COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

SENATE Official Hansard

TUESDAY, 3 MARCH 1998

THIRTY-EIGHTH PARLIAMENT FIRST SESSION—SIXTH PERIOD

BY AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE CANBERRA CONTENTS

TUESDAY, 3 MARCH

Ministerial Arrangements ...... 159 Questions Without Notice— Natural Heritage Trust ...... 159 Social Security ...... 160 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 161 Mr Christopher Skase ...... 163 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 164 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 165 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 166 Federation Fund ...... 166 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 167 Kyoto: Climate Change Convention ...... 168 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 169 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 170 Answers to Questions Without Notice— Hindmarsh Island Bridge ...... 172 Aboriginal Reconciliation ...... 172 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 172 Natural Heritage Trust ...... 173 Personal Explanations ...... 179 Answers to Questions Without Notice— Natural Heritage Trust ...... 180 Petitions— East Timor ...... 180 Landmines ...... 180 Uranium ...... 180 Native Title ...... 181 Australian Broadcasting Corporation ...... 181 Gender Identity ...... 181 Nursing Homes ...... 181 Sydney Airport ...... 181 Multilateral Agreement on Investment ...... 182 Child Care ...... 182 Aboriginal Reconciliation ...... 182 Public Sector Superannuation Scheme ...... 182 East Timor ...... 183 Notices of Motion— Economics Legislation Committee ...... 183 Indonesia ...... 183 Investment and Financial Services ...... 183 Order of Business— Introduction of Legislation ...... 183 Multilateral Agreement on Investment ...... 184 Certain Government Accountability Matters Committee ...... 184 Multilateral Agreement on Investment ...... 184 Multilateral Agreement on Investment ...... 184 Consideration of Legislation ...... 184 Committees— Economics Legislation Committee ...... 184 Katherine Floods ...... 184 Documents— Parliamentary Zone ...... 185 Auditor-General’s Reports—Report No. 36 of 1997-98 ...... 185 Committees— Membership ...... 185 Social Security Legislation Amendment (Youth Allowance) Bill 1997— In Committee ...... 185 Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 1997-98, CONTENTS—continued

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 1997-98, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 1997-98— Second Reading ...... 187 Committees— Corporations and Securities Committee—Referral ...... 215 Selection of Bills Committee—Report ...... 215 Documents— Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission—Northern Land Council ...... 216 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission—Central Land Council ...... 217 Adjournment— Homeless Services ...... 218 Health Funding ...... 219 Education: Schools Funding ...... 221 Mr B.A. Santamaria ...... 223 Mr Roger Shipton ...... 225 Mr B.A. Santamaria ...... 225 Documents— Tabling ...... 226 Questions on Notice— Department of Finance and Administration: Contracts for Public Relations Services—(Question No. 826) ...... 227 Department of Finance and Administration: Contracts for Public Relations Services—(Question No. 832) ...... 229 Green Corps—(Question No. 854) ...... 232 Department for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts: Research—(Question No. 906) ...... 246 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Research—(Question No. 909) ...... 263 Department of Finance and Administration: Research—(Question No. 913) ...... 266 Department of Transport and regional Development: Research—(Question No. 915) ...... 269 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Awarding of Consultancies of Contracts—(Question No. 930 - 948) ...... 276 Australian Conservation Foundation and the Wilderness Society: Funding—(Question No. 963) ...... 276 Telstra: 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games—(Question No. 981) ...... 277 On Arrival Accommodation Program—(Question No. 1002) ...... 277 Housing—(Question No. 1003) ...... 278 Youth Allowance—(Question No. 1006) ...... 279 Second World War: Australian Servicemen Killed and Buried in Indonesia—(Question No. 1007) ...... 279 Logging and Woodchipping—(Question No. 1011) ...... 281 Breath Testing Machines—(Question No. 1013) ...... 281 Wana Ungkunytja Proprietary Limited—(Question No. 1014) ...... 282 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1016) ...... 283 Department of the Treasury: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1017) 284 Department of Primary Industries and Energy: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1018) ...... 284 Department of the Environment: Training and Seminars—(Question No. 1019) ...... 285 Department of Communications and the Arts: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1020) ...... 285 Department of Workplace Relations and Small Business: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1021) ...... 285 Department of Industry, Science and Tourism: Training or CONTENTS—continued

Seminars—(Question No. 1024) ...... 285 Department of Defence: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1025) . 286 Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1028) ...... 294 Attorney-General’s Department: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1029) ...... 295 Department of Transport and Regional Development: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1030) ...... 295 Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1031) ...... 296 Department for Veterans’ Affairs: Training or Seminars—(Question No. 1032) ...... 296 Answers to Questions Without Notice— Telstra Sale ...... 299 Importation of Cooked Chicken Meat ...... 299 SENATE 159

Tuesday, 3 March 1998 when Senator Faulkner went out to lead the charge for the Greens, battled Mr Beddall, who was acting on behalf of the industry, and The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. made such a mess of it that Senator Collins Margaret Reid) took the chair at 2.00 p.m., had to be called in to the rescue? Do we and read prayers. remember the decline in biodiversity as demonstrated by the State of the environment MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS report? Senator HILL (South Australia—Leader of Do we remember the pitiful record of Labor the Government in the Senate)—by leave—I in relation to feral weeds and animals? Do we inform the Senate that Senator Richard know what they failed to do in relation to the Alston, the Minister for Communications, the Murray-Darling Basin—an area that all Aus- Information Economy and the Arts, will be tralians know needed substantial investment? absent from the Senate chamber for question Do we know their areas of failure in relation time today. Senator Alston is in Melbourne to to air pollution? And so I could go on. We attend the funeral of Mr Bob Santamaria. In make no apology that we committed ourselves his absence, Senator Ellison will take ques- to setting up a $1.1 billion— tions relating to Communications and the Senator Faulkner—On a point of order, Arts. Senator Kemp will take questions on the Madam President: obviously the feral weeds Information Economy— have got in the way of Senator Hill’s answer Opposition senators interjecting— to the question, which I thought was a specif- Senator HILL—Very ably, I would think, ic one directed to him in relation to when his Madam President, and I will take questions office directed the department to reassess the relating to the portfolios of Transport and applications rejected by the Victorian RAP Regional Development and Workplace Rela- process; who did it; whether it was cleared by tions and Small Business. him; and what representations were made. I thought it was a clear question. I ask you, QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE given that Senator Hill has had a couple of Natural Heritage Trust minutes now, to direct the minister to answer the question that was actually asked of him. Senator FAULKNER—My question is directed to Senator Hill, the Minister for the The PRESIDENT—Senator Hill, you are Environment. Minister, in relation to the aware of the question and I am sure you will Natural Heritage Trust, when did your office get to the substance. direct your department to reassess the applica- Senator HILL—Madam President, I was tions which had been rejected by the Victori- getting to it but I was laying the base first an regional assessment panels? Who issued that that was clearly a pitiful failure of Labor that direction? Was that direction cleared with in this area. The contrast is with what the you? What representations were made to your coalition is doing and will continue to do. office, and by whom, prior to that direction Over $360 million is being invested in restor- being issued? ing our native bushland and preserving rem- Senator HILL—I will start by saying how nants—the subject overlooked by Senator proud we are of the Natural Heritage Trust Faulkner yesterday. An extra $150 million and its achievements in a very short period of from the federal government is going into the time. Madam President, the comparison is Murray-Darling Basin; over $160 million to there: 13 years of Labor and what did they do protect biodiversity; $440 million to assist in this vital area—vital in the interests of all farmers and communities to redress the extent Australians? Very, very little. How often were of land and water degradation; and $120 we told about the state of land and water million to address coastal pollution. degradation in this country or the state of I said yesterday in this place that there were sustainable forestry? Do we remember the difficulties in relation to the Victorian experi- forestry issues that we were experiencing ence at both the RAP and the SAP level. I 160 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 said that my department—and I will take of it. Until yesterday, I had never heard of Mr responsibility for the instruction—had a look Antony Baillieu, as I said to you. at grants that were unsuccessful either at the Senator Cook—You forgot! RAP level or at the SAP level. I set out why we did that yesterday. They looked at a Senator HILL—No. It is not a question of further 199 grants, as I understand it. They forgetting it. I had never heard of him. And found there were three that they believed certainly I did not know who his relatives should have been funded. They made that were, Senator Cook. What I do know is that recommendation to me and I accepted it. it was a damn good application and that is what all the experts said. They said it was an With regard to the one that you were excellent application. If you ask me another preoccupied with yesterday, they found that question, I will detail why it was excellent. there had been an error made, a misunder- standing of what the rules were at the RAP Senator Faulkner—Who was present in the level. Why should the environment suffer room? simply because there was an error made at the Senator HILL—My memory is that offi- regional assessment level? Of course it should cials brought over the supplementary list, took not, Madam President. me through the supplementary list, the three that they recommended, and I approved them. What is the objection to the federal govern- ment, which is responsible for the vast pro- Social Security portion of the funds, having a look at all the applications? In actual fact, the shadow Senator SANDY MACDONALD—My minister for the environment has asked for the question is directed to the Minister for Social full 6,000 applications—all of those rejected. Security. Minister, the Labor government He wants to look at all of those rejected. That attempted to convince the Australian public is fine, apart from all the work that is in- that they had a social security system with volved in putting it together. If Labor wants world’s leading standards in respect of fraud to trawl through all 6,000 applications in an and compliance. As revealed last year, Aus- attempt to gain some political mileage, so be tralian taxpayers were saved $28 million per it. But if Labor concentrated on doing some- week because of some commonsense ac- thing for the environment rather than that, countability action taken by this government. then we would all be better off. (Time ex- As there is nothing that infuriates Australians pired) more than somebody receiving a benefit to which they are not entitled, will you inform Senator FAULKNER—Madam President, the Senate of additional savings in the social I ask a supplementary question. The minister security system and further measures designed did not answer the specific questions I asked. to combat fraud? I direct his attention to them. If he cannot Senator NEWMAN—I thank Senator answer them now, perhaps he could provide Sandy Macdonald for his question. It is very the Senate with an answer to them by the end timely. It is interesting to note that the oppo- of question time. Further, Minister Hill, could sition are never interested in asking this you tell us: were there any discussions be- question, just as they were never interested in tween your office and your department about being tough on cheats. the Baillieu grant prior to the department’s Madam President, let me remind you of recommendation that it be approved? Who some of the statements that were made in past was present in the room when you made the years under the previous government. ‘Meas- decision to approve that grant and will you ures have been implemented which have table the record of that decision and the effectively solved the compliance problem.’ reasons for the variation? Who said that? That was Labor’s expert, Senator HILL—I do not believe that my Professor Weatherly, in 1993. In 1994 the office knew of the, as you describe it, minister, Peter Baldwin, said, ‘We have got ‘Baillieu grant’ at all. I certainly did not know a system which is at the cutting edge in terms Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 161 of its effectiveness in combating fraud and Senator NEWMAN—The greedy, not the compliance.’ Again, in 1995, the minister Mr needy, as Senator Patterson says so rightly. Baldwin said, ‘We have very effective com- Compliance reviews—checking on whether pliance measures and measures to counter people are doing what they are required to fraud.’ do—went up by nearly 22 per cent. Fifty-four They were utterly wasted years. The Labor thousand customers had their payments government were not prepared to deal with cancelled in those three months and over cheats; they would not put the resources in; 40,000 had their benefits reduced. There were they were complacent; they were soft. Last nearly $88 million in new debts identified. financial year our compliance efforts picked Fourteen thousand reviews came as a result of up a lot of people that Labor had been soft the public knowing that this government is on. We cancelled or reduced payments to serious and that we will take action. They 330,000 people because they were getting want us to take action. The increase in tip- payments to which they were not entitled. offs from the public is very heartening be- That is how we saved the taxpayer $28 cause they know that we mean business. million every week. We are also undertaking covert surveillance of cases which have been particularly diffi- Senator Patterson—Every week? cult. We have brought in the private sector Senator NEWMAN—Every week of the there. So far, out of 20 cases that were given financial year—over $1 billion. It is almost to the private sector, 11 have been finalised. unbelievable. What a mockery that makes of All 11 customers have had their payments Labor’s claims that the system was as tight as cancelled, they had debts to repay and some a drum. Trim, taut and terrific was what have been referred to the Federal Police and Richo seemed to think it was. But sadly, once to the DPP. (Time expired) we came into government, we saw the grim Natural Heritage Trust reality. Only the other day, a man went to gaol for four years for defrauding the taxpayer Senator FAULKNER—My question is of $305,000 over 14 years of consistent directed to the Minister for the Environment. cheating. All the years that Labor was in Minister, can you confirm that John Madden government, this man was cheating the bat- Baillieu, one of the four current directors of tler, cheating the taxpayer; $305,000 looks Woodhouse Pastoral Co., the beneficiary of like quite an industry to me. Those are the $52,900 from your natural heritage slush very years when Labor was skiting about how fund, is also Chairman of EL&C Baillieu trim, taut and terrific the system was. He is which donated $50,500 to the Liberal Party in not the only long-term cheat that we have the last two years? Minister, how do you caught so far. justify repaying that donation with interest from taxpayers’ dollars from the Natural Heri- During January, I provided the President tage Trust? with the fraud and compliance report for the Senator HILL—That is yet another dis- first quarter of 1997-98 and I now formally graceful slur upon the Baillieus. If you had table it. This report indicates a significant concentrated a little more when you were increase in our compliance activity over and minister for the environment on achieving above what we did in the previous financial some decent environmental outcomes for this year. There were more reviews undertaken, country, then you may be better qualified to more payment variations made, more debts attack the current government. But with your identified and more debts recovered. In three record, I am surprised that you have the gall months, 668 people were convicted under to even ask a question on this matter, Senator either the Social Security Act or the Crimes Faulkner. Do you remember how your record Act. Those people were cheating their fellow was recorded as environment minister? Do Australians. you remember what was said in the Bulletin Senator Patterson—The greedy, not the on your efforts over forests? If you do not, I needy. will remind you. It said: 162 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Faulkner made a mess of things—comprehensively, Anybody who has been interested in these as the commentators say. The extent of his issues would have known for a long time that mishandling of the issue is only now becoming the old recipe of national parks simply lock- apparent. Faulkner clearly intended to make himself a hero to the environmental movement. The result ing up these resources in public ownership is though, will be a setback for the cause, disillusion- not working. The big challenge has been to ment for Faulkner and his department . . . Faulkner find ways in which the resources on private wanted to be a Graham Richardson. He emerges land can be properly protected in the from this episode more like a Ros Kelly. community’s interest, and that is exactly what That was Laurie Oakes in the Bulletin. The this project was all about. That is why the point is, Senator Faulkner, you left an appal- Trust for Nature, Victoria, has been working ling record. The alternative was the coalition on a covenant on this particular land, I under- that recognised the failures of the past and put stand, since the early 1990s. I understand that in place a Natural Heritage Trust to invest it was the trust that first approached the more money than ever before in the major family. It is the conservation interests out land and water degradation of our nation. We there who have recognised the value and are proud of that and we have set up a com- applaud the fact that finally there is a govern- prehensive process to determine the best ment that is prepared to support them in what projects to get the best outcomes on the they are seeking to do. (Time expired) ground. Senator FAULKNER—It is the Liberal In relation to the details of the question, I Party interests not the conservation interests have no knowledge, as I said, of the relatives that are at issue here. Madam President, I ask or the composition of directors. There was no a supplementary question. Minister, is it just suggestion, as I recall it, from the application a coincidence that the registered address of that it was even an incorporated body. Any- the Woodhouse Pastoral Co., the recipient of way, you seem to have trawled that out. $52,900 of Natural Heritage Trust funds, is Senator Bolkus—According to the applica- 360 Collins Street, Melbourne, which is also tion? You’ve never met the Baillieus? the registered address of EL&C Baillieu, Senator HILL—I have never met this donor of $50,500 to the Liberal Party? Tony Baillieu. I do not know whether he or Senator HILL—This is astonishing. Did a member of his family have given a donation you read what Tony Baillieu said about it? to anyone. Furthermore, it is totally irrelevant Did you listen to the radio and hear what he to the issue as to whether this was a said? meritorious application. The point is that this Senator Faulkner—I am asking you a application was supported by the Trust for question about the Liberal Party donation. Nature, Victoria, who have been seeking for That is what I asked. years to put in place covenants on valuable natural assets on private land, where the Senator HILL—No. When he was asked valuable asset is given up for the benefit of about his alleged family connections and the community. interests with the Liberal Party, what did he say? Senator Faulkner—Was it the same mob who donated fifty grand to the Libs? Tell us Senator Faulkner—I am asking you that. The same mob? whether he is a director of the company at Senator HILL—This is the point that this address. Senator Faulkner either does not understand Senator HILL—You will slur anyone to or fails to acknowledge. What this pastoral try and advance your political interests. You company is doing here is giving up a right to have got no interest in the environmental use a resource for its economic advantage for outcome at all. The opposition have attacked the benefit of the total community. It is the grants because they said they were in prepared to covenant for the benefit of the Liberal seats. This one is in a Labor seat, so community to achieve that outcome in the they attack the proponent. You move from long term. That should be applauded. side to side, any way to win a political point Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 163 and forget the benefits for the environment. out now because he is the shadow attorney In the Sydney Morning Herald article, Mr and says, ‘Don’t worry about that. We’ll just Baillieu said, ‘I have no connection at all, no reopen it all. We’ll just bring him back. influence and nothing whatsoever to do with Forget the fact that we let him go. We’ll the Liberal Party hierarchy.’ bring him back.’ That shows you something, Senator Bolkus. I had occasion to reflect on Mr Christopher Skase just who your party values. Who will they Senator ABETZ—My question is to the make Attorney-General? I had a bit of a look Minister for Justice. We all know that the at it and, in March 1983, they had a chance Labor government failed in its attempt to to appoint an attorney. Did they appoint you, extradite Mr Christopher Skase from Spain. Senator Bolkus? Senator Bolkus has recently said that the Government senators—No! government should start the extradition proceedings again in Spain. Is the government Senator VANSTONE—No, they appointed able to reopen extradition hearings in Spain? Gareth Evans. Then in 1984 they had a chance to reconsider. Did they appoint you? Senator VANSTONE—I thank Senator Abetz for his question. Yes, Senator Abetz, Government senators—No! on 5 January this year on 3AW Senator Senator VANSTONE—No. In July 1987, Bolkus—the shadow Attorney-General— Senator Bolkus, they had another opportunity confidently said, ‘This bloke,’ referring to to appoint you. Did they appoint you then? Skase, ‘is not sick. We’re going to start the extradition proceedings again. There’s nothing Government senators—No! to stop that if we have evidence that the guy Opposition senators interjecting— is healthy.’ So there he was, the shadow The PRESIDENT—Order! Attorney-General, the would-be first law officer of the Commonwealth, telling the Senator VANSTONE—No. On 18 Septem- world at large, ‘We’re going to reopen all of ber 1997, they had a chance to appoint you to this and we’re just going to bring him back. the new ministry for justice. Did they appoint We’re going to be heroes and bring him you to that? back.’ All of this is out of the mouths of the Government senators—No! people who, when in government, were the Senator VANSTONE—No, they did not, people who let him go. You were the people and so it goes on. who let him go. Opposition senators interjecting— I had occasion to reflect on this so I had a quick look at what Michael Lavarch said in Senator VANSTONE—In April 1990, in 1995. Despite being a Labor attorney, he December 1991, in May 1992, in March 1993 nonetheless had some respect in the communi- and in April 1993, your party had a chance to ty. He said: appoint you and they rejected you. Extradition cannot be sought from Spain— Honourable senators interjecting— ‘cannot’, negative— The PRESIDENT—Order! The level of for the relevant offences because the court has noise in the chamber is totally unacceptable conclusively determined that Skase may not be on all sides. returned to Australia and that issue cannot be Senator VANSTONE—It would be a lot reopened even in the face of further evidence that Skase was medically fit to travel. easier to answer the question if I did not have to raise my voice above the cacophony of Senator Bolkus—There’s a lot of new rubbish over there. So there we have it, evidence about. Senator Abetz. On 10, 11 or 12 occasions, Senator VANSTONE—That is what Labor had a chance to make that man Michael Lavarch, the then Attorney-General, Attorney-General or Minister for Justice, and said in 1995. Despite all of that sort of com- on every occasion they chose somebody else. ment from his attorney, Senator Bolkus goes What do you think that tells you about what 164 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 they think of him? It shows you they think he ments were already with the media. The is an incompetent. Minister for Justice knows that full well. The Honourable senators interjecting— former shadow Attorney-General who never made it to Attorney-General knows full well The PRESIDENT—Order! The level of that it is based on the wrong premise. noise is absolutely unacceptable. Senator VANSTONE—Senator Bolkus was The PRESIDENT—Senator Bolkus, you caught touting around with in-chamber hear- are debating the issue; there is no point of ings from the Federal Court, undermining the order. I call Senator Vanstone. national interest, undermining the govern- Senator VANSTONE—Thank you, Madam ment’s genuine attempts to get at Skase’s President. Senator Abetz, you have just seen assets. That should show that he is an incom- another example that Senator Bolkus is one of petent fool. Yesterday, he was quoting from the greatest impediments to pursuing Skase. model rules of professional conduct and He seeks to say that the documents he leaked practice urging people to be honest—this is were already in the hands of the media. We the same bloke who was quoting from a have no evidence of that whatsoever, but we stolen document in January. You don’t have have got a video of you reading them out to double standards, Senator Bolkus; you have the public, Senator Bolkus. Oh, yes. The no standards. Your party will never make you bottom line is that, in any of these matters, Attorney-General. Never. You have been when you are pursuing someone with top referred to the Privileges Committee because class legal advice, you need to have some sort all your colleagues think you are a leaker. of secrecy about your proceedings and, when They think you have no respect. you go to in-chamber hearings, you would Senator Robert Ray—Madam President, hope that someone who purports to be the I rise on a point of order. We can all play the alternative first law officer would respect that game of saying who has been referred to the and would give the government a chance to Privileges Committee. Senator Alston has get at the assets that Labor let go. been, and so has a whole range of people. We Natural Heritage Trust do not refer to it in the chamber until the Privileges Committee brings down a finding. Senator FAULKNER—My question is directed to Senator Hill, the Minister for the The PRESIDENT—There is no point of Environment. Minister, can you confirm your order. statement to the estimates committees last Senator VANSTONE—The bottom line is week that Senator Crane was present in your this: you have no respect for the institution office when you made NHT funding decisions you are a part of, no respect for committee regarding Western Australian projects? In procedures, none for the parties you work light of Senator Crane’s astounding revelation with and you have got none from the Austral- that his own property in Western Australia ian people. (Time expired) received grant funding from the NHT and that Senator ABETZ—Madam President, I ask he continues to hold a full share in the prop- a supplementary question. I was wondering if erty, I ask: what is the name of Senator the Minister for Justice might comment in Crane’s project? What was the purpose of the relation to the obstacles in the Skase case as grant? How much was the grant for? Was this to whether the call to reopen the extradition grant approved at a meeting when Senator hearings is as helpful as Senator Bolkus’s Crane was present? Minister, was the Crane contribution to the debate when he sought to property identified in the project application? leak confidential Federal Court documents to I ask that you table a copy of the application the media? for that project and grant, as you did last Senator Bolkus—Madam President, I rise night for the Baillieu grant. on a point of order. The question should be Senator HILL—I will just complete the struck out as being out of order because it is answer to the last question because I ran out based on a wrongful assumption. The docu- of time. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 165

Senator Faulkner—Madam President, I discussed, the answer is no. In fact, I under- rise on a point of order. You know that is out stand that Senator Crane did not know that of order. It is not competent for the minister this application had been made until after to complete any other answers. He will be Christmas. able to do so after question time, if he has misled the Senate or has to correct the record. Senator FAULKNER—Madam President, You should direct him to answer the question I ask a supplementary question. We assume I have asked on this occasion. then from your answer, Senator Hill, that as apparently Senator Crane was providing you The PRESIDENT—There is an appropriate with information on a whole range of landcare time to add to other answers, Senator Hill. groups—which is evidence that you gave to Senator HILL—It is just that the attempt the estimates committee—do you believe that was made again to slur the Baillieu family if you have a government backbencher, a and I thought Senator Faulkner would ap- coalition backbencher, in a room when you preciate another quote from Mr Baillieu to are making decisions about such projects and demonstrate that in fact he has no apparent grants, that represents a clear conflict of connection with the Liberal Party. interest? The PRESIDENT—Senator Hill, I draw Senator HILL—I thought I just said to the your attention to the question. honourable senator that in fact Senator Crane Senator HILL—Okay, Madam President. did not become aware that an application had I must say that I did see reference to a matter been made by this group until after Christmas. in the Canberra Times this morning that And I have just said it is of no benefit to his caused me to make some inquiries. What I property and to him at all. But, apart from found out is that there is a catchment group that, the issue of seeking advice from those of some 27 families that has been operating, who are well informed on the background to I think for about 10 years—anyway for some land management and natural resource man- considerable years—in Western Australia. It agement issues in this country is something is called the— that I would suggest is very sensible. Senator Schacht—‘Crane Family Farm’. When I look around on this side of the Senator HILL—No. I will find it in a chamber, Madam President, I see lots of well minute. It is the Yallobup Creek Catchment informed senators on the issues of landcare, Group. I found out that it applied for funding soil degradation and dry land salinity—all the assistance for reclamation work—for damage major land and water resource problems that that has been caused through loss of vegeta- this country is facing. But, of course, there is tion and the like—that it has been doing for no interest in the subject on the other side of many years. I found out that it takes off a the chamber. These people are committed to corner of Senator Crane’s property which a better environmental outcome for this makes up about one per cent of the catch- country. (Time expired) ment. Natural Heritage Trust I understand that the process is that the families within the catchment who wish to Senator LEES—Madam President, my seek funding join together and do so. I made question is directed to you. It follows on from inquiries and found that Senator Crane, even the questions that Senator Faulkner has just though he has got a little slice of his property raised. I think the matter is of sufficient taken off in this catchment, made no such importance that I ask, Madam President—if application. So it is not true to say that any what we have just heard is correct, and if benefit was going to Senator Crane from this there is a question over the involvement of particular project. I have now received written Senator Crane’s property in the Natural confirmation of that from the project manag- Heritage Trust grant—are you aware of ers, Madam President. As to whether Senator standing order of the Senate No. 27 which Crane was present when the matter was states: 166 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

A senator shall not sit on a committee if the Senator ROBERT RAY—Madam Presi- senator has a conflict of interest in relation to the dent, I ask a supplementary question. I ask inquiry of the committee. Senator Hill whether he intends to continue Is it true that Senator Crane is chair of the the practice of having coalition senators in the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport room when he is acting as a decision maker, Legislation Committee which dealt with the or whether he is in fact going to desist from Natural Heritage Trust fund in estimates in this particular practice in future. 1997 and 1998? If this is the case, Madam Senator HILL—I think what has to be President, and there is an interest, what is the understood is that this was the start of a long appropriate action? Should Senator Crane process. It was the start to a basis where this resign from that committee? country had not done well in this area of Government senators interjecting— natural resource management. We inherited a The PRESIDENT—Order! Senators on my real mess, and we were determined to put in right will cease interjecting. There is an place a process that was going to deliver the element in that— best outcomes on the ground. That is what the Australian people wanted. We put the details Government senators interjecting— of this program to the Australian people at the The PRESIDENT—Order! Senators on my election. We described how we would fund it. right will cease interjecting. There is an We got the funding base through this parlia- element in that which is hypothetical, and ment, despite your opposition. We set it up there are matters of substance about which I under a legislative framework. We set in so will take advice and report to the Senate. many checks and balances to the extent that Senator LEES—I thank you Madam I have described it as not only exhausting but President, but I think this is an important at times exhaustive. Part of the challenge is issue, and it is one that has been long over- to build that information base upon which we looked in this chamber. If it is found that can make better decisions for the future than Senator Crane is in breach of standing orders, were made in the past. (Time expired) can you please advise the Senate on the Senator Crane—Madam President, on a appropriate action, on whether or not he point of order: I ask that the comments made should stand down? Also, can we have your by Senator Schacht when he said, ‘Giving ruling on whether or not this matter should be Winston money,’ be withdrawn. I make the referred to the Privileges Committee? point that we did not apply for any money. The PRESIDENT—I shall look into the Nor did we receive any money. This is a matter, as I have indicated, and report to the fabrication and it is a lie. Senate. The PRESIDENT—Senator Schacht, I did not hear those remarks, but if they were made Natural Heritage Trust in that fashion, they ought to be withdrawn. Senator ROBERT RAY—Madam Presi- Senator Schacht—If that is your direction, dent, I ask Senator Hill, in light of his com- Madam President, I withdraw. ments on Senator Crane’s direct or indirect involvement in one of these grants, whether Federation Fund he can give the Senate an unequivocal assur- Senator MARGETTS—My question is ance that no other coalition MP or senator has directed to the Minister for the Environment received Natural Heritage Trust funds, either and Minister representing the Prime Minister. directly or indirectly, through family trusts or In view of recent demonstrated high levels of other company structures. public disquiet in relation to the Jervoise Bay Senator HILL—I am not too sure what the dockyard project in Western Australia to be reference to ‘no other senator’ means, Madam partially funded by the so-called Federation President, because I know of no senator who Fund, I ask: what steps has the federal has received any funds through the Natural government taken to ensure that the Feder- Heritage Trust. ation Fund is used for projects which are Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 167 environmentally sustainable and have a community support, as I guess those 1,000 positive social impact and broad community people who turned up at the public meeting acceptance? At what point in the decision to on several days notice may contest? Also, commit such funds are these issues assessed? what is to stop the heritage fund from becom- Which federal agencies are involved? Is the ing a slush fund for environmentally unsus- Commonwealth government considering using tainable projects? the Federation Fund to subsidise the equally Senator HILL—We do not do anything controversial deepwater port at Oakajee near that is environmentally unsustainable. That is Geraldton? contrary to our objectives. Stop press: I have Senator HILL—In relation to the last part, just been advised that Senator Parer has ‘just obviously I am not at liberty to provide written’ to me designating the Western Aus- information on what the government might be tralian government as a proponent to that considering it would do. In relation to the an- proposal. My department will now advise me nouncement that was made in Jervoise Bay, therefore as to what level of assessment is this is a project that is strongly supported appropriate and what should be the role of the within Western Australia and strongly sup- Commonwealth in that assessment. That will ported by the Commonwealth government, be announced in due course and the appropri- which we believe will help to lay a stronger ate environmental assessments will take place. economic base for Western Australia and I think you can be comforted that not only therefore Western Australians in the future. It does the Commonwealth want to see a good is a project, we believe, to be of great com- environmental outcome but the Common- mercial value to the state of Western Australia wealth will use its powers to ensure that there and therefore of considerable benefit to all is a good environmental outcome. Western Australians. We of course operate on Natural Heritage Trust the basis that all major developments must be subject to rigorous environmental assessment. Senator CARR—My question is directed That would be our attitude in relation to this to the Minister for the Environment. Minister, particular project. are you aware of claims made by the member for Leichhardt, Mr Warren Entsch, as reported The issue as to whether any Commonwealth in the Canberra Post on 19 November, that he action, in this instance the support through helped push through many submissions for funds, triggers the Commonwealth legislation the Natural Heritage Trust fund for his elec- is something that will need to be addressed. torate, including one for $31,000 which had You might recall in relation to the Common- initially been rejected. Is this true? wealth funding contribution in Tasmania that it was in fact found to trigger Commonwealth Senator Ian Macdonald—Which paper is legislation and we became a party to that the ‘Canberra Post’? assessment. Of course this project has not got Senator CARR—I did say the Cairns Post. to that stage. The important thing at the If so, which were the projects Mr Entsch moment is that the commitment we have managed to push through? made is subject to proper environmental Senator HILL—I have not seen that assessment and that is what we would expect. reference in the Cairns Post, but I will pursue Senator MARGETTS—As Madam Presi- the matter. It is not unusual for local members dent, I ask a supplementary question. It is to claim personal credit in the event of suc- interesting, considering that the state is al- cessful projects whether they be in the envi- ready involved in environmental assessment, ronment sphere or elsewhere. I do not knock for the minister to suggest that it is not at that them for that. What I do know is that some stage when the Commonwealth has indicated 6,000-odd community groups Australia wide that it will provide money. When will we got behind the Commonwealth government in know what will be the role of the Common- this program and made applications. I am wealth in environmental assessments and pleased—I am thrilled, in fact—that we have checking whether the project truly has got been able to support over 2,000 of those 168 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 programs in the first year. When you add that Senator Conroy interjecting— to the state agency programs and to other Senator HILL—No, in actual fact it seems regional programs it provides a really positive that, in relation to Tasmania, the Labor seats base for what is going to be an exciting and received double the amount that the Liberal very worthwhile project for the benefit of the seats got, but so be it. That is where the merit whole country. must have been because these were decisions It is under way. Good projects are being that were based on merit and merit alone. supported. That has been our commitment— (Time expired) that we will get good value for every taxpayer’s dollar, that we will get the most Kyoto: Climate Change Convention done on the ground as possible, that we will Senator CALVERT—My question to the try to support community groups more than Minister for the Environment relates to the has been the case in the past where these Australian government’s outstanding success grants have tended to be dominated by state at the Kyoto climate change meeting in Japan government agencies. I am sure when all late last year. Everyone here will recall the these factors are brought together we can dire predictions made by the opposition and contribute something to a long-term environ- other prophets of doom ahead of the meet- mental outcome that has been badly needed ing—that Australia’s position was flawed and by this country. that we would be isolated by the rest of the world community. Now that the Labor Party Senator CARR—I ask a supplementary and other parties have been proved absolutely question, Madam President. I take it, Minister, wrong, will you outline the benefits to the that you are asserting that Mr Entsch falsely Australian environment and economy as a claimed credit for securing these grants. If result of the government’s outstanding effort? you are not, can you clarify for us: what did Mr Entsch do in terms of contacting your Senator HILL—I thank the honourable office? Did he have any contact with your senator for the question. Again, I am a bit shy office in relation to submissions to the Natural about raising this because it does contrast Heritage Trust funding prior to the final individuals, but I remember what was said decisions being taken? If so, can you detail about Senator Faulkner in relation to this the contact he had had and the projects he matter as well. Probably other honourable was pushing? senators remember the article by Helen Trinka in the Australian of 8 April 1995 when she Senator HILL—I can pursue that. I have said Australia could have done with some of to say, Madam President, that I received many the heavy hitters of cabinet in Berlin as it submissions from politicians, community struggled to maintain its image as a sophisti- groups and all sorts of organisations, pressing cated power. That was the hand that Senator their case for particular projects. There is Faulkner passed on to the coalition govern- nothing illegitimate in that. The normal ment and, I have to say, a very difficult brief. process was that I sent them off to my depart- Nevertheless, it was taken up by the coalition ment. government which sought to achieve through Senator Ian Macdonald—Not many Labor the Kyoto process an outcome that was fair projects. and achievable to Australia, but an outcome Senator HILL—Not many from Labor, I that was good for the environment. I am have to say. I did get one last week from the pleased that we were able to achieve those shadow Minister for the Environment about goals. his disappointment in relation to one particu- What has come out of Kyoto is an outcome lar unsuccessful project. That is fine. It goes whereby developed countries will in fact be off to the department for analysis to see if a contributing to a very major reduction of technical error or something else occurred. If greenhouse gases and that should be applaud- there was a technical error, it might be ad- ed by all. Furthermore, it is a start. It will be dressed. built upon, as the Kyoto process progresses Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 169 and ultimately developing countries come on position that has meant that their jobs can be board, because you are not going to get the saved, yet we can hold our heads high that we best overall outcome until you have develop- have achieved a good environmental outcome ing countries within the loop as well as the and that Australia is making a fair and worth- developed. while contribution. In relation to the contribution that Australia Senator CALVERT—I ask a supplemen- is making, it has been agreed that Australia’s tary question, Madam President. Minister, you target by 2010 should be an increase of only are to be congratulated for your fine effort, eight per cent over 1990 levels. The projected and I have written to you about that. But increase without that commitment was about could you tell the Senate what the environ- 43 per cent. What is being expected of Aus- mental and economic consequences for tralia from an environmental challenge is, in Australia would have been if the views of the fact, something that is very considerable. In opposition had prevailed? fact, the difference between 43 per cent and eight per cent happens to be a little more than Senator HILL—I have said that the origi- what most other developed countries found nal position of the Labor Party would have that they were to commit during this process. cost 90,000 jobs. They were prepared to So it is an environmentally challenging result sacrifice 90,000 jobs to try to win the favour that we have accepted. of certain international green groups. By the time they got to the Kyoto they always took But, on the other hand, it is also a fair a position that was on the green side of the result. It means that we are not going to put government’s negotiations. It did not help, I hundreds of thousands of Australians out of might say, being prepared to go out and brief work, which was the position that the Labor the media to that effect. In fact, it got to the Party originally took. The Labor Party, of stage where they said we had been offered a course, before the negotiations at Kyoto, five per cent opportunity and our failure to actually said that our starting position should take that would be recorded as the greatest be stabilisation at 1990 levels. The advice of diplomatic failure in Australia’s history. Of DFAT was that that would cost 90,000 Aus- course, in the end we got eight per cent—a tralian jobs. The starting point! They wanted better outcome for Australian jobs. something better than that. I am not sure how many Australian jobs they were prepared to It is not surprising that they were the party sacrifice, but we know that it was in excess that resulted in a million Australians being of 90,000. By the time they got to Kyoto, the out of work. When it came to the crunch, the position had changed slightly, but with each green interest groups prevailed over Aus- step they criticised our efforts to achieve the tralian workers’ future. Contrast it to the fairest outcome for Australia that was consis- position of the union leaders—Colley, for tent with a good environmental goal. example, who went to Kyoto, who took a much more sensible and pragmatic position. I am pleased, Madam President, that we (Time expired) have achieved a good outcome for the envi- ronment. But I am also particularly pleased Natural Heritage Trust that we have been able to achieve a good outcome for Australian workers, particularly Senator CONROY—My question is direct- workers in the areas that would have been hit ed to the Minister for the Environment. the hardest: in the Hunter Valley, for exam- Minister, my question is in reference to your ple; in the— decision to fund a Natural Heritage Trust project in New South Wales, a project ranked Senator Parer—Wollongong. at only 195 and located in the seat of Warrin- Senator HILL—In the Wollongong area— gah, which is represented by Mr Tony Abbott. all of those coal areas of Australia that have How many of the 60 higher ranking rejected found it difficult in recent times. There is no projects were located in Labor-held elector- doubt about that. Their jobs were going to be ates? Will you table the notes of your depart- sacrificed by Labor. The coalition took a mental officials as to why this variation 170 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 occurred? Have you finally checked the away from that. We have set up a comprehen- records to determine if Mr Abbott made any sive system of accountability. Ultimately, we representations to you or your office regarding are accounted for by the Auditor-General and this project? so we should be. That does not embarrass us. Senator HILL—I think the information Senator Conroy—Where does Winston fit that was required to be tabled after the esti- into that level? mates committee will provide the information The PRESIDENT—Senator Conroy, this base that the honourable senator is seeking. It is your question. You should listen to the is no secret—and I have said it before—that answer. the applications from metropolitan Australia were somewhat disappointing, and I think, in Senator HILL—But some on the other side contrast— are saying that we should not just seek to achieve the outcomes that I have said. We are Senator Robert Ray interjecting— committed to getting the best value for the Senator HILL—They were disappointing taxpayer’s dollar. We are committed to in number and they were disappointing in getting the best outcome on the ground in quality. I think the explanation for that is that, terms of environmental achievement. We are not surprisingly, the community understood prepared to make the decisions that we are this to be a program that was being primarily responsible to make under the legislation. We directed at rural and regional Australia, which are not just a rubber stamp. We are not just was true. going to rubber stamp what the states say or Senator Conroy—What about the Labor even what the regional groups say. We will electorates? What about the Labor electorates stand by the judgments that we make because ahead of it? at the end of the day we know that it will Senator HILL—Furthermore, within rural start to address these weaknesses in our and regional Australia you have well struc- natural resource management system that have tured, well organised and these days really been evident for so long and that Labor quite professional landcare groups that tended disregarded for 13 years. So we accept our to put in quality applications. responsibility. Senator Conroy—How did it get on the We are proud of this program. It will grow list? and it will be even better in the future. Future generations will look back and say, ‘We’re The PRESIDENT—Senator Conroy! glad that at least one government, the coali- Senator HILL—That is a problem because tion government under Mr Howard, had the it is my view that a proportion of the money courage to tackle the real problems and to do being invested in revegetation should be it in a way that was to provide some long- invested within metropolitan areas. That might term benefits.’ be part of the explanation that the honourable senator is seeking. Natural Heritage Trust Senator Conroy—How did you move it up Senator ALLISON—My question is to the the list? Minister for the Environment. Minister, in the list of successful Natural Heritage Trust fund Senator HILL—I don’t think you are grants money has gone to projects with very listening, Senator. That might be part of the questionable environmental outcomes and explanation that you are seeking. When you often to projects which would normally be have the full detail of that list, you will be funded by other federal and state budgets. able to make that assessment, and that is fair enough. Senator Vanstone—How do you know? Senator Conroy—What about your office Senator Murphy—According to whom? records? The PRESIDENT—Order! Senators on my Senator HILL—We accept that we must be right will cease interjecting. Please continue, accountable for this process. We do not shy Senator Allison. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 171

