of the population, and that it agree that such an environment is not con­ is now up to the Government to shoulder ducive to the good health and moral well­ their responsibilities in this direction, it still being of young children who are forced to continues to provide a number of homes live in such conditions because of their each year. A recent contract let to Kern parents' inability to obtain adequate and Brothers for the construction of a further reasonable accommodation. Local-authority 20 homes is indicative of its activity along officers are well aware of the squalid con­ those lines. These homes will be sold to ditions under which these people are living, company employees at prices ranging from but rather than invoke an ordinance pro­ £3,300 to £3,750 on a 5 per cent. deposit, viding for the demolition of many of these on terms spread over 20 years with an homes they prefer for the time being to interest rate of 5 per cent. A factor that adopt a humanitarian attitude towards the contributes to the delay in home-ownership plight of the people, and have refrained in Mt. Isa is the difficulty experienced by Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 349

miners' homestead perpetual lessees in more schools and this, in turn, will mean obtaining advances under the Housing that a far greater number of teachers will Commission scheme. I understand that have to be provided with accommodation. although the instrument of lease may be Unless immediate steps are taken to pro­ held by the Department of Mines pending vide homes for married staff and hostel compliance with improvement conditions, the accommodation for single male and female applicant can, provided his land has been teachers, the situation will develop where, surveyed, authorise the department to make although the department may have enough the lease available to the Housing Com­ school accommodation for the pupils it will mission on issue, and the Commission will be unable to attract and retain sufficient then accept a mortgage from the applicant. teachers to operate those schools because Unfortunately, applicants for advances are of the lack of adequate and satisfactory debarred from participating in this scheme living quarters. I suggest to the Minister because no general survey or design has that without delay he has a thorough investi­ been carried out by Government surveyors gation made of the present and future and these people are therefore unable to accommodation requirements of teaching show that their particular piece of land staffs in both towns, with the object of has been surveyed and that they are eligible implementing the proposals I have outlined for assistance. It might be argued that in an effort to overcome what is sure to lessees could make arrangements to have the happen in the near future. survey carried out privately, but why should they? They have already paid a fee of £5 I have mentioned that there will be a for a service that has not been fulfilled. need for additional schools at Mt. !sa. That In a sense the department is welshing on is very important because we expect that its contract with these people, many of whom within 10 years, with the development that are trying to raise a family and, at the is taking place, the population of the area same time, save the necessary deposit for will rise to well over 20,000. At present a home. Why should the wage-earner be the schools are congested. Five new class­ burdened with the added impost of having rooms are in the last stages of construction to pay for a private survey when, because at the town State school and already the of the disinterested attitude of the depart­ enrolment is such that those rooms will be ment, no complete survey and design has crowded out and there will be at least three been carried out by its surveyors? Such temporary classrooms under the school. The a service is urgently required as there are Department of Education will have to pro­ 486 leases still awaiting survey in Mt. Isa ceed with its plan for a new school in the and there is also a large number of areas town area. If they had it built for the 1963 in respect of which no leases have yet school year, even if only on a small scale been applied for. Such a survey would for a start, it would mean that at least 150 prevent overlapping or encroachment on to 200 pupils would be enrolled immediately, individual leases, which could possibly lead which would relieve the congestion at the to costly litigation. It would also be of other schools. assistance to the shire council in the event of any proposed town plan being brought Mr. Davies: During this debate Govern­ into operation. ment members have claimed that they have Whilst speaking about the housing require­ overcome all the difficulties and problems. ments of the general public in the area, I also take the opportunity of drawing the Mr. INCH: Unfortunately they have not attention of the Minister for Education and overcome them. In 1960 the Minister for Migration to the necessity to provide Education assured me that a new wing would adequate accommodation for the teaching be built on the Mt. Isa High School. To staffs in Mt. Isa and Cloncurry. Approxi­ date no block has been built. I received mately 60 teachers have to be accommo­ advice that the department would endeavour dated in Mt. Isa alone. At present, through to have this work commenced early in the good graces of Mount Isa Mines Ltd., September, but I seriously doubt that we will the majority of them have been fortunate see a start on the construction of a enough to secure barracks accommodation technical block at the Mt. Isa High School at Mount Isa Mines Ltd. However, their this year. future accommodation is very precarious. The expansion programme of Mount Isa One other matter that I wish to raise is the recent visit of the Licensing Commission Mines Ltd. over the next few years includes to Mt. Isa to investigate beer and spirit the extension of the open-cut system of min­ prices. Following the visit, I understand, ing. This means that eventually a number of the barracks will have to be demolished Mr. Kelly made certain statements to the to make way for open-cut mining and, as newspapers. In the "Sunday Truth" of 9 a result, barracks accommodation will be September, 1962, under the heading, "Liquor at a premium. It is only natural for the Prices Action," the following appeared- company to give preference of accommo­ " 'Sunday Truth's' claims of excessive dation to its employees. Increasing enrol­ liquor prices in many Queensland country ments in the schools each year have now towns have been found to be well-based created a demand for the construction of by the State Licensing Commission. 350 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

"In the only area in which the Com­ We have had an investigation by the Licensing mission has completed investigations it has Commission in Mt. Isa, but we are no better found that the prices charged for spirits off, even though the Commission intimated are too high. that there should be maximum prices. "Mr. J. Kelly, the Licensing Commission One other thing that I should like to chairman, told 'Sunday Truth' that the mention about the visit of the Licensing Commission had 'intimated' to hotel­ Commission to Mt. Isa is the granting of keepers in Mt. Isa and Cloncurry the a fourth licence for a hotel in Mt. Isa. Some maximum prices it considered should be short time ago applications were called for charged for spirits. tenders for a licence, and there was only one applicant. He submitted a tender price, "These prices represent a reduction on but his application was rejected by the Com­ the prices that the booze barons in those mission on the ground that he was going towns have been charging, but Mr. Kelly to utilise portion of an existing building in would not disclose the extent of the over­ the construction of the hotel. The fourth charging. licence, which was granted to Thiess Brothers, I understand, was granted on the ground that "However, Mr. Kelly said that, on the this hotel would be built in a sitmtion bor­ figures the Commission had before it, a dered by Sulphide, O'Doherty, Oxide, and reduction in the price of beer in Mt. Isa Urquhart Streets. I understand that the and Cloncurry was not justified. original application was to build the hotel on "The hotel licensees had 14 days in that site. Since then, we find that the licence has been granted for the construction of a which to place a case before the Com­ hotel on land bordered by Sulphide Street mission for retention of the present prices, and the Barkly Highway. I made enquiries Mr. Kelly said." and found that the land is owned by Mount What we in Mt. Isa would like to know is Isa Mines Limited. Until Monday last no where Mr. Kelly got the figures that he had application had been made by the company before him and on what he based his argu­ for a transfer of the land to Thiess Brothers, ment that they did not justify a reduction in who have the licence. A licence has been the price of beer in Mt. Isa. granted for a hotel that is to be constructed on a certain piece of ground to which Thiess My information is that the average return Brothers have no title, yet the application of to hotels at Mt. Isa from each 18-gallon the other unfortunate applicant for a hotel keg of beer is between £28 and £30. The licence was rejected on the ground that he cost ex brewery of each keg is approximately was going to use part of an existing building £13, and the commission paid to the merchant in constructing the hotel. Why should there is approximately £1 2s. 6d. The price ex be a difference in the treatment of the two Townsville is £14 2s. 6d., made up of £13 applicants? I am not trying to prevent the ex brewery and £1 2s. 6d. for the merchant. establishment of a fourth hotel. It is badly The cost of a keg of beer from Townsville needed in Mt. Isa. I understand that the at the hotel in Mt. Isa is £14 2s. 6d., and proposed hotel will be built on luxury lines the return to the hotelkeeper from that keg to cater for the luxury trade. That is all is between £28 and £30. The point is that right, too, but we want hotels that will cater the hotels cannot buy direct from North for the ordinary run-of-the-mill person-the Queensland Brewery; all their orders must be small tourist, the person travelling through given through Burns Philp, Samuel Allen, the area and needing accommodation. There Cummins & Campbell, or J oseph Pease. At has been some talk of the issue of a fifth least three of these companies either own or hotel licence, and I suggest to the Licensing control the three hotels operating in Mt. Isa Commission that they call applications for at present, and what actually happens is that that fifth licence as early as possible and these merchants pay themselves £1 2s. 6d. give us the amenities that we require in Mt. on each keg of beer and sell it in their own Isa. I also suggest to the Commission that hotels. Whether Mr. Kelly took that into when they grant another licence they should consideration, I do not know. We in Mt. Isa ensure that the person to whom the licence are of the opinion that beer prices there can is granted owns the piece of ground on which be reduced, and substantially reduced, too. the hotel is to be built, thus avoiding the position that has arisen in this case, where In relation to spirit prices, it was intimated by Mr. Kelly to hotelkeepers a hotel is to be built on ground bordered in Mt. Isa and Cloncurry that con­ by the Barkly Highway and Sulphide Street sidered maximum prices should be to which the applicant has no title and for charged, but why all the secrecy about the which no application for transfer from Mount prices? Why is not the public allowed to Isa Mines Limited to Thiess Brothers has yet know the maximum prices that he intimated been made. to the hotelkeepers? After all, it is the general public that pays them. My informa­ Mr. ANDERSON (Toowoomba East) (3.22 tion is to the effect that there has so far p.m.): I desire to associate myself and the been no reduction in spirit prices in Mt. Isa, people of Toowoomba East with the motion and that the hotelkeepers have no intention so ably moved by the hon. member for of reducing them till they have been officially Flinders and seconded by the hon. member notified by letter from the Commission itself. for Wavell, and supported by many other Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 351

hon. members, and with their expressions of To be precise, I summarise the expenditure loyalty. I also assure the House that the in Toowoomba as follows:- people of Toowoomba are looking forward Year Amount eagerly to the proposed royal visit next year. £ If it is at all possible to include a visit to 1957-1958 737,305 Toowoomba in the royal tour programme, 1958-1959 863,615 hon. members can be sure that the people 1959-1960 1,059,802 of Toowoomba particularly and the Darling 1960-1961 1,249,738 Downs generally will be delighted to again 1961-1962 welcome Her Majesty and His Royal High­ (Up to the end of April) 1,024,260 ness. I commend this suggestion to the State Director of the Royal Tour for his Those figures provide a grand total of £4,934,720 and serve to illustrate that the consideration. At the same time, we do Government's activities are not concentrated appreciate the visit of Her Majesty to Aus­ in one particular area but are fairly and tralia. Even if she cannot come to the impartially spread over the entire area of country areas, we are very gratified to know Queensland. I believe a similar analysis that she is coming to Australia and to Queens­ taken in other cities throughout the State land. would reflect the same pattern as that in We appreciate the action of the Govern­ Toowoomba. It is also interesting to observe that in Toowoomba a start is now ment in offering to Sir Henry Abel Smith being made on a major works programme, a further term of office, and we are delighted which includes the Perseverance Creek Dam, to hear that His Excellency has accepted it. which will supply Toowoomba with an ade­ With his wife, Lady May, His Excellency quate supply of water. This project of has done a great deal for the State of Queens­ the Toowoomba City Council receives a land and for Australia in general. subsidy from the Government amounting Toowoomba offers the tourist and visitor to 32.9 per cent. of the cost. No doubt this contribution by the State Government many attractions, and the board of manage­ has been and will be gratefully received and ment of the Carnival of Flowers is now pre­ acknowledged by the people of Toowoomba. paring to launch what is expected to be the most spectacular floral event ever staged in Possibly the most outstanding Govern­ Queensland. Our week of festivities com­ ment achievement in Toowoomba at the pre­ mences this year on 22 September and will sent time has been in the field of education. In this regard I should like to voice the be officially opened, we hope, by the Minister sentiments of the people of Toowoomba by for Labour and Industry, if he is well enough stating that we are very appreciative of the to carry out that duty. I appreciate what educational facilities that have been pro­ the Hon. Ken Morris has done during his vided in Toowoomba at both primary and term of office as Deputy Premier of this secondary level. Our latest acquisition, of wonderful State of Queensland. He has been course has been extensions to the Harris­ an inspiration to all of us by his vital interest town ~nd Mt. Lofty high schools, Mt. Lofty in the development of the State, its secondary being the newer of the two. This work not industries, and its tourist industry, and we only provides adequ_a!e accommodati<;m and thank him for the lead that he has given very genial conditiOns for pupils at us. During this week of carniva1, people secondary-school level, but it has been pos­ will not only have the opportunity of viewing sible too to transfer the pupils from the a wealth of floral beauty, but, at the same pres~nt t~chnical college, which is in t~e time, will see the marked degree of progress centre of the town, to suburban areas. This latter college will then provide adeq~ate and development that have been taking place accommodation in the field of techmcal in Toowoomba and district. Much of this, education. of course, reflects the guiding influence of local government, but this authority is largely Without wishing to be parochial in this matter I feel that the only discordant note dependent on financial assistance from the we ha~e in the education field concerns the State Government. tertiary level of education. Hon. members Hon. members are no doubt aware that will no doubt be aware of the existence capital expenditure in Toowoomba since of a very active committee on the Darling this Government assumed office in 1957 has Downs known as the Darling Downs Un~­ versity Establishment A~sociation. . . This been of the order of £1,000,000 annually. In association-quite rightly m my opimon­ fact, during the last three years the annual claims that a mandate exists fo~ cc:n­ figure has exceeded £1,000,000. This sideration to the establishment of umversity expenditure comprises projects carried out facilities on the Darling Downs. by such instrumentalities as the Department of Public Works, Queensland Railways, J do not wish to labour this particular point as I have made previous reference to Queensland Housing Commission, Main the matter, but I should like to take the Roads Department, Toowoomba City opportunity of again reminding hon. mem­ Council and other local-government bodies bers that we in Toowoomba have, in fact, such as the Toowoomba Fire Brigades the foundation for the establishment of such Board, the Toowoomba Hospitals Board and facilities. For this reason, I believe it is the Toowoomba District Abattoirs Board. my duty to make these representations as 352 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

often as possible in the hope that our plea and the time was now opportune to replace will be heard and that we will be given an that all-too-frequently-used phrase with the assurance that a university college will be words "positive action". It is interesting to established on the Darling Downs, prefer­ note that one of the focal points of the ably in Toowoomba, as expeditiously as possible. It was very gratifying to read discussions was the development of Central in "The Courier-Mail" last week about the Queensland. In this regard it is very refresh­ probe of South Queensland's university ing to- learn that positive action is taking needs. I feel sure that the association in place. As a State, we are undoubtedly very Toowoomba will do everything possible to grateful for the Commonwealth's financi::l again state their case before that Com­ assistance, which has made a start on th1s monwealth commission. project possible. Nevertheless, concurrent~y we must look to our land-tenure laws. It IS From education we turn to health. In very pleasing to know that these laws will be this field we are indeed appreciative of the development that has taken place at the revised with a view to providing greater security of tenure, because I firmly believe Toowoomba General Hospital, which was that until such a revision takes place, we badly neglected over many years by the will' be unable as a State to attract sufficient previous Labour Government. It was a interest and more important still, sufficient disgrace to the city of Toowoomba. There capital, to 'make the project wor_th wh!le. is at last evidence of an energetic approach However we will have an opportumty dunng to the problems that have confronted our this sessi~n of debating the issue more fully people for many years. Notwithstanding the and I feel sure that nothing but good will excellent work of the medical and nursing come of such a debate. professions at that hospital, there is a lament­ able lack of adequate facilities. Admittedly Anticipating that such discussions will a modern nurses' home is now a reality and take place at an early date, I draw hoJ?. suitable accommodation is being provided members' attention to the words of S1r for the resident medical officers. This, I William Gunn when he addressed the believe, will overcome a recurring problem Australian Institute of Manage_rnent Cof!­ in obtaining sufficient doctors to permit the ference to which I referred earher. In _th1s hospital to function in the best interests of address, Sir William had very strong v1ews the community. However, it is not sufficient on why Queensland had not been developed to have an efficient staff of highly-qualified at a rate comparable with other States. He medical practitioners; we must provide a said at pages 44 and 45 of the conference place in which they can work. In this regard proceedings- my mind turns to the proposed surgical "It is not hard to find the reasons why block. Today I wish to make a very strong Queensland's tremendous land resources plea that an early start on the erection of have not been developed to the same the surgical block should not be hampered extent as other parts of Australia. There throU!!h lack of finance. I am aware that is one reason only, and that is that s_uffi­ £50.000 has been made available for this cient encouragement has not been g1ven work but now I am assured that unless an to private investment in . land develop­ additional £30,000 is made available there ment in Queensland. W_lnle Queensland is some doubt whether tenders can be called persists with a land pohcy based on a so that a start can be made on the construc­ system of leasehold tenure, we will not tion of this building. I understand that the develop at the rate we sl::rould. Co-ordinator-Gener~l of Public Works is "Queensland cannot be proud of its pe~­ aware of the position and that reuresenta­ formance over the last twenty years. It IS tions have been made by the Toowoomba indeed hard to believe that Queensla~d Hosnitals Board with a view to securing this had less sheep in 1951-1960 than m additional vote of £30,000. 1931-1940, and only 1.4 million more than in 1891-1900, and that cattle popu­ Dr. Noble: That surgical block will be lation has only increased by 13 per cent. started this financial year. since 1941-1945, while in both ?f these Mr. ANDERSON: That is very gratifying. industries prices have been satisfactory I thank the Minister. I am very pleased to to the producer. know that it will be started this financial year. "Queensland has for t_oo long been Some months ago I had the opportunity referred to as tl::re State w1th the tremen­ to attend a very successful conference dous potential, and likewise the_ State that organised by the Australian Institute of has done nothing to develop Its tremen­ Management and held at the University at dous potential. St. Lucia. The theme of the conference was "The time has come for Queensland .to "Positive Action for Queensland's Develop­ undertake a ten year plan to d?~ble Its ment". Throughout the addresses, which production for those commodities for were given by very prominent and highly­ which markets can be found, and these qualified men, there was continual reference would appear to be wool, beef, cotton and to the word "potential". Speakers at the grains, so let us all, whether w~ be conference reminded delegates that too much engaged in primary or secondary. mdus­ had been said about Queensland's potential, tries, draw up a plan for a vigorous Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 353