Senator ALLISON—For example, the culture. Over time that distinction will disap- grant for the 1993 spring floods program for pear as the two strains of thought, the two urban areas of Melbourne and the numerous different cultures and the two different admin- NHT grants for levee banks and other flood istrations both at the Commonwealth level, mitigation schemes. Minister, how about the where we are making great progress, and at $46,000 for expanding cane production in the state level, where less progress is being Queensland? Isn’t it the case that there is made, are finally brought together. It is only $10.5 million available in the sugar industry when they are finally brought together that we infrastructure program of which, as I under- will, in fact, maximise the benefit from both stand it, only one-third has been spent? an ecological point of view and from an Minister, aren’t you misleading Australians economic point of view of our great natural when you say that the NHT is new money for resources in rural and regional Australia. the environment when so much is going to programs which should be funded by Senator ALLISON—Madam President, I Commonwealth and state budgets? ask a supplementary question. Minister, you referred to landcare and bushcare projects, but Senator HILL—There is a number of parts how do you explain funding going to treated to that, but it is true that we have made a real waste water on the Bright golf course? Isn’t effort to avoid filling the gap of other state or it a state or a local government responsibility Commonwealth responsibilities. Basically, we to fund the disposal of sewage waste water? have said that the Natural Heritage Trust is to Aren’t there already plenty of other golf build upon existing programs and, as I have courses doing much the same thing? Minister, said, we have made real effort to avoid cost how can you possibly stretch watering a golf shifting—I think greater effort to avoid cost course to the Natural Heritage Trust fund? shifting than has ever occurred in the past— Minister, can I suggest that we should rename and it has not pleased everyone. the NHT the ‘green cost shifting scheme’, or It is possible to analyse every application will you keep your promise to Australians that and every grant. If honourable senators want this is new money for the environment? to do that, they can do it. As I said, the Labor Party has asked for details of all 6,000 appli- Senator HILL—It is a $1.1 billion fund cations. They will, no doubt, seek to do what which is new money. We have had to sell Senator Allison has done in shorthand in this part of a Commonwealth asset to achieve that question. fund. It is a reinvestment of national capital— The honourable senator must appreciate also in that instance, capital that was obtained that this program is a partnership between through the part sale of Telstra—towards the good environmental outcomes and sustainable dual objectives that I said of better environ- agriculture. We have brought together the mental outcomes and sustainable primary objectives of seeking to build productive production. That is what this is all about. So Australia from an economic point of view clearly that is new money. with productive Australia from an ecological As I said, we are making every endeavour point of view. We have done that because we to avoid substitution for previous programs. say that the distinction is really artificial. If That is what we want to do because we would you eat into the capital of your natural re- actually like to see this fund grow to some- sources, you will ultimately eat into your thing that is larger. We want to see greater capacity to maximise your economic outcome. non-government contributions. We want to So we have drawn both streams together to see greater contributions from the states. We achieve that goal. were pleased with what we were able to I can understand that, when the honourable encourage the states to contribute in the first senator refers to landcare projects and some year, but they should know that we will be of the rivercare projects, for example, as going back to them in the future and looking opposed to bushcare projects, she will see the for them to contribute even more. Out of that traditional emphasis on the sustainable agri- we have achieved the objectives that we so 172 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 clearly set out for the Australian people. Cabinet. In addition I, like Senator Ray, was (Time expired) a bit concerned that I was not aware of this, Senator Hill—Madam President, I ask that and I had forgotten that during January I was further questions be placed on the Notice on leave. I returned to the office on 27 Janu- Paper. ary. So just to clarify it from Senator Ray’s point of view and the Senate’s point of view, ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT the relevant dates are as follows. NOTICE On 19 December, Senator Collins placed Hindmarsh Island Bridge the question on notice. On 23 December, ATSIC commenced its coordination and Senator HERRON—Yesterday in question preparation of the answer. Then on 15 Janu- time, Senator Bolkus asked me what day I ary, ATSIC liaised with PM&C and was had asked Mr Callinan QC for advice. I advised that no research subsequent to checked my diaries and it was 6 November Sweeney and Associates 1996 work had been 1996. I can confirm that the advice was given commissioned by PM&C. Then on 27 Janu- pro bono. ary, ATSIC submitted the proposed answer, Aboriginal Reconciliation as finally tabled, for my approval, and I Senator HERRON—Senator Ray asked me signed it off on 27 January on my return. a question yesterday, which I said I would Then on 30 January, Prime Minister and check, about an apparent inconsistency be- Cabinet commissioned Sweeney to undertake tween the answer on 4 February to question focus group testing. On 4 February, ATSIC No. 1050 from Senator Collins on 19 Decem- arranged lodgment of the previously approved ber and the evidence given to the Senate answer to Senator Collins’s question. So I Finance and Public Administration Legislation think that clarifies it and it illustrates once Committee last week in relation to some focus again that Senator Ray is constantly at work group testing of a possible advertisement checking the veracity of all answers given. I recently undertaken by Brian Sweeney and commend him for that. Associates. The evidence to the committee Natural Heritage Trust confirmed that Sweeney and Associates had Senator HILL—by leave—I was asked if been engaged in late January to do the focus I would table the application for grants from group testing, whereas the answer on 4 the Yallobup Creek catchment, which I will. February to Senator Collins’s question indi- I do not have it with me, so I have asked for cated that no opinion research of any kind on it to be brought in. I saw it for the first time reconciliation or other issues had been under- this morning after I called for it when I read taken since previous work by Sweeney and that little piece in the Canberra Times. Associates in 1996. By way of explanation, the secretary of the I would also like to correct yesterday’s group, as referred to in the application, was Hansard. It said I first became aware of it a Dianne Crane. I asked of her. She apparent- when I was asked this question at estimates. ly is a sister-in-law of Senator Winston Crane. What I had said was ‘when the question was She had a different property. She had clearly asked in estimates’. It was not asked of me, been involved in the catchment group because as Senator Ray knows, because I was not she signed as secretary of the group. present at that estimates. Senator Faulkner—It gets murkier and The reason for the apparent inconsistency murkier. is that Sweeney and Associates was engaged between the time the proposed answer was Senator HILL—Listen. She sold her submitted for my approval and the time the property, I am instructed, before the applica- approved answer was tabled. The agency tion was assessed. So she does not gain any handling the answer, that is ATSIC, was not benefit either. the same as the agency handling Sweeney’s Honourable senators will see from the engagement, that is the Prime Minister and application that there is also a page of signa- Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 173 tories of each of the families that supported The PRESIDENT—Leave is not granted the application. These are the families in the at this time. It will be granted after taking catchment group. There is one signature—N. note of answers. Crane. I sought further information of that, and I understand that it is believed to be the Natural Heritage Trust daughter-in-law of Senator Winston Crane. Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— As I said in my answer today, Senator Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (3.08 Crane in relation to his family did not seek p.m.)—I move: funding and is not getting funding. He did not That the Senate take note of the answer given by at all relevant times know that the application the Minister for the Environment (Senator Hill) to had even been made by this longstanding a question without notice asked by Senator community group. I obtained a brief statement Faulkner today, relating to the principals of the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. from the Secretary-Treasurer of the Yallobup Creek Catchment Group Inc. which corrobo- It is clear from a search of the company rates what I have just said and I will table records of the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. that at that in conjunction with the application least 17 members of the Baillieu family are agreement. involved or have been involved with the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. or associated com- Senator Crane—Madam President— panies. It is also true that most of those The PRESIDENT—I call Senator Crane. associated companies use the same registered Senator Faulkner—Madam President, I company address as the Woodhouse Pastoral seek leave— Co., which is 360 Collins Street, Melbourne. The PRESIDENT—Are you seeking leave It is also true that Mr John Madden Baillieu on the same matter? is one of the four current directors of the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. I might say that Senator Faulkner—No, I am not seeking Who’s Who also identifies him as the Chair- leave, I am taking note of an answer. man of EL&C Baillieu Ltd which donated The PRESIDENT—I have not called to $50,500 to the Liberal Party in the past two take note of answers yet. years. There was a donation of $20,500 to the Senator Faulkner—Madam President, on Victorian division in 1996, a donation of a point of order: as you are aware, it is $20,000 nationally in 1996 and a donation of normal for you to call for taking note of $10,000 to the Victorian division in 1997. A answers. It is unusual, but not improper, for total of $50,500 was donated by the chairman the leader or for a minister to receive the of this company who is one of the four call—Senator Hill sought leave and it was current directors of the Woodhouse Pastoral granted; and that is a normal course of action. Co. But this is a government backbencher, and I Do not forget it is just a coincidence that really think the Leader of the Opposition the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. was one of those ought be accorded the courtesy of receiving successful grants that was accepted after this the call. extraordinary process where, apparently, a The PRESIDENT—He would be in rela- member of Senator Hill’s office staff—but tion to taking note of answers. I do not even Senator Hill today has taken responsibility— know what Senator Crane is seeking the call directed the Department of the Environment about at this stage, and he would probably to look again at the Victorian regional assess- need leave to do it in any event. Senator ment panel process and, as a result of that, Crane? three grants were approved. One of those grants was to the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. Senator Crane—Madam President, I seek leave to make a personal explanation. Two other persons associated with the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. also list their indi- The PRESIDENT—Is leave granted? vidual addresses at 360 Collins Street, Mel- Senator Faulkner—After taking note. bourne: Mr Maurice Howard Lawrence 174 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Baillieu, a previous director, and Mr Richard The Labor Party are not interested in the Percy Clive Baillieu, the current secretary. environment. They are determined to bring Not only was $50,500 donated by EL&C down the Natural Heritage Trust and all the Baillieu—and I have talked about the princi- good things that it has done for the environ- pals of that company—to the Liberal Party ment because, in 13 years, they could not do but also, extraordinarily enough, the same a thing for it. They judge everyone by the director of the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. made way they act. They remember the Centenary a personal donation, according to the returns House fiasco. Centenary House, the Labor we have available from the AEC, of $2,400 Party headquarters, was given by their in 1995. government a guaranteed rental. For how long? Ten years, Senator Ray? It was for ten You do not have to be a genius mathemati- years with a 15 per cent increase on rental— cian to be able to add $2,400 to $50,500. Lo and you talk about this sort of smear! and behold, what does it add up to? The amount of $52,900. What was the grant given The Labor Party are used to doing this. You to the Woodhouse Pastoral Co. through know how it is done. Your government was Senator Hill’s shonky process? What was the full of this sort of campaign. You transferred value of the grant? It was $52,900. When I money to the Labor Party, transferred money found this out, I thought it was just a balan- to the union movement and then got them to cing item for the Liberal Party. donate it back to you. Just because you did that, just because that is your way of doing The reason this grant was agreed to by the things, that does not mean to say that the Commonwealth government is that Senator Democrats do it that way, the Greens do it Hill’s office instructed the department to rejig that way, the National Party do it that way or the process. Three grants were approved the Liberal Party do it that way. You may do through that reassessment process directed by it that way, but we do not. Do not judge Senator Hill’s office, and one of them was the others by yourselves. Baillieu family Woodhouse Pastoral Co. Having said that, I know Senator Ray and grant. Senator Faulkner have received a direct and We want to know from Senator Hill—he personal benefit from the Natural Heritage refused to answer in question time but he has Trust—in fact, so has every senator in this taken responsibility—who in his office direct- chamber. That is because the Natural Heritage ed this department to do this and when those Trust goes about doing things for the ecology, particular directions were made. We want to for the environment. It will end up giving us know what the full details are about the better clean air, better rivers, purer water— Baillieu grant as well as discussions between Senator Carr—Oh yes; clean air! Senator Hill’s office and his department about Senator IAN MACDONALD—the sorts of the Baillieu grant prior to the department’s things we all take advantage of. We all take recommendation that it be approved. We want a direct and personal advantage from that. to know about those representations and we That is what the Natural Heritage Trust is all want to know as soon as possible. (Time about: $1.25 billion is being put into the expired) environment to make your air cleaner, Senator Senator IAN MACDONALD (Queens- Carr. To clean up the air around your mouth land—Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister would take a lot of money, but we are pre- for the Environment) (3.14 p.m.)—Another pared to do that with $1.25 billion. low point in the Labor Party’s smear cam- Every senator—in fact, every person in paign in this particular chamber. Not only do Australia—receives a direct and personal they continue to smear the Baillieu family but benefit from the Natural Heritage Trust. There they also smear Senator Crane and then will have been all these allegations of favouritism. not even give him permission to reply to As has been pointed out, it was the New those smears. That is the sort of action we get South Wales government that wanted more from the Labor Party. money for the Murray-Darling scheme and, I Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 175 understand, some electorates that are repre- sentative on their regional assessment panel sented very well in this parliament by the in this case. No-one has told us that. If they Deputy Prime Minister. It was the New South did, they were there to give advice about Wales government that asked for that money. eligibility. But what a great coincidence that There have been a lot of allegations of a Victoria is the main concentration of a reas- process. The Labor Party were in the chamber sessment of rejected grants. Who started this when this parliament dealt with the Natural process? It was certainly not the department Heritage Trust Bill. That bill requires the because, if you go to page 56 of Mr ministers or the board—which comprises the Campbell’s evidence, it says: Minister for the Environment and the Minister The question is: did you give advice to Senator Hill for Primary Industries and Energy—to make to re-examine the status of these grants prior to him decisions on these things. The bill did not say or a staff member asking you to re-examine them? that some group in the north of Queensland Mr Campbell’s response: or some group in the west of Victoria should No. make decisions on behalf of this government. So the initiative came from the minister’s Senator Hill and Mr Anderson were given that office, not on the direct advice of the depart- specific power. On the allegations that there ment. It came from Senator Hill’s staff mem- is some want of process, the chairman of the ber, apparently without reference to Senator Natural Heritage Trust Board, Sir James Hill. You do delegate authority—I understand Hardy, said: that—but it seems that, for some reason, one I can’t believe, given the number of assessment of Senator Hill’s staffers got the bright idea, panels that applications must pass through, that it ‘Why don’t we reassess all these ones in this can be ‘green barrelling’. particular area?’ So they reassessed 147 and, I will go further and repeat what the conser- lo and behold, suddenly three make it back vation groups across Australia said. They onto the list. We do not know what contact released a letter to the Commonwealth there was between Senator Hill’s office and Minister for the Environment, Senator Hill, the department to discuss this particular and Mr Anderson which endorses the inter- process. vention of the Commonwealth Natural Heri- It is not smearing to say that a lot of the tage Trust Board in the assessment of project members of Woodhouse are members of the applications. They endorsed the decision taken Liberal Party. It is not smearing to say they by the Commonwealth and HT board to be a share the same office building at 360 Collins joint decision maker with the states in restruc- Street with a whole range of other integrated turing the assessment panel. The Queensland companies. It is not smearing to say that the Conservation Council also praised Senator directors of Woodhouse and the company that Hill and Mr Anderson for their assessment made the large donation to the Liberal Party and their choice of projects. are one and the same. So it is of no use for This is just another part of the campaign by Senator Hill to say that the person that man- the Labor Party. They are not interested in the ages this is not in the Liberal Party—I accept environment. They are annoyed and enraged that—but a whole range of the others are. Of by the fact that this coalition government is all the great coincidences in the world, we the only government in history that has been were very puzzled when we added up the prepared to put such a major financial invest- donation. We kept coming up short. It was ment into the environment. (Time expired) paid out at poker machine levels only. You Senator ROBERT RAY (Victoria) (3.19 put in $20,500 to the Victorian branch, you p.m.)—This particular matter comes under whacked another $20,000 up to the federal interest because it did not go through the secretariat here, then you plonked another ten normal processes; this particular grant we are grand in the Victorian branch and it comes to talking about did not come through the $50,500. normal processes. We do not even know to Well, what happened to the $2,400? This this day whether the department had a repre- puzzled us for hours today. How come they 176 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 did not get a full payout? Mugs—we are munity groups that range from very important mugs. We forgot to search the individual and large groups right down to schoolchil- donations. So we found the person that paid dren. When you consider that only 1.17 per the cheques for the $50,500 in the individual cent of the Australian land mass is now held donations. It does not say much for my by the Labor Party it is not surprising that the comments about Senator Calvert the other greatest amount of money under the Natural day—he is a nearby neighbour of mine. I will Heritage Trust has gone to coalition elector- not put the person’s address on the record, but ates. I will put his name: and that is J.M. Baillieu. The key points need to be made that 95 per He fronts up for $2,400. When you add that cent of the funds have gone to 99 per cent of to the $50,500, that is exactly the same Australia; that the state assessment panels amount as the grant this mob got. recommended that over 90 per cent of funds What a great payout! You knock off one should go to rural areas and that is precisely per cent in blackjack, five per cent in roulette, where the money has gone; that close scrutiny 13 per cent in poker machines, 15 per cent in given to projects by the ministerial board did the TAB and 41 per cent in Lotto. But the not make any difference to the political good old Liberal Party pays out at 100 per distribution of grants, but did result in more cent every time. The $52,900 you stick in you projects going to community groups for on- get back. You only get it back, provided there ground works and less going to state govern- has been interference from the minister’s ment bureaucracies; and lastly, that the Aus- office to make sure the particular grant is re- tralian environment movement has endorsed established after it fell at the first hurdle of the ministerial board’s close scrutiny given to the race—with the regional assessment panel the projects recommended by the state assess- which had ruled it ineligible. But it is put ment panel. back in by big hitters in the Liberal Party. As the duty senator for the New South No wonder we have got questions about Wales rural seats of Calare and Hunter, I am coincidence in this. It is not McCarthyism or really pleased with the generous allocation of smear; all the links are there. They are there natural heritage funding to these electorates. for anyone to see who wants to walk down I am very proud the government has kept its and have a look in 360 Collins Street—as we promise to make that commitment to regional had someone have a look this afternoon—at areas in Australia. all the interconnected companies there. It was In the seat of Calare, which is held by an $52,900 into the Liberal Party, $52,900 out. independent, Peter Andren, over $1.5 million I think they picked that figure for the grant of was allocated under the fund, and with more $52,900 to rub all our noses in it. It was an to come. And I do not believe that people in insider’s joke to set it at that particular level Bathurst and in the regional areas of Lith- because none of us would ever catch on to it. gow—areas which received $200,000 each for Well, we have caught onto it and you are not their flood mitigation schemes—would be- going to rub our noses in it. It is a very sick lieve that there was any rort in the allocation joke to have that exact figure. of these grants. Far from it: they would agree Senator SANDY MACDONALD (New that this money had been properly spent in South Wales) (3.24 p.m.)—I wish to take note the interests of all Australians. of the question asked by Senator Faulkner of In his recent newspaper column, Joel Senator Hill on the Natural Heritage Trust. Fitzgibbon, who holds the Hunter electorate The Natural Heritage Trust is the greatest for the Labor Party, alleged that Labor elec- financial commitment that has ever been made torates were awarded an average of $94,325. by a government to the environment in Well, he has very little to complain about, Australia’s history. The $1.25 billion will be because his electorate received around used for landcare, for bushcare, for rivercare, $330,000 for 11 community projects. He a commitment to land and conservation for cannot take very much credit for this alloca- the Murray-Darling catchment, and for com- tion of funds. They have been granted to very Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 177 major projects in restoration of mines but also before. The question is whether it should have right down to the very lowest level of school- been coming out of existing federal and state children in primary schools who wished to budgets. take an interest in their local stream or com- The minister says that Landcare and munity. bushcare projects will merge and somehow It is a terrifically broad-based allocation of improve the economy. I am not here today to funds. It is in the interests of all of us and we analyse those projects, as he suggests, or to are very pleased to be able to do it, because make any judgments about the value of those it will be something that goes on, right into individual projects. The questions are: do we the next century and beyond. It is an area of have a problem here with cost shifting with government expenditure which everybody the states? Do we have money coming out of agrees is important. the fund and being used for projects when It really does not stand any question about there is other Commonwealth money around why the funds are going to regional areas which could and should be used for that because, as I said before, the Labor Party now purpose? hold only three regional seats out of 40 in The original proposal for the NHT was for regional Australia and they cover 1.17 per additional money, and that was to be spent on cent of the Australian land mass. There has top of existing environmental funding. It is not been any whiteboard. It might be very patently clear that this promise of the hard for the Labor Party to believe this, government’s has been broken. This is despite because I know the way they operated in the Democrats asking the government to government. We have spent the money where prove, over the passage of the legislation, that it is needed. We do not believe the leafy this was the case. Despite our repeated re- suburbs of Sydney or the parks of Melbourne quests for the minister to prove this in esti- are areas where NHT money should be spent. mates over two years, the government has It should be spent in regional Australia, and never been able to show that it has spent one that is where it has been. extra cent; in fact, it appears to be spending The sale of Telstra has enabled this govern- far less than it previously did. It also appears ment to tackle the big environmental prob- that money is going to pork-barrel coalition lems. No other Australian government has seats, which, obviously, can only be called done that. It has done that in a way which has into question. provided a win-win situation for investors Returning to those projects which ought to who took out a share of Telstra and also for have been funded elsewhere: the purpose of the community at large in the way the money the 1993 spring floods program in my home has been spent on the environment. It is in the state of Victoria is to carry out flood strat- interests of everybody in the city and in the egies for urban areas in Melbourne following country to solve the big problems of the the 1993 spring floods. Why is the NHT environment. Farmers, landcare groups and being used? Why isn’t it an urban water rural communities have waited years for this program? Why isn’t it the responsibility of money. (Time expired) Melbourne Water, which normally looks after Senator ALLISON (Victoria) (3.29 p.m.)— such flood mitigation projects? Why is the Obviously, there are serious problems and Commonwealth involved at all, when its questions to be answered surrounding the budget statements say that there will be processes related to the trust fund. Today, the reduced capital works activities in these areas Democrats raise what we think are important and, in particular, those ones that are support- questions about how this money is being ing the infrastructure and sewage treatment spent. The Minister for the Environment projects? These are the projects which pri- (Senator Hill) says that it is new money marily are undertaken by state and territory because no-one has spent it before, which is government agencies. an extraordinarily disingenuous response to Why is money going into property manage- my question. Of course, no-one has spent it ment plans like the farmsmart property man- 178 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 agement campaigns to focus on farming as a major environmental concerns that face business, or the Cattlemen’s Union with a Australia. In addressing our continent’s land quarter of a million dollars over four years for and water degradation crisis, Labor failed. In the so-called ‘future profits’ program? Isn’t it fixing Australia’s rising water tables, salinity, the case that there is other money available soil erosion and noxious weeds, Labor failed. for agribusiness programs? I do not question In preventing the spread of feral animals, the value of these projects. I am simply Labor failed. In addressing the increasing saying that there is other money available problem of toxic blue-green algae, Labor which should have been used for them. failed. In addressing the major environmental What about the $46,000 for expanding the issues facing this nation, Labor failed— cane production areas in Queensland? Isn’t it absolutely failed. the case that $10½ million is available in the Senator Chris Evans—Turn the page! sugar industry infrastructure program and that only one-third of that so far has been spent? Senator FERRIS—I hope you are listen- Why is it, when there are other programs ing, Senator Evans. We now know there was being funded that seem eminently more no memorial whiteboard because, if there had suitable for these sorts of programs, that been, it would have been as big as a tennis money is coming out of the NHT? court to have held all the items that former minister Kelly claimed to have put on it. Here is another one: water to put waste water on the Bright golf course. This is The Natural Heritage Trust is a genuine something I mentioned in my question. How attempt to address Australia’s real environ- can the government possibly justify that? Is mental problems. The major environmental the government going to use NHT to water groups recognised the quality of the Natural golf courses right around Australia? Is this Heritage Trust package when they responded what we will be looking at in the future? to the policy in the lead-up to the election. When endorsing the coalition’s environmental The Democrats, including my colleagues policy, Jim Downey of the Australian Conser- Senator John Woodley, Senator Meg Lees and vation Foundation said, ‘We welcome the fact me, have tried and tried to get some sense out that the coalition regards the environment as of this government over this whole question. a core policy issue for Australia.’ Mr Downey We asked hundreds of questions last year and described the Natural Heritage Trust at that this year in estimates. Those questions, by time by saying, ‘There’s no doubt that it’s the and large, have gone unanswered. In fact, the best policy the coalition has ever put for- minister admitted during estimates that he had ward.’ no way of knowing what the state govern- ments had spent in the previous year on Opposition senators interjecting— environment programs and no way of know- Senator FERRIS—Perhaps you might like ing whether their spending had been reduced. to go and ask him. He works with Senator (Time expired) Allison. Alex Marr of the Wilderness Society Senator FERRIS (South Australia) (3.34 also made positive comments about the p.m.)—I rise to speak to the motion to take Natural Heritage Trust. He described it as an note of the answers given today on the Natu- excellent environmental package that put the ral Heritage Trust by Senator Hill. What has ALP’s policy in the shade. been lost today and also in question time Even John Faulkner recognised how good yesterday in the opposition’s and, sadly, the it was because he, as minister at the time, Democrats’ desperate search for the 1998 prepared for Paul Keating a launch of Labor’s equivalent of the Ros Kelly memorial white- second-rate equivalent of the Natural Heritage board and the slush fund that went with it is Trust, the Our Land package. But there was the coalition’s real and genuine concern for one thing your former leader got right, Sena- issues improving our environment. tor Faulkner. Paul Keating said that land and By any measure, the Labor Party failed water rehabilitation was the most dramatic, disastrously to make any real difference to the single response needed to address this Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 179 country’s environmental problems. In fact, in Senator Chris Evans—Senator Hill said that policy package that Senator Faulkner one per cent. prepared for Mr Keating, Labor promised Senator CRANE—No, he did not. He was special funding for the Murray-Darling river talking about something totally different. The system—one of Australia’s most important next point I want to make—and this is where environmental issues. people get it so wrong so often—is that We have recognised this problem and we people do not understand the process. When have delivered with action and not the meas- the applications went out—they were sent out ly, empty words that we heard in this place by the local committee—my son, who now yesterday and today directed at our environ- runs the property, did not respond. We did ment. Our Murray-Darling Basin 2001 scheme not put in any application whatsoever for is worth more than $150 million and includes funding. If you had listened to carefully to 31 separate projects in South Australia that Senator Hill’s explanation, you would have will try to fix this environmental problem got that. If you can read and you read the which, to use Mr Keating’s words, is a mas- letter on the table, you will get it twice. Also, sive problem for this country. our property will receive no funding whatso- Labor senators in South Australia know ever from the Natural Heritage Trust. why the Labor party electorates in South I also want to put on the record—and Australia do not have the major funding in Senator Murray would know this—that I our state: because there are not any Labor doubt whether there is one rural politician in seats in South Australia’s regional areas. Western Australia, Labor or Liberal, in state South Australia did not choose Labor repre- or federal electorates, who does not come sentatives in their rural and regional elector- within a catchment area. Our state is virtually ates, and that is where there is funding in our all covered by catchment areas. That is a fact state: more than 300 other projects worth of life and it is because we are so far ahead. more than $16 million have been approved All the work that we have done, we have and more than half a million dollars for one funded ourselves. Because this portion of our project alone is going to address salinity. property is at the source of East Yallobup (Time expired) Creek, the work we will do and are doing, The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—Order! The and paying for out of our own pocket, will time for the debate has expired. benefit everybody else down the creek just as much as it benefits us. It is a community Question resolved in the affirmative. program. Even though I am a senator in this PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS place, we are paying for our part in that catchment area. Senator CRANE (Western Australia)—I seek leave to make a personal explanation I would like to give another explanation in regarding the slurs that were made against terms of Dianne Crane, my sister-in-law, who myself and my family during question time. was the secretary of the committee. She has been secretary of the committee for close to Leave granted. 10 years. I am not sure whether she has been Senator CRANE—I would like to put the secretary since its inception. She continued to record absolutely straight and clear in terms work on this application with the full know- of the charges that have been laid across this ledge that they had sold their property— chamber without any foundation. The first settlement was on 28 June—and she kept point is that it is absolutely true that approxi- going. This slur that is thrown across this mately one-tenth of our property falls in the place that somebody who contributes to Yallobup catchment area. improving the environment, improving land degradation, restoring remnant vegetation and Senator Chris Evans—One-tenth? looking after the natural animals is absolutely Senator CRANE—About one-tenth; 240 outrageous, ludicrous, ridiculous and totally hectares out of 2,400. unfair. 180 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Senator Knowles—That’s what they did to slur, that rubbish, that nonsense—I could use Senator Panizza. other words—the better. Senator CRANE—Yes, it is the same as ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT what happened to Senator Panizza. Those NOTICE opposite should be hanging their heads in shame, particularly over that comment which Natural Heritage Trust Senator Schacht withdrew today. Senator HILL (South Australia—Minister for the Environment)—I table the documents The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—Order! This that I said I would table. is a personal explanation and not a debate. Senator CRANE—I know, but I am enti- PETITIONS tled to respond to the particularly points that The Clerk—Petitions have been lodged for were made here today and I am doing that. In presentation as follows: particular I am responding to that slur that East Timor was made. To the Honourable the President and Members of My most vehement comments, however, go the Senate in the Parliament assembled. to the new Leader of the Democrats (Senator The Petition of the undersigned draws to the Lees). For her to ask that question and make attention of the Senate Indonesia’s continued denial that slur on my role as chair of that commit- of human rights to the people of East Timor. tee, when she had heard the answer from Your Petitioners ask the Senate to call on the Senator Hill, saying that we did not respond Australian Government to: to an application and were not to get any 1. actively support all United Nations resolutions funding, and then to try to continue that line and initiatives on East Timor; really puts her right back down in the depths 2. actively support the right to self-determination with the defector who has moved over to your of the people of East Timor; side of the chamber—Senator Kernot. 3. work for the immediate release of all Timorese political prisoners; I know that Senator Woodley did not support that question. I also know—because 4. repeal the Timor Gap Treaty; and Senator Woodley and I have worked on the 5. stop all military cooperation and commercial landcare inquiry, as have some members on military activity with Indonesia. the other side—that he believes, as I know, by Senator Bourne (from 135 citizens). that my credentials on landcare are absolutely Landmines clean, beyond reproach and, I suggest, in front To the Honourable the President and Members of of anybody’s in either chamber of this parlia- the Senate in the Parliament assembled. ment—and that record goes back to 1976. I The Petition of the undersigned draws to the am very offended that these people did not attention of the Senate the Australian Government’s check the facts before they came out with this hesitation in signing the Ottawa Treaty to ban the slander. You can have a go at me, but when production, sale, stockpiling, transfer and use of you involve my family, that is quite another landmines. thing. Your petitioners ask the Senate to call on the Australian Government to: Senator Patterson—They did it to Panizza and never apologised. 1. actively support the Ottawa process 2. immediately sign the Ottawa Treaty to ban Senator CRANE—I know they did it to landmines. Senator Panizza. The correct thing to do now by Senator Bourne (from 43 citizens). is for them to have the guts and the decency to stand up in this place and apologise and Uranium acknowledge that there is not one cent of To the Honourable the President and Members of funding coming. When it comes to the Demo- the Senate in the Parliament assembled. crats, the sooner John Woodley or Andrew The petition of the undersigned strongly opposes Murray takes them over and we get rid of that any attempts by the Australian government to mine Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 181 uranium at the Jabiluka and Koongara sites in the Gender Identity World Heritage Listed Area of the Kakadu National To the Honourable the President and Members of Park or any other proposed or current operating the Senate in the Parliament assembled: site. The petition of the undersigned shows: That Your petitioners ask that the Senate oppose any Australian citizens oppose social, legal and eco- intentions by the Australian government to support nomic discrimination against people on the basis of the nuclear industry via any mining, enrichment their sexuality or transgender identity and that such and sale of uranium. discrimination is unacceptable in a democratic by Senator Bartlett (from 1,131 citizens) society. and Your petitioners request that the Senate should: pass the Australian Democrats Bill to make it Senator Bourne (from nine citizens). unlawful to discriminate or vilify on the basis of sexuality or transgender identify so that such Native Title discrimination or vilification be open to redress at To the Honourable President and Members of the a national level. Senate: by Senator Bartlett (from 240 citizens). This petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the Senate the need to Nursing Homes continue to allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait To the Honourable the President and Members of Islander people, who wish to claim native title, the the Senate in Parliament assembled: right to access legal aid outside of the Representa- tive Bodies established under the Native Title Act. We the undersigned pensioners and citizens of Australia hereby call upon the Australian Govern- To force Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ment to cancel the current charges for entry into a claimants to seek funding from so-called represen- nursing home by frail aged peoples of Australia. tative bodies is oppressive and may result in breach We point out that over many years the Private of their human rights. Nursing Home Industry has distributed large profits Your petitioners request the Senate to refuse to to shareholders, neglecting the need to upgrade pass the amendment 183(4)(a) which would remove buildings and facilities. We further call upon the the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Government to publish the profits of the Private claimants to seek legal aid for their native title Nursing Home Industry, before tax, over the past claims from the Attorney-General’s department five years. independently of and without interference from Your petitioners therefore ask the Senate to representative bodies. direct the Government to provide a system that And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever ensures that frail aged Australians be free from the pray. stress and strains of the huge environmental changes of lifestyle in entering a nursing home and by Senator Bourne (from 12 citizens). the uncertainty of a better quality of life in their twilight years. And your petitioners as in duty Australian Broadcasting Corporation bound will ever pray. To the Honourable the President and Members of by Senator McKiernan (from 13 citizens). the Senate in the Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned recognises the Sydney Airport vital role of a strong and comprehensive Australian To the Honourable the President and Members of Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and asks that: the Senate in the Parliament assembled. 1. Coalition Senators honour their 1996 election The petition of the undersigned shows: promise, namely that "The Coalition will (a) a proposal has been made by the Department maintain existing levels of Commonwealth of Transport to build a major no-curfew funding to the ABC". international airport in Sydney’s western 2. The Senate votes to maintain the existing role suburbs; of the ABC as a fully independent, publicly (b) airports and attendant infrastructure are a funded and publicly owned organisation. major source of air and noise pollution; 3. The Senate oppose any weakening of the (c) Western Sydney already suffers from the worst Charter of the ABC. air pollution in Australia; by Senator Bartlett (from five citizens) and (d) an additional airport in the Sydney airshed will only serve to greatly increase such pollution; Senator Bourne (from 99 citizens). and 182 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(e) an airport in Sydney’s west will harm the This petition of citizens of Australia draws to the lifestyle and wellbeing of citizens living and attention of the Senate our desire to see a meaning- working within the Sydney airshed. ful and just reconciliation brought about between Your petitioners therefore request that the Senate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the not pass any bill which would lead to the construc- broader community. tion of any new airport within the Sydney airshed. I support the process of Aboriginal Reconcili- by Senator Bourne (from 84 citizens). ation and therefore request that the Senate: Support the historic Mabo and Wik decisions to Multilateral Agreement on Investment ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander To the Honourable the President and Members of people have a right to use their traditional lands the Senate in the Parliament assembled. under Native Title by upholding the Native Title Act; The Petition of the undersigned draws to the attention of the Senate, the deleterious effects of Acknowledge that the forced removal of Aborigi- the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. nal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, land and communities was wrong, Your petitioners ask the Senate to call on the apologise and fully respond to the continuing Australian Government to: consequences through reparation and compensa- 1. Make available the draft text of the Agree- tion; ment Fully implement recommendations of the Royal 2. Make a public statement about its intentions Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody; with regard to the signing of the MAI, Formulate through consultation with the people detailing the beneficiaries of the Agreement, a new preamble to the Federal Constitution and and accountability measures for all corpo- those of the States which recognises the prior rations ownership and occupation of the land by indigen- 3. Not sign the MAI unless substantial amend- ous Australians; and ment is made, including the observance of Vote to change the date of Australia Day to a international agreements including environ- date which all Australians can celebrate. ment, labour, health and safety and human rights standards by Senator Calvert (from 31 citizens). 4. Extend the deadline for signing the MAI to Public Sector Superannuation Scheme enable full and proper public consultations to be held To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled: by Senator Calvert (from three citizens). The Petition of the undersigned wish to draw to Child Care the attention of the Senate the proposed closure of the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme to new To the Honourable the President and Members of employees from 1 July, 1998. the Senate assembled in Parliament: Your petitioners believe The petition of the undersigned parents and friends of Woodvale Child Centre in Western the closure is unfair to new employees who Australia draws to the attention of the Senate that will have fewer and less beneficial options for the Federal Government is seeking to link accredi- superannuation tation to eligibility for Childcare Assistance and in the closure will undermine the medium and the opinion of your petitioners this link will only long term viability of both the PSS and CSS for lead to higher fees for parents and no guarantee for current employees improvement in quality of care for children. We the closure is a clear breach of government know that quality care cannot be legislated for—it policy to maintain separate superannuation comes from the heart. Please help us help our arrangements for the public sector and of the children. Prime Minister’s commitment not to cut super- Your petitioners therefore request the Senate to annuation for prospective public sector employ- reject accreditation being linked to Childcare ees. Assistance. Your petitioners request that the Senate should: by Senator Lees (from 4,218 citizens). reject proposals to close the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) to new employees Aboriginal Reconciliation and continue to ensure that both current and To the Honourable President of the Senate and future employees of the Commonwealth maintain Members of the Senate assembled in Parliament access to the current scheme. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 183 by Senator Calvert (from 14 citizens). (b) calls on the Australian Government to raise with the Indonesian Government, the Indo- East Timor nesian Government’s need to address calls To the Honourable the President and Members of for reforms in Indonesia’s political, social, the Senate in Parliament assembled: legal and institutional life, as recommended by Indonesia’s own national human rights The petition of the undersigned draws to the commission; attention of the Senate Indonesia’s continued illegal occupation of East Timor and its refusal to grant (c) is aware that Indonesian non-government the right of self-determination to the people of East organisations are monitoring the human Timor since its invasion of that country in 1975. rights situation in Indonesia, especially at this time; and Your petitioners ask the Senate to call on the Australian Government to rescind recognition of (d) calls on the Government to include in Indonesian sovereignty over East Timor, so that: Australia’s contribution to the International Monetary Fund rescue package provisions (1) Australia’s position will accord with the for the economic reforms to be comple- position of the U.N. General Assembly and mented by democratising the rule of law, by the U.N. Security Council greater government accountability and by (2) Australia will no longer be in violation of respect for human rights in that country. International Law Investment and Financial Services (3) Australia will be able to work productively towards self-determination for East Timor Senator SANDY MACDONALD (New as required by the International Court of South Wales)—I give notice that, on the next Justice day of sitting, I shall move: (4) Australia will take an important step to- That the Senate— wards helping resolve a situation of unre- mitting human rights abuses, dispossession (a) notes: and injustice. (i) the formation of the Investment and by Senator Calvert (from 15 citizens). Financial Services Association of Austral- ia (IFSA) to represent investment and Petitions received. financial service providers, and NOTICES OF MOTION (ii) that IFSA members satisfy the investment management superannuation, managed Economics Legislation Committee investments needs of the Australian community; Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Austral- (b) observes that IFSA members hold assets of ia)—On behalf of Senator Jacinta Collins, I more than $400 billion on behalf of more give notice that, on the next day of sitting, than nine million Australians; she shall move: (c) acknowledges that IFSA has a charter That the time for the presentation of the reports committed to increasing national savings of the Economics References Committee on and investments; promoting Australian industry and on whether a (d) recognises that good public policy on na- new reactor should be built to replace the High tional savings, investment, superannuation Flux Australian Reactor be extended to 29 June and life insurance can create tangible and 1998. lasting economic and social benefits for the Indonesia Australian community; and (e) congratulates IFSA for having in its consti- Senator BOURNE (New South Wales)—I tution a goal to uphold high levels of securi- give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I ty, market integrity and transparency by shall move: adopting industry standards and engaging in That the Senate— self- and co-regulation. (a) is concerned with the growing social and ORDER OF BUSINESS civil unrest in Indonesia, particularly in the lead up to the presidential election to be Introduction of Legislation held during the People’s Consultative As- sembly in the fortnight beginning 1 March Motion (by Senator Bourne, at the request 1998; of Senator Woodley) agreed to: 184 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

That general business notice of motion No. 872 COMMITTEES standing in his name for today, relating to the introduction of the Labelling of Foods (Identifica- Economics Legislation Committee tion of Countries Involved in the Value-Adding Motion (by Senator Calvert, at the request Process) Bill 1997, be postponed until Tuesday, 24 March. of Senator Ferguson) agreed to: That the Economics Legislation Committee be Multilateral Agreement on Investment authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on 5 March 1998, from 3 pm Motion (by Senator Margetts) agreed to: to 5 pm, to take evidence from Professor Fels as part of the committee’s examination of additional That general business notice of motion No. estimates. 927 standing in my name, relating to the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, be KATHERINE FLOODS postponed until Thursday, 5 March. Senator CALVERT (Tasmania)—On Certain Government Accountability behalf of Senator Tambling, I move: Matters Committee That notice of motion No. 924 standing in his name, relating to the recent flooding at Katherine, Motion (by Senator Chris Evans, at the Northern Territory, be taken as formal. request of Senator Faulkner) agreed to: Senator Chris Evans—I object. Senator That general business notice of motion No. 931 Calvert indicated to the whips that he was not standing in his name, relating to the establishment going to ask for formality. of a select committee to be known as the Select Senator CALVERT—Everybody I asked Committee for an Inquiry into Certain Government said it was okay. Accountability Matters, be postponed until the next day of sitting. Senator Chris Evans—You did not ask me. Multilateral Agreement on Investment Senator CALVERT—My office checked Motion (by Senator Bourne, at the request with your office. of Senator Lees) agreed to: Senator Faulkner—On a point of order, as I heard Senator Tambling give the notice of That general business notice of motion No. 925 motion, I think it probably would be accept- standing in her name for today, relating to the reference of a matter to the Joint Standing Commit- able to the opposition but there are the ordi- tee on Treaties—consequences for Australia arising nary courtesies here. Can I ask Senator from the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, be Calvert in this circumstance, given that this is postponed until Thursday, 5 March. likely to be acceptable around the chamber, to postpone this notice of motion until the Multilateral Agreement on Investment next day of sitting? I am sure we can deal Motion (by Senator Bourne) agreed to: with it then. Senator CALVERT—On the point of That general business notices of motion Nos 928 order: my clerk contacted all offices of all and 933 standing in my name for today, relating to the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, be parties and it was okay with every office. The postponed until Thursday, 5 March. only person she could not contact was Senator Harradine, but I will postpone it, nevertheless. Consideration of Legislation Senator Faulkner—If I just have a quick Motion (by Senator Bourne, at the request look at it, it might be okay. of Senator Lees) agreed to: Senator Chris Evans—On the point of order: I want to make it clear that this is That general business notice of motion No. 930 normally fine. But at the whips meeting standing in her name for today, relating to the further consideration by the House of Representa- Senator Calvert indicated that they were not tives of the Native Title Amendment Bill 1997 and proceeding with the matter, and that was my the Public Service Bills, be postponed until Mon- last advice. All I am doing is indicating that day, 9 March. we would like a day so we can consider it, Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 185 because he did not ask for formality at the Audit activity report July to December 1997— whips meeting and I have had no further Summary of audit outcomes. information. If we postpone it for a day, as our leader indicated, I am sure we will be COMMITTEES able to agree to it. I actually have not got the Membership text in front of me and I am loath to agree to something that I have not seen. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—The Presi- dent has received letters from party leaders Senator CALVERT—Let me just add to seeking variations to the membership of that by way of explanation: the request for the committees. formality came after the whips meeting. My understanding is that it was sent to every Motion (by Senator Campbell)—by whip’s office. We checked it out afterwards leave—agreed to: and they said, ‘Yes.’ That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees as follows: Senator Faulkner—So you are happy to postpone it in the circumstances? Privileges Committee Senator CALVERT—Yes. I move: Discharged: Senator Bob Collins Appointed: Senator Sherry. That the matter be postponed until the next day of sitting. Regulations and Ordinances Committee Question resolved in the affirmative. Discharged: Senator Quirke Appointed: Senator Sherry. DOCUMENTS Finance and Public Administration Legislation Parliamentary Zone Committee The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—In accord- Discharged: Senator Lundy ance with the provisions of the Parliament Act Appointed: Senator Sherry 1974, I present a proposal for works within Appointed as a participating member: Senator the parliamentary zone, together with support- Lundy. ing documentation, relating to the installation of drinking fountains in the public gardens SOCIAL SECURITY LEGISLATION and on the tennis court pavilions of Parlia- AMENDMENT (YOUTH ment House. ALLOWANCE) BILL 1997 Senator IAN CAMPBELL (Western In Committee Australia—Parliamentary Secretary to the Consideration resumed from 2 March. Treasurer)—by leave—I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move: The bill. That, in accordance with section 5 of the Parlia- The CHAIRMAN—The question is that ment Act 1974, the Senate approves the proposal this bill stand as printed. I understand that by the Joint House Department for capital works there is a draft running sheet as there are a within the Parliamentary Zone, being the installa- number of amendments. I think the first tion of drinking fountains in the public gardens and on the tennis court pavilions of Parliament House, amendments relate to schedule 1, item 6, approved by the Presiding Officers on 3 December amendments Nos 1 and 2 on sheet 863. 1997 and presented to the Senate on 3 March 1998. Senator Margetts—On a point of clarifica- I declare my personal interest in that. tion: the running sheet that has come out as yet does not have the amendments of the Auditor-General’s Reports Greens WA, but there will be amendments Report No. 36 of 1997-98 from the Greens WA. Hopefully, very shortly The DEPUTY PRESIDENT—In accord- we will have an amended running sheet, ance with the provisions of the Audit Act otherwise it is going to be extremely difficult. 1901, I present the following report of the The CHAIRMAN—Do you wish to speak Auditor-General: Report No. 36 of 1997-98— to the committee stage in general? 186 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Senator Margetts—I will be needing to of the committee, the Social Security Legisla- take advice very shortly. tion Amendment (Youth Allowance) Bill has The CHAIRMAN—Senator Margetts, can been on the Notice Paper for something like you tell me if your amendments occur before five months. The Labor Party indicated—and the opposition amendments or not? still indicate—that they are ready to deal with it. Apparently the Australian Democrats are, Senator Ian Campbell—Could I suggest, too. just for the sake of moving it along, that we deal with the opposition’s amendments in I understand the Greens have some reserva- relation to schedule 1, item 6. While Senator tions, even though Senator Margetts has said Neal is addressing those amendments, we will she is keen to progress the matter. I now see take advice as to whether any of her amend- that Senator Margetts is indicating that she is ments affect that schedule. not. Although this legislation has been on the Notice Paper for something like five months, The CHAIRMAN—I think that is the best I am informed that we have only just received way to go at this stage. Senator Neal, you are the Greens’ amendments. They have not been looking very puzzled. incorporated in the running sheet, although Senator Neal—It is just that there are a they can be incorporated fairly quickly. couple of difficulties. Senator Stott Despoja’s It is in the interests of the chamber—and, amendment may be fine, but I have only just of course, the government—to make progress seen it. I have not even seen the Greens on something. If it is easier to postpone amendment yet. It is a little bit difficult to consideration of this legislation to a later hour really be aware of what our position will be and debate the Appropriation Bills, then I will in relation to them and properly consider move in that direction. But, if there is a them. Also, bear in mind we have only just chance of proceeding with this legislation—if got the running sheet. the Democrats, the Labor Party and the Senator Ian Campbell—If Senator Neal government are clearly ready to debate it, and moved her amendment, we could deal with if the Greens can get ready while we debate that. the first set of amendments—that would be the preferred course. Senator Margetts—I would like to be very helpful and suggest that, considering this is I do not want to spend two hours getting such a very important bill and it is so rushed, bogged down in re-writing running sheets if if it is possible and if there are more people everyone really does not know what they are to speak on the appropriations bills, we could debating. So, if that is the case, it is the have a few more second reading speeches on government’s preference to move to the the appropriation bills so we will not have appropriations debate. this ridiculous situation of having to deal with Senator BROWN (Tasmania) (4.03 p.m.)— such an important issue in such a shoddy The meticulous way in which the Greens have way. approached this social security legislation is The CHAIRMAN—I am in the hands of demonstrated by the fact that we are going the chamber. right to the wire. The government also has had five months in which to get alternative Senator Stott Despoja—You say you are legislation ready. That is a choice for them to in the hands of the chamber, so I just want to make. If there is a running sheet that the support Senator Margetts’s comments. We Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer can made this suggestion yesterday. We are produce for us which has all the amendments waiting on running sheets, let alone amend- available, then we are ready to proceed. ments that, admittedly, have just been circu- Senator CARR (Victoria) (4.03 p.m.)—We lated. (Quorum formed) are ready to proceed with the social security Senator IAN CAMPBELL (Western legislation. We see no reason why it should Australia—Parliamentary Secretary to the be delayed. We are in the hands of the Treasurer) (4.02 p.m.)—For the information government when it comes to setting the pace Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 187 in this matter. I understand that there are the last minute cannot be carefully assessed some objections from other parties in the by other than laymen taking it on the run. chamber, but I want to make it clear that, as Question resolved in the affirmative. far as our amendments are concerned, they are there and they are ready to be debated. If Progress reported. there are other problems, I think we ought to APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENTARY make that clear now. We make it abundantly DEPARTMENTS) BILL (No. 2) 1997-98 clear that we are ready to proceed. Senator MARGETTS (Western Australia) APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 3) 1997-98 (4.04 p.m.)—I think it is hardly totally accu- APPROPRIATION BILL (No. 4) 1997-98 rate, Madam Chair, for anybody to say they are ready to proceed. I realise that we have Second Reading just circulated amendments, and I have just Debate resumed from 2 March, on motion had Senator Stott-Despoja’s amendments by Senator Newman: come to hand as well. There has been com- That these bills be now read a second time. munication between the various officers, but Senator QUIRKE (South Australia) (4.07 it would appear in fact that even the Labor p.m.)—Last night, when speaking to the Party is not ready to proceed until they can Appropriation Bills, I was making out a case check through other people’s amendments to that in fact the Gulf War was something that see where they stand on them. was not contemplated by defence planners Senator Carr—We are ready with our from any of the nations much more than a amendments. matter of weeks before that incident hap- Senator MARGETTS—If you could let me pened. I will also go on to say that the current continue. Yes, we might all be ready to talk situation in South-East Asia—although I about our own amendments but, in order to doubt it will require a military response; I facilitate the debate, I am asking for us all to certainly hope it will not require a military have a chance to look at other people’s response from this country—is another in- amendments so we can make sure the debate stance of the fact that we are living in a much goes through as smoothly as it can, consider- more dangerous world. ing the importance of the issues. There is no doubt that during the times of Senator IAN CAMPBELL (Western the Dibb report in the middle 1980s, when Australia—Parliamentary Secretary to the there was division between the Soviet Union Treasurer) (4.05 p.m.)—Until a few minutes and the United States, a degree of safety that ago the coalition had not seen the Greens’ is not present today probably could have been amendments. Clearly, we will not make the built into the world we lived in. I said earlier sort of progress we were seeking to make on that the Falklands war was one of the con- this bill this afternoon, so I move: flicts which emerged very quickly. There have That the committee report progress. been other conflicts since that time. There are other potential conflicts. Senator NEWMAN (Tasmania—Minister for Social Security) (4.05 p.m.)—Could I be There is no doubt that the defence param- assured that the amendments which we are eters that have been used for many years in now getting, which I still have not seen, are this country—that is, any conflict would have the last that we will be faced with on this a 10- to 15-year lead-on time for us to get our bill? act together—is now no longer so. There is no doubt in my mind that the world we are Senator Carr—No. sailing into in the 21st century will probably Senator NEWMAN—We are dealing here, see many more smaller conflicts and probably as most people know, with an extraordinarily a number that we as a nation will become complex piece of legislation, namely, the embroiled in in one form or another. As a Social Security Act. Amendments that sud- consequence of that, we have to have a much denly appear on the floor of the chamber at more flexible approach to defence than what 188 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 we have had in the past. The old world where platforms, to build up a stock of ammunition the United States looked down the barrel at which would do us in the instance of a small the Soviet Union and vice versa, where medium-size emergency, to get sufficient indeed there was a discipline amongst many ammunition so that defence personnel can get nations, has now gone. practice with that ammunition and so that we In the last 10 years I think it has been can have a rudimentary stockpile that would interesting to see that we have put most of get us by in times of danger. our weapons platforms in place. We have had As I understand it, we have managed to put funding for the Collins class submarines, the something in the order of $3 billion into Anzac frigates and the FFGs before them, the defence ammunition stockpiles during these FA18 aircraft, the Seahawk and the years. As I understand it, in 1983 when the Blackhawk helicopters, and a number of other Labor Party, of which I am a member, came major defence procurement projects. Many of to government that stockpile was only one- these projects started in the early 80s when third of its present size. I think that is prob- defence in Australia was receiving something ably still inadequate. Of course, defence in the order of 2.4 per cent or 2.5 per cent, budgets are always enormously salary depend- and in one year 2.7 per cent, of GDP. Of ent and one of the great problems we are course it was a smaller gross domestic pro- going to have into the future is that we are duct then but as a percentage it was much going to have to spend much more money in higher than the 1.7 per cent that is now being that area. given to defence. I suspect, too, that we are going to have to In fact, one of the central planks of the raise the question of the integration of our Dibb report was that that 2.7 per cent should reserves into the defence forces as such. We be expanded further to an average of three per currently have a very good reserve in Austral- cent of GDP throughout the years into the ia. The ready reserve, which we would need future. That unfortunately never happened. in any significant conflict, is going to be one The high watermark for defence spending was of the important personnel backbones of the going to be 2.7 per cent of GDP. Since the army. However, one of the problems that we Dibb report, as a percentage of GDP defence now find ourselves in is that there is not the spending has been declining. In fact, it has civilian support out there; namely, employers been around the $10 billion throughout. There who are prepared to let people go into the are a number of consequences of that. Cer- defence forces for the necessary blocks of tainly, the world as Dibb saw it back in 1985- time to make sure their skills are adequate in 86 would have been much different had we instances where we may well need these now had defence expenditures of $18 billion people in the front line at very few days per annum. If the defence budget was $18 notice. billion instead of the $10 billion that it is One of the reasons for my address on this now, there would have been a number of question is to make a couple of significant things we would have been able to do. points. The first one is that I think we will That has not been the case. Governments of need to look very seriously at a legislative both persuasions have not been able to match response to this. Not only do we need to give that. We have in many respects survived with surety to the defence forces themselves, and a defence budget that has allowed us to spend in particular but not exclusively the army, but money in other areas. I suspect that is not also we need to have surety that persons who necessarily going to be the case in the future. join the defence reserve and are prepared to There are some immediate problems which give their time and bring the skills that they need addressing. The first one is in my view have in civilian life into the army and into that of personnel. Obviously defence budgets other services, are given the proper and over the last 10 to 15 years have been skewed appropriate support. towards defence procurement, to get hold of There is no doubt that our present defence equipment, to get hold of the major weapons spending requires that we have a ready re- Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 189 serve. We are in a sense not spending money product in this country would be more likely on defence; we are spending it on health, to be the amount of money that we can find education and on a whole range of things. We as a community for defence each year. are doing this on the basis that if a crisis were In essence, in an ideal world, most peo- to arise we could very quickly integrate ple—certainly people on this side of politics, reserve formations into the defence forces; and I suspect some on the other—would like and we could rely on those personnel being to see defence spending given a lower priori- properly and adequately trained so that they ty. I say that, of course, because we, as could go straight to the defence of their members of parliament, are well aware of country. youth unemployment, homelessness and all The first point that I want to come to here the other problems out there in the communi- is that, in the new world that we are going ty that we have scant resources to deal with. into, we need to have a very close look at the Indeed, housing and a number of issues out integration of reserve formations into the there are things which I would prefer to see defence forces. We need to ensure that there us spend the money on. But in honest plain are no impediments to that. We need to be truth, the world we are now dealing with is a able to carry on the tradition of broadly far more dangerous world, a world which recruiting reserve forces from all walks of requires a far greater level of defence prepar- civilian life rather than just from those areas edness and all of the downstream issues that where employers, such as the various govern- come with it, than was the case 10 or 15 ment organisations around the countryside, years ago. allow people to join. In other words, we need Senator REYNOLDS (Queensland) (4.19 to put a much greater emphasis on broadening p.m.)—In speaking on the appropriations the recruiting areas for the reserves. We need today, I want to focus on child care and the to point out to employers of all types, whether dramatic impact that government policy is they be government or non-government, that having on the quality and availability of child these people need support. This needs to be care. I want to do this not from a partisan done so that their employees who are mem- perspective, as you might expect, but by bers of the ready reserve can go into combat referring to an independent report that was and training situations and be integrated into released in Queensland last week. A media the armed forces much more easily than is release put out by the Queensland Child Care now the case. Coalition states: We are going to have to look very seriously Federal cuts to child care are having a damaging effect on child care providers, forcing fee increases, at the $10 billion. We have managed to get staff cuts and causing parents to remove their by—and we have got by. We have managed children from professional care. A Queensland to buy most of the defence weapons platforms survey of child care services released today— that this country will require well into the and this was last Tuesday. 21st century. We are seeing these weapons systems come on stream now. We have been reveals that both families and child care workers able to do that with a defence budget that has are hurting as a result of the cuts. been stationary around the $10 billion mark I want to highlight some of the findings of the for a number of years. I suspect that will not survey carried out by this independent coali- be the case into the future. We are going to tion—how they have focused their generalised have to find a greater percentage of GDP. We concern and how they have come together to have to make sure that the defence budget find out just what is happening in child care. does not slip below 1.7 per cent, as it is now. It is very easy for people to go on anecdotal There are some alarming signals. The govern- material and to say, ‘Things are crook.’ But ment has said that probably the $10 billion the Q Queensland Child Care Coalition mark will be the benchmark for the future. I carried out professional research to find out would hope that the 1.7 or slightly higher exactly what is happening. The Child Care percentage of GDP in a growing domestic Coalition’s media release stated: 190 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Amongst the findings of the Queensland Child having on families and the Queensland econ- Care Coalition’s...survey of child care services omy. He said: in Queensland is a disturbing return to the ‘latch key kid’ phenomenon, with parents allowing This second survey confirms our worst fears. primary aged children to go home alone after Families can no longer afford to pay for qualified school because they simply cannot afford to send child care, so they are removing their children from them to child care. care. Their need for care has not gone away so where are these children now? Who is caring for A child care provider in Charters Towers com- them? mented that the changes meant that care for one child increased from $25.40 per week to $44.50 per I think that is the question we have to ask. If week. children are not in the recognised child-care Anyone can see that that kind of a hike is just centres with recognised providers, with beyond the budgets of families. The media quality care and with qualified staff, where release continued: are they? Families are using informal net- works. Some of these networks are able to be The survey reveals that in the last twelve months 3,255 children have been removed from the 244 categorised as quite responsible, but others respondent services alone. may not be providing that qualified care. Parents will be making decisions that maybe Not all services responded, but the survey our eight-year-old or 10-year-old is able to go shows that there are 3,255 children missing home alone after school. quality child care in Queensland. If you multiply that by what the position might be I want to read some of the statements that around Australia, we can see that it is a very service providers are making about fee in- serious situation. The media release went on creases. A community centre in Ipswich to say: stated: In addition, other parents have been forced to Mainly with fee increases families have found it reduce the hours of care for their children, resulting difficult as their wage had no rise to combat the in a further loss of 12,070 hours of care. rise in fees. Some parents commenting about their security of employment . . . I am finding that the So you have the children who are out of child overall spirit of families is suffering as parents care and you also have those who have less battle to meet costs, not only with child care but child care. elsewhere as well. Families are convinced that the government is determined to keep parents— What is happening, of course, is that the hours worked by permanent staff are being particularly the mother— reduced. ‘We are losing staff,’ said one at home. Ipswich operator. The media release con- An after school care centre stated: tinued: There have been many families who were made The survey revealed that nearly 40% of the re- redundant (mothers and fathers), others were spondents had cut back on staff hours during 1997. offered shorter hours instead of redundancy . . . What does this mean for the child care profes- Others are letting their Grade 6-7 (children)— sion generally? It means that people who saw they would have an average age of 10, 11 or a steady, secure future employment in child 12— care now see that it is not an area to choose to go home rather than send them to child care. as a vocation; it is not an area that will The community centre in Ashmore stated: provide them with steady employment be- Definite decrease in full time workers—not worth cause the funding base is far too uncertain. returning to work after paying for child care. Ironically, Mr Peter Walsh—I am sure you A private centre from Boronia Heights said: will appreciate the irony of that, Madam A familiar comment from single working mums is Acting Deputy President Knowles; the other that it is hardly worth them working. As for the Mr Peter Walsh will not share my views on small difference in income, they could be at home this subject, but never mind—speaking on on benefit. Surely this is not encouraging these behalf of the Queensland Child Care Coali- mums to stay in the workforce. tion, expressed grave concern about the I digress for a moment to say that, despite the negative impact that the child-care policy is statements of Minister Newman and the Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 191