development of our agricultural and pas­ If, on the other hand, the policies are found toral industries. If we do this we will to give the right incentive and are sufficient certainly see our secondary industries to attract investment capital from large com­ develop at a faster rate, and Queensland's panies and dedicated land-holders, then it is population will grow, but I cannot see strongly recommended that steps be taken at Queensland being developed unless we do once to publicise widely the advantages and see a vigorous rural development. benefits of land settlement in Queensland. "Queensland will not be developed while The following elements of land settlement we continue to have a policy of leasehold appear to require close attention during the tenure, and our record of development study:- proves this beyond any shadow of doubt. Taxation concessions and other incen- "Why did people go to the 90 Mile Desert tives. in South Australia and spend large sums Security of tenure. of money in developing poor quality soils, The drawing of a contract. and leave the brigalow country of Queens­ land undeveloped? The answer is clear. Methods of borrowing for land develop­ They were given a secure title to the land ment and interest charges. and were not faced with the threat that Giving land-holders option re nature of they would lose their land and would not agreement. be adequately compensated for the Compensation on resumption. improvements, as has happened in The size of holdings-living units versus Queensland. economic units. "Queensland desperately needs finance Early Government decisions on renew­ for development, and every day finance is able leases. being turned away from Queensland because of our leasehold and land policy. Land development schemes as in Vic­ toria and Western Australia. "South Australia has the A.M.P. land development scheme. This is not pos­ A separate Land Settlement Commission sible in Queensland because of our present for implementing land settlement and policy. We need 10 plans such as the financing settlers. A.M.P. scheme. There are similar schemes I do not believe we can afford to disregard in Western Australia also, and they are the pronouncements of such people as Sir possible in the Northern Territory. William Gunn, whose advice no doubt is "I believe that our Land Settlement backed by a very profound practical Policy must undergo a complete change. experience in this field, so I commend his We must first decide what we are going thoughts to all hon. members. to produce, and if it is to be wool, then There has been a marked improvement in let us decide on the area of land that the standard of our roads system in Queens­ will produce wool at the lowest possible land since this Government took office in cost per lb., and then make the minimum 1957. Again, the people of Toowoomba are area of each sheep property not less than appreciative of the work that is now being this area. The owner of this land should carried out on the Toowoomba-Brisbane then be told that if he will develop this highway. Furthermore, it was very gratify­ land to its full capacity, he will then ing to hear the Minister for Development, automatically receive a freehold title to Mines, Main Roads and Electricity, in reply the land, and if he is not prepared to develop the land then it will be taken to my question this morning, say that the from him and given to somebody who will. four-lane highway on the Range Road, Too­ Australian and overseas investors should woomba, will be commenced this financial be encouraged to invest in Queensland, year. and not discouraged as they are at pre­ This general pattern of positive action is sent. It should be possible to have an reflected not only in that area but also, from A.M.P. scheme in Queensland." my personal observation, in many other parts Mainly because of Sir William's forthright of Queensland. The general picture is address, this was the recommendation of that evidence of a very healthy attitude and an conference on land settlement- energetic approach towards removing a "That a first requirement for positive stigma from which Queensland has long suf­ development of Queensland is an imme­ fered, namely, of having notoriously bad diate study of the existing land settlement roads. policies to see if they attract development Unfortunately the improvement in our capital and give the necessary incentives road systems is tending to accentuate the to land-holders to achieve maximum road-accident toll. Perhaps the only redeem­ development and productivity. ing feature of our bad roads was that they "If, after the study, it is found they do tended to keep road speeds down. May I not attract capital and offer incentive, at this stage, in making passing reference t_o then it is strongly recommended that the the road-accident toll, which of course 1s policies be changed to achieve these exercising the minds of all hon. members, desirable objectives, and the new policies comment on the address given last week by be widely publicised." the hon. member for Wavell? 12 354 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. Bromley: Do you think there ought they have always placed themselves at the to be more road-patrol officers? disposal of the people of Rockhampton. They have proved to us on many occasions, Mr. ANDERSON: Yes, I do. as they have to people throughout this State, I was particularly interested in the sug­ that they are our friends. gestion made by the hon. member for Wavell Sir Henry has always taken a keen interest that consideration should be given to the in my electorate and its problems. He has issue of provisional licences to the younger readily visited Rockhampton and has generation. I commend him for his very unstintingly made himself available for any constructive thinking. No doubt his sugges­ duty, social or otherwise. As he is a very tions will receive the solid support of all keen sportsman, naturally he has often gravi­ hon. members. As I remember it, he sug­ tated to Rockhampton, where the shooting gested that those in the age group between and fishing in the immediate vicinity of the 17 and 21 years should be issued with a city is unsurpassed. I might say that he provisional licence only, such licence to be has never failed to voice his appreciation of confirmed upon their attaining the age of the best and cheapest meat in Australia, 21 years. If they become involved in any which is available in Rockhampton and which accident for which they are responsible, the we will continue to make available as long licence should be automatically suspended as we are protected from the possible con­ for six months, during which period they struction of that uneconomic proposition, will attend lectures, after which the licence the district abattoir. may be returned to them if they are proved I should like to congratulate the Deputy to be worthy. Should they trespass again, Premier on his elevation to the leadership either by being involved in an accident for of our party. I think that he has all the which they are responsible or by committing qualities that make for a successful term in a breach of the Traffic Code, their licence office. I congratulate also the Treasurer on should then be suspended until they turn 21. his appointment as Deputy Leader. He, I thought the suggestion wonderfully con­ in direct contrast with hon. members on structive and I was greatly disappointed that the other side of the House, is a most it received very poor publicity through the capable member. Press. If I remember rightly, I think it was I must commiserate with the Minister for given about an inch-and-a-half or two inches Labour and Industry on the state of his in the metropolitan edition of "The Courier­ health, and express my sincere wish that Mail," and I did not see any mention of it he is shortly restored to his full powers, in the country edition. I think some country which are considerable. papers did refer to it. On an important matter like this, I think that the Press should I would be a very poor representative of use a little of its power to let the people the people of Rockhampton if, today in know where these suggestions come from. particular, I did not congratulate one of I commend the hon. member for Wavell in Rockhampton's leading sportsmen, Mr. Rod that regard. Laver, on doing what no other Australian has ever been able to do in the long history Finally, the State of Queensland reflects of world tennis. He has completed the the image of a Government who are alive "grand slam" of championships. Rod has to, and conscious of, the requirements of been a very close friend of mine for quite our people. It has not been easy to remedy a few years. As a matter of fact, he made all the mistakes and the lack of interest of his first radio broadcast with me over the the Labour Government for many years, but A.B.C. radio station, and even at that early we have endeavoured to overcome them. date he was quiet, unassuming, and modest. Admittedly, I do not agree with all that I will not make any comparisons with has been done but, on the whole, we have members of the Opposition. He was undoubtedly consolidated our position and so quiet that I had difficulty in inducing gained the confidence of Queenslanders. him to reply to my questions. He has This very happy state of affairs indicates to proved himself a fine sportsman and a us that, provided we maintain a high stan­ gentleman both on and off the tennis court, dard of progress and development, backed and he thoroughly deserves the honours that by honest and sincere administration, the have been heaped upon him on this occasion. job ahead can be left safely in our hands for many years to come. In Rockhampton we have seen fit to commemorate his feats by erecting a Mr. PILBEAM (Rockhampton South) pavilion in front of the courts on which he (3.47 p.m.): On my own behalf and on played so much tennis in his early years behalf of the citizens of Rockhampton, I and on which he was coached by Mr. join with previous speakers in the message Charlie Hollis, a local professional. I dis­ of loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty. cussed with Rod the matter of a testi­ I congratulate the Governor of Queensland, monial, and where a number of sportsmen His Excellency Sir Henry Abel Smith, and might have said, "You can give me a wallet Lady May, on their appointment for a of notes," or something like that, Rod further term of office. We in Rockhampton unhesitatingly asked for this form of mem­ have a very high regard for Sir Henry and orial-the "Rod Laver Pavilion"-which will Lady May. Whilst they have been in office be used by tennis players of the future. We Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 355 have already collected £3,000 in Rock­ a major contributing factor. There is an hampton towards the cost of the pavilion, old adage, and a true one, that the people and I think that I am justified in widening get the government they deserve. The apathy the appeal because Rod's feat is national in of the people of Rockhampton was reflected character. Through the Press, particularly for years in the apathy of the Labour through the newspapers in the capital cities, Government which controlled the destiny of I appeal to sportsmen to support the appeal. the region. Instead of building all our memorials in With this background and with my strong the capital cities, let us now build a regard for the people of Central Queensland, memorial of a national nature in a provincial it must be realised that I personally would city. I know it would give Rod the utmost not be easily satisfied that the Govern­ pleasure to see that pavilion erected at an ment were planning to develop the area. early date. He has already indicated that he Let me say here and now that over the is prepared to give demonstrations on the past 12 months the evidence has been more Rockhampton courts, the proceeds from than ample that if the Government continue which will help to pay for the pavilion. As in office Central Queensland's development I said, I feel justified not only in con­ is assured because there have been no more gratulating Rod but also in asking sportsmen dramatic eventualities in any part of Aus­ throughout Australia to support the appeal tralia than events that are starting to unveil to raise a fitting memorial to him in the city themselves in my area. where he played his early tennis. Mr. Sullivan: Yet one hears the hon. I wish to pay tribute to the work of the member for Rockhampton North knocking Government in my area over the past 12 the Government every time he stands up to months, work that has resulted in imbuing speak. the minds and hearts of the people of Rock­ hampton and Central Queensland with a Mr. PILBEAM: I am positive that the feeling of real optimism. When I first took worst that could befall Central Queensland up my duties as a Parliamentarian, I, in would be for the State to return to adminis­ common with the thinking people in Central tration by the Labour Party as it is now Queens land-- constituted and for Central Queensland to revert to the state of the doldrums that An Opposition Member: "Thinking," or existed for years under the previous adminis­ "stinking"? tration. Now we know where we are going in Central Queensland, and for the first time Mr. PILBEAM: I said "thinking" people. we realise that we are moving in the right I did not mention the Opposition. direction and that we have a Government who are prepared to co-operate with us in I, in common with all thinking people in our ambitious schemes for the future. Central Queensland, was at one time very downhearted because of the lack of progress Over the past few years on many and development in the area. You will occasions I have moved motions at party recall, Mr. Speaker, that in my maiden conferences, at Local Government Associa­ speech I gave figures proving that Central tion meetings, and in particular at meetings Queensland had the lowest rise in popu­ of the Central Queensland Local Govern­ lation of any part of Australia. We had a ment Association and the Queensland Local bad start a few years ago in Central Queens­ Government Association, that the Govern­ land, and I think that the feelings of the ment look with favour on the development population of the area reached their record of Central Queensland and develop Queens­ low on the occasion of a joint meeting of land on the basis that there are three regions protest that I called at the rear of the town of the State-the southern, central, and hall in Rockhampton on 10 February, 1961. northern. For years, any thinking person That meeting was attended by about 5,000 could see that the allocations were gradually people. At that time, there was strong devolving to a two-way basis-Southern agitation to have the Government construct Queensland and Northern Queensland-and a major powerhouse at Callide and to sup­ we had no developmental schemes whatever port the development of Port Alma. I can in Central Queensland. assure you, Mr. Speaker, that there was a As a matter of fact, the road from feeling of general indignation at that time. Rockhampton to Longreach was never even We felt that we were being robbed of our gazetted as a main road, and in some areas I rights in the possibility of not having a would say it followed the line of the powerhouse constructed at Callide and we original bullock tracks. That is how badly off certainly felt very upset about Port Alma. we were in Central Queensland and, You will recall that I crossed the floor of the although we could appreciate the require­ House to vote against the Government on ments of Northern Queensland, we could Port Alma. No-one worked harder than I to not see any recognition of Central Queens­ advance these projects, nor was there any land's needs. sterner critic of the Government. I realise, of course, that the feeling of despondency at Recently, although I had previously sub­ the neglect of Central Queensland was a mitted motions that the Government should culmination of years of hopeless adminis­ make allocations on a three-way basis and tration by previous Governments. I am fair move to develop the three parts of the State, enough to say, however, that the apathy of I was able to amend that motion at the the people of Rockhampton themselves was last conference of our party to read that the 356 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Government should continue to make three­ won't develop Port Alma under those terms" way development of Queensland. What a had their way, that advantage would not vital difference in the motion and what a have accrued to the people of Rockhampton. vital difference there is today in the outlook of the people of Central Queensland who I think it is only fair that I should give at last are seeing the way to reaching their some indication of the policy of the Rock­ proper place in the sun. hampton Harbour Board, of which I am deputy clrairman, towards Port Alma. I am Let me tell hon. members some of the very grateful for the support we get from things that have caused this optimistic feel­ all sides in the development of Port Alma. ing in my electorate of Rockhampton South We even get it from responsible members in particular. For years in Rockhampton of the Opposition who have come to Rock­ we have had apathetic harbour boards. I hamptoq and have seen the development that am not trying to blame Governments any has taken place. The only opposition we get more than I blame ourselves. to the development of Port Alma comes We have had apathetic harbour boards. from unthinking citizens of Rockhampton. We have allowed Port Alma to remain I suppose you would get that in any com­ undeveloped for years. It was not even munity. After all, you have sub-normal connected with Rockhampton by road. The schools and sub-normal citizens. As I say old wooden wharves were becoming obsolete; the only opposition to the development of they were falling into the sea. With the Port Alma has come from within the city. co-operation and support of the present From that development already we are Government, and through the work of an getting petrol 1 td. a gallon cheaper, with active and energetic harbour board, we prospects of a further price reduction. It have completed a £250,000 bitumen-sealed would gladden anyone's heart to see the road to Port Alma. We are commencing rehabilitation of what was previously a deso­ the construction of a £500,000 concrete late, broken-down scene. I think the Leader breast-wharf. Our schemes include refrigera­ of the Opposition will agree that a great tion, bulk-storage and bulk-loading facilities. deal of development has taken place at We will soon be in the happy position of Port Alma, although he saw it in rather being able to provide the primary producers unfortunate circumstances. of Central Queensland with two excellent We advanced the development of Port Alma ports-Gladstone and Port Alma. It is most in the light that, with Gladstone, it should important that we have these two ports to help to export the produce of Central export the products of Central Queensland­ Queensland overseas. We have never meat and grain in ever-increasing quantities, advanced it in opposition to Gladstone. In and coal. the development of Central Queensland we The people of Rockhampton made con­ see a real necessity for two ports and we siderable sacrifices to make the development think it would have been a sorry day for of Port Alma possible. I should say that no Queensland and Australia if we had let this other city has entered into such commit­ port fall into disuse and disrepair. We ments as the city of Rockhampton has in believed it would be needed, and needed very order to build Port Alma into a first-class shortly. If it had been allowed to die it port. We had to provide £90,000 towards would have cost considerably more to rehabili­ the cost of that road. We had to guarantee tate it after the wharves had been allowed to interest and redemption payments on the fall into the sea, and after the railway line had new wharf. I am proud to say that in this, fallen into disrepair. We said we were quite the first year in which the Rockhampton happy to share with Gladstone the produce City Council assumed the financial responsi­ of the area. In our negotiations with an bility, the Rockhampton Harbour Board pre­ oil company for a share of the through-put sented a balanced budget. Out of bankruptcy of the oil trade we advanced no other proposi­ it produced a balanced budget. What is even tion than that we required Rockhampton sales more important, after about 35 years, the to pass through the Rockhampton port. In people of Rockhampton are no longer suf­ effect, we said to Gladstone, "You take 75 fering any differentiation in the price of per cent. and we will take approximately petrol. They are getting it 1 td. a gallon 25 per cent." Is that unfair? I have been told that I am unfair and have been sneered cheaper than previously and at the present at by people in Rockhampton for what I time the price is under consideration by the have done. We have never been unreasonable judiciary, which is beyond the carping and never on any occasion have we repre­ criticism of half-witted people. A deter­ sented to the oil company that we should get mination will be made in accordance with more than one-quarter of the trade. the facts. When I say that it is under the con­ sideration of the judiciary, I mean that it At a grain-growers' meeting in Emerald is being considered by Mr. Fullagar. Despite recently, attended by at least one member tlre criticism of Mr. Fullagar, I am confident of the Opposition, all the grain-growers in that he will arrive at a just decision. Even the area supported a motion-and I give the assurance that it did not come from me, if a further reduction in the price of petrol nor was it prompted by me-that Port Alma is not allowed, at least the people of Rock­ be accepted as the second port--- hampton are now getting it 1td. a gallon clreaper. Had the knockers who said, "We Mr. Thackeray: You were behind it. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 357