Minister for the Status of Women, Judi Last year the government reported at the Moylan, that single parent mothers should not United Nations on its obligations under the be a scapegoat in terms of their reliance on Convention on the Elimination of All Forms benefits, out there in the community and, of Discrimination against Women. In the regrettably, among some members of the report, which I believe has not yet been tabled government—although I am pleased to say in this chamber or the other chamber, the that those two women and I am sure others United Nations committee recommended that are not prepared to indulge in that kind of an evaluation should be conducted of the scapegoating—there is still an attitude that Workplace Relations Act 1996 assessing its single mothers are somehow getting what they impact on women of different age groups with do not deserve if they are on the single parent different levels of education and different benefit. occupation groups. It also recommended that Single parents in these situations are the government assess whether the act leads damned if they do and damned if they do not. to increased or decreased part-time and casual If they are trying to meet their commitments work and its impact on women workers’ by working, they are not getting the necessary benefits. support in terms of child care and they could The United Nations also recommended that be accused of ‘neglecting’ their children. Yet a similar evaluation and assessment was if they go on the sole parent benefit, then they needed for Australia’s new child-care benefits are accused of getting something that they do scheme. Clearly, there has been no action on not deserve. this report. Australia is not meeting its obliga- So quite apart from the overall question of tions under that convention. Quite clearly, this quality of child care and the entitlement of information that has come from the Queens- families to assume that society will provide land Child Care Coalition highlights that in appropriate child-care standards, there is this just one area—child care—there are serious very real dilemma for sole parents, particular- issues that are not being addressed. ly mothers. I think we have to seriously I want to move to some of the survey question the attitudes of those members of the results. I want to first focus on the increasing government who are using this debate to try cost of care. The report states: Service Based to popularise themselves. I think it is quite Cost Increases scandalous that some of them are prepared to It was obvious from survey responses that service do that. operators viewed increasing fees as a last option. Other strategies were implemented in an attempt to A community centre at the Sunshine Coast prevent fee increases. These are detailed later in reported: this document. The survey results indicated that Parents are opting not to return to full time there is a genuine attempt by the majority of work/full time care due to costs involved—many service operators to keep the cost of care down and are opting to cut their work down from 5 to 3 days not pass any additional costs on to families. or 5 to 4 days where possible. Unfortunately fee increases could not be avoided during 1997. A Mackay area private centre said: Fifty five (55) respondents (22.5%) from a variety Downsizing at the local mines has been the main of settings increased their fees during the first six factor in children ceasing to use our service as months of 1997. The fee increases ranged from families have left to work elsewhere. .50c—$30 per week per child... Back in Brisbane a centre reports: A 50c increase per child might be able to be It is becoming impossible for working mothers to absorbed, but $30 per week per child is afford child care—they are spending almost more beyond the budgets of working families. The in child care fees than what they are receiving . . . average fee increase was something in the An Inala family day care centre reports: order of $7.60 per week per child. The report Parents are working part time rather than full time goes on to say: and this makes it difficult to find carers who will Sixty five respondents (26.6%) from a variety of take part time children. More financially beneficial service settings increased their fees in the last six for parents to stay at home. months of 1997. The fee increases ranged from 192 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

$1—$30 per week per child, with the average fee 49.6% in first half of year, 61.1% in second half of increase being $11 per week per child. year. Hours of care decreased 37.3% in first half of Another area of concern is non-service based the year, 50% in second half of the year). cost increases and the impact that federal ...... policy is having here. The report states: For the period 1 January to 30 June thirty three The majority of respondents stated that cost of care services (13.5%) indicated that 258 families was the primary concern for parents. The fees decreased hours of care used by an average of 15.4 charged by a service is only one component of the hours per week. cost of care to parents. 1996 federal budget initia- tives that came into effect during 1997 have also These statistics may not capture the imagina- resulted in increased costs to parents. These tion of some senators in this place, but they initiatives included— are certainly reflected in the hardship being . Removal of the $30 per dependent child income placed on families around Australia. This is disregard for the purpose of assessing family a Queensland survey, but this survey obvious- income ly could be replicated around the country. It . The capping of Child Care Assistance... reveals just how seriously government child- . No indexations of Child Care Assistance... care policies are impacting on the families of . 50 hour cap on Child Care Assistance... Australia. . Reduction in the CCA income cut off for fami- Senator ROBERT RAY (Victoria) (4.36 lies with two or more children p.m.)—These appropriation bills present a ...... good opportunity to run over a few issues that Parents largely find these changes difficult to may have been raised at estimates or are comprehend. Concrete examples were given of how otherwise of some concern to senators. The these changes are effecting families financially. first topic I want to address today is public ...... opinion polling by government departments. Other services predicted what fee increases in 1998 This has always been a matter of some inter- would mean to families: est because all oppositions would like some "Parents are concerned at the amount of (fee) scrutiny on what public expenditure there is increase and find it difficult to understand the on opinion polls that could be used by the CA contribution. Some parents are not entitled incumbent government for political purposes. to assistance and have 2 or 3 children in care. A session for these children . . . will cost the parent So it would not surprise you, Madam nearly $30. Most of our attendees are casual so Acting Deputy President Knowles, that many CA will not be paid on an ongoing basis, so times whilst you were part of the opposition, session fees will have to be paid for up front. your colleagues often put questions on notice This is fairly daunting. Further, the receipt and questioning the Hawke-Keating government management of CA will require extra time from departments as to the extent of opinion the co-ordinator increasing our operational costs." polling—who was doing it, what the cost was, The second area of major concern is falling et cetera. I thought it was only fair to put a enrolments. Australia for the last 10 to 15 similar question on notice across all depart- years has built up a child-care system that is ments. I have been somewhat disappointed in professional, that is the envy of many count- the response, but not entirely. ries. Now we have a situation where we are losing staff. We are also losing enrolments, This question was put on notice quite some and the child-care standard is being eroded. time ago, and so far we have had 10 depart- So what was a model scheme is now being so ments respond. Normally, one might get up changed that it really is nothing like it was here and ask ministers why their department built up to be over that 10- to 15-year period. has not responded. But I realise this is a The report states: complex question, so I had never had any A significant number of services noted variations intention of invoking the 30-day rule or even to enrolments during 1997, either in the form of the 60-day rule. Maybe when it comes to the total removal of children from care or a decrease 150-day rule or in my mind I might seek to in hours of care required. (Removal from care— find out why we have not had responses. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 193

The interesting thing is that five depart- Calvert used to troll through the government ments have fully responded and five depart- Gazette and then roll all the questions into us ments have refused to respond. The first ones with no particular purpose. So what I instruct- that came in, of course, were those depart- ed the Department of Defence to do at the ments that refused to respond. I also asked the time was to cost the answer. Every time a premier department, Prime Minister and question came in which cost $800 or $900 to Cabinet, whether they have given some answer, I used to include that in the answer. guidance because quite often, quite properly, Senator Calvert then turned his attention Prime Minister and Cabinet will give some elsewhere. guidance in the mode and method of answer- But to argue in this circumstance that it is ing questions across portfolios. But I suspect too expensive is an unacceptable explanation. that on this question on notice, from their These departments have the information and evidence and from what I have seen, they did should be able to provide it. It is a sensitive not give any guidance. area. We want to know what sorts of ques- So far we have had answers in full from the tions they are asking. We want to know Department of Immigration and Multicultural whether they are using it to bypass the normal Affairs, the Department of the Environment, political process and to inform themselves of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, public opinion which they can use in election the Department of Workplace Relations and campaigns rather than just in government Small Business, and the Department of the policy formulation. Prime Minister and Cabinet. I must congratu- Therefore, if they are to assure us that they late the departments: not only have they are not misusing research in this way, we answered the question but they have also need full transparency. We do not have that pretty much answered them fully. as long as these sorts of departments refuse to However, there are five departments that answer the questions put to them, if the have refused to answer the question: the questions are reasonable and do not involve Department of Defence; the Department of massive cost. They do not involve massive Industry, Science and Tourism; the Depart- cost in this case. The government and govern- ment of Health and Family Services; the ment departments should not hide behind and Department of Employment, Education, use as an excuse resources needed because, Training and Youth Affairs; and the Depart- sooner or later, they will need to use that ment of Social Security. Their ostensible reason genuinely. Sooner or later, they will reason for refusing to answer the question is get a question of such complexity and such the degree of resources it would take to absorption of costs that they will want to use answer the question, which begs the next the excuse they will not devote the resources. question: just how much are they spending on So they should not use it simply as a shield qualitative and quantitative research if it is to protect themselves with. going to absorb enormous amounts of sums A most recent example of research was by to answer the question I have asked? It Sweeney and Associates. On 20 January, certainly did not stop the other five depart- cabinet determined to commission research ments from answering the questions. Why about the Wik issue to more fully explain the won’t these five departments answer questions government position, and they used qualitative which we answered in government and which research. I think there were six or seven focus five of their colleague departments have groups involved and they were then to be answered? tested on various concepts prior to a $3 I have never been one to argue that it was million advertising campaign—mostly in the incumbent on departments to answer every print media but some brochures—which was question put on notice irrespective of the cost to cover the entire print media across Austral- of gathering the research necessary to answer ia. the questions, because it can become a very Some people would argue that is just purely expensive process. I recall that Senator government propaganda. Generally, I would 194 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 have to say that federal governments have had the cabinet decision, and he was basically told a far more honourable record in this regard none. It was only later we got correcting than their state counterparts who seem to have evidence that some activity existed. no principle and on morals when it comes to expending taxpayers’ money on so-called It was only when we went to another public information campaigns which only department that we found that that later become in the end absolute propaganda for activity consisted of booking $600,000 worth the government of the day. of advertisements over three particular days. I have been involved, as a minister for six The worrying thing about the Sweeney years, in spending $60 billion but I would operation was that the material put before have remembered, even in that context, them was drafted in ministerial offices. The booking $600,000 worth of advertising— advertisements and the creative artwork were much more so than if you are just running the drawn up in ministerial offices. We know section dealing with indigenous affairs in from questioning that it was not actually done PM&C. I doubt whether it is more than once in Senator Minchin’s office. We know Sena- every three years you would get the tap on tor Herron’s office had a role to play but we the shoulder and say that you were going to suspect most of the drafting was done in the order $600,000 worth of advertising. Prime Minister’s office. So they come up with these two cretinous That matter has to be re-pursued at another ads, run them through two focus groups time. But if that indicates the degree of which cost $17,000 of taxpayers’ money, and amateurishness that is getting in the system, then they get results that they do not like so one really has to worry about taxpayers’ they dump the whole campaign. Well, good, money. When you look at the next great plan we have saved about $3 million in that for government advertising, it is on the CD campaign. But everyone who looks at this issue. I watched Senator Lundy cross-examine area knows the dubiousness of qualitative our absent colleague, Senator Alston. When research unless it is highly controlled. It is so it was put to him as to whether a strategy had interpretative, it is a bit like scoring the been developed in the department, the answer gymnastics or the diving at the Olympics— was no. Fifty questions later we got the full everyone disagrees. But, ultimately, you will admission. Of course there was a strategy. Of only a get a good result out of qualitative course $720,000 was contemplated. Of course research if you properly test concepts. research was going to occur. So in response Having marginalised amateur apparatchiks to the old tactic of the minister at the table— up at the Prime Minister’s office or Senator he cannot remember, et cetera—you just need Herron’s office designing their own ads and to get a few questions in to them and sudden- then running them past the focus groups led ly—bingo!—the memory is absolutely re- me to say the other day, ‘If you put in rub- freshed. bish, you get rubbish out.’ It really is not the I do not want to go into the whole strategy way to approach it. If they were just doing of the CD issue, but I did find something this sort of research in order to reinforce how absolutely remarkable on page 4—‘Target the government should get its message across, market for this campaign’. The primary they would have used professionals and not targets were the general public, CD retailers, non-gifted amateurs from the minister’s independent small record companies, perform- office. ers and artists. The secondary target audience But trying to get answers on this during the was ‘government backbenchers’. Are we estimates hearings was like trying to draw really serious? The government is going to teeth. It was extremely difficult. Memories launch a $720,000 campaign, communications suddenly disappeared out of ministers and strategy, and part of the audience is govern- officials, et cetera. My colleague sitting in ment backbenchers. For heavens sake, that is front of me, Senator Faulkner, asked a range what the government committees do! You of questions on what activity existed prior to have got a media committee. Why doesn’t Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 195

Senator Alston go down there and convince committee. Senator Faulkner and I ask, them he is right on CD pricing? ‘Senator Parer, what’s the purpose of this Senator Faulkner—Remember what extra staff member?’ ‘Oh, Senator, it is to happened last time he went down there? monitor the media.’ ‘Do you send back the material to the Prime Minister’s office?’ Senator ROBERT RAY—That is cruel, ‘Yes,’ says Senator Parer. The whole thing Senator Faulkner. We know the last time he gets exposed because we have a minister not went to the committee, he got smashed. We properly brainwashed, not properly instructed. know the Prime Minister had to intervene and And so we have it. pull the chestnuts out. Senator Carr—What about the frontbench- It reflects the overall hypocrisy of this ers? government: things they opposed, things they whinged about in government, they do. But Senator ROBERT RAY—I do not really there is a big difference. Labor did it up front. think they are savable. Labor had a media monitoring exercise up Senator Crane—You are not, anyhow. front, not a sneaky, Prime Minister inspired, Senator ROBERT RAY—Even if the aim, through the back door one; one which every- Senator Crane, was to convince people like one would know about. you on CD prices, not even you are dopey That is just one example of their sort of enough to put that in writing. You might get hypocrisy. If you want another one, I have an caught in a minister’s office giving him absolute classic one where the Prime Minister advice when you should not be there, but I took firm and decisive action over certain will say this for you: you were noticed. Your problems with ministerial travel allowance. other colleague Senator Eggleston was in the You all recall the press conference where he room and no-one even saw him. They did not bravely got up and said that he had terminat- even know he was there; whether he was left ed two of his staff members. He did that at a over from a previous meeting or anything. personal cost—I understand that—but he But fancy putting in writing that one of your terminated them. The following Monday he secondary target audiences is the government had to table all the papers in the parliament. backbench. For heavens sake! It is taxpayers’ What did we see in two of the papers? Resig- money. nation letters from chief political adviser Mr One of the other things that happened in Grahame Morris and office manager Ms Fiona question time today was that we heard Sena- McKenna. They had actually resigned on the tor Vanstone quoting Senator Bolkus in the Thursday. They had offered their resignations media. This is the government that was going to the Prime Minister. to abolish aNiMaLS. This is the government What did he do? He terminated them. He that was not going to get into opposition sacked them. He could have done it for two media monitoring. Of course, they are into it reasons: firstly, to look like a firm decisive like big black dogs. They abolished aNiMaLS leader—and you need to do more than change and then, suddenly, six additional media your glasses to be that, but he could have advisers were appointed, mostly to junior done it for that reason—not to accept their ministers, scattered across each of the states. resignation but instead to say, ‘I’m Mr Tough These extra six people suddenly appeared Guy. I will sack these people.’ I think a more on ministerial staff across each state. There cynical reason is that, if you sack them, how was no public announcement by the Prime much better off are they? Mr Grahame Morris Minister of them. We have asked questions was $25,230.10 better off by being sacked over the last two years: ‘What’s all this about, rather than resigning. That is evidence that Senator Hill?’ ‘What’s all this about, Senator Prime Minister and Cabinet confirmed in the Rod Kemp?’ What do we get? Absolute estimates. Ms McKenna was $12,256.26 weasel words. Then one day someone takes better off. So, whichever way you go, if it sick or someone has got something else, and was just a cynical exercise to maximise their Senator Parer wanders into an estimates benefits the Prime Minister is condemned, and 196 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 if it was just a macho exercise in which he not a direct act by a public servant and, could show how tough he was, it has cost the hopefully, they will drop the matter if they taxpayers over $37,000 for that privilege. trust our word on it. I want to mention a couple of other things I do think, though, that the newly formed that have come out of estimates. Firstly, the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services is Prime Minister referred certain of these trying to tackle some of the endemic problems matters I have been alluding to—I do not we have had with regard to parliamentary want to go into them in detail—to the Audi- entitlements. Their reorganisation looks tor-General. The Auditor-General knocked sensible: it has policy advisers, people who back some parts of the inquiry and they have actually administer and people who respond never been proceeded with anywhere else. I to queries. While it is too early to say how warn for the future: it is no good a govern- well it will work, it is showing a promising ment sending a reference to a body that is not beginning. capable of dealing with it and saying, ‘That’s I want to close on two other matters. I the end of the matter,’ because they have not guess they both come back to this aspect of dealt with it. That is not an acceptable prac- hypocrisy. I do not know how many times as tice and, if this becomes a repetitious thing, Minister for Defence I was asked cheap, we will be demanding proper Senate inquiries sleazy, opportunist questions on the VIP fleet: to replace the legal inquiries that they should ‘Are you intending to replace the 707s? have. Aren’t they good enough?’- et cetera. Guess The government is, at the moment, very what this government is doing? It is looking good at instituting legal inquiries. Senator at plans for $160 million to replace the VIP Faulkner mentioned a document from Prime fleet, including two 737s, four Falcon equiva- Minister and Cabinet; a minute later the lents and four smaller planes—10 in all. Federal Police are chasing up the leak. They They may expect me to get up and say never chased up who disappeared the aide- ‘This is a disaster.’ It might be. But I am memoires out of the Prime Minister’s office, saying that when a Prime Minister goes but they are concerned about a leaked docu- overseas he should have adequate transport to ment. do so. Flying commercial involves all sorts of I suggest they go and read the various security risks. It is not fair on the other sections of the privileges act, because the only passengers. The 707s are still very useful as evidence they had for referring that to the air-to-air refuellers for the RAAF. They are Federal Police was evinced from an estimates no longer a suitable aircraft for taking prime committee process. So whatever solution or ministers overseas or prime ministers and conclusion they may have drawn would have leaders of the opposition around the country been totally useless because it could not have during an election period. So something been used anywhere. And lo and behold, you should be done about it. I am not so sure the get to the next estimates committee meeting grandiose solution this government has con- with the Department of Finance and Adminis- sidered and then pushed aside as an election tration, a document is read out there, and they gets closer is the answer. But something have got the Federal Police in—again. should be done about it, either by way of It is not the only document that disap- lease or by some other arrangement where peared. The Kennedy report disappeared to you do not have massive down time and the Canberra Times when only five senior idleness of expensive assets. But something DoFA officers had it. Guess what: no police should be done about it if they can. I do not inquiry. They put the internal fraud group in think it is up to the Labor Party to just go and dropped the matter—double standards down the opportunistic path. again. If one leak is good enough to be The final point I wanted to make: a replace- investigated, the other is. We are at least able ment of the Lodge is back on the agenda. to say to DoFA that their so-called second PM&C and the Prime Minister have said ‘No, leak was simply accidental, not a conspiracy, no, its nothing to do with us. We are not Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 197 considering it.’ Well, I think they should. I budgets the Labor Party put something like think that if this country does move to be- $70 billion on the Bankcard. If we had added come a republic the Prime Minister should get another $30 billion or $40 billion, we would Yarralumla and the new President of Australia have been looking straight down the gun should get another residence. That would cut barrel at the IMF and some very serious the Gordian knot. We could get rid of the changes for our nation at this time. Lodge which is not suitable for a Prime The worst enemy that Australia can have in Minister—that is probably why the incumbent terms of economic policy—and it is particu- spends very little time there—and in fact start larly relevant to our export industries and all over again. If we move to a republic, it businesses, a growing component of the gives us an enormous chance to make that Australian economy—is high interest rates, move to put the Prime Minister in Yarralumla high inflation, and an overvalued dollar and the President into a new residence. because of the misuse of monetary policy. I Senator CRANE (Western Australia) (4.55 want to deal with that issue of the overvalued p.m.)—I rise also to address a number of dollar. In fact, during that period of Labor issues arising from the appropriation bills government it cost our exporters many dollars before us. The first issue is the change of out of their bottom line but at the same time direction that we in government have brought it put our import competing industries at a to this country. The general running of the very significant disadvantage. There was a country is much more attuned to a business large flow of cheap imports because our approach and we are able to stand on our own businesses were put out of business by that and pay our way, as far as monetary and policy of the overvalued dollar when they fiscal arrangements are concerned. The crucial could not compete. It was a very flawed steps we took under the guidance of our policy, and we need to rebuild the Australian Treasurer (Mr Costello) when we came to industry to a competitive position and to a government have now put this country back confidence that we are going to have a long on track financially. period of sound fiscal and economic manage- Comparing this record with what has ment in this country that does not repeat the occurred in Asia, I am not one of the dooms- mistake. day people as far as Asia is concerned, even This brings me to the comments made in though some of those countries have gone recent times by the Leader of the Opposition through some pretty difficult times and still (Mr Beazley) who said that, if elected to have some difficult times in front of them— government, he would ensure that Australia’s particularly Indonesia and its social disloca- budget would run at a surplus for the next tion. Nonetheless, I believe they will come three years. Why would we believe that when out of their problems fairly quickly with a we look at his performance as the Minister for much stronger financial system. While they Finance for the last two years that the Labor may not grow at the rates they were growing government was in power? You would have before, they are still going to grow at a very to believe, on form, on the track record, that significant rate—between four and seven per the dead opposite is likely to occur. So much cent. for Mr Beazley’s and the Labor Party’s I raise the matter in this context because, promises when they were in government, had we not taken the action we did when we because invariably they were twisted; invari- came into government and had we continued ably they were broken, particularly the key running the sorts of deficits that were being ones which were so crucial to the Australian run by the Labor Party in their past five or six economy. years of government, we could well have seen I will make some points that have come out Australia in a very similar position to some of of this change of direction with regard to the our Asian friends. That will be recognised as fiscal and monetary arrangements in this applying to the Australian economy if you do country. Over the 1980s inflation averaged your sums and see how over the last five around eight per cent. In the December 198 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 quarter of 1997, the underlying inflation rate on our waterfront. Until such time—and it is was only 1.4 per cent. You do not have to be occurring now—that we do get some compe- very clever to take 1.4 from eight to see what tition and some freedom on our waterfront, it an enormous difference that makes to the will continue. Hopefully, what we are seeing inflation rate. now, where there is a new player coming to The budget is expected to have an under- work in that particular area, will be expanded lying surplus of around 0.4 per cent of GDP and extended, and we will get proper compe- in 1998-99. This should be contrasted with tition right across Australia. It does not matter the underlying deficit of 2.1 per cent of GDP whether those individuals are members of a inherited by the government. The outlook for union or not; if you have competitive forces economic growth in Australia in 1997-98 working, people take a lot more pride in what remains as forecast in the 1997-98 budget, at they are doing, and they are much more likely a rate of 3.75 per cent. Growth for 1998-99 to endeavour to outperform those who are is forecast at 3.25 per cent. working on the other side. If we continue to maintain our strict finan- It is absolutely crucial over the next two, cial controls—our strict fiscal and monetary three or four months that the issues of the policies—I believe that over time we will do waterfront in this country are resolved and our even better than that. And we must do better, performance becomes at the level of world if we are to address some of the economic best or close to it. There is no reason, when issues for individuals in this country. As was you look at the Australian climate, the facili- noted in question time yesterday, I have to ties we have here and our ability to be inno- say how significantly better off people who vative, that we should not be the world’s best. have home mortgages are today as a result of We are the world’s best at many, many the drop in interest rates. That speaks for things, whether it be in the economy, sport or itself. As I understand it, the impact of that is in the medical field—one can run through very close to the order of a wage increase of these things. We must work assiduously to $100 per week, which is very, very significant make sure that we lift our waterfront per- indeed. formance to that level. One cannot cover all these matters before us now in the time that we have. I particularly I want to raise one particular aspect which want to deal with the waterfront—the import- has concerned me greatly in terms of some of ance of the restructuring and the lifting of the the media and some of the claims that have performance of our waterfront. I find it been made relating to training. In this coun- unbelievable—in fact, I find it incredibly try, teachers can go overseas and train—there foolish, ridiculous, stupid; whatever word you is nothing wrong with that; doctors can go want to use—that we still have people on the overseas and train. We even allow Rhodes other side of this chamber, and also, particu- scholars such as Mr Beazley to go overseas larly, the ACTU, supporting a closed shop on and train. Farmers go overseas and train. But our waterfront. It has been inherently damag- I find it incredible that as soon as some ing to the Australian economy. people go overseas to train to work on the waterfront, they are suddenly branded In that respect, when we consider the $420- ‘renegades’, ‘guerillas’ and ‘mercenaries’. odd million that was spent in 1991 to reform What a load of absolute, total nonsense. our waterfront, those of us in this chamber, around this country and in the other place How many on the other side who were must ask the question: why didn’t we get a union officials have gone overseas and better result out of that? The answer is pretty trained? Many, many of them—and there is simple: the reason we did not get a better absolutely nothing wrong with that. We have result out of it is that those people who are to apply the same principles to our waterfront, rorting the system were left in control. There to the people who work on the waterfront, were no moves to bring some competition and let them become truly competitive and into the structure and to what was happening truly properly trained, because our system of Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 199 doing business on the waterfront has fallen where the money is not being spent. I particu- into total disrepair. larly want to refer to two areas: one is the I am disappointed that Senator Bob Collins Blackwood River, which runs into the ocean is leaving the Senate. I have always found near Augusta in the south-west of Western him to be one of the more honourable Australia, and the other is the Swan River, straightshooters on the other side of this which runs through our beautiful city of chamber, but he was the minister who worked Perth. Much of the money, in terms of ad- over that particular $420 million. It has taken dressing the particular issues, will be spent him a long time to resign, I might say. He hundreds of miles from either of those beauti- said that if he did not fix it in 12 months, he ful rivers. The Blackwood River runs through would resign but, nonetheless, I will put on the Shannon basin, one of the most beautiful the public record that I have enjoyed working areas in the world and one which has the with Senator Collins and I think he has made appropriate protections required to preserve an important contribution to this parliament. that basin. Senator Forshaw—This is where the Money spent around Arthur River, out bucket comes. around Wagin—for people who do not know, Senator CRANE—Nonetheless, you have it is 200 to 300 miles north—will ensure that to live over on that side of the chamber with the quality of the water running down from the legacy that you wasted $420 million of Arthur River will improve. Therefore, the taxpayers’ money and you got no return on it quality at Augusta will improve. We will see at all. You ought to have a re-examination of a reinvigoration of many things, marron and what you did. I will continue to remind fish, for example, which will come back into people in this country that you chose to spend that water as it improves. that money on the privileged few who have Senator Faulkner, you can laugh, but, as an held this country to ransom on so many ex-minister for the environment, you should occasions without any morality or decency know that you have to look at the source of whatsoever. But I think, and I hope, that the the problem when addressing salinity in our game is up and they will become a competi- rivers in this country. For instance, when we tive force as well on the waterfront. talk about the Swan River the beneficiaries I wish to say a little bit about the Natural will be the people in metropolitan Perth. The Heritage Trust. I am not going to revisit what upper reaches of the Swan River go well I said before when I made a personal explan- beyond Northam and near Wongan Hills, and ation. Conservation issues in this country people need to understand this when talking should be addressed in a proper manner, about salinity in our rivers and about getting properly financed and through a system—I rid of the algal blooms and some of the other want to emphasise this for those people who nasties that come with them. are listening—that comes up from the bottom. Looking at the beneficiaries, running down That means the people on the committees in the Swan River, for example, when you get the landcare districts do the processing and to Perth, whose electorate is on one side of make the recommendations which go to the the river? It is Stephen Smith’s, the Labor regional assessment panels. They then go Party member for Perth, and the electorate, through another process, the state assessment incidentally, got the highest level of grants of panels. This is a very good system of identi- any city electorate in Western Australia. On fying where the problems are and where the the other side of the river is Swan, formerly money has to be spent. held by the current Leader of the Opposition, At present, whether it be on this side of the but he could not handle the heat in Swan and country or on our side of the country, one ran to Brand. Swan is now held by Liberal needs to recognise that the beneficiaries of the Don Randall. A little further down the river, spending of this money will extend right the electorate of Tangney is held by Daryl across the spectrum of the nation whether or Williams. On the other side of the river, the not they are in a landcare district or in an area electorate of Curtin is held by Alan Rocher. 200 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

When you get right to Fremantle, the member ing apparent loopholes in the Electoral Act to is none other than the one, glorious Dr Law- launder money from undisclosed sources. rence. So you need to recognise where the Until 1995, the Liberal Party used the Free benefits of the Natural Heritage Trust fall and Enterprise Foundation to launder funds how they are going to improve whole river through donations of massive sums to the systems in this country. coalition without revealing where these funds The people of Adelaide are grateful that we originally came from. The Labor Party in are addressing in a proper manner the situa- government was successful in amending the tion which occurs in Queensland, New South Electoral Act to close that loophole by deter- Wales and Victoria as far as the Murray River mining that not only the political parties is concerned. They are going to be the benefi- themselves but also the associated entities had ciaries, as are the people along the river. to disclose their source of funds. This did These points are important. I know the Aus- result in a very significant crackdown on tralian public can understand that, but you disclosures in 1995, and the Free Enterprise people on the other side of the chamber have Foundation was required to disclose any new an enormous problem understanding the donations that it received. importance of what is required in addressing I have had an opportunity to look at the the salinity and wind erosion problems in this returns of the Liberal Party for a number of country, and the need to replant much of our recent financial years, and they make most land that has been cleared because the under- interesting reading. The Liberal Party’s 1994- standing of science in the past did not give 95 AEC return—that is, the political party the land-holders the information required to annual return—showed that the Liberal Party understand the value and importance of had a $10 million debt to the National Aus- vegetation. We now have that knowledge and tralia Bank, which I might say also gave the that scientific base and we are doing some- Liberal Party backing in the 1996 federal thing very constructive about the problems. election campaign. The Liberal Party’s return Finally, I return to where I began, to re- to the Australian Electoral Commission for emphasise the point that, had we not taken the the 1995-96 financial year listed the debt to steps we did to get the fiscal management of the NAB at $6,762,763. For the 1996-97 this country right, we would now be suffering financial year, the debt to the National Aus- a lot more pain right across the community. tralia Bank had been reduced, according to We would be looking down the debt gun the return for that year, to $158,305. But, for barrel, just as, unfortunately, many of our the first time, in 1996-97 we had a new Asian neighbours are. lender listed. That lender was the Greenfields Foundation and the Liberal Party owed Senator FAULKNER (New South Wales— $4,650,000 to the Greenfields Foundation. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) (5.13 p.m.)—I want to canvass what I think is a From 1994-95 to 1996-97, the Liberal very important issue, one that I have raised in Party’s debt to the National Australia Bank the Senate estimates—that is, the fact that we dropped from $10,068,527 to $158,305. The have had exposed a loan from an organisation Liberal Party has disclosed that in the same called the Greenfields Foundation which period it paid $2,415,124 to the National breaches the spirit of the Commonwealth Australia Bank and the Liberal Party has Electoral Act. This is a bare-faced attempt by disclosed that in the same period it received the Liberal Party to sidestep the disclosure $370,763 from the National Australia Bank. provisions of the Electoral Act for party- I want to focus in my contribution on this political donations. We are starting to learn a Greenfields Foundation because, while the little about the Greenfields Foundation and trustees of the Greenfields Foundation do not the loan that it has provided to the Liberal appear to be current officials of the Liberal Party of Australia. Party—they are not quite in the same catego- I think as background it is worth saying that ry, say, as the Baillieus whom we were the Liberal Party has a long history of exploit- talking about earlier today—the Greenfields Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 201

Foundation certainly seems to share an un- substantial donations from sources which canny number of similarities with the Free remain anonymous for the purposes of fund- Enterprise Foundation. For example, the ing disclosure. Of course, this will remain the Greenfields Foundation shares two of the case until the Australian Electoral Commis- three trustees with the Free Enterprise Foun- sion examines the issue of whether the dation, which as I said is an associated entity Greenfields Foundation is an associated and, therefore, does have to disclose sources entity—effectively that determination can be of donations to the AEC. Those two trustees made only by the AEC. There is a regular are Mr Tony Bandle and Sir John Atwill, who audit of political parties once every three is a former Liberal Party president. years. There might not even be an audit of the The 1996-97 disclosure shows that the Free Liberal Party of Australia for a couple of Enterprise Foundation has a postal address of years, but you have a situation where this GPO Box 292, Canberra. The trustees of the money from the Greenfields Foundation is Free Enterprise Foundation have a postal coming to the Liberal Party in the form of a address of Post Office Box 52, Deakin West, loan. Canberra. This postal address was also used There are a whole lot of issues about this by the Free Enterprise Foundation in 1995-96 loan that do remain unanswered. When will and is now used by the Greenfields Founda- this loan be repaid? How will it be repaid? tion. I might say that the same postal address How is the funding secured? Are there any is also used by Bandle McAneney and Co. In concessional interest rates arrangements in the fact, in the last three financial years, these financing? We do know that the Liberal Party two Canberra post office boxes have had has made a payment of $100,000 to the $8,432,267 go through them to and from the Greenfields Foundation. That money may not Liberal Party of Australia. have been a repayment; it may have been Bandle McAneney and Co. has a long moneys used to set up the foundation. history of association with the Liberal Party. But, even if it is a repayment on a loan, it I think you will find that Mr Bandle previous- is certainly at a very lucrative rate of about ly was a trustee of the Liberal Party and he 2½ per cent. There does not appear to be, in had some level of fame, or infame, for sign- any sense, any indication that that would be ing a whole lot of cheques down at the any commercial rate of interest or a loan on federal directorate of the Liberal Party during a commercial basis. The Liberal Party is the years that Mr Eggleton was the secretary. exploiting a loophole, or an apparent loop- The Free Enterprise Foundation telephone hole, in the Commonwealth Electoral Act. By contact on their return is for Bandle doing that, the Liberal Party can receive McAneney and Co. Of course, they are moneys through a loan which it might never chartered accountants at Deakin here in the have any intention of repaying. ACT, and—surprise, surprise!—Stephen What is an associated entity, you might McAneney is the third trustee for the ask? Section 287 of the Commonwealth Greenfields Foundation. Electoral Act defines an associated entity as It is useful to remember the obligations of one which is either controlled by a political political parties. All donations over $1,500 to party or which operates wholly or mainly for political parties, of course, must be disclosed. the benefit of a political party. Section 314AE But, because the Greenfields Foundation of the Commonwealth Electoral Act requires money was in the form of a loan to the an associated entity to lodge an annual return, Liberal Party, the source of money to the including details of all gifts of more than Greenfields Foundation does not need to be $1,500 received during the financial year and disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commis- specifying the details of the donor. sion under the Commonwealth Electoral Act. Greenfields have not lodged such a return, A loan to a political party is, of itself, not and we await a request from the Australian a problem. The problem arises from the fact Electoral Commission to require them to that the Greenfields Foundation can collect lodge a return. As I have said, the AEC’s 202 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 regular audit of the Liberal Party could reveal to Greenfields to inquire as to their status as the terms and conditions of the loan and other an associated entity. However, the response of information which, I expect, would reveal the Greenfields was that they did not feel that Greenfields Foundation as an associated entity they were required to provide any further and one which, quite obviously, given all this information. They are into covering up. They evidence, does operate wholly or mainly for have a lot to cover up. Given the connections the benefit of a political party. to the Liberal Party and the Free Enterprise What do the principals of the Greenfields Foundation we say that it is essential that the Foundation have to say about all this? In the AEC investigate the Greenfields Foundation Financial Review on 5 February this year, to ascertain whether or not they qualify as an there was an article which appeared under associated entity. We believe there is an Lenore Taylor’s by-line saying: enormous amount of evidence to suggest that this is just a fundraising arm of the Liberal . . . because the electoral disclosure laws cover donations to political parties rather than loans, its Party. trustees argue there is no need to disclose where At the moment, the AEC says that they do the money came from. not feel that there is a enough evidence to Mr Bandle, who is also a trustee of the party’s warrant such as an investigation. During previous secret funding vehicle, the Free Enterprise estimates they informed us: Foundation, would not comment on where the foundation’s money came from or even when it We have no authority in the act to go behind a was set up. separate foundation on the basis of any suspicion that we may have. On the same date in the Australian news- paper, Mr John Kerin wrote: They have conceded that they may be able to pursue the Greenfields Foundation after a Tony Bandle, making his first comments on the regular compliance audit of the federal Liberal nature of the secret Liberal Party contributor The Greenfields Foundation since its existence was Party, but, as I have said, we might have to disclosed in a Liberal Party return this week, said wait up to two years for this audit to take he could not disclose the foundation’s backers. place. "Unfortunately, it’s a private foundation . . . I We have here an open and shut case of the can’t comment at all except to say it will make Liberal Party deliberately trying to breach the fairly significant contributions to charity," he said. spirit of the Electoral Act. That is what they "The Greenfields Foundation will make substan- are on about. They are trying to side step, get tial contributions to organisations such as those that around, any form of public scrutiny of what look after blind children." is a huge sum of money from yet unknown Really? In the Financial Review on 4 Februa- Liberal Party donors—many of whom may ry, after this issue had been exposed, we find well be overseas donors to the Liberal Party. another trustee of the Greenfields Founda- tion—it is not Mr Bandle or Mr Stephen What we say in the Labor Party—and I McAneney—Sir John Atwill, who, as Senator know that my colleagues agree with me very Conroy would know, is a former federal strongly on this—is that the public has a right President of the Liberal Party, saying: to know who these donors are. They have a right to know because the business of govern- I have no knowledge of Greenfields. I have nothing ment needs to be transparent. It is a funda- to do with it. mental principle. What we have here is a very Senator Conroy—He is not. He is just a serious loophole in the Electoral Act being signatory. exploited by the Liberal Party. I hope that this Senator FAULKNER—He is a trustee. I parliament will take the necessary action to hope someone in the Liberal Party tells poor shut this sleazy operation down. (Time ex- old Sir John Atwill that he is actually a pired) trustee and that he had better take a bit of Senator MURPHY (Tasmania) (5.34 note of what is being done in his name. p.m.)—Tonight we are continuing to debate The situation in relation to this particular appropriation bills Nos 2, 3 and 4 which matter is that we do know that the AEC wrote require an additional appropriation of about Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 203

$1.684 billion. That represents about one per rather interesting that Tasmanian farmers have cent more than the 1997-98 budget estimated to get their money by negotiation—and, at outlays. this point in time, they will be expected to Most people would want us to ask: what pay capital gains tax on that money when does this mean in terms of jobs for Austral- they get it. Obviously, the Victorian Liberal ians? If you look at the government’s record Party members and farmers have much more you find that by August last year—and I do clout than their Tasmanian colleagues because not have up-to-date figures—they had cut they will not have to do anything of the sort. some 62,000 jobs out of the public sector I pursued this matter in estimates with the nationally, 1,100 of which were cut from my minister about whether or not the landowners home state. Unfortunately, I do not have would have to pay capital gains tax, but it is accurate figures for the private sector, but a question that remains unresolved. It is one they are also significant and growing. This is that should be resolved because if it is not from a government that said it would deliver then the government, as much as it might like employment, create jobs, and bring unemploy- to say it will, will not be able to reach the ment down in this country. targets that it set down from an environmental This is also from a government that intends, point of view. That will essentially mean that as we heard earlier, to spend some $750,000 much of the land that should be managed in of taxpayers’ money and utilise the intellec- accordance with conservation values will not tual property branch of the Department of be so managed in the case of Tasmanian Communications and the Arts to educate its private land. own backbench on the merits of its CD As I said, what does it mean for jobs? It import legislation. People would really want does not mean anything for jobs. In fact, to ask the question, as, I think, Senator Ray sawmilling jobs in Tasmania, which one of asked earlier: why can the Minister for Com- the principal aspects of the regional forest munications, the Information Economy and agreements was about, are declining in great the Arts, Senator Alston, not convince his number. I read with some interest that North backbench of the merits of that legislation? I Forest Products has purchased one of the think we know why he cannot. It is fraught biggest woodchip machines in the world, and with all sorts of problems which will have a where is it going to be installed? In Tasmania. serious impact on employment in the music The Prime Minister (Mr Howard) used to industry. accuse Paul Keating, the former Prime Another area that I particularly want to deal Minister, of being the king of woodchips. with in the appropriation bills is two appropri- That is very interesting in terms of job losses ations in respect of the Tasmanian regional in what is a very important resource based forest agreement, the RFA, which total about industry in this country. What has happened $27.4 million. When the Tasmanian regional with woodchips since John Howard, the now forest agreement was signed we heard much Prime Minister, has taken office? They have about how many jobs would be created as a gone up and up. Indeed, North Forest Pro- result. We had figures of up to 800 new jobs ducts have just got an agreement with the that would be created as a result of the Tas- support of the federal government to increase manian regional forest agreement. It has been the volume out of New South Wales by some there for a few months now and I would 600,000 tonnes a year. By the same token, suggest that fewer than 10 jobs have been many hundreds of jobs are being lost in New created as a result of the Tasmanian regional South Wales in the sawmilling and processing forest agreement. industries. There is another important aspect to this What has the government done about the $27.4 million. It was supposed to be used for Wood and Paper Industry Council, the body the purposes of protecting forests on private that was supposed to provide information and land. We heard about that today with regard advice to the government about how we to the Baillieu fence in Victoria. I find it would rebuild manufacturing in the wood 204 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 resourced based industries? What has hap- ment all over the place with regard to the pened with that? Nothing. It has been turned money that this government has cut out of into a Mickey Mouse show with no effect. health funding. Our state has suffered so Let us go back to my own home state again greatly in respect of health it is almost un- with regard to the paper industry. We have believable. The state of health in Tasmania is heard much about what this government has in such a pathetic situation that if something proposed over the two years it has been in is not done the whole system will be bank- office, in particular as it related to anti-dump- rupted. ing laws. The government said prior to the As I said, the government keeps saying that election that it would take certain steps and it is all about jobs—it is about maintaining do certain things with regard to anti-dumping. jobs and job security. We have seen them It has taken them 22 months to make an claim on many occasions, ‘We have lower announcement that they will do something. inflation, the lowest interest rates, et cetera.’ Indeed, Minister Moore and Minister Truss, Nobody wants to buy homes. Why would in making the announcement, would have they? They do not know whether they will given people the impression that they had have a job tomorrow. legislation ready to run with, that they had a I referred earlier to the Copyright Amend- bill that they would introduce to the parlia- ment Bill 1997. It is a rather interesting ment in this very first week of the new situation in that the Minister for Communica- sitting. Not so; the bill has not even been tions, the Information Economy and the Arts, drafted. It is not even in draft form—yet this Senator Alston, has tried to get a win on from the government that talks about protect- many issues in this parliament. He has not got ing jobs. any yet. This seems to be the last bastion for The minister said, ‘We have introduced the him. He has sought to convey to the Austral- fastest system.’ If you have introduced it, why ian public and to try to convince this parlia- isn’t it working? In Burnie and Wesley Vale ment—he has failed to convince his own in Tasmania there are two paper mills very backbench—that we will get cheaper CDs. dependent upon the protection of anti- There is no evidence of that. In fact the dumping measures, even more so in the face government have trotted out Professor Alan of the Asian economic crisis. You would have Fels, the chief of the ACCC, to defend their thought that a government would have been position, to argue their case. But Professor prepared to take steps as quickly as possible. Fels, before the Senate Legal and Constitu- Even when they made the announcement, tional Legislation Committee, could not prove what did they announce? They announced a that there would be cheaper CDs. Indeed, complete copy of the bills that we introduced what will happen is that significant damage in both the Senate and the House of Repre- will be done to the local music industry. sentatives last year. It was exactly the same We have had evidence that the local indus- thing—nothing different. They did not pro- try, and particularly new artists, will suffer pose anything different. We have had three greatly; that there will not be the support ministers for customs in 22 months. We had there for them; that many of them will not be Mr Prosser, then Senator Ellison, who was able to survive. We all know that the possi- minister for a very short while, and now we bility of the importation of illegal and pirated have Minister Truss, who is still running CDs into this country is very real. Yet the around trying to work out what he should do government and the minister seem to want to and is not doing anything. ignore that. They want to ignore it because Other areas, in so far as my own home state they know that customs, as the agency re- is concerned, have suffered at the hands of sponsible for imports into this country, has no this government in terms of money that has capacity to deal with the type of potential that been taken from the state. The Liberal state will come as a result of legislation removing government in Tasmania has been bagging the parallel import restrictions. They simply will Prime Minister, Mr Howard, and his govern- not be able to manage. As a result of that, Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 205 significant job losses will occur. The govern- response with regard to the jobs that will be ment has totally failed to understand the role lost in the transport area. I do not think many of the local industry. people realise that the music industry is one The fact is, as was pointed out even to the of the biggest users of air transport in this Attorney-General’s Department, which did country because most of the product is acknowledge that there would be an increase shipped by air. There will be a range of in the level of importation, that there is a effects in this area in terms of employment. problem associated with the protection meas- Under the appropriations within these bills ures that are currently in place. Of course, we have lost huge amounts of money in my that being the case, what does this govern- state. Even when it was put to the government ment intend to do about it? It intends to do on a number of occasions with regard to the nothing. It intends to say nothing. It wants to cuts that it made to various Tasmanian pro- introduce this legislation that will decimate jects, the Tasmanian members of the govern- the industry. Of course, I can recall Senator ment have never sought to argue the case for Alston, I think even in this place, referring to their own state. They ought to feel ashamed. what is currently the most popular, and indeed In Launceston, there has been some $30 mill- the highest income earning music export this ion lost in various areas: the Australian Mari- country has, Savage Garden, saying that they time College lost about $15 million for a co- could have made it had this legislation been operative research program centre; the univer- in place. That is simply not true. sity lost about $10 million, and on it goes. Nobody, but nobody, in this country will Even the now returned member for Bass, seek to invest in new talent or artists without Warwick Smith, who ran a petition around a their being able to secure some right. I use, as suburb known as Mowbray to install a Medi- a reference to that, the circumstances of a care office in Mowbray, promised the people person purchasing a franchise. This govern- that he would do so if he was voted back in ment made much ado about providing new but he has never achieved that outcome. provisions to protect franchisees. Of course, It is a pretty sorry situation when these a franchise is a right. You buy a right. If you people who have the responsibility of govern- buy a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise and ment have done exactly the opposite to what you set it up in Fyshwick or Queanbeyan, they promised to do in the state of Tasmania. then you do not expect another person to Indeed, they have taken away millions of come and plonk another Kentucky Fried dollars from Tasmanians and they have not Chicken outlet beside you. There is a law to delivered in any way, shape or form, the types protect the right that you purchase. of commitments that they gave. Of course, we Why would you expect a person or a have debated many times the matter of core company within this country to invest in and non-core promises. For Tasmania, it artists, and provide them with security and a means no promises are to be kept. Whether start in the world, when they will have no they are core or non-core, none of them have capacity to protect that right in this country if been kept. I think the government members you remove parallel import restrictions? from Tasmania have a responsibility to an- Because all that means is that, as soon as the swer to the Tasmanian people as to why that records are produced overseas, other people is the case and why they have not been able can import them back into this country and to deliver. cut out the sales that would otherwise be in As I said, in the latest round of events in place as a right. The right is conveyed, as it terms of Tasmanian jobs, the jobs of paper currently stands, with those CD import restric- workers at Burnie and at Wesley Vale are tions. under very serious threat. The minister does Of course, there are no answers from the have a power available to him to do some- government with regard to these matters, no thing about it. He has chosen not to. I would answers with regard to the number of jobs suggest that Chris Miles, the member for that will be lost in the promotion area, and no Braddon, ought to be pursuing the minister to 206 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 get him to take the steps under current legisla- is critical to a nation’s capital formation, tion to protect those jobs. I am quite sure, and investment, economic development and, it worries me, that the company may well be hopefully, resulting job creation. It is import- looking for an excuse to see the mill at ant for a country to maximise its own saving, Burnie, in particular, close. I think the not just from the point of view of capital minister, at least, ought to be ensuring that formation, economic development and invest- the company does not use circumstances that ment but also in order for it to maximise he has allowed to occur to be the scapegoat control of its own economic sovereignty. for the closure of those mills. There are also greater costs associated with Appropriation bill or no appropriation bill, importing foreign capital, although inevitably I think there are many issues that need to be a certain proportion of capital is required to resolved as a result of this government’s be imported. actions over the last two years. We have had There is no doubt that Australia has a two budgets, not many jobs. We have had significant savings problem. If you look at the aged care torn to pieces. I noticed the other statistics on Australia’s national saving over day that Minister Warwick Smith said that the past 30 years, you will see that there has there was no reason why the government been a slow but steady decline. But Australia should not keep the $145 million that they is not alone in having a savings problem; we had raised out of the nursing home daily fees. share this problem with other OECD nations. In fact, they should be putting that money Official statistics show that there is perhaps— back into the system—and the churches have and I emphasise the word ‘perhaps’—only called upon them to do this. one country that does not have a serious The government have been rabbiting on that national savings problem and that is Japan. there is a need for some $500 million to Just to make a side comment about tax, restore nursing homes at least to a level where interestingly, one of the solutions touted to they can be considered livable. You have got increase national savings is to introduce $145 million that you have snipped off the consumption taxes in a variety of forms—a aged care community. Why don’t you give it goods and services tax or a value added tax. back? Why don’t you put it back into the Certainly, the current government has rechris- system? It is about time the government tened these taxes BOBITS or BIBITS, de- started doing things that are in the interests of pending on their latest repackaging attempt to the Australian people and not continuing sell a new indirect tax. down the line of just tearing things away from them and not, as we head towards an election, The theory goes that if you tax consumption trying to cover up with Wik legislation and people will save more. This is a particularly industrial relations activities such as those that interesting theory, given that in the last 30 have been conducted on the Webb Dock in years most OECD countries other than Aus- Melbourne. It is a very sad state of affairs tralia have introduced a variety of indirect indeed. taxes, whether they are called a GST or a Senator SHERRY (Tasmania) (5.53 VAT. Not only have they been introduced but p.m.)—It is traditional in debates on appropri- they have slowly but surely been increased. ation bills for senators to touch on a variety What has happened to national saving of issues that range far and wide. In my amongst those OECD countries? National contribution to this debate today I am going saving has declined. So you could argue the to make some comments about issues relating reverse of the proponents of a new consump- to national savings, tax, retirement income tion tax. You could certainly argue that, if and expenditure, and, if time allows, the you track savings in OECD countries and you current economic problems in a number of track the introduction of an indirect consump- Asian countries. tion tax and its increase, that a consumption National savings are very important for the tax leads to a reduction in national saving, not economic future of a country. National saving an increase. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 207

I think it is important to look very briefly earlier you start, the easier the resolution of at the causes of a reduction in saving, not just the problems becomes. in Australia but around the world. Time does not permit me to go into all the detail, but I As I mentioned earlier, there are significant suspect there are much deeper and broader problems on the income side of the equation factors, particularly cultural and demographic to ensure a sufficient income in retirement, changes. Certainly, the working generation of particularly when I suspect the expectations the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s had very strong of today’s generation in the work force are for memories of the Great Depression and World a retirement income something greater than War II. There is no doubt there was a much the current age pension, which is approxi- stronger saving ethic in our community. mately $9,000 a year. On the expenditure side, governments have to fund expenditure Combined with this is the fact that we are in areas such as health and nursing homes. an ageing population; a greater proportion of We have seen some recent debate about Australia’s population are over the age of 65. nursing home policy in this country. So it is We also combine this with the very regret- quite critical to take a long-term view of both table fact that the level of people out of work retirement income and service provision. in our community is much higher than it was in the 1940s through to the early 1970s. For The Liberal-National Party has taken a very obvious reasons people who are out of range of decisions since it was elected to work for substantial periods of time and government. It is appropriate, of course, as people who are retired are net dis-savers. this week marks the second anniversary of the election of the government. But the govern- I referred earlier to the increasing propor- ment has taken a range of decisions that I tion of our population over the age of 65. In would contend exhibit a fundamental lack of 1994, about 12 per cent of the population vision—indeed, a lack of compassion—for were over the age of 65. By the year 2051—it our rapidly ageing community. The govern- sounds a long way away; it is over 50 years— ment has taken a very short-term view, 23 per cent, or almost one in four people in particularly in the area of retirement incomes, this country, will be over the age of 65. We that will greatly magnify the long-term prob- have an ageing population. There is a range lems that we have to face. of problems and challenges—some would certainly refer to them that way—associated I am sure many senators in this chamber with this ageing population. We need to be recall Labor’s commitment and, firstly, its able to provide a secure and comfortable action to introduce the superannuation guaran- retirement income for people over the age of tee, phased in to nine per cent by the year 65, as well as a range of expenditures in areas 2001-02 and to match that with a government such as health and other specific aged care contribution of three per cent and an employ- services. ee contribution of three per cent, making a total of 15 per cent. I certainly consider as a member of a Labor government that it is the role of a Labor Party This government, Mr Costello particularly, to provide fundamental support in areas such has taken the view that government co- as education, health and incomes. By in- contributions should not be contributed to comes, I mean a decent income for people not superannuation in this country and it would only while they are employed or unemployed be delivered in another form—a savings but also while they are retired. The ageing rebate. If you look at the level of contribu- population presents a significant number of tions for retirement incomes amongst compa- major challenges or perhaps problems. I rable countries—these are the OECD referred earlier to the statistics: one in four nations—the average level of contributions is will be over the age of 65 by the year 2051. 13 per cent. They are struggling to maintain It seems a long time away. However, to existing levels of retirement income, even accrue sufficient retirement income for that with 13 per cent contributions over a person’s period with our changing demographic, the working life. 208 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

What do we have? We have nine per cent. look at people who save voluntarily in this It is interesting to look at the projected country, they are generally, not exclusively, income a person will receive from the nine higher income earners. per cent superannuation guarantee. Average So what Mr Costello has done is taken weekly earnings of $36,000 a year over a 40- away three per cent from low to middle year period will equate to a pension of about income earners in this country that should $9,000 a year for a person on reaching retire- have been paid into their superannuation for ment age. I would emphasise that a significant their retirement income. He has repackaged it proportion of Australia’s population do not and paid it generally to higher income earn- earn $36,000 throughout their working life. ers—people who do not need that form of So how will people survive in their retire- subsidy effectively for their retirement in- ment? This government has effectively re- come. duced their long-term retirement income, The savings rebate also has another very certainly on that side of the equation, and serious consequence in that it is unlikely to attempted to take a range of measures to add to national savings. One of the virtues of reduce the service delivery to people when Labor’s approach to superannuation is that it they retire. Of course, there is another way to did lead to an increase in national saving. If provide essential services to people when they we look at last year’s budget papers, nowhere have retired, and that is to require the ex- is there any modelling for the projected penditure of their other asset, and their only increase in national saving as a result of Mr other major asset is their own home. Austral- Costello’s savings rebate. I suspect that, in ians want to pass this major asset on to their their more honest moments, the Prime next of kin. Understandably, there is a great Minister, Mr Howard, Mr Costello and mem- reluctance for a person to be required to use bers of the government are worrying about the part or all of their asset, their own home, in political return on billions of dollars that have funding retirement expenditure. been committed to this savings rebate, par- That is exactly what the current government ticularly also given the large question mark tried to do with the recent nursing home over any increase in national saving that fiasco. It rejigged its policy, it juggled it would result. Even Mr Ted Evans—in one of around and finally had to do a backflip his more honest moments at Treasury esti- because it found out—I think to its political mates—admitted that it was a significant risk. cost—that anything that attempts to touch the In concluding my remarks on superannua- family home as an asset is not politically tion and compulsory retirement schemes, it is acceptable in this country, and understandably interesting to note that a number of Asian so. At the same time, it has embarked on a countries—as a result of rapid economic policy of ensuring that the income that Aus- development and also rapid social change tralians receive when they retire will not be consequent on that economic development— as great as it would otherwise have been. are introducing compulsory national saving I referred earlier to the savings rebates. I schemes. Certainly, the most famous scheme have commented on this before but, very is in Singapore, which has been in effect for briefly, the money that was to be paid in to well over 20 years. But there are other count- Australian workers superannuation was spe- ries: Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and I note that cifically targeted at low and middle income in the last few weeks Hong Kong has intro- earners. Certainly no-one who earned more duced a compulsory national savings scheme than $70,000 was going to benefit from the for retirement of 10 per cent with five per government’s three per cent payment to cent employee contribution and five per cent superannuation. Mr Costello abandoned that employer contribution. As I said earlier, what commitment and he is introducing a rebate. stands out is that contribution levels of less This rebate will be 7.5 per cent in 1998-99, than 10 per cent are not sufficient to provide and in the year 1999-2000 it will be 15 per a decent retirement income for Australians cent, up to a maximum of $450 a year. If you and those countries in Europe that have an Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 209 average contribution level of 13 per cent are trade figures that were released yesterday really struggling to meet current pension where we had a $600 million trade deficit in requirements. January. We also had the release of figures I want to touch very briefly on the current showing a 57 per cent reduction in applica- problems we are experiencing as a conse- tions for tourist visits to Australia. The ABS quence of the Asian crisis. At a lunch in rural exports figure fell $1.88 billion, which Sydney on 15 December last year, which was was the lowest figure since November 1996. actually at the Machiavelli Restaurant, the But what is most disturbing is that imports of Prime Minister said: consumption goods rose to $2.28 billion. Our deteriorating trade deficit, mainly as a conse- The single-most important thing that has hap- quence of what has occurred in Asia, will pened over the last 12 months to Australia is that we have been able to withstand and come through have a significant economic impact and relatively unscathed, the enormous financial ultimately an increase in unemployment. I turbulence in our part of the world. And of all the might remind the Senate that the Prime things that might be said about the last 12 months, Minister was boasting last year that he had that is the single-most important thing. fireproofed the Australian economy against He went on: the ravages of the Asian economic meltdown. . . . we first came into office to tackle the econom- ic situation that we inherited, the very large budget Thirdly, the Prime Minister also forgot to deficit, the very poor levels of national savings, the acknowledge the role Labor has played in inadequate industrial relations system... some very fundamental economic reforms in A few days later he said, ‘We have fire- its 13 years in office with record low indus- proofed the Australian economy against the trial disputes, healthy corporate profits, ravages of the Asian economic meltdown.’ floating of the dollar, deregulation of the We have had Mr Costello say this in Septem- financial system and lower corporate tax rates. ber last year at a conference of economists: Perhaps the Prime Minister did not want to The fact that Australia has been immune to the openly—and in a balanced way— instability that spread throughout South-East Asia— acknowledge Labor’s record, but perhaps he A month later, on 22 October, he said that the forgot to acknowledge Labor’s record. He did impact of the crisis on Australia—this is his not particularly want to. Perhaps he forgot— prediction of the future—would ‘hardly be like he forgot when he was Treasurer in 1983 measurable’. during the election campaign to tell the Australian public that the then deficit would There are three observations to make in hit $9 billion, which in today’s dollar terms respect of Mr Howard’s comments. Firstly, would be over $25 billion—and he has the Mr Howard gave a commitment to give an gall to accuse our current leader, Mr Beazley, annual report to parliament. He certainly did of creating a black hole. (Time expired) give that report at the end of 1996, as I recall, but he did not do it at the end of 1997; Senator WEST (New South Wales) (6.14 instead, he fronted up to the Machiavelli p.m.)—I rise tonight to address a couple of Restaurant in Sydney and gave his assessment issues that have been brought to my attention of the past year. If Mr Howard wants to front as a result of the recent estimates process and up to the Machiavelli Restaurant—in front of media comments that have appeared in the what must be a very sympathetic audience Financial Review. The first one relates to the and a paying audience as well—rather than intended rise in airport landing charges at give his annual report to parliament, I suppose Kingsford Smith airport in Sydney, and the that is his prerogative, but it is not the com- second one relates to nursing homes. There mitment he gave at the last election. have been three articles in the Australian Secondly, Mr Howard and Mr Costello Financial Review—or there had been up to were wrong in their analysis of the effect of last week—about additional increases in the current problems in Asia. The latest airline charges and landing fees for aircraft evidence of the problems in Asia are in the flying into Kingsford Smith airport. 210 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

It is certainly still not clear from the esti- for a nine o’clock appointment. They spend mates answers—and a lot of those have still all day on appointments in Sydney and can to come back on notice—what impact these then catch the ten past seven flight home at rises will have on regional and rural commut- night and not have the additional cost of an er airlines that operate almost solely within overnight stay. New South Wales. There is grave concern on the part of the industry that there will be a If airline fares were to rise by $20 or $25, significant increase in the cost of airline these people would not fly. They would still tickets—and, therefore, access—to KSA for leave home at about six o’clock in the morn- regional and rural people. It is not just me ing, but they would drive in their cars to who is concerned; the leader of the National Sydney for their appointments and have to Party in New South Wales and many others drive back in the evening. People will tell me, have expressed their concerns in the regional ‘Oh, it’s not a great number of people.’ But newspapers in recent times. if you add up the number of people from all around the region, you will find that there The FAC has provided the industry with will be a few more cars on that already details of what their options are. I have not dangerous road. The NRMA has worked out yet been provided with those, but they are that the section from Penrith to Bathurst is coming on notice. I think it is important that probably the most dangerous road in NSW; we understand just what is being asked of statistically more dangerous than the Pacific industry and what the impact will be. Airlines Highway heading north from Sydney, which like Impulse say that for them, over a two- or has had additional funding put into it. The three-year period it means additional running impact of this move will be to disenfranchise costs of about half a million dollars. Another the access of a lot of rural people to Sydney. larger airline that operates more flights out of KSA has estimated it will cost them an There were suggestions by the FAC when additional million dollars. I spoke to them about it that they were going Increases of between $10 and $25 a ticket to spend a lot of money at Kingsford Smith are being talked of. The intrastate airline airport. That is fine. I asked them what industry will not be able to bear these increas- amount of the moneys that they were expend- es very readily. The increases will certainly ing would benefit regional and rural New have an impact on the access of the people of South Wales. Fifty million dollars is to be rural New South Wales to Kingsford Smith expended on new pavements and taxiways, airport. But it will not just affect the individ- and that is very welcome. Something like ual. There is industry west of the Great $400 million will be expended on the interna- Dividing Range and north and south of tional terminal. The bulk of travellers from Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong. The increases regional and rural New South Wales do not will impact on Newcastle because there are use the international terminal; they use the small commuter airlines that run from New- domestic terminals. It does not seem fair that castle to Sydney. I presume it will also affect they will have to find and bear a dispropor- Canberra because the major operators, the big tionate amount of money to meet those domestic carriers, have only a very limited charges. number of jet services in and out of KSA to I did not think that charges were to be used Canberra. to control the number of flights into and out It is the smaller subsidiaries—the Kendall of Kingsford Smith airport. Last year we airlines and the Eastern airlines—that operate passed the Sydney Airport Demand Manage- the bulk of the services from Sydney to KSA, ment Bill. That bill outlined the fact that there and they will, of course, be affected. The were slots available to the industry for utilisa- increases will have a major effect in my own tion, that the industry was moving to slot area of Bathurst. We have a 6.30 a.m. flight. times and that regional and rural commuters It is a very popular flight because it enables would certainly be able to get access to that business and industry people to be in Sydney facility. In fact, I was told they were going to Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 211 be ring-fenced, and I was again told this at me to say what the amount of money was. estimates. For the 12 months to June of 1997, just under I want to know the answer to a question I $7.5 million was raised. keep asking: if the Sydney Airport Demand I have a grave concern with the way this Management Act is in operation and is con- government is moving on privatisation, trolling the number of aircraft movements per outsourcing and that type of thing that we are hour, why do we need to have peak and going to see more of this ‘It’s commercial-in- shoulder charges as well as flat landing confidence’. That is fine, but I want to know charges for the rest of the day? The depart- why it is commercial-in-confidence and what ment cannot answer that question for me. I happens about accountability. There has to be can foresee—and I prophesy here—that if accountability in all of this, not just in the these landing charge increases take place, interests of the airport and privatisation but of regional and rural commuter airlines will be the travelling public and of the taxpayer. It is unable to take up the slot times that they are very important that we do not lose sight of allocated in the peak times. I would bet my this. Every time I get a letter that tells me bottom dollar that, once they cannot take up something is commercial-in-confidence I am those slot times because of the peak and going to continue to say, ‘Why?’ and ‘Give shoulder charge increases, we will see region- me the details’. al and rural commuters lose access to KSA in The amount of revenue that is brought in to the mornings and in the evenings at the peak the FAC coffers by the peak and shoulder times when, I think, we have as much right to charges and by the general landing charges at travel as anybody else. So it is of major Kingsford Smith airport is of interest to concern and major importance. taxpayers, because they want to know how There is another issue that relates to that much is being subsidised and how much bill. In the committee stage of the bill I asked assistance is being given. If that $7.5 million for the figure for the revenue from the peak is being paid so that it makes them competi- and shoulder charges to 30 June 1997. That tive with the other airports, I wonder what the was taken on notice. I received a letter from charges are and what the revenue from them the minister six weeks or so later providing is for the privately leased airports. me with a figure but telling me that it was I leave that issue at this stage and turn to commercial-in-confidence. When I wrote back aged care, an issue that I have been pursuing to the minister and asked why it was ever since the government advised that it was commercial-in-confidence the reason given going to change aged care. In fact, I have was that the FAC ‘requested that it be treated been pursuing it and involved with it for as as such because it was now in competition long as I have been here. I have probably with the privately operated airports in Bris- been pursuing it for the last 30-odd years in bane, Melbourne and Perth and believed that my nursing career. the public release of this information would Aged care is vital. It is something that not be in the best interests of the airport.’ At should be given with compassion and care; it estimates I wondered what was in the best should not be something which is just a book interests of the airline traveller—and I still do. entry. I raised the case the other day of a 55- When I asked Mr Snelling, the witness from year-old gentleman who has Alzheimer’s the FAC, why this information was classified disease and whose family has a farm. The as commercial-in-confidence, he did not income from that farm is negligible, because know. I asked him whether he could provide they have been in receipt of exceptional information on the peak and shoulder charges circumstances funding. They are still in at KSA—how much revenue each charge had receipt of a healthcare card because the brought in. He said that he could get that for income is so low. Because of his Alzheimer’s me, which then led me to ask why it had this gentleman requires institutionalisation in previously been commercial-in-confidence. I a nursing home but, because of the value of still ask that question. He was quite happy for the farm and of a small rental property, they 212 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 are being charged the maximum accommoda- nurses with good qualifications. I have attend- tion charge per day that can be levied on ed an in-service day that was held by a them, because they are non-pensioners. university that works out of that area as well. This government some time ago outlined They are well-qualified people who know this wonderful new change—these wonderful what they are talking about and who are new incentives and innovations—for expert in the area of aged care. intergenerational transfer of family farms. But They say that they were quite happy when it was for people who were in receipt of aged the idea of a single instrument was intro- care benefits. At his age, my constituent— duced, because they thought that that would with Alzheimer’s disease, an adult family, and measure the direct care needs of all people a wife with a disability who cannot work the accommodated in residential care facilities. farm—is not eligible for the intergenerational They say: transfer because he is not at age pension age. The only language I can think of to describe Upon final presentation of the RCS that situation is unparliamentary. it is now very clear that it is purely a Funding Tool to measure "relative care needs" only and therefore, I know that this initiative was sold as the has very little to do with classification and direct panacea, as the solution to all of the problems care needs. of the rural industry when they needed to transfer property. Now we have this situation They are critical of the training for the RCS. that I am acquainted with. I will be working They say: very hard to ensure that this family is given The Training for the RCS was initially found to be a classification under hardship provisions. He adequate, however, since that training the intention did not ask for this disease; he has a chronic and wording of some questions have changed creating confusion, uncertainty and indeed the illness. It is an illness that can affect any age, movement of some residents to lower categories, but because of the type of illness it is he is even from high band to low band. The wording treated in a nursing home. It is not at all fair. between questions is inconsistent, the weightings Also on aged care I turn to a letter that I are inappropriate for the delivery of care required, particularly, for example the Medication question and a number of people have received from ... a region of New South Wales where the directors of nursing have formed an associa- This is one of the questions about which I am tion representing 35 institutions. They have getting a lot of concern expressed to me by written a very lengthy letter outlining their the industry. I admit that I have a nursing concerns and their thoughts about the changes background and I have good contacts within in aged care. To say that they are uncompli- these areas. They continue: mentary is putting it fairly mildly. They have . . . the Medication question which gives maximum grave concerns with the resident classification weighting for an injection which may only have to scale. be administered monthly and does not require the equivalent amount of effort and time as does In estimates late last year I introduced into crushing and mixing medications and standing to the debate a report by Chris Aisbett from administer the medications to a confused, unco- LAETA that had been done for the New operative or "slow" resident, not once a day, but up South Wales Nurses Association, the New to four (4) times a day... South Wales College of Nursing, and The monthly injection can score higher than Geriaction. The report indicated that the the administration of the medication. The resident classification scale is a flawed instru- other area of that which is causing grave ment. With pressure here in this chamber concern is for hostels when they are using during the debate on the original legislation, dose sets and Webster packs. These are we actually have managed to get the govern- methods of putting doses of medication ment to agree to a review after three months. together into an appropriate pack so that Let me go through this letter and talk about somebody just has to come along and open up some of the things that this group of directors one particular blister from the Webster case of nursing are raising. These are all registered at the time it is due to be administered or, in Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 213 the case of the dose set, to slide back a slide would not take issue with his character or on the lid. with his integrity. These are being filled, and are required to Competition on the wharves around Austral- be filled, by someone who has the appropriate ia is a good thing. It is a good thing that qualifications. In the hostels in New South people who work on the wharves be as Wales that I am talking about, that is a productive as possible. It does not follow pharmacist or a doctor. It is the hostel that from that that the way a number of people has to foot the cost of that, not the patient. have gone about attacking the Maritime These people are being classified as the Union of Australia on the wharves in Mel- second lowest, and there is a big difference bourne is the correct way. The first thing to in the classification scale between the second be remembered about the situation on the lowest and the next one, which is where I wharves of Melbourne is this: it has to do think they should be, and I think most of the mainly with working men and working industry would agree with me. That is an women of Australia. added impost upon the hostels. Most adult people in Australia work. Some The department tells us that they do not earn more than others and it is often said that have to do it, but part of accreditation is that some people earn too much. ‘Profit’ is not a they will improve standards. They will have dirty word, nor is ‘decent and proper wages’ good, high standards. This is the sort of a dirty phrase. The fact that people earn procedure that they should be adopting for money should not be a situation that attracts good care and standards—and they are being criticism or attracts a combination of forces penalised. That is just one instance where the to stop them earning what they are entitled to resident classification scale falls down, and and have properly earned, just as there should falls down badly. The sooner that review is not be a combination of forces to stop people made public, the better for everybody. (Time earning profits. Indeed, we have provisions expired) under the Trade Practices Act to look to that. It seems to me that those provisions in the Senator COONEY (Victoria) (6.34 p.m.)— laws of Australia, whether they come from We are now debating the appropriation bills, statutory law or from common law, are more which deal with the way money is collected protective of people’s right to earn a profit and how it is spent on behalf of the Austral- than they are to get decent wages for them- ian taxpayer. It is proper that rigour be selves. brought to bear on the considerations of that process, and we have heard much debate For most people, the strength of their directed to that issue. bargaining position comes from their ability to combine, to put forward a common demand I want to talk about a few matters, all to do that leads to an agreement. In so far as that with the wise and good expenditure of money. unionisation is stopped, to that extent, It is not simply a matter of bringing to the people’s ability to earn a reasonable income process an accountant’s mind or an is prejudiced. It is said there were 15 people economist’s mind; there are other issues to in Australia who could repair the breakdown take into account. in power in Auckland in New Zealand. No I want to talk about certain matters to do doubt those sorts of people can command with the working people of Australia—on pretty much on their own what they would. Webb Dock in Melbourne, at Cobar in New But most people who want to get a reasonable South Wales, Yarrawonga in Victoria and wage and reasonable conditions need to go Grafton in New South Wales. I probably take forward in a union and, in so far as we have a different view on these matters to Senator laws that break down that ability, as I said Crane who was speaking earlier in this de- before, to that extent, people’s ability to earn bate. I often disagree with Senator Crane on a decent and proper wage is affected. economic matters and industrial matters, but It is clear that the Webb Dock affair arose he is a person of outstanding character. I out of a unfortunate strategy—which included 214 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 government, Patricks and the National Far- mines is not forthcoming. It is always a mers Federation—to bring down a particular concern to everyone, including everybody in union and, to that extent, to stop working men this chamber, I would suggest, where you and women getting what they deserve from have a structure of companies with enough industry. I do not particularly want to go on money to pay what is due to working people, about Webb Dock because I want to deal with but the structure is such that the actual com- some other matters, but I want to say this: the pany that employs them can go into liquida- more prosperous a nation, the better it is for tion owing money that is due to the people all of us. The better cared for is our environ- who have worked hard and vigorously to ment—we have heard much talk about the obtain a just reward. environment today—the better it is for all of There is a similar situation in Grafton with us. The more we can go forward as a com- a meatworks run by Gilbertsons. Again, it is munity, the better it is for all of us. a situation where people are going to be One of the bases upon which we can best deprived of their proper remuneration because go forward as a community is that there be of a company law. I do not think this is a truth and a candid exchange between people. party political issue. I think anybody, no One of the great problems with the affair at matter what party they are in, would be Webb Dock was that there was not that anxious to see that people who have worked frankness. There was not the candidness that through the sweat of their brow and have was needed to make sure that reform of the earned money are not denied that money dock went forward in a way that had a com- because of a flaw—and I think it is a flaw— munal sense to it and produced justice all in our corporate law. around, so that not only was there profit but Senator Brownhill—Corporate law of that there were fair wages awarded to every- insolvency. one. Senator COONEY—Yes, and the law of I want to say something about the situation insolvency. Thanks for that, Senator at Cobar. That is a tragic situation, not only Brownhill. The other situation I want to talk for the people in the copper mines who have about is Yarrawonga. I have to be a little been deprived of their due return for the careful about this one because it is still before labour they put in there but for the town as a the courts. This involves a meatworks owned whole. by ICM, which I think is a company owned Senator Brownhill—Hear, hear! by the same people who own Uncle Tobys. What has happened there is that people have Senator COONEY—I am glad that Senator been shut out of the works while they are Brownhill is here. He is a man who represents undergoing a revamp—indeed, a major over- New South Wales and represents it well. He haul. It is quite clear that that meatworks at has affirmed that it is a tragedy for that town. Yarrawonga was in need of the overhaul that It is something which we, as a parliament, it is undergoing, but things have been ar- ought to do something about. ranged in such a way that the Workplace Senator Brownhill—We are, of course. We Relations Act is being used to have the are pursuing it through the ASC. workers stood down while the slaughter house Senator COONEY—Thank you for that— is undergoing the restructure that is needed. you are pursing it. On paper you have a One would have hoped that the employer was minor company, Cobar Mines Pty Ltd, which such an employer that he would have made is in deep financial trouble but which has, sure the major restructure that was needed through various connections, links with was carried out so as not to penalise those Ashanti Goldfields Ltd and even with Lonrhos good and faithful people who had worked for back in London. The tragedy is that you have the company for a long time. a group of workers and a very good town As I said, this matter is before the courts, which is suffering because the money due to but it just seems to be a very mean spirited the people who have been working in the approach to life to shut your workers out, to Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 215 put them on the grass—and I use that Corporations and Securities for inquiry and report phrase—on the basis that negotiations are by 23 March 1998. being conducted under the Workplace Rela- Selection of Bills Committee tions Act. It is mean spirited to use that opportunity to undertake these major works. Report I seek leave to continue my remarks later. Senator CALVERT (Tasmania)—by Leave granted; debate adjourned. leave—I present the first report of 1998 of the Selection of Bills Committee. I seek leave to COMMITTEES have the report incorporated in Hansard. Corporations and Securities Committee Leave granted. Referral The report read as follows— Motion (by Senator Calvert)—by leave— SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE agreed to: REPORT NO. 1 OF 1998 That the provisions of the Company Law Review 1. The Committee met on 3 March 1998. Bill 1997 and the Managed Investments Bill 1997 2. The committee resolved—That the provisions be referred to the Joint Statutory Committee on of the following bills be referred to committees:

Bill title Stage at which referred Committee Reporting date Commonwealth immediately Select Committee on 26 March 1998 Superannuation Board Bill Superannuation 1997 (see Appendix 1 for a statement of reasons for referral) Superannuation Legislation immediately Select Committee on 26 March 1998 (Commonwealth Employ- Superannuation ment) Repeal and Amend- ment Bill 1997 (see Appen- dix 1 for a statement of reasons for referral) Superannuation Legislation immediately Select Committee on 26 March 1998 (Commonwealth Employ- Superannuation ment—Saving and Transi- tional Provisions) Bill 1997 (see Appendix 1 for a state- ment of reasons for referral)

3. The Committee resolved to recommend—That . NRS Levy Imposition Bill 1997 the following bills not be referred to committees: . Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill Criminal Code Amendment Bill 1997 [1998] 1997 Company Law Review Bill 1997 . Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 6) . Customs and Excise Legislation Amendment 1997 Bill (No. 3) 1997 . Taxation Laws (Technical Amendments) . Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 6) Bill 1997 1997 . Telecommunications Amendment Bill (No. . Gas Pipelines Access (Commonwealth) Bill 2) 1997 1997 . Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment . Higher Education Legislation Amendment Bill 1997. Bill 1997 The Committee recommends accordingly. . Law Officers Amendment Bill 1997 4. The committee deferred consideration of the . Managed Investments Bill 1997 following bills to the next meeting: 216 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(deferred from meeting of 22 October 1997) ACTU Health Legislation Amendment Bill 1997. Committee to which bill is to be referred: (deferred from meeting of 2 December 1997) Select Committee on Superannuation ANL Sale Bill 1997 Possible hearing date(s): Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Amendment Possible reporting date: As soon as practicable Bill 1997 Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) (signed) 1997 V Bourne Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill Whip/Selection of Bills Committee member 1997. Ordered that the report be printed. (deferred from meeting of 3 March 1998) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commis- DOCUMENTS sion Amendment Bill 1997 The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Sena- Australian Capital Territory (Planning and tor Knowles)—Order! It being 6.50 p.m., I Land Management) Amendment Bill 1997 call on the consideration of government Electoral and Referendum Amendment Bill documents. 1997 Insurance Laws Amendment Bill 1997 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Industries and Energy Legislation Commission Amendment Bill (No. 3) 1997 Northern Land Council Social Security and Veterans’ Affairs Legisla- tion Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Senator TAMBLING (Northern Terri- Bill 1997 tory—Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 7) 1997 for Social Security) (6.50 p.m.)—I move: Workplace Relations Amendment (Superan- That the Senate take note of the document. nuation) Bill 1997. This annual report refers to the Tiwi Land (Paul Calvert) Council, which is a unique and special Abo- Chair riginal Land Council situated on the Tiwi 3 March 1998 Islands just to the north of Darwin. Year after Appendix 1 year in this chamber I have drawn attention Proposal to refer a bill to a committee to the uniqueness of that community and the Name of bill: excellent work that has been undertaken by Commonwealth Superannuation Board Bill the Tiwi Land Council on behalf of its con- 1997 stituency members who live on what are Superannuation Legislation (Commonwealth generally known as the Bathurst and Melville Employment) Repeal and Amendment Bill islands. The Tiwi Land Council is a small 1997 organisation. It enjoys a very good accounting Superannuation Legislation (Commonwealth process, a very strong accountability, and looks after a wide range of activities on Employment—Saving and Transitional Provi- sions) Bill 1997 behalf of the people who live on the Tiwi Islands. Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration: There are a number of matters referred to The bills appear to implement a policy which is in this report that I would draw to the atten- inconsistent with the approach in the Superan- tion of my colleagues, particularly those that nuation Freedom of Choice Bills. Consideration naturally affect issues relating to Aboriginal of whether these bills will leave workers worse land, whether they are to do with culture, off or not, and whether they will involve addi- heritage, sacred sites and the processes that go tional costs for public sector workers. with them. They extend into other important Possible submission or evidence from: areas, such as health, training and employ- CPSU ment, tourism occupations and freight and Superannuation Board pearling. This small community that is so Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 217 intimately involved and so successful certain- there has been a major improvement in the ly deserves commending. administration and accountability of, in I will not seek leave to speak at a later time particular, the Northern Land Council. In this evening, but I also notice that document perusing this particular report, it is interesting No. 4 relates to the annual report for 1996-97 to note that it is nowhere near as party po- of the Anindilyakwa Land Council, situated litical or partisan political as the Northern on Groote Eylandt. Similar to the Tiwi Land Land Council has previously been on other Council, the land council on Groote Eylandt reports. is almost as successful. It concentrates on I would like to draw to the attention of the Aboriginal land management issues and Senate a very important review that is current- whilst, in my opinion, that community has ly under way and commissioned by the more social problems than the Tiwi Islands, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait it is very interesting to note that the business Islander Affairs, Senator Herron—that is, a range of activities covers fishing, turtle review by John Reeves QC into a range of breeding, involvements with Telstra, mining matters relating to the administration of the negotiations and rehabilitation, but they also Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) concentrate on many of the issues relating to Act. That particular review is now part heard, the social dimension of that community. and I am certainly very well aware that Mr It is interesting to note that the finances of Reeves has been engaged in a very extensive both these organisations are well structured series of consultations with a range of govern- and well maintained. In a moment, when the ment agencies, other Aboriginal organisations next report is tabled, I will make some more and Aboriginal communities right throughout specific comments with regard to other land the Northern Territory. councils and current reviews that are being In looking at the travel itineraries of Mr undertaken in the Northern Territory. I would Reeves, I certainly would not want to be single out for particular commendation and trying to achieve what he is doing in a six-, reference the reports of both the Tiwi Land eight- or 10-week period. It is a mammoth Council and the Anindilyakwa Land Council. task, and I know from copies that I have Question resolved in the affirmative. received of much of the material that has been made available to the commissioner that this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is a very serious and determined inquiry. Commission I have had a range of discussions with Central Land Council Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Senator TAMBLING (Northern Terri- Territory, in particular. Many of them are tory—Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister looking very much at the issues to be raised for Social Security) (6.53 p.m.)—I move: by Mr Reeves in his final report which relate That the Senate take note of the document. to the whole impact of the land rights legisla- tion, whether it is social, cultural or econom- The northern and central land councils, ic, whether it relates to exploration and historically, are much longer established mining or whether it relates to the administra- community organisations in the Northern tion of the royalty trust accounts or the Territory. Because of the geographic spread application of the Northern Territory laws. of their area of influence in the Northern There are a huge number of issues to be Territory, it is very important to look careful- addressed. In particular, as I said, I am well ly at these accounts. aware that the fiefdoms that have previously Many senators will be aware that, for a been maintained by the northern and central number of years, I have often been critical of land councils may not survive because many the accountability processes of both the Aboriginal communities are saying either on northern and the central land councils, in a matter of regionalisation or on a matter of particular those of the Northern Land Council. practical administration that there are just so I am pleased to note that this financial year many other areas that ought to be addressed. 218 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

In fact, this afternoon I had consultations stated that 147,000 people are using homeless here in Canberra with representatives of the services nationwide and found that, in the Jawoyn Association, largely headquartered in 1996-97 financial year, there were a further the Katherine region or the area just to the 304,000 requests for assistance from homeless north. In those areas—and I am sure that the services that were not met. This represents delegates would not mind my saying this—the twice as many people who are actually helped range of areas that they see as needing region- by the homeless services. al agreements and priorities relate to law and There are several tragic revelations in this order, economic development, employment, report, including that throughout Australia trade, land management, health, housing, over 38,000 young people between the ages community development, education, local of 15 and 24 used homeless services during government and sport. These are areas where the year. A further 69 per cent of homeless the Jawoyn certainly see major need for youth were not in education at the time of change. using the homeless service. Moreover, home- Mr Robert Lee, the Chairman of the Jawoyn less families data include 25,000 adults and Association, left with me a copy of the 46,000 children. Furthermore, of the 48,500 Jawoyn Association’s submission to the women using homeless services, just under 50 review of the Aboriginal Land Rights (North- per cent, which is 21,000 women, were ern Territory) Act. It makes very interesting escaping domestic violence. Included in this reading because it certainly looks for changes figure are 8,000 homeless Queensland women, in land rights legislation from an Aboriginal 4,500 of whom cited domestic violence or perspective. It canvasses many practical sexual and emotional abuse as the reasons for applications. It looks very much at the suc- their dire situation. cessful operation of what the Jawoyn have A further feature of concern in the study is achieved and draws out many parallels for the over-representation of Aboriginal and change. I hope that Mr Reeves, in his moving Torres Strait Islander people amongst the around the Northern Territory, will be able to ranks of the homeless. They represent 12 per judge the northern and central land councils cent of people using homeless services, against this important criteria of both the despite comprising only two per cent of the wider Northern Territory community and the entire population of Australia. expectation of Aborigines in the Northern Territory. The Council to Homeless Persons has rightly identified unemployment as the major Question resolved in the affirmative. impediment to kerbing Australia’s homeless ADJOURNMENT numbers. As education is crucial to future The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT employability, the statistic that 69 per cent of (Senator Knowles)—The consideration of homeless youth were not in education or documents has now concluded, and I put the training is of particular concern, in terms of question: the ability of young homeless people to access employment in the long term when That the Senate do now adjourn. their homeless situation is resolved. Homeless Services Rather than attempting to assist these Senator GIBBS (Queensland) (6.58 p.m.)— people, the Howard government has cut just I rise tonight to speak about an article in the about every available lifeline they could Courier-Mail yesterday which I found deeply access, such as the proposal to abolish income disturbing. The article detailed a study con- support to 16- and 17-year-olds who are not ducted by the Council to Homeless Persons in education and training, and the introduction which revealed that almost 30,000 people in of a parental income and assets test for Queensland are homeless. The tragedy is that unemployed 18- to 20-year-olds. Furthermore, this figure underestimates the total number of there are the forthcoming changes to employ- homeless people because it includes only ment service provider arrangements whereby those using homeless services. The study Australia’s free employment service will give Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 219 way to large private providers not interested out of 10 men were homeless due to financial in homeless people who need considerable difficulty, eight out of 10 women were home- attention before they are job ready. less due to domestic violence, and six out of While the Commonwealth-state supported 10 homeless people were aged between 25 accommodation assistance program is obvi- and 44 years. ously working well and covering a number of What is clear from the research is that the people in need, it is clear that further support old image of a homeless person as an elderly and additional initiatives are needed from male of scruffy appearance and with a bottle governments to attack the causes of homeless- of booze in his hands is now ancient history. ness. It has traditionally been Labor govern- The average age of the homeless person has ments which have developed these initiatives. dropped to around 30 years. Those people are Many in this parliament will well remember presenting a raft of problems to community the coalition parties’ politically inspired beat- care organisations as they are prone to mental up when the previous Labor government illness, substance abuse, financial problems attempted to initiate welfare payments for and relationship breakdowns. These people homeless youth to ease their circumstances. are regarded as high maintenance by com- It is time conservative governments chal- munity care organisations that barely have lenged their stereotype reaction to homeless sufficient funds to meet basic shelter needs people. The vast majority are not in this and are showing signs of buckling under the predicament solely as a result of their own strain. failings. My attention has been alerted to one such The Council to Homeless Persons data organisation, the Albert and Logan Communi- reveals that financial difficulties, domestic ty Care Centre, which provides emergency violence, family and relationship breakdowns accommodation and housing for sole parents are the major reasons people become home- in the Beenleigh and Logan areas south of less. The most tragic revelation from this Brisbane. This organisation has been forced study is that of family homelessness. Due to to turn people away on a weekly basis due to shortages of affordable housing, high unem- the unavailability of resources. I urge the new ployment and increased family poverty, Queensland Minister for Families and Com- family homelessness in Australia is increasing munity Care to focus on providing financial dramatically. An area of major concern is the support and creative initiatives for organisa- data that shows almost half of the 46,000 tions like this one. Hopefully, the new homeless children nationally are under five minister will prove more capable in this area years old. Obviously, this impacts enormously than her recently departed predecessor— on a child’s psychological, educational and sacked Minister Kevin Lingard, who was out physical wellbeing. of his depth in this field. What is particularly distressing—and we Coalition governments have one last chance should all be concerned about this—is that it in Queensland and at the federal level to show appears that the cycle of homelessness is they now have a commitment to social and being passed on to succeeding generations community welfare. If they fail to use the with little difficulty. Unfortunately, there are great advantages and opportunities incumbent too few resources and initiatives to break the government presents they will forever be cycle. Many families do not know how to branded as political ostriches with their heads make a bed or use kitchen appliances as they in the sand on homelessness and community have never experienced a home environment. care issues. The Council to Homeless Persons data Health Funding echoes many of the issues raised in a recent St Vincent de Paul study. As the largest Senator COONAN (New South Wales) community based provider of services to (7.07 p.m.)—At the start of this parliamentary homeless people in Queensland, the St Vin- year one of the recurring issues that is trotted cent de Paul organisation has found that nine out for public gaze is the level of federal 220 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 funding for health and the role of the states in bodies. Spats between state bodies are harm- delivering health services, especially so in my ing health services and nowhere is this sort of state of New South Wales. It is an issue harm more evident than in New South Wales. which generates a great deal of misinforma- As I said, latest figures in New South tion. In New South Wales the Carr govern- Wales indicate elective surgery waiting lists ment is constantly trying to avoid scrutiny of have now topped 50,000 for the first time. its own mismanagement of health by blaming There are now 50,778 people waiting for the Commonwealth for any shortcomings and surgery and, just as alarmingly, 4,602 people shortfalls in the New South Wales health have been waiting 12 months or more. Those budget. This week Labor is at it again. who do manage to have surgery without Public hospital waiting lists in New South waiting the 12 months or more still have to Wales for elective surgery topped 50,000 for cool their heals for an average of 1½ months the first time. There were calls, yet again, for compared with only 27 days a few months the New South Wales health minister, Dr ago. But like an oft repeated mantra, the Carr Refshauge, to resign. The only excuse he can government has blamed what it claims are think of is that the blame lies with the Commonwealth funding cuts for this situation. Commonwealth. It is a pretty lame excuse and But the Carr government simply ignores the it is an excuse that simply does not stand up facts. In 1995 to 1996 Commonwealth outlays to scrutiny. on New South Wales hospital services was First of all, the states have a great deal of $1.65 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 1990 to autonomy in how they use Commonwealth 1991 and just under one-third of the $5 funds granted to the states. Under the present billion national total. The New South Wales arrangements, the states and territory govern- slice of the total Commonwealth health ments determine the total funds available for services cake was $6.1 billion in 1995 to public hospitals, budgets for individual hospi- 1996, up from $4.4 billion in 1990 to 1991. tals, the number and location of hospitals, and Again, the slice represents almost one-third of the services available for hospitals. They the national total of $18.6 billion. determine the level of service, the areas of The Commonwealth’s contribution has service and the needs of their constituents. increased every year. Yet Mr Carr and Dr The Commonwealth provides the funds and Refshauge continue to claim that these prob- the states attend to their distribution. lems are the result of claimed Commonwealth But much of the argument about health funding cuts. This is totally incorrect, and it funding relates not to the Commonwealth is timely to examine the level of funds pro- health distributions but to how state treasuries vided by both the Commonwealth and the actually allocate financial assistance grants. states to see where the financial burdens These are non-specific purpose grants from actually lie. the Commonwealth, and it is up to the states Under the 1988 to 1993 Medicare agree- to determine how they are actually allocated. ments, total Commonwealth hospital funding But the state health bodies argue their share grants to states rose to $3.933 million from of these funds should be in the same propor- $3.80 million in 1988-89, a three per cent rise tion as the share they get from the state each year in real terms. In 1993 to 1998, budget. Therefore, if a state health department Medicare agreements maintained the funding receives, say, 25 per cent of the budget, it and indexation components of the previous argues it should receive 25 per cent of the agreements while adding new funding compo- financial assistance grants made available by nents, the implementation of which resulted the Commonwealth to that state. in an additional $2 billion in Commonwealth But, not surprisingly, the state treasuries do funds for hospitals over five years. It is quite not always see it that way and in the continu- clear already from these figures that the ing battle for funds the Commonwealth is Commonwealth is meeting its commitments often targeted unjustifiably as being respon- and that the Commonwealth has continued to sible for holding back funds to state health inject funds into the Australian health system. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 221

In the 1992-93 budget, the Commonwealth gives us some time to review some of the injected an additional $1.6 billion into hospi- central issues, including the collection of a tal funding over six years. Following the full year’s data to determine the extent of cost Premiers Conference in 1993-94, it was raised shifting, investigation of strategies and de- to $2 billion as a result of the agreement to vices to monitor the extent of the practice, pay New South Wales and Victoria Medicare and it could include measures such as an guarantees. These payments honoured the independent survey of doctors on the subject Commonwealth’s guarantee to the two states of cost shifting, a GPs cost shift audit through that they would receive increased financial as- the accreditation process, and perhaps an sistance grants. These amounted to $131 mil- investigation of pathology and diagnostic lion for New South Wales and $112 million imaging requests. for Victoria. The net result of these factors was that Commonwealth funding to the states With all the evidence at hand, it is therefore increased by about $500 million, or 11 per clear that any assertion that the problems with cent, in 1993 to 1994 and a further $216 the New South Wales health system are the million, or three per cent, in 1994 to 1995. result of Commonwealth funding cuts would not pass a basic kindergarten maths test. In sharp contrast to the Commonwealth’s Perhaps Mr Carr and Dr Refshauge should be contribution, state funding for public hospitals looking in their own backyard at the infight- has failed to show any steady growth. The ing between state government instrumentali- Commonwealth Grants Commission has re- ties for financial assistance grants from the searched the funding and found the states Commonwealth and their own ineptitude at contribution to health funding has been main- managing an efficient health service. It is time tained at 1990-91 levels over the five years to the Carr government simply stopped blaming 1996. On the other side of the coin, the everyone else for its problems and started Commonwealth’s contribution has risen more getting its own house in order and giving the than 30 per cent in the same period. Of people of New South Wales the health service course hospital funding has fared no better they rightly deserve. from the states. It, too, has been maintained at 1990-91 levels while the Commonwealth’s Education: Schools Funding contribution has risen by about 25 per cent. Senator ALLISON (Victoria) (7.16 p.m.)— This trend is confirmed by analysis pub- Back in November 1996 this government lished by the Australian Institute of Health introduced its states grants bill. As we all and Welfare which shows that the Common- know, it abolished the new schools policy, wealth share of expenditure on public hospi- paving the way for the expansion of the tals rose to 49 per cent in 1994 to 1995 from private school sector and introducing a fund- 42 per cent in 1989 to 1990. In the same ing mechanism which would help it to pay for period, the states share fell to 42 per cent the ensuing increase in the cost to the federal from 47 per cent. Under the current 1997-98 government. The argument went along the budget estimate, Commonwealth payments to lines that students in government schools the states under the Medicare agreement rose were funded in two ways: a per capita grant $175 million, or 1.5 per cent. Of this, 99.9 of $400 to $600, depending on whether they per cent was for the states with only $7.2 were in primary or secondary schools, and million being for national projects. The untied grants which the states used to fund funding then, despite some claims to the government schools. contrary, was not reduced but was maintained The federal government said that when at the funding levels of the previous budget. students shifted across to private schools they I will not go into the problems that the saved money for the states, which no longer Commonwealth has experienced with cost had to spend federal assistance grants moneys shifting. on those students. The enrolment benchmark The next round of hospital funding grants adjustment would see to it that for every will not be finalised until June this year. It student enrolled over and above the 1996 222 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 proportion of students in the private sector— been cut from the states using that EBA that is known as the benchmark—an average mechanism. But the national schools census of $1,712.50 would be taken away from came out and, according to the way the funding to the states. legislation was written, the figures meant that That sounded reasonable to many people, $20.5 million would have to be cut from the especially when the government made the states. Remember that government schools point of saying that the money follows the have not had a net loss of any students—in student. What could be fairer than that? But fact they have increased by 8,500. But, of during the debate we had on the bill Senator course, under the EBA this does not stop Vanstone was very careful to avoid spelling them from being punished. They have to wear out how the EBA works because, of course, the cost of the private sector just because it is this is not how it works at all. The new growing at a faster rate. minister, last week, mistakenly repeated Dr The figures have been available since Kemp’s line when he said again, ‘The funding January but the silence from the government follows the person.’ Either he does not under- has been deafening. We had to wait until stand how the EBA works or he chooses to estimates last week to quiz the minister and mislead people. The funding does not follow the department to extract the exact figures. No the student. The department admitted last doubt the government is feeling the heat and week that it did not track students and it does perhaps it is not proud of its action in taking not know whether students are actually money away from government schools, exiting government schools or not. The only especially when the rationale for doing so has data that is available to the government is in now gone out the window. The minister says aggregate figures in each state. And, of that the $1,712.50 cut per extra student has course, the aggregate figures show that there been re-negotiated with each state according was no net loss of students from government to how much money they spend to educate schools. each child. A state like Victoria now spends Back in November 1996, the Democrats less than any other state government, so it is said that this was a regressive and a punitive of course rewarded by having a lower amount mechanism and quite unfair. We said that applied to its EBA calculation. enrolments were increasing every year and The new figure means that the EBA liabili- that the proportion in private schools could ty is $5.21 million from New South Wales, increase and therefore trigger the EBA, even $2.47 million from Victoria, $3.34 million when there was no reduction in enrolments in from Queensland, $1.7 million from Western government schools, and this is indeed what Australia, $2.99 million from South Australia, happened. In January this year the long $690,000 from the Northern Territory, awaited national schools census came out and $490,000 from the Australian Capital Terri- it showed that not only did the government tory, and Tasmania will not have to pay sector not lose any students but it actually anything back. Of course, if the EBA was gained 8,500. There were 8,500 more students properly applied to Tasmania, the federal in government schools in 1997 than there government would actually be the one to have were in the previous year. to pay Tasmania back because the proportion I might add that this compares with the of their private school enrolments actually government’s projections in 1996 of a reduc- decreased. Unfortunately for Tasmania, tion of 5,979. So they had actually underesti- however, this is a one-sided deal and they do mated government school enrolments by not get rewarded for keeping their numbers about 14,500 students. Much more accurate high in relation to private schools. were the projections for private schools: The government has reduced the per student 19,789 extra students were expected in private figure from state to state with the result that schools and just over 2,000 actually enrolled. the debt reduces from $20.5 million to $16.89 By the way, if the government’s projections million. Then, according to the department had been accurate, $26.9 million would have last week, the government has decided to Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 223 further reduce the debt by introducing a has caused the states to look at their own buffer. This buffer is 0.05 per cent of enrol- systems and see how they can retain students ments. in government school sectors and cites the The effect of the buffer is to further reduce Tasmanian example. ‘That state,’ it says, ‘has the debt to nothing in the Northern Territory made its schools more attractive for its stu- and the ACT, but it results in $4.33 million dents.’ What nonsense! To imagine that being taken from New South Wales, $1.73 schools under threat of losing money will million from Victoria, $2.6 million from make themselves more attractive to students Queensland, $960,000 from WA and $2.28 is really quite laughable. million from South Australia. Overall, the cost I visit many schools and it is true that they of the EBA to all of the states is $11.9 are feeling the competition with private million. Again I remind the Senate that schools, but it is unfair competition. It is government schools have not lost any enrol- competition where government schools do not ments—in fact, they have gained 8,500 new have enough teachers or enough facilities. students. They have portable classrooms, inadequate On Sunday, the Minister for Employment, science laboratories and sporting equipment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr and class sizes that are too high. They do not David Kemp, seemed to have forgotten about have enough specialist teachers and their the EBA and how it works. He said, ‘The teachers are stretched to the limit—teachers government is not moving funds from govern- who are missing out on professional develop- ment to non-government schools.’ He said in ment thanks to this government’s last budget referring to the Australian Education Union, cuts. ‘What we are seeing is a very foolish, At the same time, the government schools misguided and dishonest campaign from the are seeing their private sector counterparts Australian Education Union.’ excluding students who are difficult to teach The Minister for Schools, Vocational and difficult to manage. They are seeing them Education and Training, Senator Ellison, said get new classrooms funded by the Common- last month that the Democrats were conduct- wealth. They look forward with concern about ing a scare campaign when we did our calcu- the influx of students who are forced back to lation based on the national school census. At school with the youth allowance—students that stage he apparently had not reached who do not want to be there in the first place. finality in negotiations with the states and he The minister says that state governments had not cooked up the buffer. This is not to and government schools should not be con- say that the Democrats are unhappy with the cerned about the EBA because it is a small idea of a buffer. Anything that will reduce amount of money in the scheme of things. that debt to government schools is fine with The Democrats say that, if it is so inconse- us. quential, let us support government schools We need to understand that the EBA is a and get rid of it. Our schools are operating compounding mechanism. Every year the under increasingly difficult circumstances and benchmark returns to that 1996 level. So taking money away from them is not justified whereas the projected debt for 1998 back in and nor will it improve education in this 1996 was $26.9 million, in 1999 it is expect- country. ed to be a further $59.5 million. So the EBA was projected to double each year as the Mr B.A. Santamaria proportion of students in private schools Senator BOSWELL (Queensland—Leader continued to climb. of the National Party of Australia in the The minister has dismissed our concerns. Senate) (7.26 p.m.)—I would like to associate He says that $16.8 million represents about my colleagues Bill O’Chee and Julian one-fifth of one per cent of government McGauran with my remarks today. Today I school budgets and we should not be focusing was fortunate to be able to attend the state on this issue. The department says the EBA funeral of Bob Santamaria at the St Patrick’s 224 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Cathedral in Melbourne. I was fortunate the many and various people who have because this was a unique event connecting written about their personal friendships with the world of the spiritual with the world of him. These people have come from all walks the state. Bob Santamaria was known for his of life and all political leanings. It was not contribution to both worlds. necessary to agree with everything Bob said Often controversial, much has been written or wrote in order to have a friendship based of the causes he championed and the impact on understanding and respect. he made. I am not a historian or an intellec- Bob Santamaria was never diverted by tual so I will not endeavour to lay down an short-term trends on society, state and church. academic assessment. Instead, I want to note He was there for the long haul and took a the personal influence Bob Santamaria exerted long-term strategic view. He was not afraid to over so many ordinary Australians who were go against the tide of opinion propounded by neither bishops of churches nor ministers of commentators. Yet how hard that struggle state. must have been at times, how hard and Over 60-odd years from the days of the demanding the struggle against organised Catholic Worker, the Movement and then the communism. How hard it must have been to National Civic Council, tens of thousands of take on the goals and aspirations of the Australians were the foot soldiers of these hundreds of thousands of Australian voters organisations inspired by Santamaria. Most left politically homeless following the Labor were ordinary workers looking ahead to split. safeguard their families. Lest we think of Someone wrote about Bob that he was born those days as belonging only to the past, the to champion causes and fight evil. Evil is an attendance of many at the funeral today is unfashionable concept today, but nevertheless testament to the lasting and continuing per- real. The evil that Bob fought was anything sonal influence of Santamaria. They came which harmed families. That was the bottom from all around Australia, a loyal and devoted line, and well we would do to remember that group of followers and admirers. Often more often in this place. Families need cham- Santamaria’s influence extended over two or pions. The other things that Bob fought for, three generations in the one family. Some of like small business, need their champions too. those there today were white-haired and Bob’s passing has left a great void. The stooped, and some were young and spry, but causes for which he fought have not gone all mourned the passing of an unusually with him. The baton of Bob Santamaria must committed and gifted man. be passed on. The fight must continue. The The strongest image in the cathedral was pressures on families and small business are not the presence of the thousands of people still there. The big are getting bigger while crushed to standing room only, nor was it the the smaller family businesses are getting incredible show of support by the hundreds or pushed out. so priests and bishops, nor was it the VIPs We will have failed this great man if we who were there; the strongest image for me allow his motivations to fall fallow. They was that created by Bob Santamaria’s own must be moved forward, reinvigorated for family. They occupied row after row— another generation. To do that, Australia children, grandchildren, great grandchildren needs more people to stand up and be count- and extended family members. They were the ed, more people brave enough to go against pride and joy of his life and his greatest the tide when necessary to fight for what they legacy. believe. Bob used to me tell me how much he Archbishop Pell noted today, ‘Bob enjoyed Sunday nights when there was a Santamaria did know the attractive force of family get-together and he would cook a huge the principle that the end justifies the means, feed of spaghetti bolognaise. He was always but he resisted this.’ That sort of thinking so kind and encouraging to me and so many might well be against the tide in the world of others. Since his death I have been amazed by state, but what a better world it would be if Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 225 more of us could resist that. It was an honour political prime in opposition. In opposition, to attend the funeral of this great Australian, Roger served as a shadow minister in several to give him a send-off he would never have portfolio areas—an indication that he would expected. It was made special by the wonder- have made an excellent minister if he had ful family Bob has left with us. been given the opportunity. Following his departure from federal politics in 1990, Roger Mr Roger Shipton established his own consultancy firm. This, Senator ROBERT RAY (Victoria) (7.32 together with his involvement with the United p.m.)—Unfortunately, in January this year Mr Nations Association, allowed him to maintain Roger Shipton, the former member for Hig- his interest in politics and international affairs. gins, passed away. Roger Shipton held the Roger was successful in many facets of his seat of Higgins for 15 years. His two immedi- life, and this can be attributed to the nature of ate predecessors were Prime Ministers of the man. He was honourable, gentle, urbane— Australia—Mr Harold Holt and Mr John a Liberal in the true Whig tradition. He was Gorton. His successor, if press reports are to a good listener who provided wise counsel be believed, certainly aspires to the position. when necessary, and he always thought the Higgins, of course, is a blue-ribbon Liberal best of people. He had much wider interests seat, although the odd booth in it does vote than just politics and, like many Australians, Labor. So in order to win preselection, Roger he enjoyed sport—especially tennis, cricket, Shipton had to beat a quality field. The equestrian three-day events, horse racing and judgment of his preselectors was in no way football. I suspect he was the only member misplaced. Within three years of entering for Higgins who ever barracked for Footscray! parliament, Roger Shipton was elected as He also enjoyed things such as walking and Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Commit- browsing around at the Prahran market. He tee on Foreign Affairs and Defence—the most was devoted to his family and was very proud prestigious committee in the federal parlia- of their achievements. ment. As chairman, Roger earned the respect All those who new him, irrespective of their and admiration of all members of the commit- party affiliations, will miss him. To his tee. He continued to serve on the committee spouse, Suzie, his son, James, and his daugh- under Labor chairmen—all of whom held him ter, Kate, my condolences. in the highest regard. Roger Shipton studied law at the University Mr B.A. Santamaria of Melbourne and was president of the student Senator McGAURAN (Victoria) (7.36 law faculty. His main job prior to entering p.m.)—I extend my sympathy to the parliament was as legal officer for ICI. It is Santamaria family on the passing of Bob probable that Roger’s experience as a hammer Santamaria. To Paul Santamaria, whom I thrower prompted his administrative involve- know best, I wish him grace and strength ment in at least three Olympic Games: Mel- during this sorrowful time. For while I and so bourne in 1956, Rome in 1960 and Tokyo in many others attended today’s funeral to pay 1964. Having joined the Liberal Party, he respect to our hero, the Santamaria family became a branch activist and may well have were mourning the loss of their father. It was been Harold Holt’s successor in Higgins but the family man, so well described by his for the necessity to find the then Senator John daughter, Mary-Helen Woods, in the Austral- Gorton a seat in parliament so that he could ian newspaper during the week, that they will fulfil the role of Prime Minister. no doubt miss most, rather than the political Too often politicians are judged by the level mastermind he has been eulogised as this of office they achieve, but it is not the be-all week. It was appreciated by all that the family and end-all. At the very time that it could be shared this day of mourning with us. expected that Roger Shipton could have Today’s state funeral was magnificent. It become a minister, the coalition lost office. was held in the full tradition of the Catholic So, like many of his generation, he spent his Church befitting, as Archbishop Pell said, 226 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