Mr. PILBEAM: Is the hon. member against Mr. Evans: It is on the list now. it? It was moved that Port Alma be accepted Mr. PILBEAM: It is on the list for as the second port for grain shipments as gazettal as a main road and I am hopeful soon as facilities were provided by the Rock­ that it will be built very shortly. Those are hampton Harbour Board. That is clear evi­ two very beautiful seaside resorts, both free dence that the grain-growers in Central from the danger of shark attack. We have Queensland are on side with the development never had a shark attack there. I commend of Port Alma and that they realise the urgent the Government for grvmg the area necessity for two ports to carry the Central tremendous publicity by putting shark-catching Queensland export trade. squads on the beaches of Southern Queens­ land and North Queensland. We do not In the past, Central Queens-land had no want any in Central Queensland because we unity, even in the field of local govern­ never get sharks. But we do want the road ment, but now we have a thriving to Emu Park and I will be most grateful Central Queensland Local Government Asso­ for the Minister's continued good offices. ciation of which I am proud to have been the original president, and am now the vice­ I must take execption to one aspect of president. This association includes almost the policy of the department-! took excep­ all the local authorities of Central Queens­ tion to it under the previous Government­ land and is daily gathering strength. In and that is the proposition involved in the common with Rockhampton, this association construction and maintenance of major realises the necessity for an all-weather high­ bridges. I am strongly of the opinion that way linking Rockhampton with Longreach and major bridges should be part of the State Winton, without which the area has no real highway. That recommendation will be backbone, and without which, during wet made as the result of the inspection of the w0ather, there is very limited access to the blueprint by the Rockhampton City Council coast from the far-western parts of Central so the Minister might as well prepare himself Queensland. Any true Central Queenslanders for it. I made approaches to the previous would be distressed to see all the produce Government and I have made approaches to from the West, including wool, going direct this Government. The department's policy by road to Brisbane, and the railway system is still that, when a bridge goes through a neglected. I say quite definitely that no longer shire, the shire pays nothing towards its cost will it be the road age against the rail age. of construction. When a city is unfortunate Roads must be considered as complementary enough to be situated on a highway and to to, and not antagonistic to, railways. If we have a river cut it, the city has to pay wish the railway system to develop, we must about 52 per cent. of the cost of construc­ develop the road systems parallel with the tion and a considerable sum towards its railways. That has been proved abundantly upkeep. That is too great a handicap. Take in the case of the railway from Rockhamp­ the case of twin cities like Ayr and Home ton to Longreach. It was wonderful to see Hill, which are connected by a very large the blueprint of Queensland roads produced bridge to which they contributed nothing. by the Commissioner for Main Roads to the By the time Rockhampton pays for its bridge local authorities throughout the State. The it will have contributed over £1,000,000 in Rockhampton City Council had the pure and interest and redemption. That is too big a unadulterated pleasure of seeing that blue­ handicap to impose on Rockhampton as print at its last meeting and I congratulate against cities like Toowoomba and Townsville the Minister on it. For the first time we have with somewhat similar populations. hopes of getting that road gazetted as a highway by Christmas or thereabouts. Mr. Duggan: Give us a river like the Fitzroy and we will pay for the bridge. In the meantime I am more than gratified to see the work that is going on and at Mr. PILBEAM: I might take the hon. the decentralisation policy of the department. gentleman up on that. We are reaping plenty of dividends from having our own Main Roads Department We commend the Minister for Transport office in Rockhampton with an excellent on his improved attitude towards conces­ engineer, who has been very co-operative and sional railway freights. Recently I was in has even helped with the city's unemployment the West when he announced his latest problems. He is developing schemes between decision to reduce freights on general mer­ Rockhampton and Emerald, particularly on chandise from Rockhampton to Longreach the hairy sections this side of the Dawson to £7 a ton. All the storekeepers in the River and the other side of Duaringa. He West, who had been in the habit of drawing is also bringing into being schemes between their supplies from Rockhampton, were on Emerald and the Zamias in the black-soil the eve of changing their business to Brisbane country. The position with roads is excellent. and getting their goods by road at a cost of We have the two seaside resorts of Emu £10 a ton. That decision of the Minister Park and Y eppoon. Emu Park is connected saved the day. It was a wonderful piece to Rockhampton by a road that is not even of good news for the merchants of Rock­ gazetted after 70 years. I need not remind hampton, who played a vital part in the the House who has been in power most of representations to the Minister. If that that time; I will let hon. members guess. attitude is applied to freight moving the other 358 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply way, in particular to the movement of wool pleting, on the basis of five years, the from Longreach to Rockhampton, the rail­ sewering of the northern part of the city. ways will receive very much more business We are reconstructing the School of Arts in that part of Queensland. and the Library. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we have constructed a first-class swimming Great progress is being made in our city pool, and we have almost completed a undertakings in Rockhampton, with the help beautification scheme on the river bank. We of the Government of which I am proud to are building a new little theatre. With all be a member. Thanks to a wonderful agree­ these amenities and this tremendous accelera­ ment with the Department of Public Lands, tion of effort on the local-government front, we are at last building a road up Mt. Archer, none of which would have been possible something that for 70 years was only talked without the support of the Government, we about. It appears that one will be able to have not increased the rates in the last four drive to the top in a four-wheel-drive vehicle years. So do not listen to the Jeremiahs by Christmas, 1963. When we put forward who say that Rockhampton is flat. reasons why we wanted a road there, it was argued that people would not use it. Now, Mr. Duggan: Isn't it true that the Govern­ every week-end, before the road is completed ment reduced the subsidy to local authorities? and whilst only basic earth work is done half-way up, we have to pay a policeman to Mr. PILBEAM: The Government defi­ perform special duty controlling the traffic. nitely reduced the rate of subsidy, but each People climb up there and others try to ride year we lrave received more in total. We motor-bikes up. There is tremendous interest cannot have it both ways. This year a in it, and it will be one of the best tourist record amount of subsidy has been pro­ roads in the State and a great asset to the vided by the Government; this year we city of Rockhampton. have a record loan programme. People may make disparaging remarks about Rock­ We are also receiving Government support hampton, but what other city can say at and co-operation in our scheme to provide this stage that it has already completed Rockhampton with a first-class water service. its loan-raising negotiations? We have firm We have for some time been seized with the offers for the wlrole of our loan require­ certainty that we would have to increase our ments, and I doubt whether any other city supply of water to a marked extent if we in Queensland can say that. wished to provide it in commercial quantities. In answer to the people who are trying For that reason, we have sought permission to knock Rockhampton and say it is flat, to construct a barrage across the Fitzroy I will tell you another thing, Mr. Speaker. River, which would give us possibly the best Since the war we have contributed £250,000 water supply in the State. By stopping the more to Commonwealth Loans than the city tide at Rockhampton, the river would be of Toowoomba, and over £500,000 more converted from a salt-water stream to a tlran the city of Townsville, despite the fact fresh-water stream, and a tremendous amount that Townsville's population is 5,000 or of water could be given to industry for 6,000 greater than Rockhampton's. The merely the cost of pumping the water from latest loan programme shows that Rock­ the stream. A large-scale model has been hampton has a higher quota of loan con­ built, and tests are being conducted at the tribution than Townsville. University. We have already received the assurance of the Premier and the Treasurer Mr. Campbell: The hon. member for that, as soon as the answers are available Rockhampton North supports tlre Govern­ to us, they will co-operate fully in this very ment, doesn't he? progressive and wonderful scheme, which will give us an OPPOrtunity to develop industries Mr. PILBEAM: Sometimes. in Rockhampton. As everyone realises, the I have not time to enlarge on the other main requirement of industry the world over wonderful schemes that make me so excited is water. about the future of Central Queensland, but To refer to normal city amenities, despite I should not be a true Central Queenslander criticism that one may hear from time to if I did not refer to the erection of the time, I say that no city in the State-and I power-house on the Callide coalfield. How can one not feel excited when one realises say this in defence of my council-is making tlrat at present a power-house at Callide, to the nro2:ress with its normal amenities that cost a total of £23,000,000, is being con­ Rockhampton is. I shall ouote some figures, structed and will be in full production by and hon. members can see how they compare 1965 or 1966? Preliminary contracts involv­ with fairy tales. In the past five years we ing the expenditure of £3,000,000 have have increased our road building from 2t already been let for boilers, turbines, and miles of bitumen a year to 11 miles, and parts of the power-station. The power­ our kerbing and channelling from half-a-mile station will have a capacity of 60 mega­ to 30 miles. We are sewering houses now at watts, or 60,000 kilowatts, which is slightly the rate of approximately 1,000 every four larger than the capacity of the present years. We have completely sewered the power-house in Rockhampton. A power-line southern part of the city, and we are corn- is now being constructed from Rockhampton Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 359 to Moura at a total cost of about £1,000,000, by the hon. member for Flinders and including the cost of sub-stations, and it seconded by the hon. member for Wavell. will be completed by tire end of this year. I take the opportunity, in common with other There is no sweet by-and-by about that pro­ members, of congratulating them on their posal; it is definitely with us. The Govern­ speeches. I should also like to take the ment plan to increase the power of the sta­ early opportunity of placing on record my tion ultimately to 120 megawatts, and I personal regret-and I know I can associate think everyone knows that we are putting a with this not only members of the House power-line through from our present power­ but also the great majority of people in my station in Rockhampton to make power electorate-at the illness of the Minister for available for one of the biggest dragline Labour and Industry, and his consequential excavators in the world, the cost of wlrich retirement from the leadership of the Liberal is about £1,500,000. No-one can tell me that Party. Mr. Morris is widely known in the that is not an exciting eventuality in the Ashgrove electorate and the general regret is life of any Central Queenslander. It is diffi­ very intimately shared by people living in cult to appreciate the value of the work that area. that is now proceeding for the development of the coalfields. I hope later this week to Those who have been close to the hon. speak in support of the Minister for gentleman in recent times have long feared Development, Mines, Main Roads and that something of this nature would happen Electricity about the agreement between because, driven by a boundless enthusiasm Thiess Bros. and Peabodys and the almost and wide-ranging imagination, he spent him­ fabulous development that is taking place self selflessly, indeed with a measure of in the coalfields of Central Queensland. reckless prodigality, in the service, not only Those coal deposits have been there for of his department, but of the State as a years, and the possibility of building a whole. We do hope that the enforced rest power-house at Callide was always there. that he is about to take will so restore him You cannot blame me, Mr. Speaker, for to health that he will be able to continue his supporting a Government that has discovered valuable services to this State. them. It needs courage and determination I should also like to join in the congratu­ and faith in the area to make these exciting lations that have been extended to the new possibilities come to life. Leader of the Liberal Party, the Hon. Alan Munro, Minister for Justice, and to extend to Like every otlrer person in Central Queens­ him sympathy in the burden that he assumes land, I am more than pleased with what is in this particular task, because it has been happening in the development of the briga­ made abundantly obvious already that he low lands. How can anyone conscientiously is to become the object of the personal knock that? How can anyone say a word vilification that was directed at the former against the spending of £1,750,000 on it in Leader, Mr. Morris. Indeed, in this House the immediate future? It cannot be other already one hon. gentleman on the opposite than a good thing for the area. It is a side has used these extraordinary words: "I wonderful scheme that will develop a first­ do not know anyone who is more cold­ class area. There are only three matters to blooded or calculating than the newly-elected be watched, namely, sufficient capital, pro­ per tenure, and a reasonable area. Once Leader of the Liberal Party." Of course, those tlrree equations are solved this scheme that sort of talk is what we have come to cannot help but be a brilliant success, expect from some hon. members opposite, especially when one realises that at the but it is quite unworthy of the dignity of present time that country is not being used this House and of the attitude that should be at all. adopted on occasions such as this. I do not think anyone will deny that the I should like to associate myself and my brigalow belt is possibly the largest area of electorate with the expressions of loyalty to undeveloped fertile land in the world today, Her Majesty the Queen and also to say with and a major scheme liKe this must be what great enthusiasm and anticipation we applauded by every loyal Australian. are all looking forward to her pending visit to Queensland. I join also with the I started my speech by a message of loy­ expressions of satisfaction at the extended alty to the Governor; I followed it up by term of His Excellency the Governor. thanking the Government for at last realising that there is such an area as Central Queens­ I should like to refer to some of the land. I am most sincere in voicing my criticisms by the hon. member for South appreciation of the work of the Government Brisbane of the Government's arrangements and in testifying to my complete agreement for the visit of Their Majesties, the King with this most ambitious scheme for Central and Queen of Thailand. Queensland. Mr. Knox: Where is the hon. member for (Time expired.) South Brisbane. Mr. TOOTH (Ashgrove) (4.27 p.m.): I rise Mr. TOOTH: I do not know where he to oppose the amendment and to support is. We will have to deal with him in the motion which was so adequately moved absentia. 360 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

He said something to this effect­ Mr. Armstrong: Didn't he have a bit of "While dealing with Royal activities and difficulty getting endorsement. Royal occasions I must say that I was somewhat disappointed . . ." Mr. TOOTH: I do not want to canvass the difficulties of the hon. member in and then he came to a climax and said- obtaining endorsement. In fact, I do not ". . . and to a large extent disgusted want to canvass the difficulties he will face last week with the Government's arrange­ in being re-elected. The important thing at ments for the Royal visitors." this stage is to consider the evidence of a certain attitude to the Public Service by the He does not give one single example of Socialists in this State, an attitude that was this alleged neglect or failure of the Govern­ conclusively revealed during the recent ment but goes on to complain about its Westbrook incident. You will recall, Mr. being a glamour crusade of artificiality. He Speaker, that the former superintendent, calls for a ministerial apology for something Mr. Golledge, came under general criticism or other that was printed in a Sunday news­ from the public, the Press, and the Opposi­ paper somewhere. He made a whole series tion, who hoped to embarrass the Govern­ of derogatory remarks. I do not think it is ment. The Opposition, like a pack of particularly helpful when we are endeavour­ hungry wolves, attacked him personally, ing to establish cordial relations with our and demanded that he be sacked. He had near Asian neighbours that that sort of served successive Socialist Governments for irresponsibility should be indulged in in one more than 30 years without ever being of the Legislative Chambers of this Com­ given an opportunity to obtain special train­ monwealth. It is typical of the querulous, ing or assistance in his duties in Queensland, whinging attitude of the hon. member. or to travel to other parts of the world and Indeed, I think it is safe to assume that we study similar institutions. He was given no will never be able to win a smile from opportunity to improve his outlook. He was the hon. member. I must at this stage left to carry on as best he could in the confess that I do admire his courage, indeed hope that what was out of sight was out his hardihood, in criticising our women­ of mind. When the trouble blew up the Opposition were keen to seize some political folk for their keen interest in the glamourous advantage from it and they were prepared little Royal visitor, Queen Sirikit. I feel that to throw to the wolves a servant who had any man who did not have some sympathy devoted years of service to them. The with them in this matter must indeed be Leader of the Opposition demanded that he getting very old. be sacked. He was supported by cries from These things perhaps may be regarded as back-bench members of the Opposition, led trivialities, but a much worse feature of the by the hon. member for Brisbane, who said, situation was the attack by the hon. member "Sack him! sack him! sack him!" What upon a senior public servant, and indirectly would have been involved in his sacking? upon the Public Service generally. Under this The loss of all his superannuation rights, Government public servants have full political the loss of his long-service leave entitle­ rights. The only proviso is that they do not ment, and so on. He would have been engage in politics during working hours, and tossed out without a job in the evening of that they do not criticise the administration his days. That is the Opposition's inhuman of the various departments. Of course, those approach to the public servant. I emphasise bars have been in existence for many years this because it is important that the public servants of the State should understand what under Socialistic Governments. Other than they have experienced in the past. Younger that, they have full complete liberty. I would members of the Public Service are not say that public servants in Queensland today acutely aware of it, and probably will not have a greater feeling of freedom, confidence be aware of it, but we must make certain and ability to exercise their civic rights tha~ they understand what can happen. After 30 they have ever had in the past. There are vears of faithful service the Opposition frequent signs that the Opposition have demanded that this man be dismissed become restive and regard public servants although, according to his limited lights, he with considerable distaste. Of course, that had done his best. The public servants of is the inevitable result of increasing Left-wing Queensland must remember the attitude of influence in the ranks of the A.L.P. The the Opposition in that incident. people associated with the Trades Hall regard To emphasise the determined attack the the Public Service and public servants as a Government have made on inherited prob­ bunch of silver-tails who are to be put in lems, I turn now to another aspect of their place and kept in their place. Of course, Government policy. The hon. member for the hon. member for South Brisbane has South Brisbane said that the heart of the been in considerable awe of the powerful city was being eaten out. Of course, that was a fabrication. It is utter nonsense! union chiefs at the Trades Hall. Indeed, we The heart of the city is improving day by have been told recently that he is under a day. The fact that some city buildings very deep debt of gratitude to one of them are for sale is evidence of growth, not of in the person of Mr. Frank Nolan. Therefore, decay. The largest city building for sale it is not to be wondered at that he should today is probably the "Telegraph" building be making every endeavour to curry favour in Queen Street. Is it for sale because the with those gentlemen. city is decaying? Of course not! It is Address in Reply (11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 361

because greater development is taking place, and those who ride in vehicles. It com­ thus making the building too small for its pels motorists to breach the traffic regula­ purpose. It is up for sale and there is no tions by driving with lights on the high doubt that it will be bought very quickly and beam. If, when driving through these streets, used for some other purpose. they do not occasionally use the high beam Nothing will lead more rapidly to the they will be sure to be involved in some decay of the centre of a city than traffic sort of traffic accident, probably with tragic strangulation and the Government, realising results. Overseas investigations indicate this, and realising that former Governments clearly that night accidents can be reduced were doing nothing about it, took steps prior by as much as 30 per cent. by adopting ade­ to accession to office to inform themselves quate street lighting, and the problem in on these matters. At its own expense the Australia is now under consideration. In Liberal Party imported a traffic expert to New South Wales night accidents represent investigate traffic problems. When we 40 per cent. of total accidents, although assumed office we tackled the problem with night traffic is only 25 per cent. of total vigour. As the Minister has reminded us, traffic. At short notice I have been unable we averted a situation that could have led to obtain precise figures for Queensland, to the decay of the centre of the city. In but I understand they are comparable with the city and inner suburbs we have today those of New South Wales. This illustrates 3 8 sets of co-ordinated traffic lights. At the importance of the problem and its present 13 more are approved or under con­ influence on the accident rate, particularly struction. We have 10 permanent channel the pedestrian-accident rate. So I suggest islands for traffic and over 64 miles of to the hon. member for Belmont that he traffic lines and lanes. I mention these raise the problem with his colleagues in the because, on the 22nd of this month, two sets Brisbane City Council. While about it, he of co-ordinated traffic lights will begin to might be able to help me with a problem operate in Enoggera road, Newmarket. It that concerns the Brisbane City Council in was not so long ago that opponents of these Ashgrove because I frankly confess that I traffic aids were complaining that they were have not been able to move the council on turning the city into a Coney Island. It is it. The most dangerous traffic junction in evidence of the changed public attitude that the whole area is the junction of Ashgrove the Newmarket branch of the A.L.P. recently tried to claim credit for the installa­ Avenue with Graham Street. The Traffic tion of the co-ordinated lights in New­ Commission has had plans for over a year market. Of course it was not so. They for dealing with the problem but it is unable were under consideration from the time the to implement them until a relatively short office of the Traffic Engineer was estab­ section of the junction is sealed from kerb lished. Throughout that time, month by to kerb. This the council refuses to do. It month it has been my task to see that the is a comparatively small jpb. Night after office of the Traffic Engineer has been con­ night lives are being imperilled because tinually aware of them, but they came in people coming over the hill making a blind their right priority in a general, co-ordinated approach to the intersection are forced out scheme for the whole city. They are now into the middle of the road owing to the there and the Government are very happy condition of the road close to the kerb. indeed to receive the commendation of people of political colours and loyalties These things are happening and yet, owing differing from ours on these developments. to stupidity, obstinacy, or just political bias somewhere or other, we cannot get any I am sorry that the hon. member for action for the expenditure of a relatively Belmont is not present in the Chamber be­ small sum to deal with the matter. In cause I want to comment on two or three view of my experience with this particular observations he made. case and one or two others, I feel that Mr. Davies: He will be back in a serious thought should be given to vesting moment. He has only gone to the tele­ the Traffic Commission with power to compel phone. authorities to co-operate in the removal of Mr. TOOTH: I am glad to hear that he serious traffic hazards. I know that that will be returning. The Opposition gener­ is a big question that opens up difficult ally, and the hon. member for Belmont in legal and administrative problems, but these particular, if they wish to assist with Bris­ things should not be allowed to remain as they are. bane's traffic problems, might get to work to persuade their colleagues in the Brisbane I now wish to change the subject and City Council to improve street lighting, par­ make brief reference to the melancholy event ticularly in suburban areas. that occurred on 2 September last when Mr. Bromley: They have improved it. Senator Max Poulter died, and to the events that flowed from it. The general regret in Mr. TOOTH: If they have, I have not the loss to not only the party of which he seen any evidence of it in the areas that was a member but also to Queensland as a concern me. The murky gloom in the whole is a clear indication of his personal streets of Ashgrove and Newmarket, and worth. I regret also the unseemly speed nearby areas, imperil the lives of pedestrians with which political speculation occurred 362 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