‘one of the church’s greatest sons’. The Agreement on Judicial Assistance in Civil and Archbishop spoke of a crusade that began in Commercial Matters and Co-operation in Arbitra- the 1930s when in the Spanish Civil War a tion between Australia and the Kingdom of Thailand, done at Canberra on 2 October 1997. communist bullet struck the statue of Christ outside the Madrid Cathedral, continuing Exchange of Letters, done at Canberra on 27 August 1997, constituting an Agreement to through to the 1990s with the internal struggle amend the Agreement on Health Services be- against the anti-papacy for the soul of the tween the Government of Australia and the church. The Archbishop’s homily concluded Government of the Republic of Malta of 6 July with the line: ‘His legacy lives on.’ Looking 1988. around at the troops who had turned out to [Second] Protocol, done at Canberra on 5 see off their general, the poignancy of the November 1997, to amend the Agreement archbishop’s comments were felt. between Australia and Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal For me, Bob Santamaria’s decades of Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and writings influenced the formation of my core [First] Protocol, of 12 September 1984. political beliefs. The clarity of his intellect Treaty on Extradition between Australia and the and argument was compelling even though I Republic of Paraguay, done at Buenos Aires on did not agree with him all the time—just most 30 December 1997. of the time. Significantly, it was the switching Multilateral— of the DLP Senate preferences in 1987 to- Agreement between Australia, Papua New wards the National Party that facilitated my Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu concern- election to the parliament. Of all the qualities ing the Neutral Truce Monitoring Group for attributed to B.A. Santamaria in the multitude Bougainville, done at Port Moresby on 5 Decem- of articles written this week, two qualities ber 1997. appear over, which for me best identify the Amendments (concerning phasing out sea dispos- man I met: firstly, a lasting courage of his al of industrial waste), done at London on 12 November 1993 under Resolution LC.49(16), to convictions; and, secondly, an honest broker. Annexes I and II to the Convention on the That is why he had such an influence on Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of political life in Australia, without ever having Wastes and Other Matter of 29 December 1972. held office. Santamaria’s life example is his Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign most powerful legacy. Public Officials in International Business Trans- Senate adjourned at 7.38 p.m. actions, done at Paris on 17 December 1997. DOCUMENTS Tabling The following documents were tabled by Tabling the Clerk: The following government documents were Corporations Act—Accounting Standard— tabled: AASB 1009—Construction Contracts. Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) AASB 1036—Borrowing Costs. Act—Reports for 1996-97— Higher Education Funding Act— Anindilyakwa Land Council. Determination under section— Central Land Council. 15—T28-97 and T3-98. Northern Land Council. 16—T4-98. Tiwi Land Council. 20A—T1-98. Audit Act and Primary Industries and Energy 24—T2-98. Research and Development Act—Energy Re- 27A—T5-98. search and Development Corporation and Energy Research and Development Corporation Selection Guidelines under section 35—T6-98. Committee—Reports for 1996-97. Public Service Act—Locally Engaged Staff Treaties—Text, together with national interest Determinations 1998/5 and 1998/6. analysis— Workplace Relations Act—Rules of the Commis- Bilateral— sion—Statutory Rules 1998 No. 1. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 227

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE

The following answers to questions were circulated:

Department of Finance and (4) How many of the contracts in (1) were awarded following an open tender process. Administration: Contracts for Public Relations Services (5) Where there was no tender process, what assessment criteria were followed in selecting the (Question No. 826) contractor and why was the normal practice of calling tenders not followed. Senator Faulkner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Finance and (6) Did the department seek guidance from the Office of Government Information and Advertising Administration, upon notice, on 3 September before signing the above contracts; if not, why not. 1997: (7) How many journalists were employed by the (1) What contracts for public relations services department as at 3 March 1996. has the department, or its agencies, signed since 3 (8) How many journalists are currently employed March 1996. by the department. (2) What was the value of each contract. Senator Kemp—The Minister for Finance (3) Did the value of any contract vary from the and Administration has provided the follow- original cost; if so, what was the reason for the ing answer to the honourable senator’s ques- price variation. tion:

123456 Office of Asset Sales (OAS) Phase 2 Air- $113,400 (plus n/a Contract n/a Yes port Sales—the out of pocket awarded fol- business advis- expenses not to lowing a ten- er to OAS, exceed 10% of der process BZW, sub-con- the base con- involving a tracted Jackson sultancy fee) limited num- Wells Com- ber of invited munications to firms provide public relations ser- vices Australian Na- $50,000 n/a Contract n/a The con- tional Railways awarded fol- sultant Sale—the busi- lowing a ten- was not ness advisers der process engaged to OAS, involving a directly Deutsche Mor- limited num- by OAS gan Grenfell, ber of invited sub-contracted firms. to Cosway Communica- tions to pro- vide public relations ser- vices. 228 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

123456

Telstra Sale: Telstra Sale: $1.49m The value of Contract n/a OAS Burson- the contract awarded fol- sought Marsteller as was varied lowing a ten- guidance the communi- downwards der process from cations con- from the esti- involving a OGIA sultant; and mate of limited num- through- $1.49m, fol- ber of invited out the lowing a re- firms. tender duction in the process scope of the work Cultural Pers- $198,665 (ex- n/a Contract n/a OAS pectives as the cluding media awarded fol- sought NESB com- spend) lowing a ten- guidance munications der process from consultant. involving a OGIA limited num- through- ber of invited out the firms. tender process National Procurement Board (NPB) Jane Singleton $43,422 Increased to Contract n/a Yes Pty Ltd include ap- awarded fol- proved addi- lowing a ten- tional work, der process allowed for involving a under the limited num- contract, and ber of invited to meet actual firms. costs of dis- bursements such as tele- phone and facsimile costs for which esti- mates only had been in- cluded in the contract Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Michels $171,353 n/a n/a The AEC Yes Warren and appointed Partners Michels Warren and Partners for the Constitu- tional Con- vention in- formation campaign for the follow- ing reasons: . because of the very tight time- frame there was no time to conduct an open ten- der; Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 229

123456 . they had demonstrat- ed relevant electoral expertise; . they had been ap- pointed as the AEC’s public rela- tions consul- tants for the 1993 and 1996 federal elections fol- lowing an extensive open tender process; and . the AEC had a high level of satisfaction with the ser- vices of the consultancy

(7) At 3 March 1996 there were 2 Senior Public (2) What was the value of each contract. Affairs Officers and 21 Public Affairs Officers employed by the then Department of Administrative (3) Did the value of any contract vary from the Services and Agencies whose duties included media original cost; if so, what was the reason for the liaison, general public affairs and photographic price variation. activities. The former Department of Finance did (4) How many of the contracts in (1) were not employ any public affairs officers. awarded following an open tender process. (8) At 30 September 1997 there were 2 Senior Public Affairs Officers and 10 Public Affairs (5) Where there was no tender process, what Officers employed by the then Department of assessment criteria were followed in selecting the Administrative Services and Agencies. The former contractor and why was the normal practice of Department of Finance did not employ any public calling tenders not followed. affairs officers. (6) Did the department seek guidance from the Department of Finance and Office of Government Information and Advertising Administration: Contracts for Public before signing the above contracts; if not, why not. Relations Services (7) How many journalists were employed by the (Question No. 832) department as at 3 March 1996. Senator Faulkner asked the Minister (8) How many journalists are currently employed representing the Minister for Finance and by the department. Administration, upon notice, on 3 September Senator Kemp—The Minister for Finance 1997: and Administration has provided the follow- (1) What contracts for public relations services ing answer to the honourable senator’s ques- has the department, or its agencies, signed since 3 March 1996. tion: 230 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

123456 Office of Asset Sales (OAS) Phase 2 Air- $113,400 n/a Contract n/a Yes port Sales— (plus out of awarded the business pocket ex- following a adviser to penses not to tender pro- OAS, BZW, exceed 10% cess involv- sub-contract- of the base ing a limited ed Jackson consultancy number of Wells Com- fee) invited firms munications to provide public rela- tions services Australian $50,000 n/a Contract n/a The consult- National awarded ant was not Railways following a engaged Sale—the tender pro- directly by business cess involv- OAS advisers to ing a limited OAS, number of Deutsche invited firms. Morgan Grenfell, sub- contracted to Cosway Communi- cations to provide pub- lic relations services. Telstra Sale: Telstra Sale: $1.49m The value of Contract n/a OAS sought Burson- the contract awarded guidance Marsteller as was varied following a from OGIA the communi- downwards tender pro- throughout cations con- from the esti- cess involv- the tender sultant; and mate of ing a limited process $1.49m, fol- number of lowing a invited firms. reduction in the scope of the work Cultural Pers- $198,665 (ex- n/a Contract n/a OAS sought pectives as cluding me- awarded guidance the NESB dia spend) following a from OGIA communica- tender pro- throughout tions consult- cess involv- the tender ant. ing a limited process number of invited firms. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 231

123456 National Procurement Board (NPB) Jane Single- $43,422 Increased to Contract n/a Yes ton Pty Ltd include ap- awarded proved addi- following a tional work, tender pro- allowed for cess involv- under the ing a limited contract, and number of to meet ac- invited firms. tual costs of disburse- ments such as telephone and facsimile costs for which esti- mates only had been in- cluded in the contract Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Michels $171,353 n/a n/a The AEC Yes Warren and appointed Partners Michels Warren and Partners for the Constitu- tional Con- vention in- formation campaign for the following reasons: . because of the very tight timeframe there was no time to con- duct an open tender; . they had demonstrated relevant electoral expertise; . they had been appoint- ed as the AEC’s public relations consultants for the 1993 and 1996 federal elec- tions follow- ing an exten- sive open tender pro- cess; and . the AEC had a high level of satis- faction with the services of the con- sultancy 232 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(7) At 3 March 1996 there were 2 Senior Public (9) (a) Which third round GC projects are in the Affairs Officers and 21 Public Affairs Officers same area as former Land and Environmental employed by the then Department of Administrative Assistance Program (LEAP) projects; and (b) what Services and Agencies whose duties included media are the differences in the LEAP and GC projects liaison, general public affairs and photographic which are in the same area. activities. The former Department of Finance did (10) (a) Can the Minister’s office or the depart- not employ any public affairs officers. ment provide details of any complaints they have (8) At 30 September 1997 there were 2 Senior received or of which they are aware, relating to the Public Affairs Officers and 10 Public Affairs GC program; and (b) have any of these complaints Officers employed by the then Department of related to the level of training provided to GC Administrative Services and Agencies. The former participants. Department of Finance did not employ any public affairs officers. (11) (a) Have any participants in GC expressed concerns about workplace safety issues; and (b) Green Corps what action has been taken in relation to these complaints. (Question No. 854) (12) On what grounds has or will the $500 take- Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister up for GC participants not be offered. representing the Minister for Employment, (13)How many people applied to participate in Education, Training and Youth Affairs, upon the GC program; (a) nationally; and (b) on a state notice, on 4 September 1997: by state basis. (1) Can details be provided on the proportion of (14) Can a copy be provided of the guidelines Green Corps (GC) participants who have entered used by Environment Australia in determining that education or training places, or have found employ- each of the projects is assessed as having ‘environ- ment, upon completion of the GC program. ment or heritage benefits’. (2) Can details be provided as to the type of (15) Why do Work for Dole participants have study or employment being undertaken and whether reduced activity test requirements, whereas GC these jobs are related to the environment. participants are not required to fulfil any job search (3) Can details be provided as to: (a) how activity at all. monitoring of GC participants’ outcomes will be undertaken; and (b) to whom this information will (16) In relation to the third round of GC partici- be made available. pants, what percentage of places went to disabled people. (4) In relation to the third round of GC partici- pants, what percentage of placements went to: (a) (17) With reference to the GC guidelines which the long term unemployed; and (b) the short term state that projects must reflect the ‘youth communi- unemployed. ty profile’, the department has stated that this means: ‘in making decisions about the composition (5) What percentage of the placements in the of Green Corps teams, the contractor is required to third round of GC participants went to people ensure that local demographic factors are taken into already in training or education or to people consideration’: describing themselves as not unemployed. (a) What do those factors include and how they (6) In relation to the first, second and third round have been taken into account; and in particular, (b) of GC projects, what level of training differentiates can an explanation be provided as to how such successful and unsuccessful applicants. factors are taken into account in relation to the (7) Can a breakdown be provided of the educa- first, second and third round of GC projects in tional background of the participants in all three Western Australia. rounds of the GC projects. Senator Ellison—The Minister for Employ- (8) With reference to the environmental training provided to GC participants, including accredited ment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs training modules in: environmental audit, Work- has provided the following answer to the place Level Two Basic First Aid, Occupational honourable senator’s question: Health and Safety, Introduction to the Land Conser- (1) Green Corps participants are surveyed three vation and Restoration Industry; and selected to six months after completion of their projects. modules from the Conservation Traineeship rel- This information is expected to be available in evant to the particular project: March 1998. For each of the three rounds of the GC projects please detail (a) which type of training is being (2) As above provided; and (b) the precise nature of the project. (3) (a) As above Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 233

(b) The Post Program Monitoring information is (6) Information is not collected centrally on this collected for Departmental use for future planning. point. Previous training is one of seven selection Post Program Monitoring information is not usually criteria, as follows: publically available. . applicant’s commitment to environmental (4) Of the total group of successful third round issues; applicants; . previous training; 14% had previously been unemployed for . career aspirations; more than twelve months; 21% had previously been unemployed for less than twelve months . diversity of hobbies; but more than six months, and 32% had been . age, ie older applicants within the eligible age unemployed for less than six months. group are favoured over younger applicants Immediately prior to commencing a Green Corps who would later have the chance to partici- placement pate; (5) In the third round of projects 33%, of place- . matching the applicant to the community ments went to participants describing themselves as profile; and not unemployed. . proximity of applicant to project location.

(7)—

Education Level Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Less Than Yr 10 2% 6% 7% Completed Yr 10 17% 26% 20% Completed Yr 11 20% 17% 15% Completed Yr 12 61% 51% 58% (8) See attachment (9) (a) The following areas have had LEAP projects and also have round three Green Corps projects;

NSW Sydney VIC Ballarat Bendigo QLD Townsville Ipswich TAS Launceston ACT Canberra

(b) The differences in LEAP and Green Corps . the age restriction; projects are that Green Corps projects have a much . the standard of accommodation provided to stronger focus on quality environmental outcomes participants whilst on residential projects; and a higher quality of training. Green Corps . screening of sites and work projects and, projects have a stronger emphasis on linking Green Corps to quality career opportunities in fields such . training of supervisors. as environmental management, science, conserva- All of the above complaints have been addressed tion and restoration. Green Corps trainees are paid by the Department and the Contractor with excep- a training allowance based on the Federal National tion to the complaint on the age restriction, which Training Wage Award Structure between $152 to has not been addressed due to the program being $252 per week. LEAP participants aged 15 to 17 a youth training program. were paid $125 per week and those aged 18 to 20 (b) There has been one complaint about the were paid $150 per week. status of a first aid course provided to participants. (10) (a) I have received a very limited number This complaint has also been addressed, all partici- of complaints about the Green Corps program. The pants undertake accredited first aid training at main focus has been on the training allowance, Workplace level 2 or Senior First Aid level. which is based on the Federal National Training (11) One complaint was received and subsequent- Wage Award structure. Other concerns which have ly withdrawn when the complainant realised that been raised are; the facts provided were incorrect. 234 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(12) The $500 incentive payment will not be education or training provider to undertake further offered to those participants who have either not education or training within six months of gradu- successfully completed their project or cannot ation. provide evidence of enrolment with an accredited (13) Number of Applications

First Round Enquired Applied Second Round Enquired Applied NSW 811 277 NSW 579 252 VIC 585 234 VIC 201 103 QLD 769 285 QLD 288 115 SA 422 151 SA 129 43 WA 369 123 WA 92 43 TAS 203 78 TAS 273 91 NT 54 32 NT 58 20 ACT 346 144 ACT 85 37 TOTAL 3559 1324 TOTAL 1705 704

Third Round Enquired Applied NSW 349 159 VIC 390 150 QLD 449 173 SA 147 74 WA 174 83 TAS 297 129 NT 21 10 ACT 53 38 TOTAL 1880 816

(14) Assessment of the environment and/or the Dole participants, Green Corps participants are heritage benefits of Green Corps projects is con- not in receipt of unemployment benefits and so ducted by several areas within Environment Aus- therefore are not required to fulfil any job search tralia. The areas have responsibility for a number activity. As Work for the Dole is a work experi- of international agreements and legislative responsi- ence program and participants remain in receipt of bilities such as the Register of the National Estate, unemployment benefits, participants are still the Convention on Wetlands of International required to look for work at a reduced requirement Importance (Ramsar Convention), the World of a minimum of two job search contacts per fort- Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983, the night. Endangered Species Protection Act 1992, and relevant programs of the Natural Heritage Trust of (16) In the third round of projects, 2% of place- Australia. The environment and/or heritage benefits ments went to people with disabilities. of the projects are assessed by these program areas (17) (a) The contractor is required to ensure that in the context of their responsibilities, and by there is a balance of young people who are repre- reference to the attached guidelines. sentative of the youth community, such factors may (15) Work for the Dole is an initiative based on include participants from Aboriginal or Torres the principle of mutual obligation: that it is fair and Strait Islander descent, women, people with dis- just that people be asked to make a contribution in abilities and unemployed people. return for payment of unemployment allowance. The program is voluntary, and where possible Work for the Dole is a work experience program, participants will be drawn from the local communi- not a training program. Participants are required to ty, although the program is open to all applicants attend Work for the Dole projects for two to two across Australia. and a half days per week. Green Corps is a full time training program for six months. There is no (b) Demographic factors are taken into account requirement for participants to be unemployed prior when selecting participants, for example if a project to commencing their placement. Unlike Work for is conducted in an area predominantly Aboriginal Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 235 it would be expected that the make up of the group the locations listed. Some changes for non core would reflect this. modules may occur due to actual project needs and (8) The Contractor has advised the Department trainer recommendations. that the following training is proposed for each of

ROUND 1

Project State Training Description

Sydney 2000 NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to To conserve and establish vegetation in Sydney’s land and Land Conservation, Occupational Health and water transport corridors and broader environment prior to Safety, Field Plant Identification and Vegetation the Sydney Olympics. Major project activity will be reveg- Restoration Techniques etation, landscaping and erosion control. Western Plains NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Habitat restoration in the Western Plains Zoo, Australian Zoo Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Native Fauna and Flora Sanctuary. Monitoring of released Safety, Introduction to the Propagation of Plants native animals and feral pests and creek bed restoration. and Eco Skills Major project activity will be plantings for platypus reintro- duction, feral pest management, revegetation in wetlands and creek sites. Kinchega Nation- NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Protection of aboriginal cultural sites. Reduce threat to al Park Land Conservation, Occupational Health and endangered species of Acacia carnei by reducing rabbit Safety, Recognition of Weeds and Weed Control population. Control weeds along lake edges. Major project Techniques activity will be fencing, destruction of rabbit warrens, reveg- etation, invasive flora control. Merimbula NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Access management of wetlands as outlined in Merimbula Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Lake Estuary Management Plan. Major project activity will Safety, Park Furniture Construction, Park Pathway be to construct raised board through sensitive wetlands and Construction and Weed Control Techniques Mangroves. Construct walking track links. Revegetation and erosion control. Mount Macedon VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Restoration of historic site extensively damaged by bush Land Conservation, Occupational Health and fires. Creek rehabilitation be re-establishment of indigenous Safety, Introduction to Hand and Power Tools, plant communities. Major project activity will be landscap- Field Plants Identification and Park Pathway Con- ing, grassing with native plants, tree planting, shrubs and struction minor plants and ground cover planting. Bank stabilisation. Australian Inland VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Assist in the development of unique Botanic Garden to act Botanic Gardens Land Conservation, Occupational Health and as a repository for endangered flora. Major project activity at Safety, Introduction to Plant Propagation and the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens will be landscaping, Field Plant Identification. installation of irrigation systems; sorting, propagating, and planting Australian dryland species of flora and maintenance of exhibition areas. Port Phillip VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Assist in the Nature Links Program to re-establish native Land Conservation, Occupational Health and bushland throughout the city of Port Phillip and specifically Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques, Weed along the foreshore. Major project activity will be reveg- Control Techniques and etation, seed collection, bush regeneration and coastal reha- Recognition of Weeds bilitation. Grampians VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Restoration of heritage buildings in historical railway site. Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Revegetation of wetlands area. Major project activity will be Safety, Park Pathway construction and Portable landscaping and planting, carpentry, painting, track construc- Power Tools building. tion, revegetation. Darling Downs QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Restoration of zones of the Upper Condamine Catchment as Land Conservation, Occupational Health and outlined in the Queensland Murray—Darling Basin Strategic Safety Recognition of Weeds, Weed Control Plan. Major Project Activity will be tree planting, wildlife Techniques and Wire Fencing of Conservation assessment, weed control, fencing, relocation of watering Areas points and recreational infrastructure. Tinchi Tamba QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Regeneration of Mangroves in significant migratory bird Wetlands Land Conservation, Occupational Health and habitat on the Northern perimeter of Brisbane. Major project Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques and activity will be revegetation (direct seeding and tube stock), Weed Control Techniques weed removal, track and bank stabilisation, re-establishing salt marsh. Upper Johnstone QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Construction of wildlife corridor between Bromfield Swamp River (Malanda) Land Conservation, Occupational Health and and Malanda Falls Environmental Park. Major project activi- Safety, Sourcing Plants for Revegetation and ty will be bank stabilisation, access control, walking track Transplanting Small Trees construction, seed collection, plant propagation, revegetation. Viewing platform construction. Ross River QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Enhancement of significant migratory waterbird habitat Land Conservation, Occupational Health and through management of estuarine mangroves, wetlands and Safety, Weed Control Techniques and Vegetation salt water grasslands. Major project activity will be reveg- Restoration Techniques etation, formalisation of walking tracks and control of vehi- cle access, improvement in water quality, weed control, ero- sion control and bank stabilisation. 236 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Project State Training Description

Naracoorte Caves SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Rehabilitation and protection of natural vegetation and lime- Land Conservation and Occupational Health and stone caves associated with World Heritage listing of the Safety, Introduction to site evaluation and reha- site. Major project activity will be stone wall construction, bilitation planning and Stone Wall construction track maintenance, graffiti removal and bush regeneration. Kangaroo Island SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Implement management plan for significant Koala population Land Conservation and Occupational Health and including relocation and population control program. Major Safety, Eco Skills, Vegetation Restoration Tech- project activity will be koala management program, catching niques and Koala koalas, health checks and relocation, site rehabilitation. Management/Catching Skills Flinders Ranges SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Assisting ‘Operation Bounce Back’ which aims to protect the Land Conservation Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies by managing feral species. and Occupational Health and Safety Eco Skills Major project activity will be maintaining a fox free environ- and Introduction to Machinery ment for Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies. Mapping and de- stroying rabbit warrens, removing or destroying weeds. Developing camp grounds and walking tracks and tree planiting. Shark Bay WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Assisting in implementation of strategic plans in the Work Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Heritage area through rehabilitation of coastal recreation sites Safety, Introduction to Site Evaluation and Reha- and monitoring of threatened flora and fauna. Major project bilitation Planning, Job Seeking Skills, Park Fur- activity will be restoration of historical homestead and devel- niture Construction, Wire Fencing of Conservation op new interpretation building. Reintroduction and monitor- Areas, Levelling and Trenching and Introduction ing of threatened fauna. Protect and rehabilitate coastal to Hand and Power Tools recreation sites. Millstream WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Implementation of the ‘Exotic Palm Control’ at Millstream Chichester Na- Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Chichester National Park. Major Project activity will be tional Park Safety, Mapping and Survival Skills in Remote removal of palm trees, collect native seeds and rehabilitate Locations and Site Rehabilitation areas. Penguin Island WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Transforming island into a unique native conservation re- Land Conservation, Occupational Health and serve through removal of building and revegetation program Safety Eco Skills and Vegetation Restoration to provide nesting areas for little penguins and other sea- Techniques birds. Major project activity will be the removal of two buildings, rehabilitation of sites to provide nesting areas for bird life. Freycinet Nation- TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Visitor access management, clearing vegetation and erosion al Park Land Conservation, Occupational Health and control. Major project activity will be vegetation and track Safety, Park Pathway Construction, Park Furniture management. Erosion control. Construction—Timber and Weed Control Tech- niques Tasman Peninsula TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Stabilisation of historic structures, vegetation clearance and and Maria Island Land Conservation, Occupational Health and development of visitor facilities. Major project activity will Safety, Park Furniture Construction—Timber, be rehabilitation, feral animal control, track construction, Recognition of Weeds and Weed Control Tech- erosion management, small mammal surveys. niques Huonville TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Construct basic outdoor study facility/walking track Land Conservation, Occupational Health and tohighlight forest ecology, history of the forest and current Safety Park Furniture Construction—Timber, Park flora and fauna of the area. Major project activity will be Pathway Construction and Field Plant Identifica- construction of an educational walking track, associated tion signage and an outdoor study facility (bush classroom). Elsey National NT Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Development of walking track along Roper River and high Park Land Conservation, Occupational Health and priority soil conservation work at Wabalarr. Major project Safety, Park Pathway Construction and Park Fur- activity will be management of park access—track construc- niture Construction—Timber tion, erosion control, constructing foot bridges and a viewing platform, removal of fences. Casuarina Coastal NT Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to Construction of 3km walking track and board walk through Reserve Land Conservation, Occupational Health and mangroves and monsoonal vine thickets along Casuarina Safety Park Pathway Construction and Park Fur- foreshore. Major project activity will be track and board niture Construction walk construction, plant identification and site interpretation. Namadgi/Tidbinbi ACT Environmental Audit, First Aid, Introduction to High priority repair of walking track in Namadgi National lla Land Conservation, Occupational Health and Park. Improvement of platypus habitat and reduction of fire Safety, Park Pathway Construction, Revegeta- threats in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Major project activity tion—including brush cutting and Weed Control will be maintenance of walking tracks and management of Techiques. erosion. Removal of invasive flora. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 237

ROUND 2

Project State Training Description Macquarie NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this projects is to enhance and protect River Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- the Macquarie River and Catchment, especially by pational Health and Safety, Wire Fencing reducing nutrient levels, planting habitat for native of Conservation Areas and Impacts of species and controlling erosion. Major project Introduced Land activity will be corridor fencing, bushland regen- Practices. eration, willow replacement, tree planting, wetland construction and construction of erosion control devices. The project will be based in the Bathurst region Sydney NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist with the aims of the Green- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- er Sydney 2000 program to conserve and establish pational Health and Safety, Field Plant vegetation in transport corridors prior to the Syd- Identification and Vegetation Restoration ney Olympics. The project will also assist with a Techniques major revegetation and erosion control program within Sydney Harbour National Park. Major project activity will be seed collection, propaga- tion, site preparation, tree planting, track construc- tion, weed control, erosion control and manage- ment of urban bushland. The project may include the use of power tools and working with sand- stone. Hunter Val- NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to revegetate roadside ley Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- corridors and key environmental sites adjacent to pational Health and Safety, Field Plant the New England Highway and the villages of Identification and Vegetation Restoration Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar and Rutherford. This Techniques is a demonstration project within the Hunter Gate- way Strategy. Major project activity will be the creation of Corridors of Green along major road reserves, restoration of native vegetation and habi- tats and the reversal of land degradation. Big Scrub NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to undertake urgent Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- restoration work in the Big Scrub, which has been pational Health and Safety, Eco Skills 1, described as the largest area of sub tropical rain- Weed Control Techniques and Recogni- forests in Australian at the time of European set- tion of Weeds and Tools for Plant Recog- tlement. The project will focus on six remnants nition which are recognised as having extremely high conservation value. Major project activity will be weed control, fencing, seed collection, propagation of rainforest species and planting of appropriate indigenous species. The project has been devel- oped in conjunction with the Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group. Dorrigo NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist the Dorrigo Farm Forestry Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- Project by expanding the number of hectares of pational Health and Safety, Recognition trial and demonstration planting’s and helping to of Weeds, Introduction to the Propagation ascertain the most appropriate species, establish- of Plants and ment techniques and planting models for farm Impacts of Introduced Land Practices forestry in the district. Major project activity will be seed collection, plant propagation, fencing, linking and extending remnant vegetation, label- ling species in remnant bush, site surveying and mapping, site monitoring, removal of woody weeds, tree planting and the release of dung bee- tles. Wentworth NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to assist with the ongo- Falls Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- ing transformation of a disused mine site into a pational Health and Safety, Recognition innovative environmental education centre. This of Weeds, Introduction to Site Evaluation project has been developed in conjunction with and Rehabilitation Planning, Introduction InteLife. Major project activity will be wide rang- to the Propagation of Plants and Park Fa- ing and will include revegetation, construction and cility Construction—Paving permaculture food gardens, erosion control, weed control and possibly assisting with the develop- ment of solar powered facilities. 238 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Project State Training Description Iluka NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project aims to assist the restoration of the Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- environment within the World Heritage Listed pational Health and Safety, Introduction Iluka Nature Reserve and adjoining areas in to Site Assessments, Eco Skills 1, Weed Bundjalung National Park. These high conserva- Control Techniques and Recognition of tion value areas have been impacted by sand Weeds mining, burning, grazing and severe weed inva- sion. Major project activity will be the removal of exotic weed species, regeneration of natural vege- tation, plant propagation, tree planting and seed collection. The project fits in with the "Restoration Strategy for Iluka Peninsula". Fingal NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to protect and restore a Heads Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- unique and sensitive vegetation community at pational Health and Safety, Recognition Fingal Heads. Major project activity will be tree of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques planting, seed collection, weed control and other activities to re-establish a littoral rainforest. Ben Boyd NSW Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to construct and main- National Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- tain a walking track along the coast of Ben Boyd Park pational Health and Safety, Park Pathway National Park near Eden. Major project activity Construction and Park Furniture Construc- will be track construction, maintenance of existing tion—Timber track and completion of signs and bridges. Wimmera VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, The major focus of this project will be revegeta- Wetlands Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- tion works on conservation reserves in the Wimm- pational Health and Safety, Vegetation era. The majority of the sites involved are classi- Restoration Techniques and Field Plant fied as High Value Wetlands under Victoria’s Identification Wetlands Conservation Program. Major project activity will be planting trees and shrubs, pest plant control, pest animal control, seed collection, removal of old fencing, installation of signs and walking track construction and maintenance. The project will be based in Horsham. Werribee VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist with the creation of a 20Ha Zoo Basalt Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- Western Basalt Plains exhibit. The exhibit will in- Plains pational Health and Safety, Weed Control clude key landscape elements of Victoria’s threat- Techniques and Introduction to Plant ened Basalt Plains. Major project activity will be Propagation tree planting, fencing, minor construction, wildlife surveys and plant propagation. The project will create a sanctuary for wildlife and an educational walking trail which will focus on Aboriginal perspectives of landscape and environment. Mallee VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to assist with the moni- Fowl Sur- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- toring of the endangered mallee fowl in Murray vey pational Health and Safety, Field Plant Sunset, Hattah and Wypefeld National Parks. The Identification, Native Fauna Habitat and project will be based from Mildura. Major project Workplace Communication activity will be finding, plotting and describing all new mallee fowl nests in the region. Trainees will also find and plot rabbit warrens and fox dens. The project may include camping in remote areas for extended periods. Regent VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to help the endangered Honeyeater Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- regent honeyeater of which only 1000—1500 pational Health and Safety, Introduction surviving in the wild. The Lurg district provides to Site Assessment, Workplace Communi- essential nectar supplies for the birds which arrive cation, Computer Operations Fundamen- each winter to feed on the flowering Ironbarks. tals and Word Processing Operations Major project activity will be fencing of remnant vegetation, tree planting, Mistletoe removal and direct seeding. The project will also involve trap- ping arboreal mammals, building and monitoring nest boxes and monitoring water quality. Sale VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, The Sale Green Corps Team will assist in securing Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- substantial and diverse seed stocks for use by pational Health and Safety, Introduction landcare groups contributing to revegetation pro- to Plant Propagation and Impacts of Intro- jects under the Lake Wellington Salinity Strategy. duced Land Practices Major project activity will be salinity mapping, seed collection and storage, water quality monitor- ing, erosion control, plantings and wetlands monitoring. Some of the project may involve on site accommodation. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 239

Project State Training Description Swan Hill VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, The Swan Hill Green Corps Team will assist with Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- the protection of remnant vegetation and rehabili- pational Health and Safety, Recognition tation of degraded wetlands and riparian zones of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques within the Lake Bael Bael to Lodden Corridor Network. Major project activity will be tree plant- ing, weed control, pest and animal control, salinity surveys, water quality testing, seed collection and restoration of heritage buildings. Pakenham VIC Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project involves catchment management Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- works and enhancement of wildlife/recreational pational Health and Safety, Recognition corridors in three flora and fauna reserves adjacent of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques to the Cardinia and Toomuc Creeks and Bunyip River Catchment. Major project activity will be environmental weed control, track relocation and construction of barrier gates, track erosion control work, walking track construction and construction of a display board/shelter. Mt Cook QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to construct a graded National Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- walking track within Mt Cook National Park. The Park pational Health and Safety, Park Pathway track will present the parks diversity of natural, Construction and Introduction to History scenic and cultural values to both visitors and of Aboriginal Land Management locals whilst creating minimal environmental im- pact. Major project activity will be surveying and constructing a walking track. The project will also include the identification of European and Aborigi- nal Cultural Sites. This project will be based in Cooktown. Mary River QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, Park Pathway Construction, Introduction to His- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- tory of Aboriginal Land Management pational Health and Safety, Introduction to Site Evaluation / Rehabilitation Plant- ing and Vegetation Restoration Tech- niques Lockyer QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to survey a threatened Valley Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- vine forest remnant which is in public ownership. pational Health and Safety, Weed Control The data collected will assist with the creation of a Techniques and Recognition of Weeds management plan for the Glen Rock property. The project was developed in conjunction with the World Wide Fund of Nature. Major project activi- ty will be vegetation and fauna surveys, weed mapping, basic track construction and installation of signage. The project will be based in Lockyer Valley between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Upper Mary QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project aims to reverse land clearing and River Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- degradation in portions of the Upper Mary River pational Health and Safety, Weed Control Catchment through revegetation programs using a Techniques and Recognition of Weeds wide mix of native species. The project has been developed in conjunction with the Barung Landcare Association. Major project activity will be removal of woody weeds, tree planting, erosion control, seed collection, propagation and fencing. The project will work along the Obi Obi Creek at the Barung Landcare Nursery and in a bush food demonstration park. Mountains QLD Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist the Mountains to Man- to Man- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- groves Corridor Project which is based on remnant groves pational Health and Safety, Recognition bushland links across North Brisbane to the Man- of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques groves of Moreton Bay. The project aims to link existing walking trails so that a wildlife and pas- sive recreational corridor can co-exist. Major pro- ject activity will be seed collection, nursery work, fencing, trail construction, weed control and ripar- ian vegetation. This project will be based in the North Brisbane metropolitan region. 240 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Project State Training Description Urban SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The Green Corps Team will assist the Urban Forest Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- Forest Biodiversity Program which has been de- pational Health and Safety, Vegetation veloped to co-ordinate revegetation and wildlife Restoration Techniques and Field Plant habitat protection projects in the Adelaide Identification metropolitan area. Major project activity will be plant identification, seed collection, weed control, fencing and tree planting throughout Australia. The SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The Green Corps Team will assist with broadscale Brouhgton Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- revegetation projects with local communities with- Catchment pational Health and Safety, Vegetation in the Broughton Catchment as part of the Corri- Restoration Techniques and Field Plant dors of Green Program. Major project activity will Identification be site preparation, seed collection, fencing, direct seeding, propagation and tree planting. The project will be based in the Gladstone region and may also involve nursery work in Quorn. Mount SA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to develop community Barker Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- based seed banks across South Australia. Major pational Health and Safety, Introduction project activity will be establishing eight seed to Propagation of Plants, Vegetation Res- banks across the state and will therefore involve a toration Techniques 1 and Field Plant significant component of travel and living in re- Identification 1 mote areas for up to two weeks at a time. Norwegian WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to establish a walking Bay Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- trail to a derelict whaling station in Norwegian pational Health and Safety, Park Pathway Bay within the Ningaloo Marine Park near Ex- Construction and Park Furniture Construc- mouth Major project activity will be track con- tion—Timber struction, establishing interpretive signage and a major clean-up of the whaling station. This project may involve a significant component of remote area camping. Kimberleys WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The major focus of this project is to control envi- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- ronmental weeds at a number of sensitive environ- pational Health and Safety, Weed Control mental sites in the Kimberleys including Parry Techniques and Recognition of Weeds Lagoons Nature Reserve, Point Spring Nature Reserve and Mirima National Park. Major project activity will be control of environmental weeds in rainforest borders, seasonal wetlands, creeks and flood plains. The project will also involve track construction and access redevelopment. The pro- ject may involve a significant component of re- mote area camping. South Coast WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist with a variety of programs Estuaries Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- including the development of the Kalgan River pational Health and Safety, Vegetation Walk Trail, a farm forestry project at Oyster Har- Restoration Techniques and Eco Skills bour, the Wilson Inlet Project and working with catchment groups in the Jerramungup Region. Major project activity will be a walkway construc- tion, fencing, tree, planting, direct seeding, tree fertilising and revegetation. The project will be based from Denmark or Albany and may involve a number of residential projects. West Cape WA Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to assist with the ongo- Howe Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- ing development of the Bibbulmun Track. Major pational Health and Safety Vegetation project activity will be track construction and Restoration Techniques and Eco Skills maintenance. Due to the nature of this project it may involve a substantial amount of remote area camping.

Derwent TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project involves the upgrading and rerouting Valley Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- of two walking tracks in Wellington Park and pational Health and Safety, Wire Fencing assisting the Derwent Valley Corridors of Green of Conservation Areas and Park Pathway Project with the fencing and planting of a number Construction of project sites. Major project activity will be fencing, planting, direct seeding, track mainte- nance and track construction. King Island TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to protect the habitat of Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- penguins and shearwaters at Cataraqui Point on pational Health and Safety, Wire Fencing King Island. Major project activity will be fencing of Conservation Areas and Vegetation to exclude cattle, revegetation to stabilise dunes Restoration Techniques and construction of a walking trail to Sea Rocks. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 241

Project State Training Description Tamar Val- TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to assist the Tamar ley Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- Valley Weed Strategy by the comprehensive map- pational Health and Safety, Recognition ping of weed infestations in the Tamar Valley. of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques Major project activity will be weed mapping in- cluding map interpretation, use of GIS System, knowledge of weed plant species and the produc- tion of weed maps. The projects will also involve the eradication of weed species. North Esk TAS Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to revegetate the banks River Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- of the North Esk River in support of the Hoblers pational Health and Safety Chainsaw Bridge Reserve Management Plan. Major project Licence, Wire Fencing of Conservation activity will be tree planting and weed control Areas, Transplanting Small Trees, Con- along the North Esk River and bushland regenera- tainer Plant Production and Introduction tion in Cataract Gorge. to Hand and Power Tools Macdonnell NT Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project aims to control and eradicate weed Ranges Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- infestations in river and catchment areas. A minor pational Health and Safety Recognition of project surveying feral and native animals in the Weeds and Weed Control Techniques MacDonnell Ranges, including monitoring of feral cats and trapping and habitat surveys of the Cent- ral Rock Rat and other native fauna species. In general the project may involve a significant com- ponent of remote area camping will also be con- ducted. Tennant NT Environmental Audit, First Aid, The Tennant Creek Green Corps Team will assist Creek Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- in developing methods for sparrow control and pational Health and Safety, Recognition eradication in the Tennant Creek and Barkly dis- of Weeds and Weed Control Techniques trict. The team will also assist in the management of historic buildings. Major project activity will be identifying nesting sites of sparrows, constructing devices to catch sparrows and restrict access, monitoring and recording sparrow movements and control of Parkinsonia. The project may involve a significant component of remote area camping. Katherine NT Environmental Audit, First Aid, The aim of this project is to repair, stabilise, re- River Corri- Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- vegetate, enhance and protect areas within the dor pational Health and Safety Impacts of Katherine River Corridor. Major project activity Introduced Land Practices and Vegetation will be erosion control, tree planting, control of Restoration Techniques noxious weeds and rubbish removal. The project will implement recommendations in the Katherine River Master Plan. Murrumbid- ACT Environmental Audit, First Aid, This project will assist with the protection of gee River Introduction to Land Conservation, Occu- habitat of the Wingless Grasshopper within the Corridor pational Health and Safety Recognition of Murrumbidgee River Corridor as well as erosion Weeds and Weed Control Techniques control on Mt Painter. Major project activity will be Grasshopper surveys, weed control, vegetation mappings and erosion control.

ROUND 3

Project State Training Description Gilgandra NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will contribute to the Central West tion and Restoration, Industry Environ- Catchment Management Committee’s Strategic mental Audit, Occupational Health & Plan to restore high priority catchment areas. The Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques project will involve fencing and revegetation of and Wire Fencing for Conservation Areas creeks and gullies to stabilise and improve wild- life habitat. It will also provide protection for Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and areas of traditional plant foods. The partner agency for the project is the Gilgandra Adolescent Support Pro- ject. 242 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Project State Training Description Sydney NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will combine on-going commitment tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- to revegetation along Sydney Olympic transport mental Audit, Occupational Health & corridors with track construction in Sydney Har- Safety Park Pathway Construction and bour National Park. Specific activities will in- Vegetation Restoration Techniques 1 clude seed collection, propagation, tree planting, track construction and management of urban bushland. Lake Illa- NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project aims to secure the existing remnant warra tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- rainforest community and re-establish the original mental Audit, Occupational Health & floristic composition of the Wollomai Point head- Safety, Weed Control Techniques and land. Invasive weeds will be removed and con- Recognition of Weeds trolled. Planting of native species will be under- taken to protect and extend the rainforest rem- nant. The training and project bases may be in Wollongong. The Green Corps team will under- take the project in partnership with the Lake Illa- warra Authority. Bundanon NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project is consistent with local catchment tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- management goals and aims to restore the banks mental Audit, Occupational Health & of the Shoalhaven River to their natural vegetated Safety ,Weed Control Techniques, Recog- state. Trainees will remove lantana and other nition of Weeds and Wire Fencing of introduced weeds, revegetate, survey flora and Conservation Areas fauna, erect fences to control stock access and repair historic rock wall fences. The training and project bases may be at Nowra. The partner agency is the Bundanon Trust. Broken Head NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will assist in controlling visitor ac- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- cess to Broken Head Nature Reserve by a ration- mental Audit, Occupational Health & alisation of walking tracks. The project will also Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- involve weed control and revegetation to restore nition of Weeds and Park Pathway Con- habitat and control erosion. The training and pro- struction ject bases will be in Byron Bay. The project will be undertaken in consultation with NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. Paterson NSW First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project site is based at historic Tocal Home- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- stead. The project will involve regeneration of mental Audit, Occupational Health & riverine rainforest and wetlands, construction of Safety, Vegetation Restoration Tech- post and rail fences and building conservation. niques, Weed Control Techniques and Re- The project is consistent with the approved con- cognition of Weeds servation plan for the homestead and will be done in conjunction with the C.B Alexander Agricultural College. The training and project bases may be in Maitland. Seaford VIC First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will protect and improve a range of tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- values related to significant coastal remnant mental Audit, Occupational Health & vegetation at Seaford and Grantville foreshore. Safety, Weed Control Techniques and The trainees will collect seeds, transplant seed- Recognition of Weeds lings (including mangroves), control environ- mental weeds, maintain tracks, erect fences and stabilise sand dunes. The training and project bases may be at Seaford. Snake Island VIC First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will focus on the capture and reloca- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- tion of koalas from Snake Island to mainland mental Audit, Occupational Health & Victoria. Snake Island is massively over-populat- Safety, Animal Handling, Tree Climbing / ed by koalas and habitat trees are under great Arboriculture, Vegetation Restoration stress. The project will contribute to habitat sur- Techniques, Weed Control Techniques vival and long-term viability of the koala popula- and Recognition of Weeds tion. The trainees will be assisting with Parks Victoria officers and reside in accommodation on Snake Island during the weeks the project is there. The training and the mainland project bases may be in the Latrobe Valley area. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 243

Project State Training Description Guildford VIC First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project aims to minimise further loss of pri- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- ority remnant vegetation on the Guildford Plateau mental Audit, Occupational Health & fringes. It will involve remnant bush regeneration Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- including creation of wildlife corridors by fen- nition of Weeds and Wire Fencing of cing, tree planting and environment weed control. Conservation Areas The Green Corps team may be based in Castle- maine for training. The project will be undertak- en in conjunction with the Guildford/Upper Lod- don Landcare Group. Ballarat VIC First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will implement the City of Ballarat tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- LINCS Strategy to establish linear reserves in the mental Audit, Occupational Health & Ballarat region. It will involve establishing the Safety, Weed Control Techniques and Ballarat—Skipton Rail Trail and the rehabilita- Recognition of Weeds tion of the Yarrowee River by weed control, tree planting and track work. Townsville QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Townsville Green Corps project is to be tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- undertaken in conjunction with Queensland Rail. mental Audit, Occupational Health & The project involves the rehabilitation of riparian Safety, Weed Control Techniques and and woodland zones which Queensland Rail has Recognition of Weeds committed to rehabilitate before donating for public use. The project will involve removal of exotic weeds, planting of native species, seed collection, propagation and maintenance of plantings. Yeppoon QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Yeppoon project is in two parts—It will tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- undertake extensive rehabilitation to upgrade mental Audit, Occupational Health & existing walking tracks so that visitor impact is Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- minimised. The project will also promote the nition of Weeds and Park Pathway Con- regeneration of foreshore vegetation communities struction by the removal of invasive weeds. Assistance with the project will be provided by the Depart- ment of Environment. The training and project bases may be at Rockhampton. Mount QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Mount Tamborine project involves the reha- Tamborine tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- bilitation of the Cedar Creek riparian corridor, in- mental Audit, Occupational Health & cluding weed removal, bank stabilisation and Safety, Weed Control Techniques and revegetation. The project will enhance a major Recognition of Weeds wildlife corridor linking existing remnant vegeta- tion with established National Parks. The Mount Tamborine Natural History Association will work in partnership on the project. Bases for the pro- ject and training may be on the Gold Coast. Tully QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- Cardwell Shire Council will be involved with tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- Tully Green Corps team to focus on the Wet mental Audit, Occupational Health & Tropics high conservation value area of Mission Safety, Weed Control Techniques Recog- Beach / Tully, Murray Catchment. The project nition of Weeds, Wire Fencing of Conser- will address issues of riparian degradation vation Areas through revegetation, enhancement of key habitat areas of endangered species (Cassowary), and development of walking tracks. Tolga Scrub QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project aims to preserve the biodiversity of tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- the Tolga Scrub which contains a number of rare mental Audit, Occupational Health & and threatened species. The Green Corps team Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques will be involved in extensive rehabilitation and 1 and Field Plant Identification revegetation tasks as well as on the construction of an interpretive walkway. The project and training bases may be in Atherton. Atherton Shire Council is the partner agency for the pro- ject. Ipswich QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will assist in implementation of tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- Purga Wetlands Reserve Concept Plan, specifi- mental Audit, Occupational Health & cally by conserving the largest pocket of remnant Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- swamp tea tree in the Ipswich region and facilita- nition of Weeds and Park Pathway Con- ting visitor access. The project will involve trail struction construction, boardwalk construction, weed con- trol, revegetation, fencing, seed collection and propagation. Ipswich City Council is the partner agency. 244 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Project State Training Description Darling QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Darling Downs Green Corps project and Downs tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- training bases will be in Oakley or Toowoomba. mental Audit, Occupational Health & The project will involve management of fifty Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- hectares of remnant vegetation. This will involve nition of Weeds and wire fencing of Con- fencing, controlling environmental weeds and servation Areas planting 6,000 trees in association with landcare groups in line with the Condamine Catchment Strategic Plan. Gympie QLD First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will be undertaken in conjunction tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- with the Gympie and District Landcare Group. mental Audit, Occupational Health & The project is a component of a major urban Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- landcare initiative to revegetate the riparian corri- nition of Weeds and Chainsaw Operation dor along a permanent creek in Gympie. It will involve eradication of woody weeds and invasive vines, re-establishment of riparian habitat, creek bank stabilisation and walkway construction. Naracoorte SA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will restore and protect native vege- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- tation associated with the world heritage features mental Audit, Occupational Health & of the Naracoorte caves, specifically by planting Safety, Field Plant Identification and to reinstate natural hydrologised processes affect- Vegetation Restoration Techniques 1 ing the caves. The project will also assist with seed collection and tree removal and include a major component of interpretive display construc- tion. Kangaroo SA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Department of Environment and Natural Re- Island tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- sources has worked with a Green Corps Round 1 mental Audit, Occupational Health & Project Team on Kangaroo Island. The project Safety, Eco Skills 1 and Vegetation Res- will provide the Department with continued as- toration Techniques 1 sistance in the capture, sterilisation and relocation of koalas from Kangaroo Island. The project will also assist with seed collection and fencing for habitat restoration. Mount Com- SA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will assist with the implementation of pass tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- the Tookayerta Catchment Plan by revegetation, mental Audit, Occupational Health & controlling weeds, seed collection and improve- Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques ment of habitat. The trainees will research native and Wire Fencing for Conservation Areas fish populations, evaluate threats to Black Swamp and construct fences. The project has been established in conjunction with Compass Creek Care Inc. The training may be based at Victor Harbour. Mount Gam- SA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will be undertaken in conjunction bier tion and Restoration Industry Environ- with Department of Environment and Natural Re- mental Audit, Occupational Health & sources. The project will restore and protect habi- Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- tat in coastal reserves near Robe and contribute nition of Weeds and Mammal Surveying to the aims of the Little Dip Conservation Man- Techniques agement Plan. The project will involve weed survey and control, vermin survey and control, erosion control, revegetation and construction of vehicle barriers. The project and training bases may be in Mount Gambier. Bayswater WA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The partner agency for the Bayswater Project is tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- Regeneration Technology Pty Ltd. Based in mental Audit, Occupational Health & Perth, the project will focus on enhancing habitat Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- and water quality in Baigup Reserve, one of only nition of Weeds and Introduction to Ma- two Western Australian wetland restoration pro- chinery jects listed on the National Register. The project will involve planing, weed control, boardwalk construction and installation of educational sign- age. Fitzgerald WA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will develop and implement strategic River tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- plans for path management in the Fitzgerald mental Audit, Occupational Health & River National Park. The major project will Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques concentrate on the coastal route from Point Ann and Path Pathway Construction in the wilderness zone to Myllies Beach. The training and project bases may be in Albany. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 245

Project State Training Description South Coast WA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The South Coast Wetlands project will focus on Wetlands tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- restoring corridor linkages between remnant mental Audit, Occupational Health & vegetation associated with wetlands and restoring Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques corridors linking the Stirling Ranges National 1, Weed Control Techniques and Recog- Park, the Fitzgerald biosphere and protection of nition of Weeds Pallinup River Catchment. The project will in- volve flora and fauna surveys, seed collection and storage, weed control, feral control, fencing and ground water monitoring. The base for the project and the training may be in Denmark. Shark Bay WA First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will focus on protection of endan- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- gered fauna by assisting Project Eden in eradicat- mental Audit, Occupational Health & ing feral animals from Peron Peninsula and re- Safety, Vegetation Restoration Techniques introducing native species. Green Corps trainees and Basic Building / Renovation Skills will assist with threatened fauna captive breeding, reintroduction and monitoring. The project will also help to restore a shearing shed and in col- lecting seeds for planting. The project and train- ing bases may be in either Geraldton or Carnavon. Glenorchy TAS First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The N.R. Pierce Memorial Reserve in Glenorchy tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- presents 13 different native plant communities mental Audit, Occupational Health & which have high or significantly high conser- Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- vation values. The project will develop and initi- nition of Weeds and Park Pathway Con- ate management practices for the Reserve. It will structions involve erosion control, weed eradication, reha- bilitation, track maintenance and invertebrate surveys. The training and project bases may be in Hobart. Glenorchy City Council will be the part- ner Agency. Burnie TAS First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will plan and commence implementa- tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- tion of an environmental weed management strat- mental Audit, Occupational Health & egy encompassing the development of a manage- Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- ment plan for Little Penguins in the area. The nition of Weeds and Chainsaw Operation project will involve removal of environmental weeds, survey of penguins and nesting sites and protection of habitat. The project will be under- taken in conjunction with Burnie City Council. Cataract TAS First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The Cataract Gorge Green Corps team will be Gorge tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- based in Launceston. The project will assist the mental Audit, Occupational Health & Cataract Gorge Reserve Management Plan by Safety, Weed Control Techniques and controlling bushland weeds and willows along Recognition of Weeds South Esk River. Repairs and maintenance on walking tracks throughout the Gorge Reserve will also be undertaken. The partner agency will be Launceston City Council. Darwin NT First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will assist four Landcare groups with tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- bush regeneration in urban Darwin. The project mental Audit, Occupational Health & will involve weed control, site preparation, tree Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- planting in association with Arbor Month and nition of Weeds and Vegetation Restora- follow-up maintenance. tion Murrumbid- ACT First Aid, Introduction to Land Conserva- The project will involve revegetation and mainte- gee tion and Restoration Industry, Environ- nance of indigenous riparian plants and grasses mental Audit, Occupational Health & along the Murrumbidgee river corridor. This will Safety, Weed Control Techniques, Recog- be achieved by planting, fencing to exclude stock nition of Weeds and Wire Fencing of and the removal of exotic weeds from revegeta- Conservation Areas tion sites. The project will be undertaken in conjunction with ACT Parks and Wildlife Ser- vice. The training and project bases may be in Canberra. 246 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Department for Communications, the 2. (a) The PAML Marketing Study was con- Information Economy and the Arts: ducted to provide a comparative assessment of a Research variety of electronic products and distribution mechanisms which the Department of communica- (Question No. 906) tions and the Arts (DCA) and performing arts Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister for organisations might consider in making PAML recordings accessible via Australia’s Cultural Communications, the Information Economy Network (ACN) and other electronic environments. and the Arts, upon notice, on 16 October The PAML Universal Resource Locator (URL) 1997: from which the Report can be downloaded is being (1) What qualitative or quantitative research has publicised to performance arts companies and been undertaken by the Department and its agencies administrators with related responsibilities: since 3 March 1996. http://www.dca.gov.au/ahnbd/paml.html (2) What was the nature of the research undertak- (b) The PAML research project on intellectual en (sample sizes, questionnaire length, evaluation) property issues was conducted to identify such and to whom were the results of the research issues in relation to the delivery of recorded available. performances by means of on-line technologies; and research holdings of recordings of significant (3) In each instance, which firm or firms have Australian performances by Commonwealth agen- been engaged to undertake this work. cies. Apart from local and international research, (4) In each instance, what has been the cost of the project included a program of interviews and the work undertaken. assessment of responses to a ten-part questionnaire. Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- The Researcher has provided some material from interviewees on an ‘in- confidence’ basis to the able senator’s question is as follows: Department of Communications and the Arts. The The following research has been identified: rest of the report and its recommendations have Film, National Broadcasting And Intellectual been made available to the PAML Steering Com- Property mittee and officers with relevant duties within DCA. 1. The Department has provided a grant to Monash University as part of the Performing Arts (c) Australia’s Cultural Network (ACN) focus Multimedia Library (PAML) program. group assessment of the website prototype was conducted to test the proposed look, feel, and 2. The grant is to cover the cost of appointment functionality of the Website prototype for of copyright advisers on a project being conducted Australia’s Cultural Network. Thirty six people by Monash University. The project involves participated in four focus group sessions answering supplying audio-visual material from the PAML 50 questions. An evaluation of the results was program across an experimental broadband network prepared for the New Media Section of the Depart- within the University and to certain Victorian ment which has responsibility for the development schools. The advisers will engage in a number of of the ACN website. tasks including examining all issues of copyright relating to online interactive media from technical, 3. (a) Stephen Hall and Associates, 4 Mair Place, legal and industry perspectives. Guidelines will also Curtin ACT 2605 be produced for the negotiating of digital copyright (b) Globalink Communications Pty Ltd, 8/2-6 agreements, for the guidance of performing arts and Lugar Street, Waverley NSW 2024 multimedia industries. (c) Deborah Wilson Consulting Services Pty. 3. Monash University Ltd., Level 7, 10 Felix Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000. 4. The Department has provided $92,000.00 to 4. (a) $15,000, b) $15,000 and c) $7,900 Monash University. Cultural Industry Development Cultural 1. The Department has commissioned from the Cultural Development—New Media Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) since 3 1. New Media Section had the following qualita- March 1996 a number of statistical research tive/quantitative research conducted since 3 March projects on cultural matters. Those which have 1996: reached fruition are: . Two research projects conducted from 21 (a) A census of businesses which employed staff March to 30 June 1997 relating to the PAML. and which were predominantly engaged in book . One session of focus group testing on 10 publishing in 1995-96. September 1997 relating to the development of (b) A census of businesses mainly involved in Australia’s Cultural Network website. selected music activities (record companies and Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 247 distributors, manufacturers of recorded music, later focus groups involved between 6 and 10 music publishers, sound recording studios) in participants and sessions lasted 90 minutes. The respect of the financial year 1995-96. research results were made available to the Depart- 2. In relation to the research referred to at 1(a), ment. 214 businesses were surveyed, the questionnaire 3. In relation to 1(a) the firm engaged to under- comprising 36 questions. The research was made take the work was Artcraft Research. In relation to available to the public. In relation to the research 1(b), the firm engaged to undertake the work was referred to at 1(b), a total of 541 businesses were Worthington Di Marzio. In relation to 1(c), the firm surveyed of whom 249 received a questionnaire engaged was Deborah Wilson Consulting Services comprising 65 questions and the remaining 292, Pty Ltd. which were sound recording studios, a question- 4. In relation to 1(a), the cost was $30,000. In naire comprising 48 questions. To date, the research relation to 1(b) the cost was $39,900. In relation to has been made available to the public in summary 1(c), the cost was $12,239. form. National Gallery Of Australia 3. None. 1. The National Gallery of Australia conducts 4. The research referred to at 1(a) cost $100,000. continuous weekly Visitor Surveys to measure The research referred to at 1(b) cost a total of visitor satisfaction and obtain quantitative data $400,000. The project was initially contracted regarding usage of National Gallery products and before 3 March 1996 at a cost of $200,000. An services. expansion of the project at a cost of a further $200,000 was decided on after that date. 2. Weekly Visitor Surveys were conducted resulting in 150 completed questionnaires per week ArtsInfo (A4 sheet double-sided). The results were used 1. In connection with the implementation of the internally and to advise Canberra tourism industry. Government’s initiative, the ArtsInfo telephone 3. Market Attitude Research Services Pty Ltd. information and referral service and website, which 4. $10,000-$15,000 per year. provides a single access point to the full range of opportunities and assistance available to the cultural National Library Of Australia sector, the Department commissioned the following Reader Survey research: 1. Two-week pilot study of questionnaire. (a) initial market research 2. To determine user satisfaction with Reading (b) concept testing and a benchmark study of Room services. Carried out over two weeks in potential users December 1996 for internal use only. Full length (c) focus group testing of the prototype website survey not yet carried out. design and data-base structure and subsequently of 3. No outside firm used. website. 4. Not costed—met from internal resources. 2. In relation to 1(a) the research combined National Portrait Gallery Evaluation qualitative research based on interviews with 57 members of the cultural sector, including cultural 1. One visitor survey and four stakeholder organisations, grant applicants and service provid- surveys. ers, together with quantitative research based on 2. To determine effectiveness of NPG in meeting 293 interviews with members of the same popula- its objectives. Conducted from January-March tion. The qualitative interviews were loosely struc- 1997. National Portrait Gallery Evaluation Draft tured and lasted from 3/4 to 1 and a half hours. The Report issued March 1997 for the information of quantitative interviews used a fully structured NPG Advisory Committee, Library Corporate questionnaire and lasted on average 12-15 minutes. Management Group. The research results were made available to the 3. No outside firm used. Department. In relation to 1(b) the sample was 324 cultural sector workers, peak body advisers and 4. Not formally costed—met from internal service providers. They were interviewed by tele- resources. Staff seconded: 1 x PO-1, phone using a questionnaire which differed for each 7 weeks; 1 x ASO6, 12 weeks. Steering Committee of the three types of respondent. The research included a representative from DCA. results were made available to the Department. In Customer Service Charter Survey relation to 1(c), the earlier testing involved a total of 83 emerging and established artists in eight 1. 6,000 printed questionnaires distributed in focus groups lasting 90 minutes each. The later October 1997. testing involved four focus groups comprising some 2. To gauge staff, user and stakeholder response of the artists involved in the earlier groups. These to draft Customer Service Charter. Questionnaire 248 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 also made available on Library WWW server. 4. $5,000. Comments to be incorporated into final version, to Promotional study of the BHP WildScience exhibi- be issued in 1998. tion 3. No outside firm used. 1. This was a study carried out over the period 4. Not formally costed—met from internal September 1996-February 1997 to gain a profile of resources. Staff seconded: 1 x SOGC, 12 weeks. exhibition visitors, explore factors involved in QUESTACON—The National Science And awareness issues to assist communications strategy Technology Centre planning, and to evaluate visitor satisfaction with the BHP WildScience exhibition. Evaluation of advertising concepts for the BHP WildScience exhibition 2. The first part of the study, with seventy inter- views, was part of ongoing research for the Can- 1. This research was done in April-May 1996 to berra Visitors Study and involved special questions explore target audience reactions to three different on BHP WildScience being added to a standard advertising concepts developed for possible use in questionnaire. A further 128 interviews were the marketing of the BHP WildScience exhibition conducted with exhibition visitors to provide a (a hands-on science and technology exhibition larger sample specifically focused on this exhibi- developed by Questacon in collaboration with other tion. The research results were made available to science centres and museums around Australia) Questacon, with the general data also available to 2. The research involved fewer than 100 people, Canberra Tourism and the other Canberra attrac- with each of the 12 group sessions (spread over tions that took part in the Canberra Visitors Study. Sydney and Newcastle) lasting between half an 3. Frank Small and Associates. hour and an hour. The results of the research, in broad outline, were available to the market- 4. $2,600. ing/public affairs officers of the science centres and Evaluation of NRMA Tomorrow’s Drivers exhibi- museums participating in the project, and to the tion relevant BHP representative. The results were used 1. This research, being carried out in September- as part of the process of selecting an advertising November 1997, is assessing visitor reactions to the agency for the project, and the detailed research Tomorrow’s Drivers exhibition, and also exploring report was used by Questacon in framing the brief the needs of a key target group (teachers and for development of advertising materials for the school students) to assist in planning a possible exhibition. Feedback relating to individual advertis- upgrade of the exhibition. ing concepts was also passed to the companies responsible for the development of each concept. 2. The research has involved focus groups, paired face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews. 3. Environmetrics Pty Ltd The target audience includes teachers, students, 4. $15,000. parents, curriculum advisers, road safety educators Development of an evaluation package for the BHP and media representatives. A total of 100-150 WildScience exhibition people will be involved, in five locations (Sydney, Geelong, Tamworth, Nowra, Brisbane), covering 1. To enable comparison of the success of the the locations where the exhibition has been seen in BHP WildScience exhibition in relation to its the last eighteen months. The results of the research educational objectives at the ten different venues on will be used by Questacon and NRMA in joint its 1996-2000 itinerary, an evaluation package planning of the future of the Tomorrow’s Drivers comprising two visitor surveys was developed in program. late 1996-early 1997. The development of this package included testing of the evaluation tools 3. Environmetrics Pty Ltd. with Questacon visitors. 4. $39,500. 2. 122 Questacon visitors were surveyed, with Promotional evaluation of Off the Planet, data collectors filling in answers to a standard set K’nexhibition and Terrorsaurus of questions (a mix of closed and open ended 1. This study is to provide feedback to assist in questions), taking between 5 and 10 minutes per finetuning the communication strategies for the interview. A modified version of the questionnaire exhibitions and to evaluate visitor satisfaction with was provided to 26 teachers who had brought class each of the three exhibitions. The study is being groups to visit the exhibition. The results of the undertaken in four parts—(i) evaluating the Off the research were available to Questacon, BHP, and Planet and K’nexhibition exhibitions during July other science centres/museums involved in the pro- 1997; (ii) evaluating the Terrorsaurus exhibition ject. The same evaluation materials are being during September 1997; (iii) indepth interviews provided to other venues hosting the exhibition. with visitors in October 1997; and (iv) evaluating 3. Interactive Consultants Pty Ltd the Terrorsaurus exhibition during January 1998. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 249

2. Phases (i), (ii) and (iv) of the study involve Preliminary results were provided to the Feder- interviewing of the order of 100 visitors to each of ation of Australian Commercial Television Stations the exhibitions. Phase (iii) of the study involves (FACTS) in December 1996. The results were indepth interviews with ten visitors to Terrorsaurus. provided to enable FACTS to consider any implica- The results of the research will be used internally tions during its review of the commercial television by Questacon. industry code of practice. 3. Frank Small and Associates. The results were published in August 1997 as 4. $10,000. part of the ABA’s Trends and Issues series: Views on viewing: community views about commercial The Australian Broadcasting Authority television, 1994-1996. 1. Since 3 March 1996, the Australian Broadcast- ing Authority (ABA) has undertaken qualitative and In October 1997, some of the questions on quantitative research into a number of broadcasting concerns about television material are being issues in accordance with its primary function as repeated in a fourth national survey aimed at specified in s.158(g) of the Broadcasting Services monitoring industry codes of practice. The 1997 Act 1992: ‘to conduct or commission research into survey also includes questions on concerns about community attitudes on issues relating to material heard on radio. The sample for the 1997 programs’. survey is slightly smaller—approximately 1000 people—but again representative of the population ABA attitudinal research conducted since 3 aged 14 years and over. The 1997 survey consists March 1996 has consisted of the following projects: of 26 questions and as in 1996, is being adminis- A. monitoring industry codes of practice; tered face-to-face as part of an omnibus survey. B. young families and television; Results of the 1997 survey will be provided to C. young Australians and music; and FACTS and to the Federation Australian Radio Broadcasters (FARB). They will also made publicly D. media usage by migrants to Australia. available in an ABA publication in the first half of In addition to the above, the ABA has released 1998. three research monographs since 3 March 1996 3. Firms Engaged based on research conducted prior to that date: Roy Morgan Research Centre was commissioned . Families and electronic entertainment, June to conduct the 1996 survey. The 1997 survey is 1996; being conducted by AC Nielsen McNair. . Music, new music and all that: Teenage radio in the 90s, June 1996; 4. Cost . Kids talk TV: ‘super wickid’ or ‘dum’, Sep- The 1996 survey cost $36,000, while the 1997 tember 1996. survey will cost $24,580. As the research for these monographs was B. Young Families and Television conducted prior to the specified date, no further 2. Nature of Research and Provision of Results details are provided in relation to parts 2, 3 and 4 The ABA is conducting an analysis of data on of the question. the amount and type of television watched by A. Monitoring Industry Codes of Practice preschool-aged children. The research is also 2. Nature of Research and Provision of Results looking at parents’ attitudes, and their behaviour, In September 1996, as part of its ongoing role to towards their child’s viewing. The data was col- monitor the effectiveness of the commercial lected as part of a larger study conducted by Dr television industry code of practice, the ABA con- Brent Waters, formerly the Director of Psychiatric ducted a third national survey on people’s concerns Services at St Vincent’s Hospital, and Dr Judy about material they had seen on television. The Ungerer of Macquarie University. survey was conducted with a sample of 1157 The sample for the research was 157 couples and people representative of the population 14 years of their first-born child in the Sydney metropolitan age and over. The survey consisted of 35 questions area. Two methods were used to collect data from administered face-to-face as part of an omnibus the sample at each of four assessment points: prior survey. to the child’s birth, when the child was four months The research measured awareness of television of age, when the child was 12 months of age, and classifications, in particular the M and MA classifi- when the child was 30 months of age. cations, and the perceived suitability of movies on The first method of data collection was a ques- commercial television starting at 8.30 pm. The tionnaire which varied in length at each of the four suitability of the movies was gauged in relation to assessment points and increased in length as the the use of swearing, and the presentation of sex child got older. The second was a viewing diary in scenes, nudity and violence. which each family was asked to record their 250 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 television and video viewing over a seven-day 3. Firms Engaged period. Data collection started in April 1988 and The ABA commissioned Juliet London Research finished in August 1994. and Consultancy to conduct the literature review. The ABA is preparing a publication which will While ABA staff facilitated the focus group report the results of the research. It is expected that discussions, various firms were engaged to recruit this will be publicly available by the end of this participants and provide venues for some of the year. groups. 3. Firms Engaged Quadrant Research Services has been engaged to In March 1995, the ABA funded Dr Waters and conduct the quantitative stage of the research. Dr Ungerer to sub-contract a research assistant to 4. Cost enter, code and begin analysing data from the questionnaires. The literature review cost $5,000. 4. Cost The total amount paid to firms for focus group recruitment and venues was $1,598. The funding was for a total of $10,000. $50,000 has been budgeted for the quantitative C. Young Australians and Music stage. 2. Nature of Research and Provision of Results D. Media Usage by Migrants to Australia Young people and music are the focus of a joint 2. Nature of Research and Provision of Results research project being undertaken by the ABA in In February 1997, the ABA finalised arrange- conjunction with the Australia Council and the ments with the Department of Immigration and Australian Recording Industry Association. Infor- Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) to include four mation is being gathered about the role of music in questions on the third wave of Longitudinal Survey the lives of young people (12 to 24 years of age) of Immigrants (LSIA) being conducted by DIMA and their attitudes to the music currently available during 1997 and 1998. The third wave of LSIA to them. It is considering music delivery through surveys approximately 5000 people who have radio, television, CDs and newer delivery mecha- migrated to Australia in the last few years. nisms such as the Internet. Live performances and the participation of young people in music are also The questions developed by the ABA seek being considered. information about media usage and perceptions of the portrayal of ethnic groups on commercial televi- The research consists of the following stages: a sion. Questions about media usage ask about the literature review, consultative stage, and qualitative frequency of use of radio, television, videos, and quantitative data collection. newspapers and the Internet, as well as the media The ABA commissioned a comprehensive used most often for various news, information and literature review as the first stage of the project. entertainment services. The review was released as a monograph, Youth Due to the large sample for the survey, the data and music in Australia: a review, in June 1997. collection phase of LSIA occurs over an extended The consultative stage involved ABA staff period of time. Preliminary results will therefore conducting interviews with key stakeholders in not be available until the second half of 1998. music and youth related organisations. The inter- 3. Firms Engaged views identified key issues for discussion in the qualitative stage and are helping to shape the DIMA has responsibility for the LSIA and is quantitative stage. running the media usage questions on the ABA’s behalf. The qualitative stage consisted of focus group discussions with young people in the target age 4. Cost range. Fourteen groups were conducted in April and DIMA has charged the ABA a total of $20,000 May 1997 in a range of locations: Sydney, Darwin, to administer the questions and tabulate the results. Warwick and Melbourne. Australia Council The first three stages are feeding into the devel- International Visitors and Aboriginal arts opment of the quantitative stage. This final stage will obtain measures from a representative sample 1. International Visitors and Aboriginal arts. of Australian youth on the place of music in their 2. Survey of international visitors: additional lives and their attitudes to music access, consump- questions added to the regular survey by the Bureau tion and participation issues. The methodology for of Tourism Research; the survey asked questions the quantitative stage is currently being considered of international visitors to Australia about their with field work scheduled for November 1997. purchases of Indigenous arts and crafts; Report to Results will be made publicly available in a be published, widely distributed and freely avail- research monograph in 1998. able on request Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 251

3. Bureau of Tourism Research 2. the fourth in a series of statistical surveys of 4. Total cost: $20,625 corporate support for the arts; Report published, widely distributed and freely available on request Preliminary Research on Indigenous artists 3. Yann, Campbell, Hoare, Wheeler 1. Preliminary Research on Indigenous artists 4. Total cost: $24,500 2. an exploratory research project to assess the extent of Indigenous arts practice in Australia; Taxation and the Arts Research Available to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait 1. Taxation and the Arts Research Islander Arts Board, the Australia Council and to 2. analysis of various options for taxation reform interested researchers and members of the public on and their impact on the arts; For information and request advice to the Australia Council 3. carried out by the Australian Bureau of 3. project in progress; work being carried out by Statistics KPMG 4. Total cost: $50,000 4. Total cost: $25,000 Economic Impact of the Arts in Australia Young Australians and Music 1. Economic Impact of the Arts in Australia 1. Young Australians and Music 2. a national study of the economic impact of the 2. joint research project with the Australian arts in Australia using a statistical analysis of Broadcasting Authority (ABA) and the Australian existing economic data relating to the arts; Report Record Industry Association (ARIA) exploring the to be published, widely distributed and freely role of music in the lives of young Australians; available on request Literature review published and widely distributed; 3. project in progress: being carried out by further report to be published, widely distributed Economic Strategies Pty Ltd and freely available on request. 4. Total cost: $32,000 3. project in progress; work being carried out by Music and Theatre Audience Research the ABA and Quadrant Research Services Pty Ltd 1. Music and Theatre Audiences Research 4. Total cost: $40,000 2. a study of music and theatre audiences and Developing New Audiences Research potential audiences: qualitative and survey research; 1. Developing new audiences Research including a survey of 1000 people throughout 2. an academic research project investigating Australia; opportunities for developing new audiences for the Report to be published, widely distributed and arts; Report to be published, widely distributed and freely available on request freely available on request 3. project in progress: being carried out by 3. project in progress: Australian Key Centre for Woolcott Research Pty Ltd Cultural and Media Policy 4. Total cost: $60,000 4. Total cost $30,000 Arts Marketing Research Study Public Opinion Survey on Arts and Other Organisa- 1. Arts Marketing Research Study tions 2. a study of the current marketing and audience 1. Public Opinion Survey on Arts and Other development practices of arts organisations in Organisations Australia; Report published, widely distributed and 2. questions included in a commercial omnibus freely available on request survey about the perception of arts and other 3. Biztrac and Donovan Research organisations; Produced for management, Australia 4. Total cost: $60,000 Council Study of Consumers of Visual Arts and Crafts 3. Quadrant Research Services Pty Ltd 1. Study of Consumers of Visual Arts and Crafts 4. Total cost: $9,615 2. a study of consumers and potential consumers Public Opinion Survey on Arts and Other Organisa- of visual arts and crafts; Report published, widely tions distributed and freely available on request 1. Public Opinion Survey on Arts and Other 3. Quadrant Research Services Pty Ltd Organisations 4. Total cost: $42,900 2. questions included in a commercial omnibus survey about the perception of arts and other Corporate Support for the Arts organisations; Produced for management, Australia 1. Corporate Support for the Arts Council 252 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

3. Quadrant Research Services Pty Ltd 1. Research on Training Programs for Senior 4. Total cost: $10,000 Editors Local Government Cultural Development 2. Field research including interviews about the Benchmarking present training programs for senior editors in Australia. Report to be published, distributed and 1. Local Government Cultural Development freely available on request Benchmarking 3. project in progress: being carried out by Arms 2. a collaborative demonstration project involving Mathews & Co a limited survey followed by the development of a collaborative investigative process involving six 4. Total cost: $7,500 local government authorities over twelve month Visual Arts Service Organisations Survey period; initial survey by questionnaire of 35 local 1. Visual Arts Service Organisations Survey government authorities, followed by ongoing action research with six local government authorities; 2. survey of national visual arts service organisa- Report to be published and distributed to local tions; Produced for Australia Council Fund mem- government throughout Australia bers and management 3. People for Places and Spaces 3. project in progress: being carried out by Peter Alexander and Associates 4. Total cost: $45,000 4. Total cost: $18,450 Better Places Richer Communities Survey of Arts Service Organisations 1. Better Places Richer Communities 1. Survey of Arts Service Organisations 2. case study research into local government 2. desk research about arts service organisations cultural development best practice: limited desk in Australia; Produced for Australia Council and research into best practice examples of arts and management cultural development in the local government context; Report to be published and distributed to 3. project in progress: being carried out by Julie local government throughout Australia Owens 3. Marla Guppy and Associates 4. Total cost: $16,405 4. Total cost: $6,500 Crafts People and Visual Artists in Australia Case Studies: Arts for a Multicultural Australia 1. Crafts People and Visual Artists in Australia 1. Case Studies: Arts for a Multicultural Austral- 3. a further statistical analysis of existing survey ia data about crafts people and visual artists; Report published, widely distributed and freely available 2. case studies on developing audiences of non- on request English speaking background; Report to be pub- lished, widely distributed and freely available on 3. Professor David Throsby and Claire Bardez request 4. Total cost: $4,088 3. project in progress: being carried out by Public Attitudes to the Arts Cultural Perspectives Pty Ltd 1. Public Attitudes to the Arts 4. Total cost: $40,000 2. a public opinion survey about attitudes to the New Information Technologies: Arts for a Multicul- arts and related issues; Report to be published, tural Australia widely distributed and freely available on request 1. New Information Technologies: Arts for a 3. Australian Bureau of Statistics Multicultural Australia 4. Total cost $24,000 2. investigation of access to new information Study of Indigenous Writers technologies by people of non-English speaking 1. Study of Indigenous Writers background and the impact on new media arts development; Available to the Australia Council 2. a statistical study of Indigenous writers in Multicultural Advisory Committee, the Australia Australia including a survey and qualitative re- Council and to interested researchers and members search; Report to be published, widely distributed of the public and freely available on request 3. project in progress: being carried out by 3. Australian Bureau of Statistics and other Centre for Workplace Communication and Culture agencies (JCU) 4. Total cost: $50,000 4. Total cost: $10,000 Report of Employment in the Arts Research on Training Programs for Senior Editors 1. Report of Employment in the Arts Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 253

2. a statistical report on employment in the arts 2. Telephone Diary Survey of 3438 people. The in Australia from existing statistical data; Report results of the research are available to ABC Radio published, widely distributed and freely available Management on request 3. None 3. Australian Bureau of Statistics 4. $36,971 4. Total cost: $16,000 1. WA Regional Radio Survey 1996 Research into National and International Audience 2. Telephone Diary Survey of 3275 people. The Development and Marketing Trends and Issues results of the research are available to ABC Radio 1. Research into National and International Management Audience Development and Marketing Trends and 3. None Issues 4. $26,494 2. Detailed research into current audience development activity, trends and issues in Australia 1. Radio Appreciation Survey Pilot Test 1996 and overseas; Report to be published, widely 2. Telephone Survey in Adelaide SA of 667 distributed and freely available on request people. The results of the research are available to 3. Project in progress: being carried out by ABC Radio Management consultant Anna Grega 3. None 4. Total cost: $34,160 4. $4,004 Regional Arts Audience Development Case Studies 1. Tasmanian Radio Survey 1996 Project 2. Telephone Diary Survey of 1155 people in 1. Regional Arts Audience Development Case Hobart and 1193 people in regional Tasmania. The Studies Project results of the research are available to ABC Radio 2. Research, for promotional and professional Management development purposes, into innovative and effective 3. None practice in regional arts audience development and 4. $21,625 marketing in regional Australia; Report to be published, widely distributed and freely available 1. Queensland Regional Radio Survey 1996 on request 2. Telephone Diary Survey of 4055 people. The 3. Project in progress: being carried out by Sue results of the research are available to ABC Radio Hodge and Associates Management 4. Total cost: $ 56,204 3. None Arts Marketing Case Studies 4. $36,942 1. Arts Marketing Case Studies 1. Darwin Radio Survey 1996 2. Telephone Diary Survey of 1176 people. The 2. Collection of Australian arts marketing case results of the research are available to ABC Radio studies for commercial publication and for promo- Management tional or other advocacy purposes. The case studies will cover community cultural development, 3. None literature, music, dance, theatre, visual arts and 4. $11,092 craft, new media arts; Case studies to be published and widely distributed 1. News/Caff Study Phase 1 3. Project in progress: being coordinated by 2. Qualitative Study of 10 focus groups. The Deakin University results of the research are available to ABC News/Caff Management 4. Total cost: $ 24,084 3. None The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) 4. $18,613 ABC Radio Audience Research 1. News/Caff Study Phase 2 1. Study for ABC shops 2. National Telephone Survey of 2059 People. 2. Qualitative study of 8 focus groups, the results The results of the research are available to ABC of which are available to ABC Enterprises. News/Caff Management 3. None 3. None 4. $13,390 4. $23,108 1. National Regional Radio Survey 1996 1. ABC TV Idents Study 254 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

2. Qualitative Study in Sydney of 2 Focus 4. $10,000 Groups. The results of the research are available to 1. TV quality survey ABC TV Management 2. Questions on AGB omnibus survey. Informa- 3. None tion on the number and type of questions asked is 4. $2,352 unavailable. The results are available to ABC TV 1. Victorian Regional Radio Survey 1997 Management. 2. Telephone diary survey—4 page questionnaire 3. AGB asked of 3111 people. The results are available to 4. information on the cost of this survey is ABC Radio Management. unavailable. 3. None Australian Archives 4. $20,308 1. Survey of researchers in reading rooms about 1. Appreciation Survey 1997 the level of satisfaction with services provided. 2. National telephone survey—3 page question- 2. Questionnaire containing 24 questions— naire asked of 3252 people. The results are avail- available in reading rooms since August 1997. 160 able to ABC Senior Management. forms have been completed to date. 3. None 3. Looking glass Press Pty Ltd—Graphic design. 4. $19,000 4. $1,795 1. Race Around The World Survey 1. Survey of researchers in reading rooms about 2. National telephone survey—1 page question- the level of satisfaction with services provided—2 naire asked of 281 people. The results are available monthly survey. to ABC TV Management. 2. A summary of responses to the survey on 3. none reader satisfaction is prepared and made available in the reading rooms every 2 months. 4. $1,000 3. The Australian Bureau of Statistics. 1. Triple J Survey 4. $5,450 2. National telephone survey—4 page question- naire asked of 1256 people. The results are avail- 1. Formative evaluation of Australia’s X-files able to Triple J General Manager. exhibition concept. 3. None 2. Qualitative (Just over 20 people interviewed). The report will be internal to Australian Archives. 4. $23,000 3. Environmetrics plus Australian Archives staff. 1. Ipswich Survey 4. $2,650 2. Telephone Survey—3 page questionnaire asked of 390 people. The results are available to 1. Formative evaluation of the Australia’s Portrait Queensland ABC Management. of Papua exhibition concept. 3. None 2. Qualitative (Just over 20 people interviewed). The report will be internal to Australian Archives. 4. $5,000 3. Environmetrics plus Australian Archives staff. 1. Survey on ABC Funding 4. $2,650 2. Questions on ABC omnibus survey—4 ques- tions asked of 2057 people. The results are avail- 1. Summative evaluation of the Scene Stealers: able to ABC Senior Management. Australian Theatre 1870-1955 exhibition 3. AGB 2. Qualitative (Just over 17 people interviewed together with 20 structured observations). The 4. $3260 report will be internal to Australian Archives. 1. Foreign Correspondent study 3. Environmetrics plus Australian Archives staff. 2. Qualitative study of 8 focus groups. The results are available to ABC TV Management. 4.$2,650 3. Jigsaw Strategic Research 1. Old Parliament House Visitor Survey, May 1996, (Joint evaluation with the National Museum 4. $19,800 of Australia). 1. Australian Story study 2. Qualitative (260 people interviewed). The 2. Qualitative study of 8 focus groups. The report will be internal to Australian Archives and results are available to ABC TV Management. the National Museum of Australia. 3. Jigsaw Strategic Research 3. Environmetrics plus Australian Archives staff. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 255

4.Archives spent $2,500. poll. SBS has commissioned one additional 1. Canberra’s Early Years exhibition. Newspoll survey in the period since 3/3/96. 2. Qualitative (interviews and structured observa- In addition, SBS has commissioned language tions). The report will be internal to Australian group surveys to assess ethnic community trends in Archives and the National Museum of Australia. listening and viewing. The last form of surveying has been commissioned over the past 14 months 3. Australian Archives staff. from Quadrant and is ongoing. 4. Nil 2. A.C. Nielsen: quantitative, measured by 1.Formative evaluation for two exhibitions for electronic People Meter technology in-home National Archives building installation. Sample sizes are approximately 500 in 2. Qualitative (3 focus groups of 6-8 people so both Sydney and Melbourne and 400 in the other far; 22 personal interviews). The report will be State capitals. Major aggregated regional television internal to Australian Archives and the National markets are also metered in this way with a sample Museum of Australia. size comparable to Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. The results are circulated to management, program- 3. Environmetrics plus Australian Archives staff. ming and production staff for performance monitor- 4.$8,000 ing purposes. 1. Exploring Citizenship school kit—evaluation. Newspoll: quantitative and qualitative. Specific 2. 2,700 questionnaires sent out to all recipients SBS-related questions, at roughly six-monthly of the kit. Report still to be produced. intervals, to the regular Newspoll national omnibus survey gauge quantity of SBS programs viewed per 3. Australian Archives staff. household per week, public perceptions, value 4. Nil. assessments, program regard and reception capabili- National Transmission Agency (NTA) ty. Regular tracking results are provided to TV 1. In June 1996, the NTA conducted market management, while special survey results are research designed to evaluate viewers’ perception provided to SBS management and the Board. of TV reception quality in the Sydney area. This Quadrant: quantitative, gauging audience levels research was intended to survey viewers’ percep- for SBS Radio language programs and for SBS tions of their television reception in areas through- Television based on language groups. The sample out Sydney, in order to alert NTA planners to any sizes are as follows: possible problems that might need to be addressed Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Khmer, Polish 400 in regard to transmission of ABC and SBS services. per survey 2. A two-page questionnaire was completed by Vietnamese, Greek, Italian, Spanish 800 per approximately 100 households chosen at random in survey ten Sydney suburbs, and an additional 500 house- The results are circulated to relevant SBS Radio holds were interviewed over the phone to obtain and marketing staff, management and the Board. data. The results were collated by Quadrant Re- search Services, and evaluated by the Agency’s 3. A.C.Nielsen, Newspoll, Quadrant Transmission Planning Unit and E D Field Engi- 4. The cost of A.C. Nielsen audience research is neering, who conducted follow-up work in the areas commercial confidential. surveyed. The survey results were not publicised A.C. Nielsen treats as commercial in confidence outside the NTA. all fees paid by its clients. 3. Quadrant Research Services Pty Ltd were engaged to conduct this market research. The cost of Newspoll audience research was $39,294 since 1/3/96. 4. $11,400 The cost of Quadrant research into language THE SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE groups was $152,560.00. (SBS) 1. The research undertaken by SBS is, essential- TELECOMMUNICATIONS ly, audience research. Most of this is the kind For information relating to the Telecommunica- undertaken by all free-to-air television stations—the tions Industry Division (TID), the Australian daily A.C. Nielsen audience measurement, and Communications Authority (ACA), Australia Post more detailed audience response surveys by News- and Telstra, please refer to the following table: 256 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. (ECONTECH consultancy (14 ECONTECH was engaged to use ECONTECH. $5000.00 June 1996 to 19 June its proprietary economic modelling 1996)reported on Telstra’s labour system to assess projected Telstra and capital efficiency. labour and capital efficiencies. The resultant data was used in the De- partmental submission to the Sen- ate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Re- ferences Committee inquiry into Telstra. The consultancy was limited to the processing and analysis of labour and capital effi- ciency. It did not involve making recommendations on the Department’s submission to the Senate Inquiry. On 7 July 1996, the Minister for The review was undertaken by the A consulting fee was The cost of the re- Communications and the Arts Group consisting of ten members, paid to the Communi- view was $37,570. established the Standard Tele- including the Chair from the Com- cations Law Centre This amount in- phone Service Review Group munications Law Centre. Member- (CLC). cludes the $10,000 with the objective "to determine ship was drawn from organisations consulting fee paid whether recent and emerging representing a range of consumer to CLC; incidental development in telecommunica- interests and industry represen- expenses including tions technology, or increased tation. The Group held 13 meet- report printing; demand for more advanced tele- ings—a combination of in-person travel and related communications services in the meetings, tele-conferences and a expenses for the Australian community warranted video conference. Several organi- Chair, two other a change in the level of service sations were invited to make pres- Group members, and mandated under the Universal entations to Group meetings. The the Departmental Service Obligation." Review Group reported to the Secretariat. To Minister in December 1996. The minimise the travel Report was made publicly avail- expenses involved able on request from the Depart- the meetings were ment of Communications and the held in Sydney Arts and on the Department’s where the majority Internet Homepage. of consumer representatives were located and no fund- ing was provided to carrier representatives.

On 8 September 1997 the Depart- The approach falls into three McKerlie Consulting The total cost pay- ment of Communications and the stages: Pty Ltd. able under this Con- Arts invited proposals for consul- tract shall not ex- tancy services to provide the ceed $17,000, unless (a) Position Paper Critique— assistance of an accountant ex- written approval has liaising by phone with Depart- perienced in the telecommunica- first been obtained ment, consultant to provide initial tions industry to assist in defining from the Depart- critique and comment on the draft "eligible revenue" and ensure ment. position paper prepared by the that, as far as practicable, the Department of Communications definition is linked to established and the Arts accounting standards and prac- (b) Workshop Attendance— tices. The aim is to develop a consultant to fly to Melbourne the definition which is transparent, day before the workshop to meet simple to apply and administer. with Departmental officers in preparation for participating in the workshop on an advisory capacity. (c) Post Workshop—consultant to work with Departmental officers in finalising the paper which speci- fies the new regime. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 257

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken.