immediately his death was known. One Mr. Tucker: What are you paragons of newspaper, in a flight of journalistic imagina­ virtue going to do? tion, made this categorical statement- "Strong pressure will come from the Mr. TOOTH: The hon. member will find Liberal Party for the appointment to the out in due course what we paragons of virtue Senate of the former Premier and Q.L.P. are going to do. Leader, Mr. V. C. Gair, to succeed Dr. Mr. Davies: Are you the new Premier? Max Poulter, who died yesterday." Is this a public statement? The roundsman goes on to say that several Liberal members said this. The interesting Mr. TOOTH: I am speaking about my own thing to note is that this was published well attitude. Apparently the hon. member does before mid-day on the day after the death not understand the constitutional position. I of the lamented Senator. It is obvious that understand that Parliament appoints a new it had been prepared and was in print very Senator when information is received from early on the Monday morning. How any­ the Federal Government of the death of a body in that short time could have contacted Senator. On every occasion Labour Govern­ a group of Liberal Party members on this ments have appointed a Labour Senator to replace a Liberal Party or Country Party issue passes my comprehension, and, from my Senator. investigation and inquiries, the indications are that the statement in that report is merely a This brings me to the gravamen of my flight of journalistic imagination. It is an story. It is rather ironical that the Deputy invention. Leader of the A.L.P., the hon. member for Kedron, Mr. Lloyd, should lecture us, accord­ It has been adequately answered in another ing to the report in "The Courier-Mail" this quarter, but I should like to say that in morning, and tell us that we should appoint my opinion Liberal members generally hold Mr. Arnell to the vacant Senate seat. Let the view that on 9 December the people me make my own position perfectly clear. of Queensland elected three Government I believe that, notwithstanding the precedents senators and two Opposition senators, and established by former Labour Governments the status quo should be preserved. I shall in these matters, the decision of the electors repeat that. I personally feel-and I think that there should be two A.L.P. Senators many of my colleagues feel-that the status should be confirmed by the Parliament. That quo in this matter should be preserved. is my personal view. But I wish to make it To refer again to this article, it struck equally clear that personally I am completely rather a humourous note further on when unable to vote for Mr. Arnell, and I will tell it read- hon. members quite frankly why. "It was pointed out that if the Govern­ Mr. Tucker: I thought you were getting ment overlooked an A.L.P. successor this round to something. time, an A.L.P. State Government of the future in one of the southern States, or Mr. TOOTH: I am getting round to some­ even in Queensland, could overlook a thing. Liberal-Country Party candidate in similar Mr. Arnell, as hon. members know, has circumstances." been the President of the Brisbane branch Of course, that is precisely what has always of the Waterside Workers' Association for a been done by Labour Governments in this considerable time. I understand that he is State. known in trade-union circles as "Unity Ticket" Arnell, but I have no personal knowledge of Mr. Row: They will do it again, too. that. I do know that he has appeared on unity tickets every year since 1957. These Mr. TOOTH: I do not think that they unity tickets have been circulated frequently, will be given an opportunity to do it again. and I have here a photostat of one of them. During the regime of Socialistic government in this State, when one of our Senators Mr. Bromley: That is the old one you had. died he was replaced by a Labour senator. Mr. TOOTH: I do not know whether it It happened on the death of Senator John is old or new, but it is sufficient evidence Adamson, who was replaced by Mr. J. V. to enable me to make up my mind what MacDonald, the then editor of the "Daily I should do. There is a group of photo­ Standard", way back in the early 1920s. graphs on the photostat, and Mr. Arnell's Immediately this new Senator came before photo is the first in the group. Then there the electors at the next election, he was is Mr. Graham, Mr. Stimson, Mr. Stubbings, unceremoniously tossed out on his pink and so on, through to Mr. Healy on the far ear. A few years later, when Senator Givens end. It is interesting to note that Mr. Graham died, the same gentleman, still editor of the is an open and confessed Communist. He "Daily Standard," was appointed in his place. has stood as a Communist Party candidate. Mr. Ramsden: In spite of the public's Mr. Melloy: Who-Alf Arnell? decision? Mr. TOOTH: In spite of the decision on Mr. TOOTH: Mr. Alby Graham. Mr. their earlier appointment, they tried again. Stubbings stood as a Communist candidate At the next Federal election the gentleman for the Salisbury electorate in the 1960 State again lost his seat. election. No doubt the hon. member for Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 363

Salisbury will recall him. Of cause, Mr. Mr. TOOTH: I turn again to the hon. Mick Healy, who was at one time secretary member for Belmont for a moment or two. of the Brisbane Trades Hall, is a gentleman I am sorry that he appears to be still tele­ whom I have known personally for a long phoning. He complained during his speech time. I knew him when he was the propri­ about states of emergency and said that they etor or manager-it is a bit difficult to know have been declared against the workers on whether a man owns or manages an estab­ several occasions. He went on to say that lishment of this type--D£ the Anvil Book more states of emergency have been declared Shop in the Queensland Teachers' Building since this Government have been in power before the last war. I should say that Mr. than by any previous Government in this Mick Healy is one of the most pleasant fellows I have ever met, but, by George, I State. That is an interesting assertion so I should not like him to be in power in this took the trouble to make some inquiries. I country! found that during the life of the Hanlon Government, proclamations under the par­ Mr. Davies: Tell us about the Western ticular Act by which states of emergency Australian Liberal who was a member of the are issued were made on seven occasions. Communist Party. An Opposition Member: Seven? Mr. TOOTH: I do not propose to talk about matters in Western Australia. I only Mr. TOOTH: There were seven proclama­ know that when the A.L.P. endeavoured to tions. There was one on 28 June, 1946; use a man's father against him as a candidate there was one on 27 February, 1948, which in the election, the electors there dealt with was extended by a second proclamation on the matter in a very suitable way. Any 25 March in the same year; there was one organisation that would drag a man's father on 27 June, 1949, which was extended by into a matter like that should be rather a further proclamation on 27 July, 1949. diffident about talking of it afterwards. I Under the Gair Government there were two strongly advise hon. gentlemen opposite to proclamations, and under the Nicklin Govern­ let that matter ride. ment there have been three, so that, on a Hon. members are apparently very relative basis, we have been fairly moderate interested in this photostat, and I propose in this matter. to table it for their information. What interests me about all this is that the (Whereupon the hon. member laid the hon. gentleman should start complaining photostat on the table.) during this debate when, less than three months ago during the currency of this year, This clearly indicates Mr. Arnell's position. he and eve~y other member of the Opposi­ Mr. Ameli has every democratic right, while tion voted to maintain the legislation under we in this country, at the urging of the which these states of emergency are declared. A.L.P., have decided that the Communist I want to emphasise that because states of Party is an ordinary political party, to emergency are proclaimed under the pro­ associate himself with Communists. But visions of Section 22 of the State Transport whilst this indicates Mr. Ameli's position, it Act of 1938, which was one of the Acts also justifies a reservation on my part-and that were validated in the schedule to the I hope on the part of many members in this Bill we debated on 6 and 7 June, and passed House-that whilst we desire to appoint an late on 7 June this year. Hon. members A.L.P. Senator, I hope hon. members opposite no doubt studied that Bill and the opposite will endeavour to make our task schedule thereto, therefore they must have in this difficult situation a relatively easy one by providing a candidate whom we can been well aware that in supporting the accept. Government in the validating legislation before Parliament they were in effect endors­ Mr. Melloy: What is your party doing ing, without any debate, criticism, or com­ about the Comms? Nothing whatever. plaint, every proclamation that had ever been made under the Act. Therefore I should Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I once again draw to the attention of hon. members on my say that this complaint is a very frivolous left who are engaged in continuous heckling one indeed. Any complaints about excessive of the hon. member the fact that the Stand­ use of those powers by the present Govern­ ing Orders require that every hon. member ment have no basis whatever. must be heard without interruption. If there As I have little time left I do not propose is any further interruption I shall have no to proceed further with the material I ha.ve hesitation in dealing with the hon. member prepared, but hope to have an opl?ortumtY who interrupts. during the Budget debate to deal w1th other Mr. BROMLEY: I rise to a point of order. matters. The hon. member is being nasty to a fellow member of the A.L.P. Mr. BYRNE (Mourilyan) (5.1 p.m.): I rise to support the amendment moved by the Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is no point Leader of the Opposition. Before speaking of order. The hon. member will resume his to the amendment I desire, as is my usual seat. custom, to express my devotion, sincerity, 364 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

and loyalty to the Throne in the person of At this stage I should like to quote Mr. Her ~ajesty Queen Elizabeth II. I always J. R. James, secretary of the Queensland assocmte the people of my electorate of Employers' Federation, who was reported ~ourilyan with those sentiments. I pay as follows:- tnbute to the SJovernor of Queensland, Sir "He said the matter was so urgent no Henry Abel Smith, and Lady May. I assure time should be lost in facing up to the them that they have our deepest respect. He situation." and his wife have been great advocates of Queensland. Never have they left anything He was dealing with a suggestion tirat the unsaid or undone that they could say or do State Government should call an immediate for the benefit of Queensland. Consequently ~onference of representatives of private we must have a very high regard for them. mdustry and responsible unions to tackle the State's population problem. The article They a~e tireless and energetic. Indeed, they are delightful people and the State is much continues- the better for having two such very fine "Mr. J ames said statistics released by people. the Bureau of Census and Statistics pre­ sented a disturbing picture. During the debate the subject of unemploy­ ment has been tackled from all sides. There "At December 31, 1961, Queensland's is no harm in my presenting my views on estimated population was 1 522 329-an this most important and serious problem. I increase of 20,043 for th~ preceding year-yet the natural increase for 1961 propose to examine it without bias. It is was 23,881. a challenge to the capacity of Governments to govern. As members of Parliament we "It was estimated that 624,000-or a heard the many promises that were made rise of 40,800 during 1961-were con­ that everything in the garden of employment gregated in the metropolitan area, he said. would be lovely in the future. Unfortunately "The metropolitan area was re-defined those promises were never to bear fruit. In for the 1961 census to include Brisbane my opinion the speeches made by the hon. Redcliffe, and the urban parts of Pin~ member for Redcliffe and others on that side Rivers Shire. were disappointing. It is no use their play­ :·But even so, it was apparent the popu­ ing up to Ministers because they are on side. latwn growth rate outside tire metropoli­ It is no use complimenting Ministers for tan area, and particularly in the largely doing this and that, while at the same time undeveloped areas of the State was we have the terrible burden of unemploy­ dangerously low. ment with us. It is with us. We have to " 'For decades platitudinous public face up to it whether we like it or not. statements have been made by politicians We cannot continue to have the number of and others about the urgent need for de:'eloping ~orth Queensland and popu­ unemployed in Queensland in what we term latmg our vast empty spaces" in the the "off season" that we have had in the past. interests of national safety as well as It is our greatest problem. Suggestions have national progress,' Mr. James said. been made by Government members that, " 'But actions speak louder than because we draw attention to this, we are words, and, to date, there have been far irresponsible knockers. Very often we are too many words and far too little action'." told that it is the worker's fault, that there is no unemployment to speak of, and that So many statements have been made we should not be raising the subject. That about development, unemployment, and so is all eye-wash and is a disservice to the ot;t, that it is refreshing to find a person With the status of Mr. James telling the community. When hon. members say there Government what is happening with the is no unemployment they are not looking at State's population. The North is being the problem properly and are doing nothing depopulated because there is no continuity to help to solve it. of work. That statement cannot be chal­ Hon. members opposite are lavish in their lenged except in towns like Townsville and compliments to various Ministers on what Mt. Isa, where there has been industrial they are doing and, to tire extent that the progress unprecedented in Queensland for a Ministers are providing a certain amount of great many years. employment, everything is all right and Hon. members who have asked us not to we are quite happy about it. However, take any notice of unemployment must be when we have Press publicity, as we have speaking within very narrow limits, and we had in the past, and when the Premier makes cannot accept them as competent to speak various pronouncements about unemploy­ for all Queensland. Their views are not put in accordance with the facts and are there­ ment and the difficulties in which he finds fore useless. They do a disservice to tlre himself, and Ministers Irave openly stated State because their statements are taken up that they recognise the seriousness of the by pe.ople in. the South, who say, "Queens­ problem, it is very hard indeed to under­ land IS all nght. Here our own politicians stand Government members saying we tell us that everything in the garden is should not take much notice of lovely. The unemployment situation is not unemployment. as bad as they make out." Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 365

But let us examine the facts of the matter Mr. Hughes: The drift to the cities occurred in detail. At this time of the year the in Labour's time, too. primary industries are in full swing and the number of unemployed is not nearly as high Mr. BYRNE: Not to the same extent. as in the early part of the year. That is From 1951 to 1957 there was the greatest quite obvious and understandable. Protests activity ever known in the sugar industry. from the unemployed and from various That was brought about by the representa­ organisations tend to subside at this time. tions of the late Ned Hanlon and the late However, the agitation will arise again and Ben Chifley on the additional quantity of when the primary industries cease operations sugar to be harvested in Queensland. When for the year the people will tell the Govern­ all the equipment had been purchased and ment of the serious situation. Naturally the buildings erected, from 1957 onwards-from Government now become complacent and the time when this Government assumed take some comfort in the belief, "We are office-came the decline in the value of real all right for a few months and nobody will estate. stir us into action." But towards the end In contrast, let us consider what has hap­ of the year, when the crops are harvested pened in the city. Here increases are going and the processing by the various industries on all the time. There are very few places is completed, a bleak period of unemploy­ in the South where real-estate values have ment will return. We will then discover not shown considerable increases. In the whether the Government have been sincere sugar towns in the North to which I have in their promises to find employment or just referred a person owning his own home whether their planning has been of any use. would be pleased to get today any amount We understand that at the moment the near its value or the value that he has put Treasurer has quite a lot of money to spend into it, let alone anything in addition. It and that he will spend it to provide employ­ is true that on the books of agents in the ment for those who usually are unemployed North there are available for sale hundreds in the early part of the year. Let him tell us of dwellings owned by people who have now how much he proposes to spend and lived there for many years but who now what he proposes to spend it on. It is no find, because of lack of continuity of work, good keeping it a secret. that they must leave, and the only place Unemployment in the North is accentuated to which they can go is the city. That is by the introduction of new and progressive the present unfortunate state of affairs, and methods in industry, the main purpose of this Government are responsible for it. which is to limit manpower by the use of machines. We of the Australian Labour This is something that requires thinking Party cannot and do not complain about and planning. It is not a personal matter progressive methods. The Government were but something that should exercise the best always aware of the displacement of labour, available minds that can be directed to that would come about through the use of solving the problem. It is the Government's these new and progressive methods. For job to do more than they have done, other­ instance, bulk-handling has done away with wise they will not continue to occupy their a considerable amount of labour, and so have present position. The Government should the mechanical harvesting of cane, the vari­ sponsor industry. Private enterprise cannot ous forms of transport, and the actual do the job. Very often population and method of handling sugar at ports. The markets are far from the production areas. dieselisation of railway traffic, too, eliminates There are exceptions, of course, but capital a great deal of employment. for investment is attracted more to the South. The coastal towns feel the impact most. This is a peculiar situation. We in the It is very upsetting and injurious to the North are well situated for ports, roads, status of many little towns in the North. and railways. Our ports are closer to the Worse still, it is reflected in the home. It markets of the Far East than are those in brings discontent to the family who, eventu­ the South, and we must actively develop ally, because they are unable to find con­ the North, irrespective of cost. The Govern­ tinuity of work, must leave the district. That ment must sponsor industry. Without that, is the sore point with me. There are many we shall remain as we are today. I invite very estimable families in the North, particu­ hon. members to look at the map of North larly in Innisfail, who have been in the Queensland and see how many decadent industry for many years and who find that places there are there. What is the popula­ the continuity of work is not available, so tion of the North? Are we to allow this they must leave for parts that offer per­ situation to continue? What are we to do manent employment. This is a great loss to to populate it? The only way in which I consider the population can be increased is the district and it is what we want to stop. by the Government's sponsoring of industry They come to the city and swell its already in those areas. We have to wake up to overcrowded population. It has various side ourselves; we have been asleep for far too effects. For one, the drift from the North long. to the cities depresses real-estate values. For instance, they are decreasing in the northern In spite of the promises of the Govern­ coastal towns and they have been for a ment that they would do this and that, North number of years. Queensland today is going back each year. 366 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