On 15 August, the Department of Together with Telstra, four service International Consult- The Department has Communications and the Arts en- providers agreed to take part in the ing Services and incurred no costs in gaged two consultants, Interna- study. The consultants investigated CommStrategies relation to this con- tional Consulting Services and the current situation, including International. sulting study, as all CommStrategies International, to sample testing and collection of costs were borne by investigate and report on the statistics and assessment of service Telstra. current billing practices between levels. The report has been given Telstra and other service provid- to the Minister for consideration of ers. the recommendations. AGB McNair was commissioned The survey was conducted in two AGB McNair Pty The cost of the work in July 1996 to conduct a qualita- parts: Ltd. undertaken was tive and quantitative survey. $27,500 The nature of the work was to -a quantitative phone survey of a conduct market research on the random nationwide sample of the extent of awareness within the Australian population; and community of possible health issues associated with electro- magnetic energy. -a qualitative survey comprising in person in-depth interviews with concerned individuals and groups identified from ministerial and other representations. The results of the survey were an- nounced in a joint media relass from Senator Alston and Dr Wooldridge MP. A consultancy was undertaken to The work involved consultations Purdon Associates $109,850. Funds assist the States and Territories with carriers and representatives of (Canberra) in associa- were provided by with the transition to the new the States and Territories. The tion with Ratio Con- the carriers—Telstra, regime for regulating telecom- final report was provided to the sultants (Melbourne) Optus and munications infrastructure post 1 carriers, each State and Territory and Clayton Utz, So- Vodafone—on a July 1997. The consultancy was and made available via the licitors. proportional basis. overseen by a steering committee Department’s web site. Most The Department pro- comprising representatives of States and Territories have circu- vided assistance each State and Territory and Fed- lated the report to groups repre- with project man- eral Government. senting local government. agement. The Department is providing a Develop principles to assist the The Allen Consulting $29,900, paid out of secretariat for the Working Group PCUWG in identifying the appro- Group P/L the industry money on Putting Cables Underground priate role of governments, utili- held by the Depart- ("the PCUWG"). The Depart- ties, local councils, property own- ment on trust for the mental secretariat has, on behalf ers and others in funding any PCUWG. of that Working Group, engaged program for putting cables under- consultants to provide research ground. on a number of issues in relation to putting cables underground. The funding for the PCUWG has been provided by industry and is held in a trust fund administered by the Department. " Provide the PCUWG with metho- The Allen Consulting $55,000, paid out of dologies for assessing the econom- Group P/L the industry money ic, equity, public finance and other held by the Depart- impacts of options for funding any ment on trust for the program for putting cables under- PCUWG. ground. 258 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. " Prepare a report for the PCUWG Amos Aked Swift $29,100, paid out of on technical options and recom- P/L the industry money mendations developed by an ex- held by the Depart- pert group in relation to the tech- ment on trust for the nical and service aspects of putting PCUWG. telecommunications and electricity cables underground. " Produce a background paper which Australian Govern- $87,000, paid out of addressed legal, regulatory and in- ment Solicitor the industry money dustry structure issues which may held by the Depart- arise from regulatory options for ment on trust for the putting cables underground which PCUWG. the PCUWG is examining. " Provide research and specialist ad- Bureau of Transport $138,066, paid out vice to the PCUWG on: (a) Exist- and Communications of the industry mon- ing literature and research on Economics ey held by the De- putting cables underground; (b) partment on trust for The likely kinds of benefits and the PCUWG. costs arising from putting cables underground; (c) Development of models for estimating the aggre- gate cost and benefits of putting cables underground at both a national and a local level. The answer incorporates information in respect of research commissioned externally by the Australian Communications Authority, the former Spectrum Management Agency and those elements of the former AUSTEL which now form part of the Australian Communications Authority. Research Commissioned by the Australian Communications Authority In July 1997, a quantitative report 606 businesses and households The consultant for The cost of the con- was commissioned on business were asked 10 questions. The this survey was Brian sultancy, which was and domestic consumers’ results of the research were made Sweeney & Associ- met by telecom- understanding of the implications available to the Numbering Public ates. munications carriers, of common or no area codes on Education Program Committee was $30,508. long-distance call charges. including representatives of Telstra, Optus, the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communications and the Arts, Community Infor- mation and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Research Commissioned by the Spectrum Management Agency Customer Service Delivery Sur- vey In March 1996, the SMA under- The surveys were directed at three Orima Research Pty The cost of the re- took research on service delivery separate areas of the Agency’s Ltd. search was $27,750 by way of a series of surveys of activities: the Agency’s external clients. The objectives of the surveys were to: determine how the Agency’s Apparatus Licence clients with a clients perceived service from its sample size of 1498 "Australia offices around Australia; wide"; Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 259

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. determine clients’ preferences on clients reporting radio and televi- dealing with the Agency in the sion interference complaints with a future with respect to financial sample size of 200 "Australia transactions and method of con- wide"; and tact; and establish a benchmark for meas- clients who apply for radio- uring changes in the quality of communications operator qualifica- service delivery. tions with a sample size of 200 "Australia wide". Two data collection mechanisms were used in the surveys: written self-completion question- naires administered by mail; licensing clients, 72 questions; television and radio interference complaints, 45 questions; and operator qualifications, 45 ques- tions. in-depth one-on-one telephone interviews to obtain qualitative data with a sample of 200 clients, 20 questions. The analysis and report was for internal use by the Agency. A copy of the report was also pro- vided to the Australian National Audit Office to assist with an audit of service delivery in radio and telecommunications. Introduction of Regulation— EMC Study to evaluate the introduction The study commenced in 1995 and A consortium led by In 1996 the cost of of regulations enhancing the elec- consists of an annual survey of Hi-Tech Marketing the survey and re- tro-magnetic compatibility of 1,000 to 1,500 suppliers of electri- Services (including porting was $39,850. electronic and electrical goods cal and electronic products to the the National Institute In 1997 the cost was offered for sale in Australia. Australian market. In May/June of Economic and In- $51,975. 1996, suppliers were asked to dustry Research). complete a questionnaire outlining their expectations for the forth- coming regulations. In June 1997, after the introduction of regula- tions, suppliers were asked their opinion of the effectiveness of the SMA/ACA method of introduction and the effect of the regulations on their services. A concluding sur- vey is scheduled for 1998. The results are available to the public on request. Review of Issues concerning International Satellite Network Coordination and Planning Research in preparation for a re- The research involved a review Mr Gary C Brooks, The cost of the con- view of the International Tele- and revision of documents. The Ontario, Canada. sultancy was communications Unions’ frequen- results of the research were made $14,850.00. cy coordination and planning available to the Spectrum Man- framework for satellite networks. agement Agency. 260 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. Research Commissioned by AUSTEL Analogue Closure Public Edu- cation Program A qualitative research study was Four discussion groups were con- The firms engaged to The cost of the re- undertaken in February 1997 to ducted in February 1997. These undertake research search was met by assist with questionnaire design groups comprised two groups in were Grey Advertis- the telecommunica- and to provide a basis for the Melbourne (comprising one group ing, subcontracting to tions carriers and interpretation of survey results of Small Business users and one Brian Sweeney and was $14,343.65. for a quantitative study to be group of 18 to 30 year old do- Associates. undertaken in May 1997. The mestic users) and two groups in aim of the survey was to assess Horsham (comprising one group the understanding and awareness of Small Business users and one of mobile phone users regarding group of 30-50 year old domestic the closure of the analogue mo- users). The results of the research bile phone network on 1 January, were made available to the mem- 2000. bers of the Analogue Closure Public Education Campaign Ad- visory Committee including the mobile phone carriers, industry and consumer groups. Analogue Closure Public Edu- cation Program A quantitative research study was The research involved a telephone Firms engaged to The cost of the re- conducted in May/June 1997 to survey of 947 business and do- undertake research search was $20,000 gain an understanding of levels mestic respondents. The survey were Grey Adver- and was met by the of awareness and comprehension covered respondents in capital tising, subcontracting telecommunications of, and attitudes towards, the cities, large provincial cities and to Brian Sweeney carriers. closure of the analogue mobile rural areas in New South Wales, and Associates. phone network. Queensland and Western Austral- ia:— 411 from capital cities; 251 from larger Provincial cities; and 285 from rural areas. The telephone survey involved 17 questions for domestic respondents and 15 questions for business re- spondents. These survey results were pub- lished in a Media Release—"ACA Announces Analogue Closure Awareness Research Results". Results were made available to the media and members of the Ana- logue Closure Public Education Campaign Advisory Committee, which includes the mobile phone carriers, industry and consumer groups. Beaudesert Study (25 March 1996) The purpose of the research was The research involved face-to-face AGB McNair The cost of the con- to measure Telstra’s performance interviews based on a question- sultancy was against the requirements of the naire of 25 questions. The results $46,550. Universal Service Obligation and of this research were not made was specifically focussed on tele- available externally. phone ownership, usage and customers’ opinions on service. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 261

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. Telephone Connection Survey Report—Population Survey Monitor (September and November 1996) The surveys provided nation-wide 4,101 households were visited for Australian Bureau of The cost of the con- statistics on the number of house- the surveys, from which 3,211 Statistics. sultancy was holds with a telephone connected. completed questionnaires were $12,450. The surveys also asked those re- obtained. The surveys included spondents without a telephone questions on personal, household, connection for the main reason dwelling and geographic character- why there was no telephone in istics of respondents. The results place. of the surveys were not made available externally. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Western Australia In April 1997, a quantitative 403 businesses and households Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- report was conducted on business were asked 11 questions. The Associates. sultancy, which was and domestic awareness and results of the research were made met by telecom- understanding of the numbering available to the Numbering Public munications carriers, change in Western Australia. Education Program Committee was $22,881.38. including representatives of Telstra, Optus, the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communications and the Arts, Community Infor- mation and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Northern Territory In September 1996, a quantitative 205 people (105 domestic, 100 Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- report was conducted to under- business) were asked 10 questions. Associates. sultancy, which was stand why uptake of the new The results of the research were met by telecom- eight-digit telephone numbers in made available to the Numbering munications carriers, the Northern Territory was so Public Education Program Com- was $7,847.03. low, and whether any weakness mittee including representatives of existed in awareness and compre- Telstra, Optus, the Australian hension of the numbering change. telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communications and the Arts, Community Informa- tion and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Tasmania In September 1996, a quantitative 304 people (154 domestic; 150 Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- report was conducted on business business) were asked 12 questions. Associates. sultancy, which was and domestic awareness and The results of the research were met by telecom- understanding of the numbering made available to the Numbering munications carriers, change in Tasmania. Public Education Program Com- was $14,512.50. mittee including representatives of Telstra, Optus, the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communications and the Arts, Community Informa- tion and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. 262 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. Advertisement Concept Research In July 1996, a quantitative ad- A sample size of 200 adults inter- Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- vertisement concept test was viewed in Tasmanian shopping Associates. sultancy, which was conducted in Tasmania to gauge centres were asked 11 questions. met by telecom- the clarity of ‘message delivery’ The results of the research were munications carriers, in a proposed advertising concept made available to the Numbering was $10,750. for the Tasmanian number Public Education Program Com- change. The research also exam- mittee including representatives of ined expectations and attitudes Telstra, Optus, the Australian with respect to the need to dial Telecommunications Users Group, the area code in intra-area calls Department of Communications in Tasmania. and the Arts, Community Informa- tion and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Sydney Numbering Change Wave 3 In May 1996, a quantitative 300 people (150 domestic; 150 Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- survey titled "Sydney Numbering business) were asked 11 questions. Associates. sultancy, which was Change Wave 3" was conducted The results of the research were met by telecom- to measure consumer under- made available to the Numbering munications carriers, standing of the Sydney telephone Public Education Program Com- was $14,334.05. number changes. mittee including representatives of Telstra, Optus, the Australian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communications and the Arts, Community Informa- tion and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Numbering Change Fol- low-Up Study In April 1996, a quantitative 500 people were asked 14 ques- Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- survey was conducted to measure tions. The results of the research Associates. sultancy, which was consumer understanding of the were made available to the Num- met by telecom- Sydney telephone number chan- bering Public Education Program munications carriers, ges. Committee including representa- was $23,888.65. tives of Telstra, Optus, the Aus- tralian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communi- cations and the Arts, Community Information and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Numbering Public Education Pro- gram—Sydney Phase 3 Advertis- ing Execution Test In April 1996, a quantitative 100 people were asked 9 ques- Brian Sweeney & The cost of the con- survey was conducted to evaluate tions. The results of the research Associates. sultancy, which was two draft advertising concepts for were made available to the Num- met by telecom- Phase 3 Sydney telephone num- bering Public Education Program munications carriers, ber changes. Committee including representa- was $12,518.38. tives of Telstra, Optus, the Aus- tralian Telecommunications Users Group, Department of Communi- cations and the Arts, Community Information and Referral Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 263

(2) What was the nature of the re- (1) What qualitative or quan- search undertaken (sample sizes, (3) In each instance, (4) In each instance, titative research has been under- questionnaire length, evaluation) which firm or firms what has been the taken by the Department and its and to whom were the results of have been engaged to cost of the work agencies since 3 March 1996. the research available. undertake this work. undertaken. Australian Postal Corporation As a GBE operating in a highly competitive commercial environ- ment, Australia Post in the nor- mal course undertakes a wide range of market research, princi- pally in relation to pro- duct/service enhancement or development. In Australia Post’s case, there- fore, much of the information sought by the question would be competitively sensitive and its public availability contrary to our commercial interests. In addition, the information sought is not centrally located and its collation would likely take some considerable time and require significant resource com- mitment. Telstra Corporation Limited (1) & (2) Telstra undertakes research and development on specific See answer to (2). Telstra’ total re- business projects in many of its Business Units throughout the organisa- Telstra regards addi- search and develop- tion with more exploratory research and development being undertaken at tional information on ment expenditure the Telstra Research Laboratories. Such research includes Services for its contractors as between 1992 and Business Enterprises, Mobility Services and Systems, Consumer Services commercial-in-confi- 1997 totalled $1 bil- Infrastructure and Customer Care. dence. Research lion. Over the next results are also re- three year period, garded as commercial Telstra expects to in confidence, al- invest about $500 though edited results million on research may be published in and development. technical journals where appropriate. Telstra is also involved in external research through contracts with universities and other research providers throughout Australia. Continuing support is also provided through the Cooperative Research Centres Scheme to the Australian Photonic Research Centre, the Distribut- ed Systems Technology Centre, and the Research Data Networks Co- operative Research Centre. In addition there are ongoing research contracts with the Institute for Telecommunications Research at the University of Wollongong, and the Teletraffic Research Centre at the University of Adelaide. Telstra is required to operate as a commercial business operation, and consequently details of its market research must be regarded as commer- cial in confidence.

Department of Foreign Affairs and (2) What was the nature of the research undertak- en (sample sizes, questionnaire length, evaluation) Trade: Research and to whom were the results of the research (Question No. 909) available. (3) In each instance, which firm or firms have Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister for been engaged to undertake this work. Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 16 October (4) In each instance, what has been the cost of 1997: the work undertaken. (1) What qualitative or quantitative research has Senator Hill—The Minister for Foreign been undertaken by the Department and its agencies Affairs has provided the following answer to since 3 March 1996. the honourable senator’s question: 264 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Only completed research undertaken externally This response does not cover research activity by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade undertaken by institutions funded through DFAT or and AusAID has been included in this response. AusAID contributions or grants.

Cost of the What research has Which firms have been work under- been undertaken Nature of research—availability engaged taken Evaluation of ben- Survey of corporate participants. The results were Buchan Communica- $49,000 efits/results of 1996 made available to relevant policy and trade promo- tions Group Integrated Promotion tions areas within DFAT, Austrade, stakeholders in in India, New Hori- the business community, the media and other inter- zons ested parties Evaluation of the ben- Evaluation by extensive survey of participants and Newspoll $30,000 efits/results of the econometric modelling to interpret and project the 1994 Integrated Pro- economic benefits derived from the promotion for motion in Indonesia, Australia. The results were made available to rel- Australia Today Indo- evant areas of DFAT and Austrade. nesia ‘94 The benefits of a free- The study involved comprehensive economic mod- The MTIA engaged the The total trade arrangement be- elling of three separate scenarios—AFTA-CER Centre for International cost of the tween AFTA and only, APEC only and AFTA/CER and APEC—and Economics (Canberra) study was CER. There were a baseline assessment using APG-cubed model (a to undertaken the eco- $55,000. three components to multi country, multisector dynamic general equilib- nomic modelling and DFAT con- the study: rium model). It was also necessary to build New analysis. tributed Consideration of how Zealand into the model. The study was the first $30,500. an AFTA-CER free- economic analysis to include economic modelling Further con- trade arrangement into a cost/benefit analysis of an AFTA-CER free- tributions would fit in with trade arrangement. The results were released public- were made existing arrangements ly at the conference on The AFTA-CER Linkage: by New Zea- for trade liberalisation The Way Forward in Singapore on 5-6 September land MFAT in the region; 1997. Copies of the study are available publicly $16,000, the Quantitative analysis from the MTIA or the Centre for International Eco- MTIA of the present nomics. $5,000 and structure of trade the Aus- barriers by broad in- tralian Food dustry categories; Council Economy-wide mod- $3,500. elling of the intro- duction of an AFTA- CER trade and invest- ment arrangement. Expanding Processed Research conducted in 2 states with survey of about International Trade DFAT Food Exports 100 small,medium and large firms for different sec- Strategies Pty Ltd, (Trade Fa- tors with further survey of the top 30 companies. Four Design Group Pty cilitation Report distributed widely to processed food com- Ltd and National Capi- Fund) contri- panies and on request to libraries, government de- tal Printing (IMSEP bution partments (state and federal), media, overseas posts Pty Ltd). $60,000 and consultants. Food Security: an Independent analysis of historical trends and future ABARE DFAT con- Historical Perspective projects of factors affecting food security. Reports tribution distributed to all APEC contacts involved in Food $30,000 Security Task Force, FAO, industry associations and, on request, other organisations and individu- als—are public documents. Food Security and Independent analysis of historical trends and future Centre for International DFAT con- Trade: a Future Per- projections of factors affecting food security. Re- Economics tribution spective ports distributed to all APEC contacts involved in $30,000 Food Security Task Force, FAO, industry associations and, on request, other organisations— are public documents. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 265

Cost of the What research has Which firms have been work under- been undertaken Nature of research—availability engaged taken East Asia Analytical EAAU reports: The New ASEANS: Vietnam, Unit (EAAU)- a wide Burma, Cambodia and Laos, June 1997; A New range of research has Japan?—Changes in Asia’s Megamarket, June been undertaken for 1997; China Embraces the Market: Achievements, utilisation in EAAU Constraints and Opportunities, April 1997; Asia’s publications. Global Powers: China-Japan Relations in the 21st Century, April 1996; Pacific Russia: Risks and Re- wards, April 1996. All reports are publicly avail- able and were tabled in parliament at the time of release. Working papers released in August 1997: China’s Transitional Economy—Between Plan and Market; China’s Infrastructure: Sectoral Plans and Reforms, and Financing Policies; China’s State Enterprise Reforms—Nine Case Studies. Japanese Energy Sector ABARE: 1425 $23,000 China: regional and global trade model ABARE: 1411 $20,000 Enterprise reform in China ABARE: 1410 $28,000 China: regional and global trade model—additional ABARE $1,600 simulations Legal Reform in China ACT Consultancy P/L $1,500 Foreign Investment in China BORA, B. (Luminus $15,225 P/L) Macroeconomic management—China CAO, Dr Yong, Singa- $11,000 pore State owned enterprises—China CHEN, Dr Kang, Sin- $11,000 gapore Regional disparities and opportunities CAO, Dr Yong, Singa- $11,000 pore Trade policies CAO, Dr Yong, Singa- $11,500 pore China WTO entry modelling DIXON, Prof Peter, $10,000 Monash Uni Chinese Infrastructure ECONOMIST INTEL- $30,000 LIGENCE UNIT (EIU) Keiretsu relationships—Japan EIU $15,000 Distribution structures—Japan EIU $15,000 Regional markets- Japan GASTIN, D. (Instate $17,000 P/L) Alcohol distribution in Japan GASTIN, D. (Instate $5,000 P/L) Japanese financial sector GOWER, Dr L. $9,500 China’s Commercial Law HOBGOOD-BROWN, $1,500 Beijing Political environment in China JENNER, Prof, ANU $7,500 Japanese transport system KOGAWA, Masahiro $4,000 Construction/housing—Japan LAWSON, D. $3,500 (Naspact P/L)

Chinese administrative reform LEUNG, C. (Caplus) $5,000 China labour market reform MENG, Dr Meng, $12,200 ANU 266 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Cost of the What research has Which firms have been work under- been undertaken Nature of research—availability engaged taken

Corporate experience in China MORGAN, Stephen $8,410 Japanese survey data NICHOLAS, Prof. $3,500 Stephen Regional markets—Japan RIETHMULLER, Dr $750 Paul Distribution system—Japan RIETHMULLER, Dr $1,500 Paul Services sector outlook—Japan Sakura Institute, Tokyo $10,000 Business interests—Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia SMEE, M & Associ- $44,000 ates China’s regions—commercial opportunities TRETIAK, D. Hong $10,000 Kong China’s non-state sector TRETIAK, D. Hong $15,000 Kong Trade liberalisation—China ZHANG, Dr X. Mel- $4,500 bourne Uni AusAID Community Health Unpublished research report can be made available Deakin University $44,500 Insurance Schemes in on request, in full or in part. Thailand, Vietnam and Fiji Urbanisation in Asia: Research report is being published and will be Queensland University $70,000 Lessons Learned and made available free of charge to interested parties. of Technology Innovative Responses Advances in Infor- Parts of the research findings have been published University of Adelaide $40,000 mation Technology— in various academic publications. Issues for Develop- ment in Asia/Pacific

Department of Finance and (2) What was the nature of the research undertak- en (sample sizes, questionnaire length, evaluation) Administration: Research and to whom were the results of the research (Question No. 913) available. (3) In each instance, which firm or firms have Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister been engaged to undertake this work. representing the Minister for Finance and (4) In each instance, what has been the cost of Administration, upon notice, on 16 October the work undertaken. 1997: Senator Kemp—The Minister for Finance (1) What qualitative or quantitative research has and Administration has provided the follow- been undertaken by the Department and its agencies ing answer to the honourable senator’s ques- since 3 March 1996. tion: Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 267

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

(1) (2) (3) (4) Cost Research Undertaken Nature of Research Firm ($A) (a) DOMESTIC PROPERTY

Analysis of the Canberra Of- To assist in the preparation of a report to the J G Service (Can- 2,100 fice Market. Commonwealth Property Committee. berra)

Qualitative research as part of Research into fire safety policies and practices. Charles Halton CBE 45,000 a review of Commonwealth Results made available to relevant Commonwealth fire safety policy. agencies. Phillip Chun & As- 18,000 sociates

(b) REMOVALS AUSTRALIA

(1) Effectiveness of a trial outposting of staff in New Focus Pty Ltd 23,164 the Albury/Wagga area. (2) Effectiveness of arrangements to move the New Focus Pty Ltd 12,309 households of Government employees overseas. External qualitative and quan- (3) On-going effectiveness of service delivery for New Focus Pty Ltd 154,288 titative research of service some 27,000 household relocations within Aus-

(c) COMPETITIVE TENDERING AND CONTRACTING

Electronic Commerce Capa- Questionnaires consisting of 66 simple multiple Roger Clarke and 22,500 bility of Suppliers to Australian choice questions and 12 short answer questions Kevin Jeffrey, Elec-

Implementation and effective- Surveys of Commonwealth agencies commenced Coopers and Lybrand 6,500 ness of the 1994 Purchasing in 1995 and continued throughout 1996. 7 agen-

Customer survey into the re- Sample size was 200 government buyers. Survey Minter Research 5,000 quirements of the IT buyers undertaken by telephone and consisted of approxi-

Research into the outcomes of Survey of business attendees of Meet the Buyers Minter Research 10,000 Meet the Buyers 1996 Adelaide 1996. Sample size was 60 businesses.

The needs of small and me- Research into the needs of small and medium en- Woolridge and Webb 47,000 dium enterprise under elec- terprises in doing business with government. 2197

Business Opportunities from Analysis of portfolio program funding of depart- Price Waterhouse 18,000 the 1997 Federal Budget ments and agencies for business opportunities. Re-

Review of charging practices Evaluation of the charging regime provided to the Ernst and Young 16,600 used by the former Purchasing former Purchasing Australia.

Publications Audit of the for- Evaluation of the effectiveness of the former Pur- Michels Warren 24,260 mer Purchasing Australia. chasing Australia’s publication program in terms

Buyer Benchmarking Study To identify ways of simplifying procurement pro- Chant Link and As- 23,790 cess for government buyers and for Small and sociates

Joint NPB/Queensland Study of the experiences and perceptions of Jointly by NPB and 19,200 Chamber of Commerce and Queensland suppliers in dealing with the three QCCI

(d) OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AND ADVERTISING (OGIA)

A quantitative mid-term as- 409 of TMP’s Commonwealth Government clients Delta Outlooks Pty 25,900 sessment of client satisfaction were interviewed by telephone. The sample was Ltd

An evaluation of the service Group discussions with OGIA and AIS Media. Woolcott Research 21,400 provided by AIS Media (master Face to face interviews with Commonwealth Pty Ltd 268 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

PORTFOLIO AGENCIES

(1) (2) (3) (4) Cost Research Undertaken Nature of Research Firm ($A)

(a) AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION (AEC)

Federal Election 1996: Post 1,200 people were asked 24 questions in telephone inter- Election Survey views about their experience of voting. Research has been Newspoll 31,000

Federal Election 1996: 89 journalists interviewed by telephone about the quality Chartwell (Syd- Media Survey of service received. Research has been made available ney) 14,500 14,454 people was asked two questions about citizenship Enrolment Survey and enrolment. Research has been made available exter- Roy Morgan 8,610 1,200 people were asked how recently they had visited an Use of Divisional Offices AEC office. The research has been made available exter- Newspoll 2,865 Constitutional Convention 5 focus group interviews were conducted to ascertain the Eureka Strategic Election: Advertising Con- effectiveness of the explanation phase of advertising for Research (Syd- 17,000 Constitutional Convention 1,200 people interviewed to determine levels of under- Eureka Strategic Election: Benchmark Sur- standing of the Constitutional Convention Election and Research (Syd- 58,650

AEC Information Tech- Clients were surveyed to determine the perceived quality Corporate Diag- nology Client Services of service provided by the Unit. The research results will nostics Pty Ltd 25,000 (b) COMMONWEALTH GRANTS COMMISSION

Provision of advice on the Expert valuation advice and data prepared on the value of Australian Valu- 10,000 valuation of land in each land in each state. Results of the research were made ation Office

Provision of advice on Advice on the application of statistical procedures to Anutech Pty Ltd 2,530 Statistical Procedures. police services data. Results were included in the

States and Territories road Supply of statistical and geographic factors impacting on National Re- 4,000 maintenance States and Territories road maintenance. Results were source Infor-

(c) OFFICE OF ASSET SALES

Commonwealth’s sale of its March 1996—qualitative research as part of the advertis- The Leading 81,870 remaining interest in the ing selection process. April 1996—qualitative research Edge

Commonwealth’s sale of its March 1996—quantitative research to evaluate specific Eureka Strategic 144,112 remaining interest in the groups of potential investors. The sample size was 2,000 Research

Commonwealth’s sale of its Continuous tracking research to track the effects of the Eureka Strategic 179,600 remaining interest in the retail communications campaign. The research was con- Research

Commonwealth’s sale of its July and August 1996—post sale research to evaluate the AGB McNair 96,850 remaining interest in the reasons for investment/non-investment, factors influencing

Commonwealth’s sale of May 1997—qualitative and quantitative research to feed Quantitative: } up to one third of its equity into the development of a communications plan. The re- DBM Consul-

Commonwealth’s sale of June 1997—research to test creative concepts developed Open Mind Re- up to one third of its equity by advertising agencies to allow the target market for search Group }305,850 Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 269

(1) (2) (3) (4) Cost Research Undertaken Nature of Research Firm ($A)

Commonwealth’s sale of August 1997—quantitative research was conducted to DBM Consul- } up to one third of its equity provide benchmark information on awareness of the float, tants Pty Ltd

Commonwealth Department May 1997—qualitative and quantitative research as part Corporate Diag- 59,772 of Administrative Services of the sale process for DAS business units. The purpose nostics Pty Ltd

(d) COMSUPER

Survey of client satisfaction This survey is current. Single quantitative and qualitative Orima Research > 68,700 with ComSuper’s services survey consisting of a set of questionnaires to be issued

Department of Transport and regional (3) In each instance, which firm or firms have been engaged to undertake this work. Development: Research (4) In each instance, what has been the cost of (Question No. 915) the work undertaken. Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister Senator Alston—The Minister for Trans- representing the Minister for Transport and port and Regional Development has provided Regional Development, upon notice, on 16 the following answer to the honourable October 1997: senator’s questions: (1) What qualitative or quantitative research has The following table lists qualitative and quantita- been undertaken by the Department and its agencies tive research conducted by consultants for the since 3 March 1996. Department, including sub-programs which are sometimes seen as departmental agencies, such as (2) What was the nature of the research undertak- the Federal Office of Road Safety and the Bureau en (sample sizes, questionnaire length, evaluation) of Transport and Communications Economics and to whom were the results of the research (where relevant to transport and regional develop- available. ment portfolio responsibilities).

ATTACHMENT A RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SINCE 3 MARCH 1996

Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost Snowy Mountains To assess the network of major roads comprising the National Highway $51,630 Engineering Corpora- System plus a number of other major roads on which data have been tion Ltd supplied by State road authorities and convert data on the condition of major non-urban roads to a new database. The data base was required for the Bureau of Transport and Communication Economics (BTCE) assessment of the adequacy of non-urban road infrastructure for submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Federal Road Funding (Neville Report). Queensland University To conduct an assessment of the life-expectancy and potential cost of $35,500 of Technology replacement of bridges on some major non-urban roads under various scenarios for traffic growth and increased vehicle masses. The assessment was required for submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Federal Road Funding (Neville Report). OPUS International To develop an algorithm to predict the effect of passing lanes on vehicle $16,500 Consultants speeds for different passing lane frequencies, traffic volumes, vehicle mixes and terrains, to use in a BTCE computer model which predicts future road investment needs. The assessment was required for the BTCE submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Federal Road Funding (Neville Report). AUSTROADS Inc. Establishment of the Australian Pavement Studies and Research Centre $6,038 (APSARC). Generally available. 270 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost PPK Environment and Preparation of the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the development $4.3 million Infrastructure Pty Ltd of a second major airport for Sydney. Draft EIS addresses a range of (excluding planning, physical environmental and biological, and social and economic printing and impacts of developing a second major airport for Sydney. The draft EIS will community be released to the public, as will relevant technical papers. consultation) TNT Logistics Asia Logistics Mapping Case Study. This study maps out the transport and $50,000 logistics chain for exporting fruit to Indonesia. The study will assist Austral- ian exporters in developing an efficient and cost effective transport and logistics chain for exporting their goods. This study is still in progress. MariTrade Consultants Empty Shipping Container Repositioning Study. This study looks at the $5,000 extent and cost of empty shipping container repositioning between Australia and our three major Asian trade routes and possible solutions to address the imbalance. A formal evaluation has not been undertaken at this stage. The report has been distributed to the Supermarket to Asia Council’s Transport and Logistics Working Group and to the participating port authorities. The report is available to the public on request. KPMG Corporate Research was conducted into how best to sell off the assets of the Albury- $173,543 Finance (Vic) Pty Ltd Wodonga Development Corporation (AWDC). The research commenced in December 1995 and the report was handed to the Department on 16 June 1996. Project was undertaken through: community consultations; release of an issues paper; public workshops and discussions; interviews with key business people and community representatives; and inviting written submis- sions from the public. The Study was presented to the 45th Albury-Wodonga Ministerial Council Meeting in February 1997. After Ministerial Council meeting, results of study released to the public. FDF Management Pty To research and advise on regional freight flows and to verify priority $29,500 Ltd corridors for freight in regional areas. Generally available. MAC Project and Developing a national research strategy for local government—preparation $3,750 Management Services of issues paper for the National Office of Local Government (NOLG) as well as academic and local government organisations. University of Canberra Review of recent Australian research into Local Government—preparation of $10,500 a background paper for the Local Government Research Workshop for NOLG as well as academic and local government organisations. Austin Economics Comparison of Grants Commission methodologies—preparation of papers $8,500 for discussion—key information published in the second Local Government National Report to be tabled in Parliament and to be distributed to all local government bodies in Australia. Australian Water Tech- To perform a collection and analysis of yabbie, sediment and water samples $50,029 nologies from inflow streams in the Jervis Bay Territory. Results made available to Jervis Bay Territory Environment Committee. Chem Affairs Pty Ltd To undertake a human health risk assessment of possible contamination of $12,245 Mary Creek in the Jervis Bay Territory. To determine possible risks due to the known chemicals of potential concern, and to determine whether any immediate actions are necessary in order to eliminate or control those sources of contamination contributing to health risk and determine whether there are any grounds for further risk assessment. Results were made available to the Jervis Bay Territory Environment Committee. Price Waterhouse Independent assessment and advice on whether an applicant is reasonably $10,000 capable in terms of the viability of its business plan of implementing international air services on the proposed routes from Australia for the purposes of Para. 4.1(ii) of the Minister’s Policy Statement. Information only made available to Commissioners of the International Air Services Commission.

The Federal Office of Road Safety (FORS) research reports are distributed through a wide mailing list to State and Territory Road Authorities, relevant industry groups, researchers, international road safety and transport organisations and are made available to the general public on request. Research reports are available free of charge and abstracts and publication details are published on the internet. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 271

The following list includes research commissioned before 3 March 1996, but still in progress at that date. "Total cost" includes cost of work on these projects prior to 3 March 1996.

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996 Griffith University—Dr R Conduct a program of research to identify the $89,000 $7,500 Homel most effective and efficient methods for imple- menting random breath testing in a range of settings and conditions which will enable the impact of random breath testing to be optimised. Keatsdale Pty Ltd Develop a code of practice for the use of digital $51,650 $51,650 imaging technology in the policing of traffic of- fences. The project involved a review, in con- junction with senior traffic police, of the techno- logical, legal and operational issues involved with the implementation of digital imaging tech- nology in enforcement. Monash University Acci- Undertake a study and benefits analysis of a $61,466 $53,444 dent Research Centre hybrid dynamic side impact standard, based on the current US and European regulations to de- termine the potential reduction in Harm for Aus- tralia. Study will also consist of an injury reduc- tion assessment, followed by benefit computa- tions. Monash University Acci- Undertake a case-control study comparing a $246,998 (includes $233,075 dent Research Centre group of crash-involved motorcycle riders with a a 50% contribution group of riders not involved in crashes. The aim from VicRoads) of the study was to identify and assess the contri- bution of modifiable risk factors associated with serious injury and fatal motorcycle crashes. The research involved crash site and vehicle inspec- tions, rider interviews and roadside observation surveys to gather detailed information on 222 crashes and 1195 controls. National Health and Medi- Undertake a research project to quantify the $369,450 $177,950 cal Research Council— relationship between the travelling speed of a car Road Accident Research and the risk of involvement in a serious crash in Unit urban areas. The results of this project will pro- vide essential input into the development of speed management programs in Australian juris- dictions. The central component of the research involves the detailed investigation and recon- struction of 154 crashed vehicles; control infor- mation was collected for 604 vehicles. National Health and Medi- Assess the potential for reducing head injuries $70,308 $29,161 cal Research Council— among car occupants through the application of Road Accident Research improved interior padding measures. The study Unit incorporated a literature review, an analysis of occupant head injury data (including a harm mitigation analysis) and an assessment of rel- evant energy absorption treatments. Queensland University Dr Conduct a longer term evaluation of the Queens- $62,400 $19,914 Mary Sheehan land "Under the Limit" drink driving rehabilita- tion program. Road Accident Prevention Undertake research to investigate the characterist- $24,102 $24,102 Research Unit, University ics of recidivist drink drivers in an Australian of Western Australia jurisdiction, as part of the preparation for a semi- nar on Recidivist and Hard Core Drink Drivers. Sinclair Knight Merz The collection and coding of fatal crash data for $214,900 $220,766 1994 from coroners’ reports. These reports are a primary source of information on fatal road crashes which directs research and public educa- tion initiatives. Sample size: 1822 fatal crashes and 2017 fatalities. 272 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996 Monash University Acci- Conduct truck rear under-run project to develop $80,000 $18,786 dent Research Centre an energy absorbing underrun barrier. Autoliv Australia Pty Ltd Conduct a crash test research program involving Total Project cost Crash analy- frontal, side impact and off-set frontal tests. This *includes cost of sis costs paid is a period contract which provides set rates for cars, printing, trans- to Autoliv each crash test type. The Federal Office of Road port etc. since 3 Safety research program provides for the follow- March 1996 ing projects under this contract: . Conduct a series of crashes involving vehicles $417,529* $417,529 (in- with and without airbags using the same crash cludes test methodology. The purpose of this stand- $362,529 for alone consumer information program was to cars, trans- compare the injury outcome of vehicles tested port, equip- and provide consumer education on the benefits ment, etc) of airbags. . Conduct a series of crashes to validate proposed $172,248* $172,248 (in- off-set frontal crash regulations. cludes $87,248 for cars, trans- port, equip- ment etc) . Conduct a series of crashes to develop regula- $378,374* $258,374 tions for dynamic side-impact crashes. (includes $154,374 for cars, trans- port, equip- ment, etc) . Conduct a truck rear under-run crash test using $50,961 $50,961 a prototype under-run barrier developed by (includes Monash University Accident Research Centre. $35,961 for This will assist in developing an energy absorb- cars, ing underrun barrier designed to reduce the se- transport, verity of truck rear under-run crashes. equipment etc) . Conduct a series of 6 airbag deployments using $67,832 $52,100 out-of-position child and small adult instrumented crash test dummies, and one unre- strained full frontal barrier test. (Commissioned on behalf of US NHTSA). Keatsdale Pty Ltd Determine the cost effectiveness of Australian $40,000 $30,000 periodic motor vehicle inspection practices in Australia. Arrangements vary widely from com- pulsory government administered schemes (ACT), and privately administered schemes (NSW) to no inspection requirements (SA). Worksafe Australia Prepare a summary report that consolidates the $12,500 $10,500 findings of prior research into strategies to com- bat fatigue in the long distance road transport industry. National Health and Medi- Conduct a review of the evolution of the under- $15,530 $15,530 cal Research Council— standing of the nature and severity of injuries to Road Accident Research a pedestrian when struck by a vehicle. Carry out Unit a review of the research activities which have led to the development of vehicle test procedures to optimise the protection afforded to a pedestrian in the event of a collision. NSW Roads & Traffic Sled tests of child crash test dummies in adult $21,898 $21,898 Authority seat belts and child harnesses to compare the outcome. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 273

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996 Royal Melbourne Institute Develop a method for measuring spray from $20,000 $20,000 of Technology heavy vehicles and investigate aerodynamic methods for spray reduction. Peter Young Pty Ltd Conduct a study examining the feasibility of $60,000 $44,839 establishing a National Highway Geographical Information System (GIS). Stancombe Research Evaluate pilot Drink Drive campaign. This was a $39,414 $27,414 quantitative phone survey, the results of which are available to the Federal Office of Road Safe- ty (FORS) and all jurisdictions. The question- naire comprised 17 initial questions and 34 fol- low up questions. 20 individual interviews were conducted with 250 pre-phone interviews and 350 post interviews with 17 pre-interview ques- tions and 34 post questions. Chris Adams Research Test advertising concept Speed campaign. This $16,800 $16,800 was a qualitative survey involving focus groups, the results of which are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. Frank Small & Associates Evaluate Motorcycle campaign. This was a quali- $33,200 $24,900 tative evaluation involving focus groups and interviews, the results of which are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. The questionnaire comprised 31 initial questions and 30 follow up questions. 1200 individual pre-interviews were conducted with 1200 individual post-interviews. Frank Small & Associates Test Motorcycle concepts. This is a qualitative $42,000 $15,000 evaluation involving focus groups and interviews, the results of which are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. Elliott & Shanahan Market research Rural Safety campaign. This was $69,740 $69,740 a qualitative survey involving 20 focus groups and 27 individual interviews, with each interview having 9 questions. Results are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. Ms D Oldfield Market research results from the National Safe $250 $250 Travel to School Awards campaign. This was a quantitative phone survey, involving 66 primary schools with 32 questions being asked of each school. The results of the survey are available to FORS and all jurisdictions.

Two organisations were engaged by FORS to conduct the preliminary testing and analysis phase of the Diesel Vehicle In-service Emissions Study. The data from this phase is being used internally to develop the final stage of the project. The final report of the study will be released to the public.

NSW EPA Provide specialist equipment and personnel to collect and analyse gaseous $34,800 $34,800 and smoke emissions from the 17 vehicles tested in the program. Queensland University Provide specialist equipment and personnel to collect and analyse particu- $33,350 $33,350 of Technology late emissions from the 17 vehicles tested in the program. 274 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Research commissioned since 3 March 1996:

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996 ARRB Transport Re- Prepare proposed methodology for safety risk assessment of $3,200 $3,200 search Ltd horizontal curves for unsealed roads. ARRB Transport Re- Provide a final report for a study to assess priorities for rural $72,500 $72,500 search Ltd road shoulder treatments. The consultants were required to undertake technical research to obtain details of treated sites, consult with the relevant authorities on current methods of treatment and analyse crash statistics before and after treat- ment. The study included a review of information available within Australia and overseas regarding the use and effective- ness of road shoulder treatments in reducing crashes, methods used to assess site priorities for treatment and cur- rent procedures for road shoulder treatments. The review identified the benefits and costs involved in sealing shoulders on rural roads. Australian Fleet Administer a fleet safety award, which involved disseminat- $25,000 $15,000 Managers Associa- ing information to fleet managers, inviting nominations, tion (AFMA) evaluating the merits of nominated fleet safety programs, designing an appropriate trophy, staging the presentation event and producing a report on the outcome. Data Capture and Undertake a project to develop a table to identify possible Analysis road treatments as countermeasures for particular crash types. It is expected that the project will contribute to greater effi- ciency and effectiveness in black spot treatment. INTSTAT Australia Ad hoc analysis of road safety data. Provide in-depth statisti- $200,000 $177,538 cal analysis of road crash data in response to requests from the Parliament, State Authorities, industry and the public.

Monash University Validate the use of the Victorian Transport Accident $44,165 (in- $28,265 Accident Research Commission’s driving simulator as a means of testing and cludes 50% Centre developing a range of visual road treatments designed to contribution reduce vehicle speeds. Several treatments were used in both from NSW on-road and simulator trials; correlation analyses were carried RTA) out on the pattern of responses of the simulator method. This project follows recommendations from an earlier study on the development of perceptual road treatments. Monash University Undertake a pilot study of crashed vehicles with airbags and $84,200 $33,680 Accident Research similar vehicles without airbags to examine airbag effective- Centre ness and identify any problems associated with their intro- duction in conjunction with Australian Design Rule 69. The pilot involved the identification and inspection of 60 crashed vehicles. Professor Ray Over Provide a literature review and discussion paper on national $5,000 $5,000 and international Research relating to female drivers. The literature review is part of a larger project involving statis- tical analysis of existing road crash databases and the con- duct of an independent research study of female drivers. The project will provide a better understanding of the factors re- lated to female driver involvement in serious crashes and contribute to policy formulation on this issue. QSTATS Data Man- Collection and coding of fatal crash data for 1996/97 from $135,000 $58,084 agement and Con- coroners’ reports. These reports are a primary source of sulting information on fatal road crashes, which directs research and public education initiatives. Sample size is around 2,000. Institute for Gender Investigation of factors associated with female drivers’ in- $50,000 $40,000 and Health, Univer- volvement in serious crashes. (Female drivers are known to sity of Newcastle have relatively high risk of involvement in crashes resulting in serious injury, but not fatality.) 5,000 women were sur- veyed to identify socio-economic, mental health and physical health factors related to risk. Results will contribute towards Departmental policy on female drivers. The questionnaire comprised 30 questions. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 275

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996

University of NSW Undertake laboratory and on-road studies involving long $310,940 $135,000 distance truck drivers to develop performance indicators for fatigue management in road transport, and evaluation tools for road transport operators to determine effectiveness of fatigue management strategies. The study is part of the pilot project for Fatigue Management Programs being run in Queensland and involving State and Commonwealth govern- ments, the Road Transport Forum and road transport opera- tors. Taverner Research Undertake a series of national surveys of community attitudes $115,806 $75,806 Company to road safety issues. Information from these surveys contri- butes to the formation and review of road safety policy and public education programs. The current survey involves telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of some 1250 Australian residents. On average, each inter- view lasted about 13 minutes. Adelaide University Conduct headform impact tests to EEVC standard on top 10 $356,235 $129,035 Road Accident Re- selling vehicles in Australia as part of pedestrian safety search Unit (Luminis research program. Pty Ltd)

Snowy Mountains Investigate and analyse the pattern of travel speeds and trip $70,520 Engineering Corpo- times for vehicles engaged in a range of typical urban jour- ration neys and develop a method for estimating the potential effects of speed limits and speed enforcement on travel times, travel speeds, traffic flows, congestion and travel demand characteristics in urban environments. Road Transport The Department provided $50,000 in June 1996 to the Road $50,000 $50,000 Forum TruckSafe re- Transport Forum for the development of an alternative com- search funding pliance industry accreditation program. This funding was provided specifically for the purpose of developing an audit framework for this scheme and aligning the industry program with the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme with is being developed by governments in parallel with the development of national road transport law. It is vital for the success of these schemes that they have consistent standards in order to maximise the participation rate by operators. These funds came from the research allocation under the Australian Land Transport Development Act 1988. The Road Transport Forum is an approved research organisation for the purpose of this Act. Coopers & Lybrand Develop general audit principles and practices module under $1,968 $1,968 the national alternative compliance scheme. ITS Australia Establish an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) interaction $120,000 $120,000 website on the Internet designed to stimulate industry and promote service with potential users. MR Quantum Evaluate the Speed campaign. This was a quantitative phone $37,200 $37,200 survey, the results of which are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. Questionnaire comprised 14 initial questions and 16 follow-up questions. Comprising 812 pre-phone interviews and 814 post-phone interviews. Worthington Di Evaluate Young Driver campaign. This was a quantitative $35,000 $35,000 Marzio and qualitative survey involving 7 focus groups, the question- naire contained 102 questions and there were 304 pre-bench- mark phone interviews conducted followed by 350 post- phone interviews. The results of which are available to FORS and all jurisdictions. Elliott & Shanahan Test creative concept Rural Speed campaign. This was a $30,000 $30,000 qualitative survey involving 9 focus groups, with reactions to 10 concepts. The results are available to FORS and all juris- dictions. 276 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Spent Since Firms Engaged Research Project and Availability of Results Total Cost March 1996 Eureka Evaluate FORS Rural Speed campaign. This was a quantita- $42,636 $42,636 tive phone survey, with a questionnaire containing 32 ques- tions. 500 pre-phone interviews were conducted followed by 500 post-phone interviews. The results are available to the Federal Office of Road Safety and all jurisdictions. John Gunn Survey of all staff, May 1997 (2 pages with additional 3 $15,000 $15,000 pages for managers) as part of a diagnostic report to assist the Department to achieve accreditation as an Investor in People. Results to all staff included in a Minute from the Department’s Deputy Secretary. Interaction Consult- Survey of Staff Attitudes in Department, October 1996. 602 $21,785 $21,785 ing Group respondents (80% return rate). Questionnaire of 15 pages, including benchmarking questions. Results available to all staff in the form of the complete report in Departmental library, presentations to each Sub-program by Secretary and summary on Departmental electronic Bulletin Board.

Department of the Prime Minister and Senator Hill—The Prime Minister has Cabinet: Awarding of Consultancies of provided the following answer, on behalf of Contracts those ministers, to the honourable senator’s question: (Question No. 930 - 948) The awarding of consultancy and other contracts Senator Faulkner asked the Ministers is a regular feature of the work of most depart- listed below, upon notice, on 22 October ments, and the task of examining advice on each 1997: contract since March 1996 would involve a work- Minister representing the Prime Minister; load I am not prepared to authorise. To the extent Minister representing the Minister for Trade; that Ministers receive advice and make decisions Minister representing the Treasurer; Minister on whether or not to accept it, I regard that deliber- representing the Minister for Primary Industries and ative process, in the normal course of events, to be Energy; Minister for the Environment; Minister for confidential to government. Communications, the Information Economy and the Australian Conservation Foundation and Arts; Minister representing the Minister for Work- place Relations and Small Business; Minister for the Wilderness Society: Funding Social Security; Minister representing the Minister (Question No. 963) for Foreign Affairs; Minister representing the Senator Abetz asked the Minister repre- Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism; Minister representing the Minister for Defence; senting the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister representing the Minister for Health and the Minister representing the Minister for Family Services; Minister representing the Minister Trade, upon notice, on 17 November 1997: for Finance and Administration; Minister represent- (1) What funding was provided, and, if any, what ing the Minister for Employment, Education, was the amount provided to the Australian Conser- Training and Youth Affairs; Minister representing vation Foundation (ACF) in the 1996-97 financial the Attorney-General; Minister representing the year by the department. Minister for Transport and Regional Development; Minister representing the Minister for Immigration (2) What funding was provided, and, if any, what and Multicultural Affairs; Minister representing the was the amount provided to the Wilderness Society Minister for Veterans’ Affairs; Minister for Abo- in the 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97 financial riginal Affairs. years by the department. Has the Minister or the Minister’s office ever Senator Hill—As indicated above, the overturned a departmental recommendation in honourable senator has asked identical ques- relation to the awarding of a consultancy or other tions of both ministers. The following answer contract; if so: (a) when was the action taken; (b) has been provided by the Minister for Foreign what was the nature of the consultancy or contract involved (these may be specified in general terms Affairs on behalf of both ministers: if there are problems of commercial confidentiali- (1) Neither the Department of Foreign Affairs ty); (c) what amounts of money were involved; and nor Austrade provided any funding to the Austral- (d) what was the reason for taking such action. ian Conservation Foundation in the 1996-97 Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 277 financial year. AusAID provided $37,860 in 1996- (3) Telstra has advised that it examined its 97. customer list and made choices about which (2) No funding was provided to the Wilderness customers it would invite as its guests at the Society by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Atlanta Olympics. In assessing which customers Austrade or AusAID in the 1994-95, 1995-96 and were to be approached to attend Atlanta as Telstra 1996-97 financial years. guests, many factors were taken into consideration. Telstra has advised each State and Territory Telstra: 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games government was assumed to be a potential bidder for future Commonwealth Games, including the (Question No. 981) 2006 Games. Telstra has further advised that the Senator Allison asked the Minister for overarching basis for approaching government was Communications, the Information Economy the status of the business relationship between the customer and Telstra. Because of this criterion and the Arts, upon notice, on 17 November Telstra has indicated that not all state governments 1997: were approached. With reference to the answers to questions on (4) As Telstra has previously indicated in notice nos 495 (Official Senate Hansard, 7 May response to question on notice 495, the offer was 1997, p.2999), 698 (Official Senate Hansard,27 taken up by the Northern Territory government as August 1997, p.5885) and 859 (Official Senate an opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of the Hansard, 22 October 1997, p.7794) regarding Olympic Games to enhance possible future bids for Telstra’s offer to fund parliamentarians to the the Commonwealth Games. Telstra has further Atlanta Olympics. advised that it is not aware of any proposals (1) Can a copy of the Telstra Employee Code of discussed by the Northern Territory Parliament. Conduct which sets out guidelines for the expected (5) Telstra has advised each customer was behaviour of employees in their dealings with accommodated as a business guest of Telstra, customers and suppliers be provided including the government customers. (2) Without disclosing business or individual * Copies of the Telstra Employee Code of names, what is the value of equipment and services Conduct is available from the Senate Table Office. purchased over the past 2 years from Telstra by each of the companies represented by the 10 On Arrival Accommodation Program business guests of Telstra to the Atlanta Games (Question No. 1002) (3) Were all States and Territories canvassed Senator Allison asked the Minister for seeking expressions of interest to attend the Atlanta Games Social Security, upon notice, on 25 November 1997: (4) Did the Northern Territory Government indicate to Telstra at any stage that it proposed to (1) Following the cut backs made to funding for make a bid for the 2006 Commonwealth Games; if the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs’ so, was such a proposal discussed in the Northern On Arrival Accommodation program and the Territory Parliament or in any other way made narrowing of the scope of eligibility, what sort of public. provisions for housing are currently available for newly arrived migrants. (5) Why were the cost of trips taken by the Victorian Minister for Education (Mr Gude) and the (2) How much funding is allocated and to which Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (Mr Stone) programs. not met by their respective governments. (3) Given that many migrants acquire information Senator Alston—The answer to the honour- about the public housing application procedure through word of mouth or informal networks, how able senator’s question is as follows: does the department propose to address the prob- (1) A copy of the Telstra Employee Code of lems encountered by these migrants in gaining Conduct is attached.* access to clear and accurate information pertaining (2) Telstra has informed me that it is not in a to eligibility criteria and housing services provided, position to calculate the sum the Senator is seeking. particularly in the light of the fact that many are Telstra has advise that this is because each of the illiterate or unable to comprehend written English. customers has varying expenditure levels of Telstra (4) Given that there is presently great disparity services and each is a heavy user of telecommuni- between the States concerning the extent to which cations services. Telstra considers "value" lies in preference is given to refugees allowing them great- the customer relationship, providing Telstra with an er access to public housing: what measures, if any, opportunity to work with the customer to better have been taken by the Federal Government to understand their business and their business needs. ensure uniformity between the States’ categories for 278 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 special consideration with regards to humanitarian Housing entrants. (Question No. 1003) (5) Does the Government propose to amend the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement in the Senator Allison asked the Minister for future to allow refugee status to be a primary factor Social Security, upon notice, on 25 November in the allocation of public housing. 1997: (1) Is the Minister aware that (a) for the 1996-97 Senator Newman—The answer to the financial year, $728 million was allocated for ex- honourable senator’s question is as follows: penditure on housing in Victoria but that only $361.3 million was actually used for this purpose; (1) The Minister for Immigration and Multicul- and (b) the reason quoted by the Victorian State tural Affairs informs me that there has been no cut Government for this ‘under use’ of funds was the back to OAA funding this financial year for uncertainty created by the Commonwealth Govern- Humanitarian Program entrants. The eligibility ment over the future of funding provision under the criteria for Humanitarian Program entrants also present Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement have not been changed recently. In the past (CSHA). migrants who were in need of emergency accom- modation because their on-arrival arrangements had (2) Are there any mechanisms in place under the broken down were eligible to be accommodated in CSHA to ensure that funds allocated for housing migrant hostels for up to four weeks. This practice are actually used for that purpose, and within a set was scaled down following the disposal of migrant time frame; if so, what are these specifications; if hostels by the former Government. not, what is the justification for the absence of any such mechanisms. (2) The Minister for Immigration and Multicul- (3) Given that the Victorian Government’s under tural Affairs has advised me that expected expendi- use of housing funds has come at a time when ture on OAA in 1997/98 will be around $3.6m waiting lists in the State are long, rental markets which was the level of expenditure in 1996/97. are tight and characterised by very low vacancy These funds form part of the Humanitarian Settle- rate, homelessness is on the increase and public ment Sub Program which has an annual appropri- housing is being sold off: Does the department per- ation of $11.224m for 1997/98. An additional ceive the need for the Federal Government to place $5.08m was allocated to this item this financial binding conditions upon these grants on order to year to fund the introduction of the Integrated compel the State Governments to uphold their side Humanitarian Settlement Strategy. of the bargain by actively spending the allocated funds to improve State housing programs. (3) The Minister for Immigration and Multicul- tural Affairs informs me that his Department Senator Newman—The answer to the distributes a settlement information kit to newly honourable senator’s question is as follows: arrived migrants which contains contact and referral information about public housing services in the (1) (a) The figures quoted in the question ($728 relevant State/Territory. The kit is translated into million allocated to expenditure on housing and a number of different languages. Assistance is also $363.1 million actually used for this purpose) do available from the Translating and Interpreting not relate specifically to housing. I am advised the Service to assist non English speaking newly figures represent the budgeted and actual expendi- arrived migrants and Humanitarian Program ture on Housing and Community Amenities, a entrants to access settlement services. The Depart- Government Purpose Classification (GPC) which ment of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs also includes expenditure by some 20 agencies, includ- provides up to 510 hours of English tuition to these ing the Office of Housing, Melbourne Water and NESB entrants through its Adult Migrant English non metropolitan water and sewerage authorities. Program. The Commonwealth CSHA grant for 1996-97 was approximately $243 million. Victoria’s State (4) Allocation to public housing is the responsi- matching requirement was approximately $105 bility of State and Territory Governments. Refugees million. CSHA funds carried over by Victoria from are able to access the full range of public housing 1996/97 to 1997/98 were $118.8 million. options available to low income applicants. Priority public housing allocation is made available to peo- (b) The Victorian Minister for Housing sought ple who meet priority criteria such as demonstrating the agreement of the Commonwealth to carry over an urgent housing need or having no other housing unexpended capital funds for 1996/97 to 1997/98. options. In September 1996, I advised the Victorian Minister that unexpended funds could be carried (5) No. over. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 279