To take the hinterland of Cairns, I could expanding trade with the East and our tell hon. members of dozens of towns with defence responsibilities. It is our job to considerable populations in earlier days, but take action, and when the Labour Govern­ which today have few residents. Do not ment are returned to the Treasury benches let us run away with the idea that the sugar next year I hope that there will be a great industry, because it is so wealthy, will revival of employment in North Queensland. populate Queensland. We realise the tre­ mendous wealth that is produced by the Mr. Sullivan: You referred to the graziers sugar-growers, the mills, and the other in the Peninsula. Do you agree with the persons employed in the industry. But if statement of the hon. member for Cairns that we take a map and draw a line from Cairns all those graziers were scabs? to Normanton and compare the population Mr. BYRNE: I am not entering into that in the area north of it with the population 40 subject. I do not think that the hon. member or 50 years ago, it will be seen that what I am would expect me to answer his interjection, saying, although unfortunate, is perfectly and I do not propose to. true. The Minister for Transport is going to pull up the lines from Alma-den to For­ Although a number of the major capital sayth and from Mareeba to Chillagoe. works undertaken by the Government do employ a large labour force, what happens Mr. Gilmore: Who said that? That is when they are completed? The workers are completely wrong. dismissed and there is no plan to give them Mr. BYRNE: It is correct. The Minister further employment. In these capital works said that unless sufficient cattle were supplied there are many avenues for skilled and he would pull up the Chillagoe line. unskilled labour, which is, or course, the first essential for development, but when they Mr. Evans: Your Government closed are completed what do the Government do? Chillagoe. They simply give these men notice and say, "You are not wanted; get out and fend for Mr. BYRNE: A Labour Government yourselves". There is no doubt that that closed Chillagoe? happens, and it is unfortunate. Government Mr. Evans: Yes. You remember that. planning is required and unless the Govern­ ment take into serious consideration the Mr. BYRNE: Yes, and it is the most situation that has arisen annually, we will unfortunate thing that ever happened in the continue to find ourselves in the situation North. The Labour Government had to we have been in for years past. Failure draw the ore reserves from Cloncurry, which to do this will only perpetuate the state is about 600 miles from Chillagoe, and the of affairs to which I have referred. costs were so high and the value of the Coming from a sugar district, Mr. Speaker, metals so low that they really could not I crave your indulgence to make a short carry it on at a profit. The State enterprise survey of the sugar industry and to expand at Chillagoe was the greatest single feature on the fact that the industry is controlled in the development of North Queensland by several organisations which are effective that we have seen, irrespective of the in its management and control. I refer to Mungana case and Theodore and McCormack. We had towns of 2,000 men, the Central Sugar Cane Prices Board, and, and smelters employing from 1,100 to 1,500 in doing so, it would be only right for me men giving full employment throughout the to refer to the personnel of the Board. The Peninsula. Contrast that development with Chairman is Mr. K. R. Townley, a former what we have there today. We have only Justice of the Supreme Court, and a man cattle stations and a few small towns. held in high esteem by everybody. Mr. George Mocatta is the growers' representa­ Mr. Evans: It has not changed since we tive; Mr. Alley is the millers' representative; took over. Chillagoe was dead when we Mr. Clayton is the sugar-chemist member; took over. and the Secretary is Mr. Bill Forgan Smith. Mr. BYRNE: It was not dead when this The members of this Board are all excel­ Government took over. It was started by lent men and are doing a great service to Theodore in 1918, it was re-started when the industry in promoting a harmonious state an anti-Labour Government came into of affairs. Because of their ability they are power in 1929, and it was eventually closed. able to solve all sorts of difficulties associated I am pointing out that the development of with the growing and manufacturing of North Queensland will be achieved only by sugar. They arbitrate between the miller and the Government sponsoring private enter­ the grower, and often between growers prise and encouraging the establishment of themselves. industries. If they do not do that, North Queensland will slip back even farther. We Included in the organisations that are so certainly have cattle stations there, but very helpful to the efficient working of the they do not employ many people. The sugar industry are the growers' organisation question for politicians on both sides of the and the millers' organisation, as well as the House is, are we going to permit the present Australian Workers' Union, without which state of affairs in North Queensland to the industry would be in considerable con­ continue? We must keep in mind the flict. This industry runs harmoniously Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER) Address in Reply 367 because the A.W.U. have taken a gre~t Central Sugar Cane Prices Board should be interest in it. They realise their responsi­ given every facility to operate as it was bility and see that a fair return is given to always intended to. their members from the industry. The Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act The authority of the Central Sugar Cane came into force in 1915 under a Labour Government. Since then it has been amended Prices Board has been unquestioned for a from time to time. It has proved so valuable great many years. It derives its authority to all concerned in the industry that one is from the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices inclined to say that if it is patch-work then Act, which came into being as a result of let us have more of this patch-work. Under legislation by a Labour Government. that legislation we have had many years of At this stage it might be well to mention harmonious working in the industry. that recently the Full Court of Queensland, Mr. Evans: It has been the core of the in the matter of The Queen versus the mem­ industry. bers of the Central Sugar Cane Prices Board and another, ex parte Maryborough Sugar Mr. BYRNE: That is true. We want it Factory Ltd., held that it was beyond the to continue with full power. I think every­ power of the Central Board to hear and body in the industry would be of the same determine an application for the variation opinion. I have no doubt whatever that the of the base price fixed by the Maryborough Government will bring in amending legisla­ Central Board Award for the 1958 season and tion to fix the matter up. that they should be prohibited from doing so. Let me now say a few words about the production of sugar this year. Not very long I am not going into the legal interpreta­ ago the estimate of cane to be harvested was tion of this matter, because naturally, not something over 11,000,000 tons. This year being a solicitor, I would be incompetent we shall exceed peak quotas by tremendous to do so. However, I should like to draw amounts. the attention of the House to the fact that On the matter of price, apart from home the Central Sugar Cane Prices Board must consumption and that which England has be given additional powers to function as agreed to take on what we regard as the such a body should. If anything arises so negotiated price, which we have reason to that it is not competent for them to carry believe will be satisfactory, it is hard to out what is contained in the Act, the neces­ say at this juncture what price will be paid sary full powers must be given. for the additional quantity that we have to The judgment in the case that I have sell on the open market or to the countries mentioned reads- that will take our sugar. I would hazard the guess that the prosperity and efficiency " Although the Act as a whole is so much of the industry are such that we will be able a thing of shreds and patches an? there to surmount all our difficulties. I hope that we is in it such repetition and overlapnmg that will be able to increase our exports of sugar it is not possible to apply strict legal reason­ to other countries and to maintain produc­ ing with any certainty that the real mean­ tion at this year's level, which will be about ing of Parliament is achieved thereby . " 1,600,000 or 1,800,000 tons. Mr. Evans: Has there been an appeal Mr. Windsor: It is certainly encouraging against that decision? to hear you speak. Mr BYRNE: Yes. The decision was that Mr. BYRNE: It is encouraging, when one it was· beyond the power of the Central Board looks at the returns of the farmer, to see that to hear and determine an application for the he has done so well in past years. When variation of the base price fixed by the Mary­ borough Central Board Award for the season one looks at the profits made by the mill 1958 and that it should be prohibited from one is inclined to say, "Well, now your industry is so good, to what extent can you doing so. further it by manufacturing from your pro­ The Full Court has indicated that the Act duct goods that will sell elsewhere on the is a lot of shreds and patches. We must open market?" I do not think we manufac­ realise that the Regulation of Sugar Cane ture by-products from sugar-cane, except to Prices Act has been in operation for a a very limited extent, but firms in the South great many years and that generally it has must be making a great number of by-pro­ given great satisfaction. ducts from sugar for sale on the market. The judgment continues- We do not receive benefit from any of that "It is difficult to come to any conclusion because in the North we do not have the on the subject of this appeal which is not assistance of science and research. That is open to criticism, and I can only say that something we need. I think the conclusion to which I have come I pay a compliment to the late Ned Hanlon is less open to criticism than the opposite and the late Ben Chifley. The sugar industry one. That represents exactly our state of should never forget their names, because mind on this question." they worked so hard for it. In 1950, with No doubt the Government will be bringing others, they were instrumental in achieving down amending legislation to tighten up the the present wonderful state of affairs in the loopholes. I am of the opinion that the industry. The cane-farmers, the mills, and 368 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

the employees are well off. May I refer to has been sounded. They have been in opera­ "Three Decades of Queensland Political tion for very many years but I know that History", by Clem Lack, at page 308, where the Minister is anxious to eliminate lines we find- that are not paying. "Representations made to the Common­ (Time expired.) wealth Government in August by the Premier (Mr. E. M. Hanlon), on behalf Mr. SMITH (Windsor) (5.41 p.m.): At of the sugar producers, resulted in the the outset I wish to reaffirm, on behalf of depression cut of a halfpenny per pound myself and my constituents-- being restored to the industry in December, Mr. Bennett: The constituents of Clayfield 1947." or the constituents of Windsor? I am proud of my asociation in the industry with the late Ned Hanlon and with others Mr. SMITH: If the hon. member for like him. South Brisbane stayed in the Chamber long enough he would know that I represent Mr. Evans: What about the committee of Windsor and that, when I talk about my inquiry? constituents, I refer to the constituents of the electorate of Windsor. So my expres­ Mr. BYRNE: I said "others". sions of loyalty are made on behalf of myself and my constituents. As well, I Mr. Evans: They recommended a half­ desire to congratulate the Governor, Colonel penny reduction and the Government Sir Henry Abel Smith, and his lady on his knocked it. reappointment for a further term. I know that it will be warmly welcomed by all Mr. BYRNE: I remember-and the members of the community. I can recall Minister does, too-that in 1932 Senator a number of Governors in my lifetime but McLachlan came to the North and forced I cannot recall at any stage as spontaneous the Government of the day, and the industry, a welcome and response as our present to reduce the price by a halfpenny. This Governor has evoked from the people of passage refers to the occasion when Ned Queensland. Hanlon was able to get that back. In previous years I have used the Address­ Mr. Evans: The present Federal Govern­ in-Reply debate as the vehicle for making ment disregarded the report of the committee suggestions for reform, not only in matters of inquiry, notwithstanding its recommenda­ of legal importance but also in other matters. tion that there be a reduction. That is true, I am very happy to be able to point back is it not? to the fact that it was in an Address-in-Reply speech that I advocated making available Mr. BYRNE: That is quite true. No police reports to people who were involved Government would be worth their salt if in accidents. I am glad to say that that they sought a price reduction for the sugar is now a matter of history; police reports industry. The Federal Government did not are available. accept the recommendation of the committee I also advocated reforms in the matter of inquiry that the price be reduced. of third-party insurance-compulsory motor­ Mr. Evans: They were guided by the State vehicle insurance-and, to my extreme plea­ Government when they made the recom­ sure and satisfaction, some of those reforms mendation. have been adopted and an all-party com­ mittee is at present sitting, under the chair­ Mr. BYRNE: No State Government would manship of the Treasurer, to investigate still recommend a reduction in the price of sugar further reforms that have been advocated by the Commonwealth Government. We from time to time. have had great men in the sugar industry As for another suggestion I have made and we must not forget Forgan Smith and relating to the recording of evidence in Ned Hanlon, and Ron. Muir and Ben Foley courts, I am glad to see that the Minister for on the cane-growing side. There are others, Justice has recently, on a couple of occa­ too numerous to mention. We regard the sions, caused a test to be made of the industry as essential to the progress and well­ mechanical recording of evidence. being of Queensland, but unfortunately we do not go far enough. Primary products will Mr. Bromley: You are doing a good job. have to be processed in the North. We have the ports and railways, and roads to Mr. SMITH: I agree with the hon. mem­ them. We are very close to the Eastern ber. I intend to use this speech as a vehicle markets, but unless the miller, the grower for making further representations to the and the Government combine to develop Government in a matter that I know is manufacturing processes we will not be any sympathetically entertained by the Minister better off for employment, development, and for Justice and one in which he has expressed population than we are today. himself as having considerable interest. Most of the problems that confront the I am perfectly sure of the correctness of Government today hinge on financial diffi­ my contention that the deathknell for the culty as well, and the particular matter I railways of North Queensland's hinterland wish to raise today is that of legal aid to Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER) Address in Reply 369 litigants of limited means. Legal aid is moment are making rather nonsensical inter­ assuming increasing importance in today's jections, let me point out that one of the life. It is common knowledge that our way most unfortunate aspects of this matter, and of life is more complex than it was in one of the most heartbreaking, is what can grandfather's day. Life is not nearly as be seen by anyone who cares to visit No. 5 simple as it was even 50 years ago, and, court in the Summons Court where deserted with that more complex living, there is of wives seek maintenance for themselves and course greater need for the average citizen their children. to have recourse to law from time to time. It It is unfortunate, but in the Press today Mr. Bennett: is heart-breaking watching one reads that a large commercial under­ your clients after they leave the court. taking is being investigated in New South Mr. SMHH: I shall not remind the hon. Wales, and I understand that that investi­ member for South Brisbane about his client gation will extend to Queensland. This large the last time I encountered him. enterprise will have lrad numerous dealings with many of our people in Queensland and, In cases of deserted wives we could as a result of them, those people may wish perhaps have the first assistance rendered. I to have recourse to law. However, we have realise only too well that there are other not in this State any effective system of matters of importance at present. The legal aid. There is a limited one, but it is Education Vote in itself is one that would by no means comprehensive. As a result strain the finances of any State, yet this of the failure of this company, no doubt Government have quite bravely entered upon many people in Queensland will face what is a scheme to build up education resources virtually ruin. It may be that if they had so that we shall have in future well-informed at their disposal some legal assistance, that and well-instructed citizens. Undoubtedly it ruin could be perhaps not avoided but at is a worth-while investment, but hand-in­ least softened, and I commend seriously to hand with education must be considered the the Government further consideration of the other commitments of this State. introduction of legal aid. Whilst appreciating the need to stretch a Mr. Bennett: Is your practice falling off small purse a long way, I ask that considera­ tion be given to an early institution of this a bit? Are you looking for more work? legal aid. It may well be that the Common­ Mr. SMITH: No, my practice is not falling wealth Government could be approached. An off. What I am attempting to do is offer earlier speaker advocated an approach to to those people who cannot afford to pay that Government for a grant to preserve my fees, who may desire to go to other historical monuments. I should say that if counsel, the opportunity to engage counsel there were any claims in that regard this and solicitors by means of some form of would have a higher priority. assistance. This has been done in England Let us follow the course of the deserted for some years past. In 1949 the Legal wife if she goes to court. If she is unsuccess­ Aid and Advice Act was passed, and that ful in her application to the court, she then Act was administered, and is administered, by goes to the Commonwealth Department of the legal profession. It does not mean that Social Services and is given the pension that that profession reaps a harvest; in fact, the is paid to deserted wives, which comes out Act requires that a practitioner shall be paid of Commonwealth funds. Had legal assist­ less than-85 per cent., actually-he would ance been offered to that wife, in some cases normally recover in an action. I say to the she would have been able to pin the blame critics that it is no use suggesting that such a where it really lay, that is, on the deserting scheme means a bonanza for the legal pro­ husband. His pocket could have been opened fession. It does not, because time is all and the money that now comes from social that a lawyer can sell and, when he has to services could instead have come from him. sell that at 85 per cent. of what he could Many wives, because of an imperfect know­ receive for it in other places, there is ledge of their rights, do not now proceed hardly any profit to him. to court with anything like as good a case as they might. They cannot afford repre­ I ask hon. members to consider that if sentation. They have children to clothe they went to a builder to have a house built, and feed, and, in circumstances that do not they would not ask him to do it for nothing. fit them to present any case, they have to If they go to a doctor for a medical exam­ go to court against a husband who is not ination, they expect to get a bill for it. similarly burdened by children to look after, Consequently, it ill-behoves anybody to to educate, or to feed. Quite often the regard legal practitioners as being available husband comes to the court in a much better to work for nothing, although in many cases frame of mind to refute the case that the wife, under these very difficult circumstances, that is what is called for. presents to the court. Mr. Bromley. What about a legal-benefits Mr. Aikens: Why doesn't the legal profes­ scheme? sion set up a committee to give them free advice? Mr. SMITH: If there could be a legal­ benefits scheme, well and good. For the Mr. SMITH: We have people who wander benefit of those hon. members who at the into the Chamber at odd times-- 370 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. Bennett: Very odd people. She has first to swear out her complaint and then have the summons issued and Mr. SMITH: The most vociferous hon. served. Many of the husbands who are to member for South Brisbane, who is making be served are wily birds. They can conceai his first appearance for about seven days, their whereabouts very effectively, and it may is making more noise than a bagful of take weeks before the summons is served. monkeys. Now the hon. member for Towns­ During that time, the wife, who has the ville South comes into the Chamber and asks, responsibility of the children heaped on her "Why doesn't the legal profession set up a shoulders-- committee?" Before he came in I pointed out that no-one would expect a builder to Mr. Bennett: You gave this same speech build a house for nothing or a doctor to to the Queensland Women's Electoral League work for nothing. about a fortnight ago. Mr. Bennett: We have a free medical Mr. SMITH: I am glad that the hon. scheme in Queensland. member reads my Press cuttings. I thought he spent his time reading his own rubbishy Mr. SMITH: That shows how little the hon. statements about Mr. Bischof being the next member knows about the law. Governor, or some other rot. Mr. Bennett: I am talking about a medical Mr. Bennett: They reckon you are going to scheme. be his batman. Mr. Aikens: Many of them come to me and get free legal advice, and it is much Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have put up better advice than they get from lawyers. with the inane interjections of the hon. mem­ ber for South Brisbane for quite long enough. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I am quite sure I give him fair warning that if he continues that the "Hansard" staff is finding it very to interject I shall have no hesitation in ruling difficult to hear the hon. member for Wind­ that his conduct is grossly disorderly and sor. Hon. members on both sides of the asking him to leave the Chamber. House should at least have some regard for the difficulties of the gentlemen in the "Han­ Mr. SMITH: I was pointing out that it sard" gallery who are trying to take down could be some time before the summons this speech. issued by a deserted wife could be served upon the husband, and during those weeks­ Mr. SMITH:: Quite often a woman has sometimes it is weeks, sometimes longer­ to attend court with a babe in arms or with a child at her skirt, children who are not the wife has no means of support; she is necessarily well-fed and who are to some to a large extent dependent upon charity. extent confined to a court veranda for a long It will be readily understood, in my sub­ period. mission, that, when she does come before Mr. Bennett: They need a lift in the build­ the court, her position is unhappier than ing, too. need be because she has had that long period without any funds; she has had a Mr. SMITH: Yes. A lift is needed in long period of worry and strain, and, added more than the building. to that, on the day of the hearing she After standing on the veranda, towards the perhaps has this unhappy noise of her end of the morning the children often become children in the vicinity of the court. tired, cranky, and irritable. Is it any wonder that the mother, having to go into court and The hon. member for South Brisbane present her own case, is worried not only commented upon the need for a lift in the by the cares and vicissitudes that confront magistrates court building. I remind him her on the matrimonial side but also by that when his Government were in office the cries and wails that she hears from her for such a long period, they had ample children on the veranda? apportunity to install a lift there. Mr. Davies: Why does the hon. member Mr. Bennett: It is all very well for you oppose an increase in child endowment and to have a go at me now that Mr. Speaker State aid? has told me to be quiet. Mr. SMITH: I do not oppose it. Mr. SMITH: The building has reached a Mr. Davies: You do. You support Mr. stage when the Government could be Menzies. criticised if they put a lift into it now. It Mr. Evans: You did not give any. We would be an unwarranted expense. It started it. certainly is a convenience to which litigants Mr. SPEAKER: Order! are entitled-some easier access to the court in which they must contest their claims, Mr. SMITH: The matter of assistance is but that raises a different matter. I do of some importance, particularly from the not want to depart from the subject of point of view of the deserted wife. I also legal aid, or get onto the question of new point out that she cannot proceed to court on the day on which she is deserted. Certain buildings. legal formalities have to be gone through. Mr. Newton interjected. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 371

Mr. SMITH: I support a greatly increased his mind. I suggest that it would behove his educational campaign because I think that, colleagues in Cabinet to consider that his if this Government's education policy con­ portfolio is one which in future, with the tinues, in years to come, we should be spared growing tide of litigation, will have to receive some of these stupid interjections. larger allocations of funds to cope with situations such as I am outlining at the On this matter of legal aid I take a moment. deserted wife as a prime example. It is unfortunate, but I do not think we can I pointed out that applicants for assistance simply dismiss the husband as always being under this scheme had to satisfy a means test. the villian in the piece. Irrespective of In 1949, when the scheme was instituted in whether the husband is the villian in the England, a person who had a disposable piece, it is the children with whom we must income not in excess of £420 a year was be concerned. They are the main concern. entitled to assistance. In addition, he could Of course, they are certainly my main con­ have a disposable capital not exceeding £500. cern but, tied in with them is my concern It is interesting to note that in calculating for the wife and the difficulties she has in what was the disposable capital regard could presenting a case. Can hon. members not be paid to any house property that a imagine the difficulties of a wife whose person owned, to his tools and equipment of husband is represented by the hon. member trade, personal effects, furniture and fittings for South Brisbane? or personal clothing. All those items were excluded. He could own those, and over and Mr. Melloy: It would be worse if she were above them his disposable capital represented by you. could be up to £500, and his disposable income up to £420 a year. In 1951 the Mr. SMITH: No, it would not. I have income figure was increased to £700, so that never lost an appeal against the hon. member we see that on the English scene legal aid is yet. available to a person who has a disposable I should like now to take the Chamber income of not more than £700 a year. Of through the machinery of the Act to show course, that does not mean that if his dis­ them just what is done in England and posable income is £699 he will have all his to clear up a misconception in the minds legal fees paid. It means that he can be of some hon. members. I found that when issued with a certificate, which entitles him I went through the motor-vehicle insurance to the benefits accruing therefrom. provisions in this way I was able to put at It is also interesting to note that, whilst rest many misconceptions of hon. members. legal aid is available, it is not available for In fact, I finally drew a considerable amount all actions. One cannot get aid to bring a of support from them. defamation action, so that some of our less In England the Act empowers the Lord financial members here would not be able to Chancellor to be the nominal administrator call in legal aid if they felt that they had of the scheme but it provides for the Law been defamed. Similarly, one cannot get aid Society and the Bar Association to be the to bring an action for breach of promise, or actual administrators. Here we have both for the loss of services of a wife or daughter those bodies. We have the Law Society, through rape. If one spouse has been enticed which concerns itself with solicitors, and to leave another spouse the party aggrieved the Bar Association, which is the official cannot get aid to take action against the mouthpiece for barristers, although from enticer. Those matters are outside the ambit time to time in this Chamber one would of legal aid. Election returns cannot be dis­ not think so. puted with that type of legal assistance. We have seen actions from time to time in this As to the courts in which the aid is State when contenders at the polls have felt available, it goes right through from the that they had been wronged. In such cases lowest to the highest in the land, as far they cannot get legal aid. Nor can any as the Court of Appeal and the House of plaintiff who brings an action with the Lords. So one could hardly say that it ultimate possibility of getting an award of is insignificant assistance. Of course, not damages, as Mr. Hobler brought an action every litigant can get this aid. First of against the hon. member for Callide. It may all, a means test has to be satisfied. At be recalled that some time ago, before the the inception of the scheme in 1949, that passing of an Act to rectify the situation, means test was fairly stringent in the Mr. Jones was challenged as to his right to sit monetary terms of today. It was relaxed in the House because of the contention of to some extent in 1959. Mr. Hobler that he was a beneficiary under a contract with the Crown. That type of pro­ I am happy to see that the Minister for ceedings enables the informer to recover so ~ustice is in the Chamber. I extend con­ much a day by way of damages from the gratulations to him on his appointment to the holder of the seat. Under such conditions leadership of the Liberal Party in this legal aid would not be given to Mr. Hobler coalition Government. I commend him for or any other person in his place. the way in which he has administered his The aid is not restricted to court appear­ portfolio over the last five years, particularly ances; it may be given for legal advice. in matters such as this, which I know occupy One may receive opinions and all other 372 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

incidentals that may lead to a later appear­ costs are awarded against the other side, ance in court. When we understand that the Act provides for those costs to be paid a means test is imposed we realise that first of all to the administrators of the there is a graded system of aid and assistance. fund and, from the costs awarded, they The litigant will be called upon, at the will take sufficient to reimburse the assisted instance of the various committees, to make person for what he has paid, but the balance some contribution to costs, if he can. He goes into the fund. In that way, to a will not get his legal assistance free. He certain extent, the expenses are offset by must pay whatever is assessed to be within the recovery of costs. his means. I do not think anyone could cavil at the fairness of that scheme. It No wild action will be brought by assisted has worked very well in England as they litigants because cases are reviewed first of have there a National Assistance Board which all by a committee of practising barristers can undertake the assessment of a person's and solicitors sitting together to consider capabilities with much greater ease than any proposed cases. No person will receive such organisation we have here. However, assistance unless there is a distinct likeli­ that is a small matter that should not worry hood that he will win, or certainly a distinct us if, and when, the scheme is introduced likelihood that there is a reasonable case to here, as I hope it will be in the foreseeable argue. future. I pass to the matter of the area com­ We must remember that there are local mittees. In the whole of England and Wales committees and area committees to decide there are some 16 of these. They are contributions. The local committee, com­ larger in London, of course, than in the prising both solicitors and barristers, assesses provinces. Nevertheless, I submit to the the litigant's prospects and that person's House that in the framework of the English capacity to pay. If it decides he system we have an excellent precedent. has not the capacity to pay it will issue I have already pointed out to the Cham­ him with the certificate that will entitle him ber the difficulties that beset the Govern­ to a reduction in court fees, filing fees, and ment in finding money for the institution various other expenses. If, on the other of tlrese schemes but, while appreciative of hand, the local committee refuses to issue that and while sympathising with the a certificate the person can appeal to an Cabinet in respect of it, I suggest that we area committee. This is a supervising body, have, in the case of the wives particularly, larger in numbers, and sits in review on a valid ground on which to make represen­ decisions of local committees. One can see tations possibly to the Commonwealth for that a litigant will not be denied aid if assistance because, by bringing these actions, his case is worthy, nor will he be offered we are saving the Commonwealth from its aid unless it is worthy. It is the function expenditure. After all, wives who do not of the committees to sift from applicants (a) get to court or (b) get the order of the those with some merit in their cases and court fulfilled are in fact a charge upon those with none. It applies equally to plain­ the Commonwealth. They receive the tiff and defendant. People who have had deserted wives and children's pension and a writ issued against them can get assistance those moneys are paid out of the social just as well as those who bring an action. services grant. They could be saved if the In allowing the appeal to an area committee wives could come to our courts and get the Act makes sure that justice is not denied that award of maintenance from the party any person who deserves it. who should pay it, that is, the husband. After the applying litigant is issued with In that light I submit to the Minister for a certificate, he goes to court and may be Justice that we have a reasonable ground on represented by any one of the panel of which to approach the Commonwealth. barristers. Let me assure the House that There are always, of course, the diffi­ the English practitioner regards it as an culties of the wife recovering these awards honour and a duty to be on the panel of once they are made, and that is another people who may be chosen by the litigant. occasion when legal aid is of great assistance Queen's Counsel, as well as juniors, to the wife. Can you imagine an empty appear on the panel and are utilised. By award that has been made some months no manner of means is it a refuge for a ago and the husband has not made any barrister who otherwise would not get work, payments under it? The wife will no doubt nor does it deny to the litigant the services wish to pursue her rights. Quite often she of the most efficient counsel in the land. will present herself to the clerk of petty The whole function of this Act is worthy sessions. He will take some proceedings of consideration. against the husband but, in the long run, When the case comes before the court the whole of the arrears may be wiped out. and the assisted person wins, of course costs Then we start afresh. It is very difficult for are then recovered from the other party. the wife in those circumstances to present We do not have to imagine the whole her case adequately. I would say that, with scheme of litigation as being financed from at least some form of assistance to her, the Legal Aid Fund. The fund can be we would have achieved the first step on the reimbursed from time to time in cases of road to the fulfilment of a scheme such as success because if the action is won and we see in England. Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 373

Earlier in my remarks I mentioned the am not decrying the ability of shorthand­ state of the building in which these court writers; I am merely pointing out the physical cases are heard, and I referred with some limitations that obtain. Where there are delight to the fact that we have had a interjections and cross-fire, we get a certain test or two of the mechanical recording of amount of noise in the Chamber that can evidence. I hope that that will not be the be described ungraciously as babble. On last we see of the scheme. I have corn­ those occasions, a microphone more accur­ mended the Minister for Justice for enter­ ately records what is being said, and the taining it. I should like to point out the person transcribing has the oportunity of extent of the coverage by mechanical means playing the tape over and over again. The in Victoria, where the system of recording courts, this Parliament, and a variety of evidence has been used for some seven years. tribunals, could well utilise the electronic It began when an Act introduced into devices that are available today. This would the Victorian Parliament by two practising not cause any great difficulty, because, as Wiii, lawyers passed all stages. At tl:re present know, many of the shorthand-writers from date the Victorian courts-the Supreme this House and from our courts have gone to Court, the court in general sessions on cir­ the Commonwealth service. cuit, undefended divorce cases, courts of petty sessions, commital hearings and If we were to have a recording system coroners' inquiries-are all recorded by in this Chamber, a simple means to ensure mechanical means. I would suggest that the the most accurate record would be to have very fact that those proceedings are recorded a microphone at each of the lecterns, and by machinery indicates the possibilities of have the voice of the speaker recorded on this method of recording. It could well be one of the bands of the tape. Tapes with tried in this Chamber. We know that more than one band to record more than shorthand-reporters are getting harder and one conversation at the same time are avail­ harder to come by. able, so that the only person who might be disadvantaged would be the interjector, who Mr. nennett: They tried it out here six may be too far from the microphone. How­ weeks ago and they got the result. What ever, judging by some of the interjections are they going to do about it? that I have heard in the last 40 minutes, I would say that that would be an advantage Mr. SMITH: Ah! The hon. member for rather than a disadvantage. South Brisbane is back in the Chamber. An Opposition Member: Do you write to Mr. Melloy: It would save you some 'The Courier-Mail" under the nom de plume embarrassment. of "Lawyer"? Mr. SMITH: It would not save me any Mr. SMITH: If I wrote to "The Courier­ embarrassment, but some of the hon. mem­ Mail" it would not be under a nom de ber's colleagues must feel rather foolish plume. For the benefit of the hon. member, when they read their interjections in the daily I am a lawyer. Under the system in Press. Melbourne 26 courts are permanently wired. There is no need to set up any elaborate I move from that subject to direct the machinery, because the courts are already attention of the Treasurer to the question of wired. The microphones are positioned. As workers' compensation and the extent of soon as the proceedings are begun in that common-law damages, which has been raised court, the tape is working not in that court­ in recent times in connection with awards room but in the office of the recording ser­ of damages in motor-car collision cases. A vice some miles away. There can be no set scale is provided in the workers' com­ hitch in the recording. The system is vir­ pensation field, and quite often there are tually foolproof-! repeat, virtually injuries to workers over and above the foolproof. amounts that the scale provides. Quite often there is a right in the injured worker Coming back to the question of shorthand­ to sue his employer at common law, and he writers, where you have them you need takes that right. Many employers seem to typists. Shorthand-writers are becoming be unaware that they can obtain extensions harder to come by, and it seems sensible of their policies to provide against common­ that in this electronic age we should utilise law risk. I am not attempting here to the electronic devices that have been assist employers half as much as I am to invented. With them only typists are needed assist the workers. If common-law exten­ to transcribe. They could be installed in sions were made compulsory, any injured courts and in Parliament, and there is no person would be able to sue at common law way that anyone can convince me that short­ secure in the knowledge that, if he succeeded, hand-writers can take things down more his award would be met. I see little point accurately than a microphone can record, in a worker who is employed in a small because the microphone actually records the business, and who is gravely injured, bringing sounds that are uttered. an action at common law against his With the use of a microphone and tape, employer if he then finds that all he has any particularly difficult passage can be done has been to send his employer bankrupt. re-run until the person transcribing is satis­ A simple common-law extension to workers' fied that it has been recorded accurately. I compensation policies would cure that and 374 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

provide virtually unlimited cover to the The attack was illogical. I often think employer, and so pave the way for payment that the hon. member for Ashgrove has the in full to any workman who is injured. potential to rise to higher levels of conduct I commend to the notice of employers than he shows in the House. It is regrettable particularly the need for common-law exten­ that he so often stoops to a low level because, sion. That need is growing more and more if it were not for the fact that he will be urgent because, apart from the fall in the beaten in the next election, he might possibly value of money, the growing use of machinery have a political future or a future in some in industry has increased the risk of injury commercial field. among workers, and the injuries are becoming Mr. Hanlon: Ashgrove will be much better more serious. With more serious injuries, served by Terry Kearney, I imagine. awards of damages become larger and larger, and I suggest that where a workman is Mr. DAVIES: Yes. entitled to workers' compensation it is no Mr. Alf Arnell is the president of the comfort for him to know that he has had Brisbane branch of the Waterside Workers' the full award of compensation and that he Association, a position that he has every cannot get any more. On the one hand reason to be proud of holding. I have good we have motor-vehicle insurance, which and valued friends who are members of that enables an injured person to recover large union, and I am proud to have their friend­ sums, while on the other hand we have ship. Unity tickets, as is well known, can workers' compensation, which is a limited be issued by anybody, and anyone's name award. can be put on them. It is very well known Mr. Mann: What about the Cardiac Board? in Labour circles that on numerous occasions in the political life of this country strong Mr. SMITH: Awards are made for cardiac Liberal supporters have deliberately put out trouble now. unity tickets in order to embarrass members Mr. Bennett: It is pretty difficult to get of the Australian Labour Party. In the past them. same way it is well known in Labour circles that some years ago Communist candidates Mr. SMITH: We have apparently found one were financed by Liberal supporters in this field in which the hon. member for South State in areas on the southern side of the Brisbane is not a success. Brisbane river. Certain unity tickets have Mr. Bennett: It is the only field. been put out with Q.L.P. and A.L.P. names on them in order to embarrass the party. Mr. SMITH: It is not the only field. There Mr. Arnell immediately made his state­ are many fields in which he is not a success. ment on this issue and I challenged the hon. There is one matter of a domestic nature member for Ashgrove to be at least politi­ to which I think we could give considera­ cally honest enough to state in this House tion-if Mr. Speaker were in the chair I just what Mr. Arnell said, and then let us think he might agree with me-and I refer judge. He made no attempt to do that. It to the matter of visitors to the House. is well known by informed people in the (Time expired.) community who take an interest in political matters that Mr. Arnell immediately made a Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough) (7.37 p.m.): I statement on the matter, that his statement support the amendment and join with other was accepted by the controlling body of his hon. members in expressing my loyalty to political organisation, and that he was Her Majesty the Queen. I also desire to endorsed by the Australian Labour Party as extend my congratulations and those of my its candidate for the Senate election. It ill­ constituents to the Governor on the extension becomes the hon. member for Ashgrove to of his term of office in this State for a further make an attack of the type he has made in three years. The people of Maryborough have a very soft spot for the Governor of this House. Queensland and his wife, Lady May. They A Government Member interjected. have visited Maryborough on many occasions, and we always rejoice to have the opportun­ Mr. DAVIES: I could suggest many people ity of welcoming them. who would not be worthy of being elected as Because of the success of the devastat­ representatives in this State. ing attack by Opposition members on We heard our Leader make a brilliant the Government's administration of the fighting speech in which he exposed the State, I felt inclined not to enter inefficient administration of this Government the debate. Government members, as and, on behalf of the majority of the electors was instanced by the speech of the hon. in the State, protested at this Government's member for Windsor, made no attempt to pandering to certain powerful and wealthy defend the Government against the attack launched from this side of the House. But interests and their failure to help those who because of the scurrilous nature of the attack need protection against these marauding com­ by the hon. member for Ashgrove, running mercial interests who have made Queensland true to form, on Mr. Alf Arnell, who is their happy hunting ground. He also pro­ unable to defend himself in this Chamber, tested at the failure of the Government to it is necessary that I should enter the debate carry out their promises and to honour their and say something in his defence. obligations. Hon. members on this side have Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 375