Funding certainty for the final two years of the in conjunction with the Department of Veterans’ current CSHA was provided by the Prime Minister Affairs and the Royal Navy, the identification and in May 1997 when he made a commitment to burial of two members of Operation Rimau at Kanji States and Territories that funding would be War Cemetery Singapore on 27th of August 1994’: guaranteed through to 30 June 1999. (a) can details be provided of what action the (2) Yes. The 1996 CSHA provides that available department took in conjunction with the Depart- funds, for the period of an approved Strategic Plan, ment of Veterans’ Affairs and the Royal Australian can only be used for specified housing assistance Navy in identifying the remains of the two mem- purposes. The 1996 CSHA further stipulates that bers; (b) can it be confirmed that an identification where funds have not been used for allowable uses of Sargeant Cameron’s remains was conducted by a Strategic Plan can be suspended and consequently a doctor at the Sydney Coroner’s office in conjunc- further Commonwealth funding is withheld. tion with a colleague at the Adelaide Coroner’s office; (c) can it be confirmed that a letter dated 18 (3) See the answer to Part (2). January 1993 from Director of Personnel Services, Department of Defence, to Major Tom Hall RFD Youth Allowance ED advised that the Australian Defence Force head (Question No. 1006) quarters is responsible for the identification of the remains of service personnel and the removal of Senator Stott Despoja asked the Minister those remains to an appropriate place of burial; (d) for Social Security, upon notice, on 26 can it be confirmed that in a letter dated 12 March November 1997: 1993 from the Director of Personnel Services, (1) How will the Youth Allowance impact on Department of Defence, the Surgeon General ADF postgraduate students, will they be able to access had been requested to obtain Sargeant Cameron’s Youth Allowance. medical file and to arrange for military forensic experts to be available to examine the remains held (2) Will postgraduate studies be recognised as a by the New South Wales Coroner’s office; (e) did ‘legitimate activity’ for the purpose of Youth this examination take place; if so, what was the Allowance assessment. date of this examination; (f) can it be confirmed (3) What will be the access afforded postgraduate that Sub Lt JGM Riggs RNVR’s remains were students to health care cards. exhumed by the Indonesian Navy, and that his Senator Newman—The answer to the remains where entrusted to the British High Com- missioner in Jakarta up until the time of his burial honourable senator’s question is as follows: in the Kanji War Memorial Cemetery in August (1) Austudy guidelines applying to post-graduate 1994; and (g) did a forensic examination of these students will broadly be incorporated into Youth remains take place; if so, who conducted the Allowance. examination and when. A student will be able to get Youth Allowance (2) With reference to the answer, in which the for one graduate or post-graduate course. Minister advised that: ‘The Department has also (2) Post-graduate study will be recognised as a provided legal advice regarding current legislation ‘legitimate activity’ for the purpose of Youth and Military Law relating to alleged War crimes’: Allowance assessment. (a) can it be confirmed that this advice was provid- ed in response to a letter from Major Hall, dated 11 (3) As now, post-graduate students will be February 1993, asking the Minister to investigate eligible for a health care card if their income is the actions of a particular Captain during the period below the appropriate limit. of 1943 to 1945; (b) can it be confirmed that Second World War: Australian despite Major Hall’s request for the advice from the department referred to by the Minister, it was only Servicemen Killed and Buried in provided to Major Hall after he had requested it Indonesia through the freedom of information section of the (Question No. 1007) department; (c) is the Minister satisfied that the information received by Major Hall from the Senator Neal asked the Minister represent- department was a satisfactory response to his ing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on specific request; and (d) is the Minister satisfied 26 November 1997: that the advice given to Major Hall that the statute of limitations now applied and there was nothing With reference to the answer to question no. that could be done. 293 (Senate Hansard, 4 December 1996, (3) With reference to the answer, in which the p.6725): Minister advised that: ‘The statement that Major (1) With reference to the answer, in which the Hall has provided documentary evidence to the Minister advised that: ‘The Department organised, Department of Defence since 1992 is not strictly 280 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 correct. Correspondence from Major Hall to the and Veterans’ Affairs on the subject of Australian Department of Defence commenced on this matter unmarked war graves. in mid February 1993’: (a) can it be confirmed that (7) With reference to the answer, in which the a letter and map from Major Hall, outlining docu- Minister advised that: ‘Departmental policy requires mentary information of the location of War graves, that "investigating authorities must assess the dated 30 January 1992 and addressed to the Re- feasibility of successfully recovering any remains cords Officer of the Commonwealth War Graves given the information provided, the size of the area Commission’ was copied to both the Ministers for to be searched, sensitivity to local issues. . . and the Defence and Veterans’ Affairs; and (b) can it be reliability of the informant"’: (a) could details be confirmed that this correspondence is in the posses- provided of what size an area the department sion of the department as acknowledged by a letter considers acceptable to search, and whether or not to Major Hall from Chief of General Staff dated 6 the area of the Dili Map 1937 provided by Major March 1996. Hall with the grave sites marked is acceptable to (4) With reference to the answer, in which the the department; (b) could details be provided of Minister advised that: ‘Major Hall provided a what sensitive local issues exist in this particular summary of his research to Army Headquarters in case; (c) does the department consider the evidence late January 1996 after a request from the office of provided by Major Hall to be reliable; and (d) is the Minister for Defence to provide any further the Minister aware that most of the evidence information he may have in this matter’: (a) can it provided to the department by Major Hall was be confirmed that this request was made to Major collected by the Australian military forces between Hall after he had informed the department that he 1945 to 1951 and has been held by Australian believed the Army Attache (8-15 October 1995) Archives since 1981. had visited a site which was 2 000 metres north of (8) With reference to the answer, in which the the grave site and on the wrong side of the river; Minister advised that: ‘In regard to marking the (b) can it be confirmed that the Army Attache was graves of Australian and Americans killed at not provided with the Dili Map 1937 which Major Surabaya Java, Major Hall advised the Department Hall had provided in documentation to the depart- that the area where he suspects the remains are ment; if so, could an explanation be given as to located is in a restricted Indonesian Naval Base. To why the Army Attache was not provided with this date, action has not started to progress this search map. of the naval base due to the sensitivity of the site (5) With reference to the answer, in which the and a lack of hard evidence to support an approach Minister advised that: ‘As a result of the informa- to the Indonesian Authorities’: (a) is the Minister tion provided by Major Hall, the Army Attache in aware that on 26 February 1996 a representative Jakarta undertook a visit to Dili, Timor in the from the Army History Directorate inspected part period 8-15 October 1995, to search for the grave of the documents held by Major Hall, which sites of Warrant Officer Second Class Jeffery provided evidence to support his information on the Willersdorf and Lance Corporal Hugo Pace, as well location of graves of Australian and Americans as another Australian, Lieutenant Eric Liversidge’: killed at Surabaya, Java, but did not return on 1 (a) can it be confirmed that the only information March 1996 as had been arranged with Major Hall provided to the Army Attache in Jakarta was a to collect this information; and (b) is the Minister copy of a letter sent by Major Hall addressed to the satisfied with the efforts made by the department Commonwealth War Graves on 30 January 1992 to obtain the documents held by Major Hall RFD (which did not include a copy of the Dili Map ED with respect to Surabaya, Java. 1937) and a newspaper report and request from the (9) With reference to the answer, in which the President of the Returned and Services League of Minister advised that: ‘No date had been set for the Australia in Victoria; and (b) why was none of the visit to Surabaya at this stage, but it is expected other information given to the department provided that a visit may be organised early 1997, subject to to the Army Attache. the approval of Indonesian Authorities’: (a) has that visit to Surabaya taken place; if so, what were the (6) With reference to the answer, in which the findings of that visit; and (b) if that visit has not Minister advised that: ‘The invitation was extended taken place when is it expected to, and what are the in a letter to Major Hall dated 15 May 1996. reasons for the delay. Major Hall has not replied to this invitation’: (a) (10) With reference to the answer, in which the can it be confirmed that on 23 May 1996 Major Minister advised that: ‘In the main, however, the Hall did reply to the letter dated 15 May 1996 Department has endeavoured to keep Major Hall stating the assurances he required before he could advised of progress by telephone calls and by attend any meeting in Canberra and outlining the letter’, can it be confirmed that an amount of the results of previous meetings he had attended in information collected by Major Hall from the 1988 and 1995 with the Departments of Defence department was given to him only after he invoked Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 281 the Freedom of Information Act and paid the Senator Hill—The answer to the honour- necessary fees. able senator’s question is as follows: (11) With reference to the answer, in which the (1) During the Comprehensive Regional Assess- Minister advised that Major Tom Hall had, ‘albeit ment process all forest areas in Southern-west unintentionally, contributed to the delay by having Western Australia will be assessed for their conser- initiated correspondence with several different areas vation values and the contribution they may make of the Department’, can it be confirmed that the to the comprehensive, adequate and representative original correspondence from Major Hall was (CAR) reserve system. addressed only to the Ministers for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, and that it was the decision of Under the Deferred Forests Agreement (DFA) their respective offices to direct this correspondence signed in July 1996, interim protection is provided to others in their department and not Major Hall’s to sufficient forest areas so as not to foreclose decision. options for a CAR reserve system. In addition, under a voluntary undertakings by the Western Senator Newman—The Minister for De- Australian Government, all National Estate places fence has provided the following answer to were protected until the end of 1996, and selected the honourable senator’s question: National Estate places are protected to the end of (1) to (11) Major Hall’s claims regarding the 1997 or until the signing of a Regional Forest content of the response to Senate Question on Agreement. Notice No. 293 placed on notice by you on 1 Under the DFA and voluntary agreement, almost November 1996, and published in the Senate two thirds of the 3,954 hectare Giblett block has Hansard of 4 December 1996 on page 6725, would been set aside from timber harvesting until the appear to be based on information of which at least conclusion of the Regional Forest Agreement some has not been seen by the Department of (RFA) process. Defence. The initial response was prepared in good I understand that the WA government intends to faith and contained the most accurate information allow timber harvesting in 460 hectares of the available from departmental records. remaining portion of Giblett block. This is in To fully research your current question would accordance with the DFA and the undertakings of require significant effort which would involve the WA Government. accessing Australian and International Archives. (2) I understand that the Western Australian The Minister for Defence is not prepared to author- Minister for the Environment, the Hon Cheryl ise the time and public expense required to obtain Edwardes, has announced that proposed logging in and collate the requested information. Giblett has now been rescheduled to the winter of An invitation was extended to Major Hall in May 1998. This is after the scheduled signing of the 1996 to discuss his research findings with Defence Regional Forest Agreement. officials. This invitation remains open and details (3) As the area currently proposed for logging is of a departmental contact officer have been for- outside the areas set aside under the DFA, this warded separately to the honourable senator’s matter is a decision for the Western Australian office. Government. Commonwealth agreement to the Logging and Woodchipping logging is not required and has not been sought. (4) As any logging proposed within the Giblett (Question No. 1011) forest block will now not take place until the winter Senator Murray asked the Minister for the of 1998, after the scheduled signing of the Regional Environment, upon notice, on 28 November Forest Agreement, the outcomes of the Regional 1997: Forest Agreement will not be affected. (1) Is the Minister aware that the Western Breath Testing Machines Australian Department of Conservation and Land (Question No. 1013) Management has scheduled approximately 600 hectares of clearfelling in Giblett block for 1998. Senator Crane asked the Minister repre- (2) Will this logging commence before or after senting the Minister for Transport and Re- the Western Australian Regional Forest Agreement gional Development, upon notice, on 2 is signed. December 1997: (3) Has the Commonwealth agreed to the log- (1) Is the Federal Government aware of any ging. positive effects resulting from breath testing (4) How does the planned logging affect the machines in licensed premises. outcomes of the Western Australian Regional (2) Is there any evidence to demonstrate that the Forest Agreement. presence of breath testing machines will reduce the 282 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998 number of drivers and riders who are killed and gain urgent financial support to purchase 10 per injured in road crashes whilst having a blood cent of the Ayers Rock Resort Company. alcohol level exceeding 0.05. (2) Is it a fact that the Minister instructed ATSIC (3) What has been the impact of public breath Commercial Branch, on 30 May 1997, to undertake testing machines in States across Australia over the a detailed financial analysis of the Company’s past 12 months. business proposal after Wana Ungkunytja Propri- (4) Has the Federal Government considered etary Limited informed ATSIC in the same month legislation which would make compulsory the that the Ayers Rock Resort was to be sold. establishment of public breath testing machines in (3) Did it take ATSIC Commercial Branch more establishments which serve alcohol. than 2 months to prepare a one-page brief instruct- ing Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Brisbane, to under- Senator Alston—The Minister for Trans- take the financial analysis. port and Regional Development has provided the following answer to the honourable (4) (a) Is it a fact that the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu analysis was completed some 4 months senator’s question. later, on 14 October 1997; (b) how much did this (1) It is difficult to demonstrate a direct link cost; (c) was a report prepared; if so, can a copy be between the presence of breath testing machines in provided; if a copy cannot be provided, can it be licensed premises and reduction in alcohol-related confirmed that the report recommended ATSIC road crashes. financially support the company in its bid to take Such reductions are achieved by applying an up options in the Ayers Rock Resort as a matter of integrated package of drink driving countermea- urgency. sures, which focus on high levels of random breath (5) Is it a fact that the full commission approved testing accompanied by appropriate public educa- financial support through ATSIC decision no. 1985. tion. (6) Given that the sale of the resort has gone Public breath testing may contribute to this ahead, has ATSIC honoured, or does it intend to process of public education. if these machines are honour, its decision to fund the company’s bid to used on a number of occasions and after consuming take up its full options in the general property trust different numbers of drinks, people can build up a before the December deadline; if so, what form will personal rule of thumb about how many drinks they this financial assistance take; if not, why not. might be able to safely manage and stay under 0.05. Senator Herron—The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission has provid- (2) Research by the Monash University Accident ed the following information in response to Research Centre into the benefit-cost ratios (BCR) of public breath test machines concluded that a the honourable senator’s question: BCR of 5.8 might be achieved if machines were (1) No. The Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corpora- installed in a substantial number of licensed tion (Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd holds shares on premises; if promotion of the machines occurred; behalf of the members of the Nyangatjatjara and if at least 10% of drivers over the legal BAC Aboriginal Corporation) approached ATSIC in 1994 limit of 0.05 used the machines. However it is not regarding the purchase of shares in the Ayers Rock possible to quantify the actual effect of breath Resort Company Pty Ltd. However, a formal testing machines on road trauma. application was not lodged. A letter was sent to the (3) Unknown. Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation in August 1994 advising that the Commission’s Business (4) No. The Federal Office of Road Safety Funding Scheme (BFS) does not have the capacity (FORS) and other road safety agencies encourage to fund a single project of this size and that the the voluntary installation and use of Australian project did not meet the then current BFS funding Standard personal breath testers as a way of criteria. The letter suggested that the organisation educating drivers about blood alcohol levels. may wish to approach the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commercial Development Corpora- Wana Ungkunytja Proprietary Limited tion. A previous approach had also been made to (Question No. 1014) the Papunya Regional Council which did not support the funding decision. Senator Bob Collins asked the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, (2) No. The Minister and ATSIC representatives met with representatives of Wana Ungkunytja Pty upon notice, on 4 December 1997: Ltd on 30 May 1997 to discuss the proposal. (1) Did Wana Ungkunytja Proprietary Limited ATSIC representatives offered to fund the cost of approach the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander an independent assessment. Subsequent to this Commission (ATSIC) in May 1994, in order to meeting, ATSIC commissioned Deloitte Touche Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 283

Tohmatsu to undertake a full commercial assess- . Developments emerged since the sale of ment of the proposal. The proposed sale of the ARRC to General Property Trust (GPT). GPT Ayers Rock Resort Company (ARRC) would not offered units to Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd to impact on Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd’s rights to the value of $7.268 million at a rate of 2.5% access a 10% share. below the current market value, providing that (3) No. Following telephone negotiations during they agree to the terms of a proposed Deed. June, written instructions were sent to Deloitte Under the draft Deed if Wana Ungkunytja Pty Touche Tohmatsu on 3 July 1997 Ltd exercises its rights in respect of the 10% share in ARRC, the $7.268 million share offer (4) (a) No. After finalisation of a quotation, would be withdrawn. Deloitte Touch Tomatsu wrote to Wana Ungkunytja . The change in circumstances resulting from Pty Ltd on 29 July 1997 requesting information to the sale of ARRC to GPT not only affects the assist in the assessment. Negotiations for additional cultural significance that was associated with information were completed on 25 August 1997. the proposal (as ARRC will not be operated as The assessment was undertaken during September a separate company), but the offer made by 1997. The Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu report was GPT ensures a solid financial base for Wana completed on 6 October 1997 and received by Ungkunytja Pty Ltd. It would not seem appro- ATSIC on 14 October 1997. priate for ATSIC to provide additional funds (b)The total cost of the report was $18,110.25, over and above the offer by GPT. which is less than 0.2 % of the sum applied for. . The Business Funding Scheme policy pre- (c) The report is of a confidential nature. The cludes the Commission from funding proposals report supported the original concept considered by that are viewed as being passive investments. the Commission whether to assist Wana The proposal which has been put forward by Ungkunytja Pty Ltd to obtain up to a 10% share in GPT and the terms of the purchase of the the ARRC in order to secure a financial stake in a ARRC, removes the cultural significance of business operating in an area of high cultural the proposed venture which formed part of the significance. In addition, it was proposed that this basis for consideration by the Board and is investment would secure continuation of Wana clearly of a passive nature. Ungkunytja Pty Ltd’s current level of involvement Department of Foreign Affairs and with ARRC. The original concept subsequently Trade: Training or Seminars changed. (Question No. 1016) (5) No. The Commission provided support for the proposal but did not give unconditional approval. Senator Robert Ray as the Minister repre- Commission Decision No. 1985 states that the senting the Minister for Trade, upon notice, Commission "Supported a grant/loan mix to allow on 5 December 1997: Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd to purchase at least 5% (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based of the shares and the option agreement" and public servants employed by the department have "Agreed that, … if a decision needs to be made on occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and the grant before the next scheduled Board meeting, (b) Where has the training taken place. the Chief Executive Officer should make the decision under her existing delegation from the Senator Hill—The answer to the senator’s Commission". The Commission’s support of a questions are as follows: grant/loan mix did not constitute an approval. (a) A total of 61 Canberra-based Austrade staff (6) Not applicable. The Commission made no attended training courses or seminars provided or decision to approve funding the 10% equity. The facilitated by Austrade outside Canberra, between Chief Executive Officer of ATSIC declined the 1 March 1996 and 31 December 1997, as detailed application from Wana Ungkunytja Pty Ltd on 3 below. These courses/seminars were also attended December 1997. The reasons for this decision can by non Canberra-based Austrade staff. be summarised as follows: (b) See below. 284 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

No. Attended from Can- Name of Training/Seminar Conducted At Dates berra Office Introduction to Austrade Sydney April, August, 25 November 1997 Australian Operations Workshop Sydney November 1996 5 Major Opportunities Group Melbourne February 1997 7 Workflows Workshop Train the Trainer Sydney April 1997 5 Presentation Skills Sydney April 1997 2 Client Service Policy Training Sydney November 1997 2 Melbourne January 1996, 14 November 1997, December 1997 Adelaide February 1996 1

Total 61

Department of the Treasury: Training or (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based Seminars public servants employed by the department have occurred outside Canberra since March 1996: and (Question No. 1017) (b) Where has the training taken place. Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 5 Senator Parer—The Minister for Primary December 1997: Industries and Energy has provided the (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based following answer to the honourable senator’s public servants employed by the Department have occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and question: (b) where has the training taken place. (a) The Department of Primary Industries and Senator Kemp—The Treasurer has provid- Energy (DPIE) does not maintain easily accessible ed the following answer to the honourable records of training and seminars undertaken by senator’s question: Canberra-based staff by location and I am not The Department of the Treasury advises me that willing to allocate resources to comprehensively it has organised no training or seminars outside answer this question. Canberra for its staff since March 1996. However, a major training program which DPIE Department of Primary Industries and senior and middle management staff have attended Energy: Training or Seminars is the DPIE/Monash Mt Eliza Leading People Program. The first program commenced in Septem- (Question No. 1018) ber 1996 and 420 officers have participated in the Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister 21 programs already undertaken. representing the Minister for Primary Indus- tries and Energy, upon notice, on 5 December (b) The program is held at the Monash Universi- 1997: ty, Mt Eliza Business School, in Victoria. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 285

Department of the Environment: In accordance with these devolved arrangements, there is no central administration or recording of Training and Seminars the participation of staff in training or attendance (Question No. 1019) at seminars outside Canberra. There were no corporately organised training or seminars held Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister for outside Canberra since March 1996. the Environment, upon notice, on 5 December 1997: (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based Department of Workplace Relations and public servants employed by the department have Small Business: Training or Seminars occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and (b) where has the training taken place. (Question No. 1021) Senator Hill—The answer to the honour- Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister able senator’s question is as follows: representing the Minister for Workplace Since March 1996 the Department has organised Relations and Small Business, upon notice, on one training workshop outside Canberra. It was 5 December 1997: held in July 1997 at Bungendore, NSW. This (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based answer does not include training or seminars public servants employed by the department have organised by other Departments or bodies which occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and might have been attended by staff of this Depart- (b) where has the training taken place. ment. Senator Alston—The Minister for Work- Department of Communications and the place Relations and Small Business has Arts: Training or Seminars provided the following answer to the hon- (Question No. 1020) ourable senator’s question: Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister for (a) The department has not run any training Communications, the Information Economy courses for Canberra-based public servants outside and the Arts, upon notice, on 5 December Canberra since March 1996. 1997: (b) N/A. (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based public servants employed by the department have occurred outside Canberra since march 1996; and Department of Industry, Science and (b) where has the training taken place. Tourism: Training or Seminars Senator Alston—The Minister for Com- (Question No. 1024) munications, the Information Economy and the Arts, has provided the following answer Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister to the honourable senator’s question: representing the Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism, upon notice, on 5 December (a) and (b) The Department’s Human Resource Development Plan states that "individuals, teams 1997: and their managers or supervisors are responsible (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based for identifying and managing internal and external public servants employed by the department have learning opportunities". occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and Under this principle, decisions about participation (b) where has the training taken place. in training, seminars or any other developmental opportunity are determined by individual managers Senator Parer—The Minister for Industry, on a case by case basis. As with any other decision Science and Tourism has provided the follow- involving resourcing matters, cost effectiveness is ing answer to the honourable senator’s ques- a prime consideration. tion: 286 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Training/Seminar (a) Location (b) Business Planning seminar Binalong (NSW) R&D Tax Concession Assessor Training workshop Adelaide (SA) R&D Tax Concession Assessor Training workshop Melbourne (VIC) Executive Media Training Melbourne (VIC) Leadership Program Yass (NSW)

Department of Defence: Training or occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and (b) where has the training taken place. Seminars Senator Newman—The Minister for De- (Question No. 1025) fence has provided the following answer to Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister the honourable senator’s question: representing the Minister for Defence, upon (a) and (b) Listed below are the training courses notice, on 5 December 1997: and seminars occurring in locations outside Can- berra which have been attended by Canberra-based (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based public servants in the Department of Defence since public servants employed by the department have March 1996.

Course Title Location 1/97 LOGASSESSOR Course Laverton, Vic 11th International Conference on Composite Materials Gold Coast 11th Ship Control Systems Symposium Southampton, England 12th Annual Conference—Australia and NZ Society of Criminology Brisbane 12th National Quality Management Conference Sydney 13th International Corrosion Conference Melbourne 1996 Alliance User Group Conference Sydney 1997 SNAME Annual Meeting Ottawa, Canada 1st Australian Data Fusion Symposium Adelaide 20th National Information Systems Security Conference Baltimore, USA 3rd Annual Australian SESA Symposium Melbourne 3rd Annual SESA Symposium Melbourne 3rd International Marine Corrosion Forum Edinburgh, Scotland 4th International Conference on Fast Sea Transportation Sydney AAPAE 4th National Conference Melbourne ABM Seminar Sydney ABM Training Session Sydney Access 2.0 Intermediate Sydney Access 96 Conference Brisbane Access 97 Conference Brisbane Accountants Association Conference Sydney Activity Based Costing Sydney Activity Based Management Course Maritime HQ—Sydney Adobe Illustrator Advanced Sydney Adobe Photoshop Advanced Sydney Advanced Budgeting Sydney Advances in Marine Structures II Dunfermline, Scotland AHRI Leadership Symposium Sydney AIE Symposium: the Future of Gas Resources, Technology and Sydney Industry Reform AIIM Seminar Melbourne Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 287

Course Title Location AIPIO Intel 97 Conference Brisbane Airfield Lighting Supervisors Seminar Perth Airport Lighting Supervisors Seminar Brisbane Alumina Meeting ‘97 Sydney Ammunition Seminar 1997 Victoria Analytical and Diagnostic Skills Sydney Analytical Methods for Logistics Profession Sydney Annual Waterfront Reform Conference Sydney APCOE 97 Sydney APWWW Conference Sydney AQC 12th National Conference Sydney Archivists Association Conference and Seminar Adelaide Archivists Conference Darwin Asia Australia Institute Conference Sydney Asia Pacific Developers Conference Melbourne Asia Pacific Societies Conference Melbourne ASO5-6 Development Workshop Sydney ASO5-6 Development Workshop Melbourne Asset Management in the Public Service Sydney ASWEC 97 Workshop—Industrial Experience with Safety Critical Sydney System AUUG 1996 Conference Melbourne Ausmarine ‘96 Conference Perth Australasian Hydrographic Symposium Perth Australian Association of Professional and Applied Ethics Melbourne Australian Conference on Exporting Perth Australian Data Fusion Symposium Adelaide Australian Graduate School of Management Mt Eliza, Vic Australian Institute of Project Management Queensland Australian World Wide Web Technical Conference Brisbane Authoring with Interleaf Sydney Autocad Sydney AUUG 97 Conference Brisbane Basic Hazards Course Melbourne Benchmarking Teams Melbourne Best Practice in Procurement Sydney Best Practice Internal Audit Sydney Best Practice Record Keeping Melbourne Better Decision Making Using Analytic Hierarchy Process Melbourne Better Decision Making Using Decision and Event Trees Melbourne Brainshare Australia 96—Building the Global Network Sydney Breakthrough Robertson, NSW Bridging the Gap between Investors & Technology Sydney Building Australia’s Future Conference Gold Coast Building Java Applications Sydney Building the New Public Sector Sydney Bulk Liquid Storage Tanks Brisbane Business Planning Workshop Queanbeyan, NSW Business Presentation Skills Melbourne Business Process Re-engineering Sydney 288 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Course Title Location Business Process Re-engineering Melbourne C++ Programming Sydney Canadian Computer Security Symposium Ottawa, Canada CAPLOG Basic Course Laverton, Vic Capturing Light in Watercolours Bathurst, NSW Challenges of Biotechnology Jakarta, Indonesia Collins Class—Level 2 Acquaint HMAS Stirling Competency Based Management Brisbane Competitive Tendering & Contract Management Sydney Computer Training Sydney Computer Training Melbourne Conference on Vocational Education & Training Adelaide Contamination Site Assessment Sydney Contract Management Sydney Corporate Intellectual Property Sydney Corporate Law Simplification Sydney Corrosion & Prevention 97 Brisbane Cost/Schedule Control Systems Atlanta, USA Creating Valuable Outcomes in the Public Sector Melbourne Cyber Security Sydney Decus World 96 Brisbane Defence Industry Business Workshop Adelaide Defence Intelligence Research and Analysis Course Canungra, Qld Defence Senior Management Course Mt Macedon, Vic Defence Senior Planning & Management Course Bowral, NSW Defence Strategic Communications Seminar Thredbo, NSW DEFMIS Operations Manager Course Sydney Delay in Contract Performance Sydney Design of Steel Buildings for Fire Safety Sydney Development Workshop Yass, NSW Digital Imaging Workshop Sydney DSB 2000 Seminar Queenscliff, Vic DSTO Mine Warfare Conference 1997 HMAS Waterhen Dynamics in ANYSYS Melbourne Education & Training of Professionals for the Maritime Industry Sydney Effective Leadership Skills for Modern Managers Sydney Effective Procurement and Management of Capital Facilities Sydney Ekranoplans & Very Fast Craft Sydney Electronic Business Summit Sydney Electronic Commerce EDI/EFT Electronic Gateways Sydney Electronic Communications Environment Sydney Electronic Design, Photoshop 3 Sydney Electronic Key Management Systems Texas, USA End to End Software Testing Sydney Energy Management Opportunities in Changing Energy Market Sydney Environmental Audit Workshop Sydney Environmental Law Seminar Sydney Environmental Management Systems Auditor Training course Sydney Environmental Outlook Conference Sydney Environmental Symposium 1997 Virginia, USA Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 289

Course Title Location ESAD Executive Recess Yass, NSW ESRI and URDAS Conference Fremantle, WA Ethics in the Public Service Brisbane Evaluating Training Effectiveness Sydney Evaluation: Equipping Communities and Government Adelaide Event Marketing and Management Sydney Executive Development Sydney Executive Development Program Melbourne Executive Development Workshop Batemans Bay, NSW FALCON Training Sydney FALCON Training Laverton, Vic Fatigue Design & Metal Structures & Components & Fatigue in Sydney Aluminium High Speed Craft Finance Course Newcastle Finance for Exports Sydney Finance Training Course Laverton, Vic Financial Analysis Certificate Sydney FMSS User Conference Auckland Force Development & Analysis Leadership Workshop Bungendore, NSW Forces Executive Development Workshop Bowral/Jindabyne, NSW From Management to Leadership: Making the New Public Service Melbourne Gartner Group IT Symposium Queensland Government Contracting Melbourne Government Contracting: Legal and Commercial Issues Melbourne Government Service Charters All You Want To Know Adelaide Graduate Program in Scientific Leadership Adelaide Graduate Program in Scientific Leadership Melbourne Hands on Strand 5.1 Melbourne How to Apply AS4390 Records Melbourne How to Deliver Business Strategy through HR Leadership Sydney How to Handle Difficult People Sydney How to Implement Family Friendly Measures in the Workplace Sydney How to Write a Successful Strategic Plan Sydney HQLC Finance Managers Course Laverton, Vic HQLC Logistic Managers Course Laverton, Vic HR in 1997—Key Issues Melbourne HRM Consulting Sydney Hydrogen Management in Steel Weldment Melbourne Imagery Training Canungra, Qld Implementing Cost Effective Business Cards Sydney Indexers Association Conference Sydney Indoor Air Quality Management Sydney Industrial and Organisation Psychology Conference Victoria Information Management Conference Sydney Information Online and Ondisc ‘97 Conference Sydney Information Privacy Conference Sydney Information Security Management Seminar Wellington, NZ Information Systems—Driving Radical Change Sydney Information Technology and Training Project Management Sydney Information Technology Workshop Sydney 290 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Course Title Location Intel Conference Brisbane Intellectual Property Rights in Asia Sydney Intelligent Buildings Beyond 2000 Sydney Internal Audit Masterclass Sydney International Aerospace Congress 97 Melbourne International Benchmarking Conference Sydney International Business & Offset in Emerging Asia Singapore International Conference on Software Engineering Boston, USA International Countermeasures Conference Baltimore, USA International Humanitarian Law Conference Melbourne International Quality and Productivity Sydney Internet Commerce Day Melbourne Internet Publishing Sydney Internet Security Brisbane Interpreting HR Information Sydney Interpreting Human Resource Information Melbourne Intranets ‘96 Conference Sydney Introduction to ANYSYS Melbourne Introduction to Database World Sydney Introduction to Defence Intelligence Course Canungra, Qld Introduction to Formal Development University of Queensland Introduction to Hazard & Risk Analysis Brisbane Introduction to Interleaf 5 & Book Catalogues Sydney Introduction to Interleaf 6—Managing Document Styles Sydney Introduction to Joint Warfare Melbourne Introduction to Joint Warfare Williamtown, NSW Introduction to Management Adelaide Introduction to Multisensor Data Fusion Adelaide Introduction to Performance and Operational Audits Brisbane Introduction to Performance and Operational Audits Sydney Introduction to Risk Analysis Sydney Investigation Processes and Management Wagga, NSW IPAA Conference Melbourne IRIX System Administration Melbourne ISO Conference Sydney IT Expo/Symposium Brisbane IT Expo/Symposium Gold Coast IT Outsourcing Sydney Java Programming Sydney Joint Maritime Tactical Course Melbourne Joint Maritime Tactical Course Newcastle Joint Warfare Seminar Melbourne Landcruiser & Loaded Trailer Driving Training Queanbeyan, NSW Language Training Melbourne Language Training Adelaide LANSA Concepts & Fundamentals Sydney Law of the Sea and EEZ Management Wollongong, NSW Leadership Course Sydney Lending Learning Melbourne Linkwest South Africa Program Sydney Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 291

Course Title Location Living & Working in Unfamiliar Cultures Sydney LOGENSPT Course Laverton, Vic Logistics Management Conference Sydney Looking Glass Course Brisbane Lotus Interchange Sydney Making Construction Projects Work Sydney Management Competence Workshop Brisbane Management of the Intelligence Staff Process Canungra, Qld Management Training Sydney Managerial Decision Making Sydney Managing and Staying On Top of All Projects Sydney Managing Information Technology Sydney Managing Intellectual Property & Technology Assets Melbourne Managing IT for Business Users Workshop Sydney Managing Outputs & Outcomes Melbourne Managing Quality Sydney Managing the Practicalities of Contaminated Land Sydney Marine Engineering Symposium HMAS Creswell Maritime Regulation and Enforcement Wollongong, NSW Market Research Society of Australia Conference Gold Coast Marketing Principles & Practice Sydney MBTI Accreditation Program Melbourne MBTI Course Melbourne Meeting the Energy Challenge Sydney Mentoring in Action—10 Learning Guides Melbourne Microstation Forum and Exhibition Sydney Microstation Seminar/Workshop Melbourne MILCOM 97 Monterey, California MINCOM 1997 User Group Conference Brisbane Mindware Interchange Melbourne Modern Industrial Control Short Course Newcastle Modern Information Technology Project Management Sydney Modern Radio Communications Sydney Module 2—Environmental Audit Workshop Sydney Monash 1996 Seminar Melbourne Multisensor Data Fusion Adelaide Munition Survivability for Force XXI Virginia, USA National Hazardous Waste Convention Sydney National Public Sector Accountants Conference Sydney National Trade & Investment Outlook Conference Melbourne National Utilities ITAB 3rd Annual Conference Sydney Natural Trade & Investment Conference Melbourne Navigation Rights Conference Wollongong, NSW Negotiating A Better Electricity Deal Sydney Negotiation Skills for Women Sydney Networking Expo Sydney Networld and Interoperability Sydney Nuclear Science and Engineering Conference Sydney Object World 96 Sydney Object World Australia Conference Sydney 292 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Course Title Location OOAD UML Training Brisbane Open VMS System & Management Course Melbourne Operational Test & Evaluation Adelaide Operations Training Seminar Bowral, NSW Oracle RDBMS SQL & SQL Plus Course Sydney Oracle World 96 Conference Sydney Ozone Protection Conference USA Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference Kyoto, Japan PC 97 Exhibition Sydney Performance Based Fire Safety Design Melbourne Performance Indicators Adelaide Performance Indicators/Program Evaluation Sydney Phased Implementation Sydney PNG Conference Sydney Positive Vetting Training Seminar Bowral, NSW Powerful Speech & Presentation Sydney Practical Solutions to Power Quality Problems Sydney Predictive & Preventative Maintenance through Machine Condi- Melbourne tioned Monitoring Preparing Content for all Publishing Sydney Principles of Test & Evaluation Adelaide Program Executive Seminar Bowral, NSW Project Management Sydney Project Management for Engineers Sydney Project Management Workshop Sydney Project Management Workshop Melbourne Project Management Workshop Adelaide Protective Security Conference Melbourne Purchasing and Materials Management Conference Sydney Putting the Talent to Work Melbourne Quality Council Seminar Sydney RAAF Reliability Management Course HMAS Cresswell Radar Fundamentals for EW Engineers Arlington, USA RAN Dockmasters Course HMAS Stirling RAN Environment & Energy Conference HMAS Stirling Records Management Conference Perth Re-Engineering Accounts Payable/Receivable Sydney Reliability Centred Maintenance Sydney Reliability Centred Maintenance II Sydney Reporting With Infomaker Sydney RMAA Convention Perth Sage-Au 4th National Conference Brisbane Sage—Au Conference 97 Melbourne SAMAP 97 Portsmouth, England SAS Users Group Australia Sydney SASP (Society of Australasian Social Psychologists) 1997 Wollongong, NSW Satellite Navigation Technology Conference Sydney Satellite Systems Course Simpson Barracks, Vic SCAN Training Melbourne SE—96 Symposium Melbourne Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 293

Course Title Location Security 97 ASIAL Conference Melbourne Security Australia 96 Conference Sydney Self Assessment & the Australian Quality Awards Sydney Seminar on Project Management Sydney Senior Officers Media Awareness Course Sydney SGML Asia 96 Pacific Conference Sydney Simpson Conference Brisbane Simulation Technology Conference Melbourne Small Publications Workshop Melbourne Small Publications Workshops Sydney Software Project Management Sydney Software Quality Sydney Software Review & Testing University of Queensland Software Test & Evaluation Adelaide Solaris Systems Administration Essentials Sydney Specialist Librarians Conference Perth Spillcon ‘96 Melbourne Staking Out a Future First Sydney Standards Licensing Melbourne Strategic Asset Management Sydney Strategic Human Resource Management Sydney Strategic Planning Melbourne Strategies for Disposal Brisbane Strategy & Intelligence Management Workshop Yass, NSW Stress Management for Women Sydney Structural Analysis & Design of Composite Boat Hulls Sydney Style Council Conference Sydney Successful Iterative Development Projects Sydney Successful User Documentation Sydney Successful User Documentation Auckland, NZ Successfully Partnering with Customers and Suppliers Sydney SUGA 97 Sydney Sum Specification Techniques—Advanced Brisbane Supervisors in Management Sydney Surface Mount 1996 Conference Melbourne Sybase Users Group Conference Sydney Synergy in Safety Sydney Systems Engineering Sydney Systems Engineering for Defence & Aerospace Melbourne Systems Engineering for Defence and Aerospace Conference Adelaide Systems Engineering Management Conference Sydney Systems Testing & Quality Assurance Techniques Melbourne Systems Testing & Quality Assurance Techniques Sydney Team Management Accreditation Brisbane Tech-Ed 97 Conference Melbourne Technical Conference Sydney Technical Training Sydney Technical Workshop Sydney Technical Writing Sydney Telecommunication Cabling Technique Melbourne 294 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Course Title Location Tender Evaluation Training Wagga, NSW Test and Evaluation Down Under WA Test Instrumentation Electronics Course SA The 1997 Australian Privacy Summit Sydney Third Annual Contracting Out Congress Sydney Time Manager Melbourne TOOLS Pacific 1996 Melbourne Total Contamination Control Melbourne Towards Integrated Management Systems Melbourne Training Workplace Assessors Sydney TRIM Users Forum Bowral, NSW TRIM Users Forum Mandurah, WA U-Cubed Spring 96 Conference Melbourne Undersea Defence Technology Conference Sydney Uniface Advance Applications Development Sydney Using CA/Open Road Brisbane Victorian Government Paccer Conference Melbourne Virtual Instrumentation Seminar Sydney Waste Tech Conference Melbourne Web Publishing and Design Sydney Windows NT 4.0 Installation & Implementation Sydney Winning Business in the Middle East Ocean Region Sydney Women, Management and Industrial Relations Sydney Workshop on Adhesive Bonding Brisbane World Class Maintenance Sydney Writing Competency Standards Sydney Writing Reports to Key People in Management Sydney Writing, Designing and Editing Newsletters Sydney Note: It has been difficult to collect comprehensive and accurate data as requested for two reasons: the data on training is not kept centrally or electronically, and the records were held under Defence’s pre- existing eight program structure, rather that the current fourteen program structure. The data provided is as accurate and complete as existing staff resources allow.

Department of Employment, Education, (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based public servants employed by the department have Training and Youth Affairs: Training or occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and Seminars (b) where has the training taken place. (Question No. 1028) Senator Ellison—The Minister for Employ- Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister ment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs representing the Minister for Employment, has provided the following answer to the Education, Training and Youth Affairs, upon honourable senator’s question: notice, on 5 December 1997: (a) and (b) Refer to the attached table. Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 295

Training and Seminars for Canberra Based DEETYA Staff 1 March 1996 to 17 December 1997 Activities Conducted by the Department

Title Dates Locations IMPACT 25 August 1996 Various locations Managers Making a Difference various dates Various locations Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 10 March 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 14 April 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 28 April 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 19 May 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 16 June 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 7 July 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 4 August 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 8 September 1996 Mt Eliza Mt Eliza 6 Day Residential 20 October 1996 Mt Eliza Outbound Focus 18 March 1996 Various locations Outbound Focus 15 April 1996 Various locations SES Strategic Framework Conference 28 July 1997 Bowral

occurred outside Canberra since 2 March 1996; and Attorney-General’s Department: Training (b) Where has the training taken place. or Seminars Senator Vanstone—The Attorney-General (Question No. 1029) has provided the following answer to the hon- ourable senator’s question: Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister (a) and (b) My Department has provided the representing the Attorney-General, upon following details of training courses and other notice, on 5 December 1997: seminars/conferences (excluding meetings) which were organised by this Department and held outside (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based Canberra for the period from 2 March 1996 to 5 public servants employed by the department have December 1997.

Course Title Location Building Professional Teams Workshop Sutton, Batemans Bay, Bungendore, Thredbo, Bowral,Wilton—all in NSW Business Development Workshop Sydney, Melbourne Professional Leadership Conference Wollongong Australian Government Solicitor Conference Sydney Registration and Accreditation Committee Forums Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney Senior Management Workshop Windsor, NSW Organisational Change/Business Planning Conference Bungendore, NSW Bankruptcy Conference Sydney

Department of Transport and Regional (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based public servants employed by the Department have Development: Training or Seminars occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and (Question No. 1030) (b) where has the training taken place? Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister Senator Alston—The Minister for Trans- representing the Minister for Transport and port and Regional Development has provided Regional Development, upon notice, on 5 the following answer to the honourable December 1997: senator’s question: 296 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Title of Seminar/Conference Location Drink Driving Recidivism Summit Adelaide Enhanced Safety of Vehicles Conference Melbourne Information Session on Road Vehicle Certification System Melbourne Industry familiarisation tour of Ansett operations Melbourne Seminar for the release of the National In-service Vehicle Emissions Study Sydney

Department of Immigration and This conference was attended by a broad range of public, private and community sector representa- Multicultural Affairs: Training or tives. Two Department of Immigration and Multi- Seminars cultural Affairs Canberra-based public servants (Question No. 1031) attended. Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister (b) The conference was held in Sydney, NSW. representing the Minister for Immigration and Department for Veterans’ Affairs: Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 5 Training or Seminars December 1997: (Question No. 1032) (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based public servants employed by the department have Senator Robert Ray asked the Minister for occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and Veterans’ Affairs, upon notice, on 5 Decem- (b) where has the training taken place. ber 1997: Senator Vanstone—The Minister for (a) What training or seminars for Canberra-based Immigration and Multicultural Affairs has public servants employed by the department have provided the following answer to the honour- occurred outside Canberra since March 1996; and (b) where has the training taken place. able senator’s question: (a) One conference was organised by the Port- Senator Newman—The Minister for folio: Bureau of Immigration and Population Veterans’ Affairs has provided the following Research Conference, 3-4 June 1996. answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Title of Training or Seminar Attended Location Today’s WANs & Using ATM Sydney 10th Quality Management Conference Melbourne From Management to Leadership Moss Vale Demystifying LANS Sydney Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Conference Sydney Effective Records Management & Document Handling Sydney Supporting Windows 95 Sydney Demystifying LANs Melbourne Microsoft Tech Ed 96 Brisbane Internetworking Combined Sydney 1996 AHRI Convention Sydney Fundamentals of LANS & Networks Melbourne APHA Casemix Conference Brisbane 1996 Help Desk Conference Gold Coast Advanced Executive Program Course Bowral Australian Quality Awards Case Study Seminar Sydney Electronic Document Management Sydney Internet for Planners Sydney Certificate 4 in Quality Management Sydney OH&S Management—Commitment & Action Sydney Casemix Study Sydney Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 297

Title of Training or Seminar Attended Location Dynamic Graphics Electronic Photoshop Sydney Introduction to Microsoft Visual Sydney Supporting SNA Server Sydney Auditing for Business Improvement Sydney Council of Remote Area Nurses Conference Dubbo Senior Executive Leadership Program Bowral Continuous Improvement Facilitator Training Melbourne Computer Management Group—Annual Conference Sydney Introduction to Object Technology Sydney AUUG Conference Melbourne APPC Concepts & Facilities Sydney Gartner Group Symposium Brisbane Help Desk Symposium Wollongong AEP Course Sydney PABX & Voice Networks Seminar Melbourne APBUG Conference Adelaide Understanding Anxiety Sydney PC Hardware Problem Solving Sydney CA Expo Brisbane QMF/SQL for End Users Sydney Internetworking Sydney ICS 140/160 Customer Admin Training Sydney International DB2 Users Group Conference Sydney ACOSM Conference Melbourne ICS 140/160 Customer Admin Training Sydney IPA/CAPAM Conference Melbourne Public Sector Contracting/Privatising Seminar Melbourne Strategic Management in the 90s & Beyond Sydney Contracting in Health Sydney Federal IR Reform Sydney DAMA Conference Melbourne Optivity 7 Sydney Programming in C in Windows NT Sydney Data Warehouse Seminar Sydney How to Write, Design & Edit Newsletters Sydney Supporting & Troubleshooting W95 Sydney Electronic Data Management Sydney Training Mastery Sydney COMPAQ Systems Technology Sydney COMPAQ NT Performance & Integration Sydney COMPAQ Systems Management Sydney TCP/IP Networks Sydney MIS 97 Australia Brisbane COMPAQ LAN Technologies Melbourne Communicating Effectively with HD Customers Melbourne Knowledge Management Forum Sydney Customer Satisfaction Study Tour Melbourne & Sydney Data Protection & Privacy Sydney MVS VSAM & ICF Categories for SYS Programmers Sydney Developing & Managing Performance Measures Sydney 298 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Title of Training or Seminar Attended Location Job & Career Transition Coach Training Melbourne Advances in Cancer Research USA Occupational Epidemiology Melbourne Complaints Handling Sydney Performance Reporting Conference Sydney Performance Measures for Government Sydney The new Workplace Relations Act Sydney Business Intelligence, ABN Sydney Microsoft Tech Ed 97 Melbourne Huron Object Star Conference Sydney Year 2000 Conference Sydney Managing Contractor Safety Melbourne NAS Workshop USA Dioxin 97 USA Council of Remote Area Nurses Conference Launceston Programming in Win NT 32 Bit environment Sydney Delphi 3/Client Server Fundamentals Sydney Second Aust Conference on Industrial Statistics Melbourne Public Health Conference Melbourne Making Workplace Innovation & Tech Change Sydney Callcentres—Increasing Customer Satisfaction Sydney APBUG Conference Gold Coast TCP/IP Networking Sydney Balanced Scorecard Workshop Sydney Information Mapping—Reports & Proposals Melbourne Neuro Linguistic Programming Sydney Contracting in Health Sydney Oracle Openworld Melbourne Gentia Software, Balanced Scorecard Sydney Tender Evaluation Sydney Contracting in Health Sydney National Casemix Conference Brisbane Internet IBM Sydney Electronic Forms Sydney Strategically Oriented Management and Planning (OECD) France Creating Valuable Outcomes in the Public Sector Melbourne AQC Benchmarking Study Tour—Communications Sydney AQC Benchmarking Study Tour—Leadership Melbourne CI Facilitator Training Brisbane Certificate 4 in Quality Management Sydney Australasian Evaluation Society Conference Adelaide Corporate Security & Protection Conference Sydney AQC teams Conference Brisbane Council of Remote Area Nurses Conference Dubbo Council of Remote Area Nurses Conference Launceston Tender Evaluation Course Sydney Internet Course Sydney Contracting in Health Conference Sydney Australian Podiatry Conference Melbourne APOFA AGM Sydney Tuesday, 3 March 1998 SENATE 299

Title of Training or Seminar Attended Location Rehabtech Limb Administrators Conference Melbourne The Millenium Compliance Testing and Complete Test Management Sydney Seminars Electronic Forms Training/Seminar Sydney 1997 World Congress of Gerontology Adelaide Australian Association of Gerontology National Conference Hobart Alzheimers Association of Australia 6th National Conference Hobart The Practical Prostate, Community Awareness and Professional Day Adelaide National Physical Activity & Health Conference Melbourne 9th Australian Association of Health Promotion Practitioners Con- Darwin ference Women: Living Well into the 21st Century Conference Newcastle World Congress on Psychosomatic Medicine Cairns 2nd National Men’s Health Conference Fremantle Qualitative Methods in Health Promotion Research & Evaluation Sydney Intensive Bioethics Course Mt Buffalo SUGA97 Sydney Casemix Study Sydney Financial Management Information Systems Sydney Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants National Public Sydney Sector Conference Leadership workshop Woodend

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT simplification to portray any perceived cost to revenue from the Telstra float as an overall net loss NOTICE to revenue. Telstra Sale Importation of Cooked Chicken Meat Senator Allison asked the Minister repre- Senator Woodley asked the then Minister senting the Treasurer, without notice, on 27 representing the Attorney-General, a question October 1997 (Official Hansard page 8058): without notice (Official Senate Hansard page Has your government assessed the impact on No. 7481), on 2 October 1997: taxation on revenue of the Telstra float. The Minister took on notice that question and a Senator Kemp—The Treasurer has provid- supplementary question asked following the ed the following information in response to Minister’s response to the original question. the honourable senator’s question: The question related to the accuracy of testing by The various financing schemes being marketed AQIS of cooked chicken meat imports for New- to potential purchasers of Telstra shares represent castle disease and other bird viruses and the role of fairly standard opportunities available to any the Attorney-General and his department in assess- investor regardless of whether they are investing in ing the risk of legal liability arising from that test. a privatised Government Business Enterprise or a Senator Vanstone—The Attorney-General private corporation. has provided the following answer to the The overall impact on taxation revenue depends honourable senator’s question: on the totality of investor behaviour both with respect to Telstra shares as well as other invest- (1) I am informed that no record has been able ments. It would not be possible to track with any to be found in the Attorney-General’s Department degree of confidence all of the actions of private that nay officer of the department has checked and institutional investors who may participate in AQIS reports on testing of cooked chicken imports the Telstra sale. For example, for some investors, to ensure that they are accurate. investing in Telstra could involve liquidating other (2) Generally, such a task would n to be done investments which would make them liable to within the Attorney-General’s Department unless capital gains tax. Therefore, it would be a gross the Commonwealth agency concerned asked the 300 SENATE Tuesday, 3 March 1998

Attorney-General’s Department (including the borne in mind, in that connection, that since 1 July Australian Government Solicitor) to give legal 1992 the provision of legal services by the Attor- advice on issues to which the question of the ney-General’s Department Legal Practice has oper- accuracy of such tests was relevant. ated on a user pays basis and, accordingly, it is (3) While the Attorney-General is concerned to properly a matter for the responsible agency to minimise any exposure of the Commonwealth and determine whether legal services are required. its agencies to any legal liability sounding in damages or other relief, it is not part of the normal (4) Should there be a request from the respon- functions of his department to check, without sible Minister or agency, the Australian Govern- request, processes and procedures for which other ment Solicitor is available to provide advice departments and agencies are responsible, in an concerning potential liability that may be related to endeavour to minimise legal liability. It needs to be the testing of chicken meat imports.