proved such failures and supported our of unemployed. In my recent travels busi­ Leader vigorously and effectively; so much ness men have told me that they regard so that, as an observer of the whole of the their employees as merchandise or debate, I can say that I have never seen a commodities. They say, "Why worry about Government so humiliated or embarras'Sed them? There are plenty outside to take as a result of what has been said. The their place." There are men and women defence put forward by Government sup­ in industry who are afraid to complain porters was so weak that the Government about award breaches. If it were not for were compelled to bring from a sick bed the union representatives and union leaders in this Minister for Labour and Industry, Mr. Ken State we would be quickly back to a stage Morris. Whilst the Australian Labour Party equal to the so-called "good old days." Opposition disagree'S very forcibly with this In their argument the Government refer Minister on many matters, it must be admitted to New South Wales. The position is muclr that he has been a hard worker and has not better in that State. At election time they spared himself in his services to his depart­ do not stump the country asking for the ment. It is most noticeable, however, that return of the Menzies Government. They the Government have heaped on his head realise the necessity for a change of policy their collective misdeeds and records of in the Federal Government and they do failures and allowed him to bear the brunt their best to remove that Government. It is of public censure while they have endeavoured the Menzies-Nicklin combination tlrat is to grasp a halo from the reflected light from strangling development in Queensland. They some newly-painted school. work hand in glove. They support each other The Government as a whole stand con­ at all times. At election time, which is the demned. That has been conclusively proved testing time, they do everything possible by the Opposition during this debate. The to see that each respective Government is feeble arguments by Government members on returned. Both Governments must accept the subject of unemployment reek with responsibility for what tlre hon. member hypocrisy and humbug. The Government for Logan, Mr. R. L. Harrison, said cannot deny that they have deliberately mis­ in his recent report, when, with Mr. led the people of this State. They said there Savage, he complained about the sluggish would be more jobs than men to fill them, rate of development in this country. and that capital would flow into this State. We must charge them with respon­ They spoke about some glorious vista of sibility for the shocking percentage of industrial development, not only in Brisbane un,.,mployed. Both Menzies and Nicklin but in other cities along the coast, yet cities must go. Unemployment cannot be toler­ like Maryborough have fewer factories today ated. This young country's future welfare than in 1957. The Government have failed, depends upon over-employment. We slrould and failed dismally, in their shameful be able to employ every available man and endeavour to cover up by claiming that more every worth-while man that it is possible men are employed in the State now than in to bring into this country. Until we reach 1957. Surely since 1957 there must have that stage we cannot be considered worthy been some increase in population. We know of owning Australia. We cannot afford to that the rate of increase in Queensland under drift. Unemployment is bad for the morale this Government has been shamefully low. of the people. To appoint a committee to inquire into child delinquency and at the In fact, last year the population decre~sed by 3,534. As at 31 March, 1962, rt was same time to support a pool of unemployed 1,527,405, while at 31 March, 1961, it was is ludicrous in the extreme. The unemploy­ 1,507,398, a difference of 20,007. The ment figures in this State indicate weak, incapable administration. That is borne out natural increase of births over deaths was by Mr. Bolte, the Premier of Victoria, who, 23 881 which means that 3,534 more people on 21 February this year, said- left the State than came into it. In the previous year the figures were somewhat "Queensland's high unemployment per­ better. centage reflected inefficient administration of its affairs by the State Government." One would naturally expect a greater number to be employed throughout Mr. Armstrong interjected. Australia, including this State, as a result Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The of migration and natural increase. The test hon. member for Mulgrave, who has been is not that there is a greater number of interjecting, is quite disorderly. men employed but the number of men who are unable to find work, that is, the per­ Mr. DAVIES: It is quite clear that there is centage of unemployed. The number is a cunning campaign to condition our think­ always greater than the figure recorded ing on unemployment to an acceptance of because many men will not register as unem­ from 80,000 to 100,000 unemployed in this country as a standard and as being a state ployed because tlrey know how long it takes of stability. Then we are told tlrat with a before they can get sustenance. They take decrease in the number the situation is the risk of earning a few pounds here and brightening, and that with an increase there there. Now we have a pool of unemployed is just a slight deterioration. That is Tory in this country. Many people in business strategy and is dangerous to the welfare of circles are happy that there is such a pool the country. 376 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The Australian Financial Review of 21 said that their hearts bled for them, but August, 1962, dealt with this question and because of foreign competition they could said- not afford to do without them. However, "This 17 per cent. reduction to a total the reformers persisted with their agitation of 89,000 unemployed in July from Janu­ and finally got the women and children out ary's 109,000 may be 'magnificent' to Mr. of the mines. So it was with Clarkson and Menzies--" Wilberforce in the abolition of slavery. They and might be I add for the benefit of the were told that it was not possible. The same Premier and the Minister for Justice- objection was raised that unless cheap slave labour was available competition was impos­ ". . . but it is pitifully poor to those sible. So it is with every reform. affected by it, whether of the management or labour side of industry and commerce." Used in the sense intended by the Govern­ The same critic says- ment, knockers would be those who do not "Yet the recovery is apparently going fast appreciate the privileges and rights already enough for the Government-it refused to won over the centuries. Where there is take the opportunity to hasten this dismal injustice, or a wrong, or evil conditions, one rate of progress in the Budget." must be discontented, and only a coward would refrain from raising his voice loud Those sentiments are sound. Unemployment and clear. Such discontent could be referred benefits, while preventing starvation, mean to as "divine" discontent. The grumbler, malnutrition in the home. The denial of the selfish, and the lazy, in whatever stratum fundamental human rights as laid down in of society they may be, express the discontent famous charters, including that of the United that is to be discouraged. Nations, is not right. The Country Party is but a shadow of The improvement mentioned above, if its former self. We were told that by the correct and continued, will do nought to former Minister for Public Lands and Irriga­ reduce present levels of unemployment tion. Its troubles were fully diagnosed by because during the next 12 months an him. He said that the Country Party increase in the work force of approximately organisation was being taken right away from 85,000 can be expected from migration and what it was in years gone by. What was the natural increase. On humanitarian grounds result? He was attacked by Government the Nicklin-Menzies combination stand members in a way that I never imagined condemned, but on simple economic grounds any citizen would be attacked in this House. the situation is indefensible. The 90,000 In an effort to silence him he was referred unemployed and their dependants mean to by a Cabinet Minister as a decrepit 360,000 consumers for Australian industry. old hulk. Imagine a man of his energy With a full earning capacity they represent a being so described! The Country Party solid home market for the manufacturers and has lost touch with the farmer. City the farmers of the community. One should interests, the grazier and the maintenance of have thought that Country Party representa­ office are their main concern today. The tives in the House might have raised their Labour Party is, and always has been, the voices on behalf of the farmer and con­ only party with the interests of the working demned unemployment, if only on the farmer at heart. Its record proves that this ground of the loss of markets. claim is true. Under the Government of the We are labelled as knockers because we Menzies-Nicklin combination-Menzies since protest against this evil, for unemployment 1949, when he said he was going to put value is an evil. We will continue to knock on back into the pound, and Nicklin since 1957 the door of employment and demand admit­ -the plight of the farmer has seriously tance for the unemployed who are out­ deteriorated. side. No wrong was ever righted by silence, Mr. Chairman. In the annual report of the Executive Committee of the Council of Agriculture, Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The submitted to the annual conference in August hon. member has addressed me as "Mr. this year by the chairman, Mr. R. L. Harrison, Chairman" six times. I remind him that he who is also the hon. member for Logan, is in the House and that I am Mr. Deputy and Mr. P. J. Savage, who was written up Speaker. as an authority in a letter I received mention­ ing a function at which he is to be the Mr. DAVIES: I thank you, Mr. Deputy speaker, it was stated: "The Australian econ­ Speaker. omy is moving at a sluggish speed but the farm sector has greater problems than theirs I repeat that no wrong was ever righted in respect of income and costs. by silence. Every reform has been the result of constant agitation and the raising In the 12 years from 1949 to 1961" (that of voices in protest by those who in their is, the period of the Menzies administration) day were called knockers. Women and "company income rose 188 per cent. and children were employed in the coal-mining wages and salaries 198 per cent. Farm industry in England, and Lord Shaftesbury income rose a mere 4 per cent. despite and others fought for them. It was said substantial increases in production for almost that the mine-owners could not do without all rural commodities. Prices paid by farmers, them because of the nation's economy. They on the other hand, are up 87 per cent. overall." Address in Reply (11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 377

The report continues- Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Hon. "In general the margin between prices members will please allow the hon. member and costs was emphasised as the main to be heard. reason for the decline in incomes of Mr. DAVIES: Usually I am not concerned farmers." about them, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but I have I thought one of the Country Party mem­ a cold and I am having some difficulty speak­ bers might have spent part of his time in ing. Sir William Gunn recently said: this debate dealing with the excessive prices "Departments have not finance necessary of spare parts of farm machinery. But not to do the job and have not been able to one of them raised his voice in protest. offer attractive terms and conditions of employment to attract and hold qualified The report went on to say- people. It is essential that finance be "More gains had been obtained in yields made available for extension services and and production in other States than in that the terms and conditions of employ­ Queensland over the past years. This seems ment be attractive so that most highly to be largely due to the considerable amount qualified people can be employed." of research undertaken there and the improvement in both cropping and pastures It is distressing to note that more money (following upon irrigation). Queensland is being spent on research by producers of needs intense basic research and substan­ synthetics than on production from our raw tially more funds with which to undertake products. The Country Party have the it." upper hand. They could say to the Common­ wealth Government, "We won't support you A Government Member: Who wrote that? unless you do this." That would prove their sincerity in their advocacy of the interests of Mr. DAVIES: That report was written by the farming community, not only the big the hon. member for Logan (Mr. R. L. Har­ graziers. rison) and Mr. P. J. Savage. An example of the effect of substitutes The specialist advisers of the Department is found in the soap industry. Twenty years of Agriculture and Stock and the Depart­ ago the soap industry took more than ment of Public Lands are doing wonderful two billion pounds of inedible fats and oils work as I have seen in my years of experi­ annually. Detergents developed from crude ence in country areas. Great credit goes oil, which is imported and uses up our over­ to them. But their work is restricted by seas exchange, and only 800,000,000 lb. of lack of finance, and these departments are agricultural fats and oils now go into soap short-staffed. There is not enough research manufacture. work, and the quality and quantity of our Perhaps the Attorney-General can explain products are suffering. what is meant by the statement, "Buy this Mr. Wharton: What did you do about it detergent powder at such-and-such a price and when you were the Government? save 8td." Ask grocers to explain it, and they cannot. Travellers cannot. I think it is Mr. DAVIES: That is no excuse for the straightout roguery, particularly when it is Government. What kind of a Government a powder in a box that, possibly, would cost are they who seek to hide behind the faults no more than 6d. to produce at the factory. of another Government, if they were faults The amount going into the manufacture of and if they did exist? Shame on them! Hon. soap today represents a drop of 60 per cent., members opposite claim to represent farmers, despite an increase in the population of yet they remain silent on these matters. It more than 2,000,000 over that period. is left to the Labour Party Opposition to Twenty years ago 80 per cent. of the raise them in the House. fibre used in clothes, our home, and our Sir William Gunn, Chairman of the Aus­ tyres, came from cotton. Now the figure tralian Wool Bureau, recently issued a state­ is 65 per cent. In 1940 synthetics supplied ment. While dealing with him let me say less than 10 per cent of the demand for that he would do well to pay more atten­ fibre; in 1961 tl::re figure was 30 per cent. tion to advertising his wares. He came to Other States spend many times the amount Maryborough and urged us to take part in of money that we do on industrial research, the celebration of Wool Week. We did very and employ a much greater number of men. well-the people of Maryborough, not me. Despite the fact that we have a tremendous We gained second place to Toowoomba in area in the 20-inch plus rainfall belt com­ the contest organised by the Bureau. How­ pared with that of Victoria, that State, with ever, when I visited the Queensland Indus­ its much smaller area, has 1.3 times the tries Fair in Brisbane I particularly walked number of staff employed in Qneensland through looking for an exhibit by the Aus­ on both extension and research work in the tralian Wool Bureau but I could not find Department of Agriculture and Stock. New one. I certainly expected to find there a South Wales has 3.3 times the staff demonstration of what the wool industry was employed in Queensland. doing to counter the tremendous campaign This is something of interest to the being conducted by the synthetics group. I Country Party. In a State needing all the saw nothing. research work possible, only 6 per cent. of Government Members interjected. the staff of the C.S.I.R.O. are located north 378 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

of tire latitude of the southern border of I want to know why the money has not Queensland. With the Country Party con­ been made available by the Nicklin-Menzies trolling the Federal and Queensland Parlia· combination. Why is no Country Party ments for such a long period, why has some· voice raised in this Chamber in protest? thing not been done? Our farmers are being Millions can be found for rockets and war neglected, and they are realising it. Their expenditure-! am not questioning the need share of the national income has been for it or otherwise at the moment-but we stationary since 1949. I would be prepared cannot find money for the conservation of to say that it is now slightly less than tl:teir water, and irrigation is a vital factor in share of the national income in 1949. The defence. It is doubtful whether the Coral Country Party could demand action if they Sea battle could have been won without the so desired and force the Liberal Party to development of primary industries in the see that the farmer receives a fair deal. North and the development of coastal towns, harbours, food supplies, roads, and so on. The Department of Irrigation and Watet Why is it left to the Australian Labour Supply is starved for funds. So the story Party to raise this matter? goes on. Nicklin, Menzies, and company are starving the State and preventing develop· Mr. Haigh did not think it would be over­ ment, and both must accept responsibility ambitious to provide a total of £5,000,000 for it. Hon. members opposite, when they for positive rural development from a total first became the Government, used to speak State budget of over £230,000,000, or even of the Tinaroo Falls Dam as a grandiose the Loan funds available for direct alloca­ scheme. They said it was a white elephant tions of £31,000,000, when the total Govern­ and a waste of money. But what has been ment spending on works includes such figures the result? They have now learnt its value. as- As a result of the Australian Labour Party's £ magnificent developmental work tl:tere, since Roads 22,000,000 1953 there has been an increase of Railways 12,000,000 £5,000,000 in tobacco production, which has provided additional permanent employment Housing 11,000,000 for 900 new producers and 300 urban Public Buildings 8,000,000 workers in Mareeba alone. There has been In the "Burnett Advocate" of 16 August, seasonal work for 1,500 from November to 1962, Mr. Haigh is reported as saying- April. The local business turnover has been doubled. There has been an annual increase " ... allocated £1.8 million, of which of £100,000 in railway revenue. a certain amount went into routine works, leaving about £1.3 million to use on con­ Even the Labour Government's weir at servation schemes. We get very little Mundubbera was ridiculed. A responsible progress with that. Last year the depart­ Minister went up there and said that it was ment had less work to do and couldn't a white elephant. That was a shameful statement, and the incensed feeling among keep its staff intact, losing 35. His depart­ the people in that area has not yet died ment had under way projects costing a down. The hon. member for that area knows total of £8.2 millions and was getting that only too well. towards them about £1.3 million a year." I know that you are interested in irri­ There are the facts. The farmers of Queens­ gation, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Our irrigated land must be told those facts. area is comparatively small compared with similar areas in other States. We must have I notice that the Minister for Public water storage and we must have every penny Lands and Irrigation, Hon. A. R. Fletcher, spent on development. We have in tl:tis State said that Queensland should have more 2t times the amount of water that is in any irrigation as well as more research stations. southern State. Why have we not got them? The Govern­ Government members speak about what ment have had control of the State for they are doing in the field of education. five years, and they have had no Upper What they have done has been essential House to contend with. The Liberal-Country to keep the children off the streets. In Party Government have had control of the other departments they have sacked men Treasury benches in the Federal sphere since and restricted the development that is 1949. Why have they not done these things? essential in the interests of the very children Hon. members opposite are hiding behind for whom they claim that they are pro­ what they call the faults of former Govern­ viding schoolrooms. ments. I am ashamed of them for not What did Mr. Haigh say? He said- doing something for the development of a "Queensland Loan Fund expenditure for State such as this. The Minister for Public 1961-1962 is virtually nil on dry land settle­ Lands and Irrigation has shown some cour­ ment, and £2.1 million on irrigation. age in making this statement. He went on Reasonable progress could be obtained to say- with £1.5 million and £3.5 million respec­ tively, but for really satisfactory progress "The cost of irrigation, however, is high programmes of £3 million and £5 million and the community, not the irrigator, is would be needed." called upon to pay." Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 379

He instanced Tinaroo and went on bluntly Producers' Pools Act Amendment Bill. It to give the figures that I have mentioned was a Labour Minister who introduced that already. He said- legislation and I have here a note for one "The Commonwealth Government interjector. The Minister in those days, Mr. receives the taxation from the producers W. N. Gillies, Minister for Agriculture, and business men but all the Queensland said- Government gets is the bill for the capital "In connection with the organisation of and working costs of the irrigation the agricultural industry by the Govern­ scheme." ment, there has been a general attitude of hostility adopted by hon members He hopes for something better from the opposite; first of all, because Labour must Commonwealth Government and says that not get the credit of doing anything good we need more capital expenditure, research, for the farmers; and second, because of and irrigation. The only way in which we the section opposite who represent middle­ will get more capital, research, and irriga­ men and who have got into the House with tion is to change the Commonwealth and the votes and financial assistance of the State Governments. What amused me was middle-men." that he then went on to praise the Com­ monwealth Government for the moneys that So we go on and discover that the primary had been advanced to Queensland. I invite producers' organisation was brought in by a hon. members to read the private member's Labour Government as justification for doing motion that praises Mr. Menzies for the something to organise the rural community co-operative help and assistance rendered to on non-party lines. The Minister said- this Government in their effort to promote "He should not be left to struggle along the development of Queensland. How the in the old way. So, I say that organisa­ Rt. Hon. Robert Gordon Menzies must tion is the first step in a scheme whereby smile when he reads that the Queensland we seek to emancipate the rural community Government are happy and perfectly satis­ of the State." fied with the financial support they receive Yet we have these vicious attacks, Mr. from the Commonwealth Government! How Chairman,-- can members of this Country Party face the people in country areas? Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I again I did intend to quote Dr. Summerville, remind the hon. member that we are not in who said that the advisory services available Committee. to primary producers in this State are hope­ Mr. DAVIES: I am sorry, Mr. Deputy lessly inadequate to give the man on the land the information he needs. Yet hon. Speaker. Mr. Nott (Stanley) came in and members opposite call themselves a Country said- Party! "Personally, I think the present adminis­ tration are bringing this measure forward As I have only a few minutes left I shall in the hope that it will be able to assist conclude by quoting from a statement I have them to attain their socialistic objective. here, and then sum it up, if I can. I have If the Bill goes through in its present form a record prepared in answer to the hon. they have a good chance of doing that." member for Mulgrave, who said that he could tell us what the Labour Party did for the Mr. Warren (Murrumba) said- sugar industry and the primary producer. "The Government will go to some elec­ The Hon. A. R. Fletcher, Minister for Public torates and say, 'This is the Soviet system. Lands and Irrigation, in opening the annual It should not be foisted on the people'." conference of the Council of Agriculture in August, 1962, said- Mr. Harrison: There is a story in that. "Not enough publicity has been given to Mr. DAVIES: There is a story in it and the reasons which inspired primary pro­ the hon. member cannot deny it. The hon. ducers' forefathers to set up marketing member for Logan and other hon. members organisations." of his party say that the Labour Party as a Government would fear to introduce Who first set up the marketing organisations legislation in the interests of the farmers of in this State? When the Labour Party first the State. How absurd! All worth-while came to power they passed legislation on legislation on the statute books of this State behalf of the workers, and, in the same year, and the Commonwealth that is of benefit to they passed legislation for the control of the the farmer has been placed there by A.L.P. sugar industry and took over the whole of Governments or is legislation based on laws the sugar crop in the State. Does the passed by a Labour Government. farmer realise that the excellent controls and organisation of the sugar industry were intro­ I have here an extract from "The Courier­ duced by a Labour Government? I wish to Mail," but I have not time to quote it now. place on record what T. J. Ryan did in Primary producers' organisations and their putting this industry on its feet and saving papers, and other worth-while groups in this its future. Action was first taken under the State, have congratulated the Labour move­ Sugar Acquisition Act of 1915. That was ment on what it has done, but the Minister followed by the Primary Producers' Co-opera­ tends to cover up. I think it was just a tive Association Bill and the Primary lapse on his part. I have spent most of my 380 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply life in agricultural centres and I know the 2. That Mr. Molloy was a partner with problems. At least I will always raise my him and others in a firm known as voice on behalf of the primary producers. R.M.J. Lands. I am very proud of what the Labour Party have put on the statute book. It is to be 3. That Mr. Molloy was an old friend regretted that the Country Party has of 20 years' standing. deviated from the course set for it. Mr. Jones claimed on "Meet the Press" that (Time expired.) he promised in his policy speech to "remove the mystery that surrounded the Town Plan­ Question-That the words proposed to be ning Committee." Those were his words. How added (Mr. Duggan's amendment) be so the admission of a business partner removes added-put; and the House divided- this mystery has not been explained, particularly as this man was manager-elect NoEs, 33 of Mobil Oil Pty. Ltd. It is up to the Mr. Armstrong Mr. Low Lord Mayor, to Mr. Molloy, and to Mobil , Bjelke-Petersen , Madsen Oil Pty. Ltd. to make public the terms of Cam m , Munro the partnership between Mr. J ones and , Campbell , Nicklin , Chalk Dr. Noble Mr. Molloy. Dewar Mr. Pilbeam Mr. Molloy admits that he bought land , Evans ,, Ramsden , Fletcher , Richter on Mr. Jones's recommendation and, , Harrison Row further, that Mr. Jones lent him money to Herbert Smith Hewitt make the purchase, but neither Mr. Jones Hiley Sullivan nor Mr. Molloy has stated if the money Hodges Wharton Hooper Windsor has been repaid and, if so, when, or why , Houghton the Lord Mayor recommended the purchase , Hughes Tellers: by Mr. Molloy of this particular land. , Knox Mr. Gilmore , Lonergan , Tooth Mr. Jones claims that R.M.J. Lands does not own any land in Brisbane. No doubt AYES, 21 this is technically correct, but the point is Mr. Baxter Mr. Mann that members of the firm own land in the , Bromley , Melloy Burrows •• Newton Wynnum area that is believed to be con­ Byrne , O'Donnell tiguous to the proposed Wynnum sewerage Davies , Sherrington area. The Lord Mayor admitted on "Meet Dean Thackeray Dufficy Wallace the Press" that his personal holding was Duggan only a half-mile from the area to be Gunn Hanlon Tellers: sewered. Houston Mr. Bennett Inch , Tucker Mr. Molloy says that the firm of R.M.J. Lands was registered in November, 1960. PAIRS Mr. J ones has claimed that the firm never Mr. Donald Mr. Pizzey operated and he implied that it was , Graham , Morris moribund. If that is so, why were two , L!oyd , Beardmore , Marsden , Ewan new members admitted in July this year, only a month before Mr. Molloy attended Resolved in the negative. the meeting of the Town Planning Com­ mittee? Mr. HERBERT (Sherwood) (8.23 p.m.): I rise to speak on this debate to indicate to Mr. Jones gave the impression on "Meet the House and to the public of Queensland the Press" that the Town Planning Com­ that my colleague, the hon. member for mittee meetings were not of a confidential Greenslopes, has the support of Government nature and that there was nothing wrong members in his comments on certain happen­ in outsiders being present. In fact, he said ings at the City Hall. Although the hon. he would even admit a member of the panel, member for Greenslopes accepts the responsi­ and extended an invitation to one. If that bility for the initial comments, we do not is correct, the following questions have to believe that the impression should be created be answered by Mr. Jones:- that he is a lone voice in this matter. Much (1) Why had not the public been advised has been said since that speech was made, but some of the original points seem to have of this practice? been lost. The Lord Mayor admits the hon. (2) What people other than the bank member's statement that Mr. Mollov was managers indicated by Mr. Jones in "Meet present at a meeting of the Town Planning the Press" had attended the meetings? Committee on Monday 20 August. As reported in "The Courier-Mail" of 5 Septem­ (3) Why were elected C.M.O. aldermen ber, Mr. Jones introduced Mr. Molloy as a denied the right to attend these so-called resident who had just come to live in open meetings for a considerable time? Brisbane. If he had no ulterior motive why (In fact, they were admitted only two did he neglect to inform the meeting of months ago.) the following facts:- Will the Lord Mayor make public a com­ 1. That Mr. Molloy was manager-elect plete list of outsiders admitted to the Town of Mobil Oil Pty. Ltd. Planning Committee meetings, together with Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 381 their business associations, to allow the the Chamber. As a matter of fact, on one citizens of Brisbane to decide whether or not occasion when the then Deputy Premier left the admission of Mr. Molloy was an unusual the Chamber after having made an attack procedure? upon us and I was replying to his allegations, I used exactly the same expression, to which The Lord Mayor and Mr. Molloy have hon. members may refer in "Hansard," both tried to pass this off as a social gather­ when he left the Chamber. I referred to his ing-having a few drinks with the boys. going during the course of my speech, and However, in "The Courier-Mail" of 5 Sep­ he hurriedly returned. It is only indecent, tember, Alderman Orme Olsen of Chats­ improper, foul-minded men who would put worth, who was present, said that any other interpretation on it. "contentious and confidential matters were discussed. They included subdivisions, service As for war service, I do not want to enter stations and ring roads." Interesting advance into that, but I suffered my privations, too. information for an oil company manager So far as these scurrilous allegations that who is, with the help of the Lord Mayor, have been made are concerned, I, for one, dabbling in real estate! And, as the hon. and I know my Leader and my other col­ member for Greenslopes has pointed out, leagues on this side of the House would this would confer on him an unfair advantage not tolerate them for a moment in any pub­ over his business competitors. lic man, whether he be a member of the What would the people of Queensland, and Australian Labour Party or not. I-and, I the A.L.P. who are so vociferous tonight, am sure, the Lord Mayor-would welcome have to say if the Premier invited interested any fair investigation if the Government lrave outsiders to Cabinet meetings? Irrespective the guts to make any. I challenge the of what the Lord Mayor says, these meetings Premier to do that. of the Town Planning Committee are and should be confidential. I had certain information prior to the beginning of this session that reflected very The Lord Mayor's list of his Brisbane badly on a certain top-level man in this holdings, as published in the local Press on State. In order to be fair to his character, 6 September, makes interesting reading. He and in order not to blacken his name claims to have made a full disclosure of if the allegations proved to be incorrect, I the land that he holds, but he has not told was sufficiently fair-minded to take the us whether Garden Estates Pty. Ltd., information to the Premier and say to him, Modern Research Pty. Ltd. or other firms "In order to be fair to this man, I ask you mentioned own land in the metropolitan and the Cabinet to have the matter inves­ area. Maybe they do not, but he should tigated before I might tarnish his reputation have revealed whether they do or not. in the eyes of the public on untested I think I have amply illustrated the need evidence." I was fair enough to the for the Lord Mayor to give more specific Government to do that. answers to the original points raised by my Now we have an allegation that was made colleague, Mr. Hooper, and supported by last Thursday about a man in lris absence. members on this side of the House. I repeat that it could have been made in his presence, and it could have been made today Mr. RENNETI (South Brisbane) (8.29 even in the council chamber when no doubt p.m.): I am rather amazed at the stage the he would have taken the opportunity of debate has reached when the amendment defending himself. Now, in cowardly moved by our Leader was not adequately fashion, when the Council meeting is over dealt with by previous speakers and he, the and when the Lord Mayor cannot defend Leader of the Opposition, had, of course, himself, and at a period in the debate when exhausted his right to enter the debate to the Leader of the Opposition had exhausted make any comment or to rise in defence his right to say anything, the hon. member of a fellow member of the Australian Labour for Sherwood, who contributes very little to Party. It seems to me that such tactics debates, sneaks in and makes these clreap, would stink in the nostrils of all fair-minded snide allegations, in my opinion not believ­ men. I was rather amazed that the Premier and the Deputy Premier did not see fit to ing them to be true but fearful that he enter this controversy at any stage of the might not win his seat at the next election. debate. The issue was raised last Thursday. I had no intention of harking back to what Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I draw did happen but, seeing that it has been the hon. member's attention to the fact that raised again, I must refer to certain things the world "snide" has previously been that were misconstrued by the Press and described as an unparliamentary expression, by certain unfair members of the Liberal and I ask him to withdraw it. Party, though certainly not all, when I referred to the hon. member for Green­ Mr. BENNEIT: I withdraw that word. slopes as hurrying out of the Chamber and scurrying back. It was perfectly obvious Mr. Duggan: What authority has he to say that I was referring to his going and com­ it on behalf of the Government parties? Why ing, not to his method of gait. That was does not the Minister or the Premier say quite obvious to every fair-minded man in it on behalf of the Government? 382 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Mr. BENNETT: I suggested that if it is Mr. Dewar: Perhaps you don't know what conscientiously believed that there is any truth I mean. in this scurrilous allegation, my speech invited the Minister for Justice, who is now Deputy Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Premier, the Minister for Public Works and Local Government, and the Minister for Mr. BENNETT: If we liked to pursue the Education and Migration, who is in charge argument about local-authority men engaging of police, to have the matter properly investi­ in land transactions in areas into which local gated, but all of them sit there in silence. authorities are introducing sewerage, there They are not prepared to have an investiga­ may be one or two members on the Govern­ tion. They will leave a man's name blackened ment benches who would be horribly embar­ and his character thrown to the wolves rather rassed about the part they have played, and than use the facilities at their disposal to are playing, in that matter. I should like test the scurrilous allegations made in this all hon. members on the Government benches way by the hon. member for Sherwood, who who still have some say in local-authority has not the evidence to back them up. affairs to get up and declare their land deal­ ings in the last 18 months, particularly in I am not here to defend any particular those local-authority areas in which sewer­ person. I am here to see that the improper age is about to be introduced or is now being practice will not be indulged in of endeavour­ introduced, and tell the public whether or ing to win an election by sneering at a person's not they told the persons from whom that character, and that is what these two back­ land was purchased that it was being benchers are doing. None of the Ministers purchased for council purposes when in fact, has made himself a party to the allegation. according to the contract that was signed, If it is true, it calls for a statement from its was purchased for them for private the Premier, who, when the matter was purposes by those allegedly operating in the raised by the hon. member for Sherwood, left interests of local authorities outside the the Chamber because he does not want to Greater Brisbane area. Let them get up and be a party to it, or so it would appear. If tell us about their land dealings. If we there is any suggestion of truth in the allega­ like to disclose certain allegations that have tion, let it be investigated. Let the respec­ been made there will be many embarrassed tive Ministers whom I have mentioned, whose members on the Government benches. I obligation and duty it is to have these matters should say that if the Minister for Public investigated, stand on their feet and say that Works and Local Government is to act in they have the guts to investigate it, or, alter­ a fair, frank, and courageous way he will natively, let them be fair enough to say, "We either declare that he believes these allega­ do not think that there is one scinti-lla of tions to be untrue or, alternatively, with truth in the allegation and we shall not waste courage, honesty, and integrity he will have the time of our officers in having it investi­ the matter properly investigated so that the gated." man whose name has been besmirched in this Chamber can be dealt with in a fair If we liked to engage in a heresy hunt and proper way and have his name cleared, about the private affairs of various persons, or alternatively, so that the allegations may we could well challenge the Ministers sitting on the front bench, for example, to disclose be proved correct. publicly their private affairs in relation to I feel that an attempt will be made to their land dealings. maintain this veiled secrecy over the head of Mr. Hanlon: And others. the A.L.P. Lord Mayor of Brisbane, not because he is Clem Jones, not because he Mr. BENNETT: Yes, and land up at Cairns, owns land and shares in Brisbane, but because if we liked to get a bit dirty about it, and he is A.L.P. and there is an election coming their share-dealings. If we liked to engage on. An attempt will be made to hold that in this sort of activity, we could well ask veiled suspicion over the heads of the Aus­ each and every Minister whether he is pre­ tralian Labour Party, collectively and individ­ pared, as was the Lord Mayor, to disclose ually, until next year when, after the election, a full account of his dealings, of his assets it will be promptly forgotten. It is cheap and of his liabilities, on the front page of and nasty, and not in keeping with fair "The Courier-Mail" and the "Telegraph." As business methods. It is not in keeping with a matter of fact, "The Courier-Mail" and a sense of integrity, principle or honesty, the "Telegraph" saw fit to invite the Lord and I am shocked and amazed. Mayor to publish a full account of his private land-dealings and his affairs and shareholdings. I remind the Premier, who left the I also challenge "The Courier-Mail" and the Chamber as soon as this matter was raised, "Telegraph" to call on each Minister of the that I was fair enough to submit to him Government and invite him to do the self­ certain evidence which I had in my posses­ same thing. I guarantee that not one Minister sion and which I wanted tested before there in the Cabinet will be prepared to do it. was any assassination of character. If he Mr. Dewar: It would not be hard to do. wants to live up to the claim made by his He did not give any asset value. followers on the Government side, that is, of being "honest" Frank Nicklin, let honest Mr. BENNETT: The hon. member has been Frank Nicklin test the allegations to see too busy-- whether there is any honesty or dishonesty Address in Reply [11 SEPTEMBER] Address in Reply 383 in this political chicanery in which the hon. repeat outside what they have said in the member for Greenslopes, supported by the House. I despise those weak, lily-livered hon. member for Sherwood, has engaged, and loons who rush into Parliament and make see wherein honesty resides and who is guilty grave allegations. of making dishonest allegations. Alterna­ tively, will the Premier or his Deputy now Mr. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I ask stand up and honestly say that the Premier the hon. member to be a little more explicit. walked out on the debate immediately the If he is referring in those terms to any matter was raised by the small-mindedness of hon. member of the House I inform him the hon. member for Sherwood as an indica­ that it is unparliamentary and disorderly, tion to this Parliament and to the electors and I ask him to withdraw the remark. If of Queensland that he, the Premier, believes he is not referring to hon. members of this him to be making irresponsible allegations? House he is as liberty to use it.

I fully believe, and I feel quite confident, Mr. BENNETT: I thank you, Mr. Deputy that that is the real reason why the Premier did leave this Chamber immediately the Speaker. I readily withdraw. matter was raised. I think he did it in The Government have seen fit to come to fairness because he did not wish to hear the defence of men in public positions whose anybody's character assassinated in his characters have been attacked. That has absence before the truth of the allegations happened in the last two years-in fact, in was tested. In fact, he did not want to see the last 12 months. A man whose character some of his junior colleagues in the Liberal I have never queried or whose honesty I Party making absolute fools and idiots of would never doubt-- themselves. Whilst he is to be commended for adopting that attitude, for his reaction to Mr. Duggan: Nor did we. the cheap tactics of the hon. member for Sherwood, and for going as far as he did, Mr. BENNETT: Nor did we. I am that, in itself, is not good enough. There is referring to Mr. Jack Kelly, the Chairman an obligation on the leaders of this State to of the Licensing Commission. A decision pursue any allegation of corruption, dis­ that was made by the Licensing Commission honesty, or sharp practice. was attacked in the House, and certainly attacked by me, but none of us on this Had my leader ti:J'e opportunity of enter­ side cast any reflections on the character of ing the debate he could express himself John Kelly. As a matter of fact, we made much more effectively and efficiently than I it perfectly obvious that we respected his can. I believe that, speaking on behalf of personal integrity and that he was a decent the Australian Labour Party, he would say man. It was the judgment that was attacked. that we do not wish to hide behind any Because the judgment was attacked the question of privilege; we do not wish to Premier and his Cabinet decided that in case conceal or cloak any dishonesty; we do there should be the remotest suggestion that not believe ti:J'ere is any dishonesty, but we the propriety of Mr. Kelly or his Commission welcome any investigation and we challenge colleagues might be impaired in the eyes the Government to make it. Let them be of public opinion, there should be an fair and decent enough to deny the allega­ immediate investigation. A statement was tion if they are not prepared to investigate made in the House. If there was any sug­ it. Let us be fair to the man. As everybody gestion of unjust assassination of character knows, I have no particular personal friend­ they were perfectly entitled to do what they ship with him. I respect him as the Lord did. A report was given by the Minister Mayor of Brisbane and as a member of the in charge of that department-and rightly great Australian Labour Party. I certainly so--clearly exonerating John Kelly and his admire the fact that he challenged those colleagues from any suggestion of impro­ two to go outside Parliament and say what priety, dishonesty, or lack of integrity in they were prepared to say in the House. their decision on the Inala hotel licence. You have to admire a man who has as much guts as that. You despise the man who That is all very well, but if the Govern­ scurries away-I use the word again in the ment protect certain people's characters, why metaphorical sense-the man wi:J'o shelters do they not see that others are properly and behind the privilege of Parliament to say adequately investigated? It amazes me that what he is afraid to say outside. We are this matter was raised again this evening obliged to say things in here because we after almost a week had elapsed since it was first referred to by the hon. member cannot all meet in George Street, or West for Greenslopes. Apparently no investiga­ End, or in other parts of Brisbane. But if tion has been made, and no responsible a man says something in this Chamber that Minister has conferred with the hon. mem­ he believes it is his obligation to say, at ber for Greenslopes, because no Minister least h•e should have guts enough to repeat it has taken it on his shoulders to support his outside if somebody asks him to. I submissions. Apparently the hon. member am always prepared to back up my state­ for Greenslopes has conferred only with ments outside. I guarantee that the hon. one whose ability for intellectual understand­ members for Sherwood and Greenslopes ing may be questioned, that is, the hon. would not have the intestinal fortitude to member for Sherwood. He has seen fit to 384 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Ways and Means take it upon himself to endorse the submis­ I repeat, their perfect defence would be sions of his colleague. This Government truth and public benefit. There is no doubt will be the laughing stock of Australia. Again that this matter would be of public impor­ it will be a joke so far as R. G. Menzies tance. Therefore, in order to protect them­ is concerned. To use his terms, he will selves from any consequences they would say, "There are a couple of no-hoper back­ only have to prove that what they have said benchers up there running the Government." is true, and for the public benefit. It is perfectly obvious that they are not confident They are pushing the Government into all of being able to prove the truth of their this inflammatory publicity. The Govern­ allegations. They are men who, if they ment are not saying anything themselves; believe they have some public obligation, they accept the submissions in silence. They should be only too happy to go elsewhere do nothing about investigating the allega­ to substantiate by way of truthful evidence tions. Apparently they have decided, so what might be termed the accusations or far as political technique is concerned, that the innuendoes they have raised here. I these two back-benchers can try, by think it is rather unfortunate that these two manoeuvring, to engineer the winning of the are obviously not prepared to do so because election. Cabinet members are not prepared they persist in raising the matter in the to say yea or nay, or get on the offensive. House at a time when we should be dis­ cussing unemployment and other major Mr. Duggan: They want to use the back­ issues that are proving insoluble for this benchers to assassinate the reputation of Government. They raise the matter knowing Labour men and escape their responsibility as that it will continue to be only a talking Cabinet Ministers. point because the Lord Mayor, Clem Jones, cannot himself institute any legal proceed­ Mr. BENNETT: That is right. ings; he cannot initiate any investigation. He has issued an invitation to the Govern­ Let us be fair in this matter. We have ment. So there are only two ways of hav­ in the Lord Mayor a public man who is ing the matter clearly brought to a fair prepared to have all his affairs investigated. and final conclusion. They are: (1) for He cannot go to court himself as the result this lack-lustre Government to conduct a of anything that is said or done in Parlia­ proper investigation; or, alternatively, (2) ment. He cannot issue any legal proceedings for the two people who rushed into the Chamber as a coward's castle to make these to take the matter to the Supreme Court, or allegations to have the intestinal fortitude some other court, to have it properly ven­ to say outside the Chamber what they have tilated. The only body that can initiate said here-and I can assure the Government any proceedings to ventilate the allegations and those two gentlemen that they will made by the two hen. members is the quickly get proceedings that will result in Cabinet and so far its members have a proper, fair, and impartial investigation remained silent. by the Supreme Court. If Cabinet will not act on the submis­ Motion-That the Address in Reply be sions of these two back-benchers and accept adopted (Mr. Lonergan)-agreed to. their statements as irresponsible, what course can be taken to have the matter exposed? SUPPLY The Lord Mayor can do nothing. He is impotent to do more than he has done in CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE having his affairs completely disclosed to Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ the Press. It may be ventilated by either Premier): I move- one of these two back-benchers who made "That the House will, at its next sitting, the allegations, or both of them, going out­ resolve itself into a Committee of the side the House and repeating them in a Whole to consider the Supply to be granted public place, or alternatively, they may ask to Her Majesty." that the matter be investigated. By making an accusation outside the House they will Motion agreed to. get the investigation they want. If their allegations are true and the documents they WAYS AND MEANS are supposed to have are truthful, they have nothing to hide. They have nothing to fear CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE because it is always a perfect defence in Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ defamation actions to plead truth and public Premier): I move- benefit. "That the House will, at its next sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of the Mr. Duggan: They will have the benefit of Whole to consider of Ways and Means the hen. member for Windsor to defend them, for raising the Supply to be granted to but that would be a bit of a risk. Her Majesty." Mr. BENNETT: Yes, they would be dis­ Motion agreed to. advantaged before they started. The House adjourned at 8.58 p.m.