Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 11 AUGUST 1966

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

122 Ways and Means [ASSEMBLY] Questions

THURSDAY, 11 AUGUST, 1966

MR. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

MEMBER SWORN MR. w. M. EWAN Mr. William Manson Ewan, having taken the oath of allegiance and subscribed the roll, took his seat as member for the electoral district of Roma.

APPROPRIATION BILL No. 1

AssENT REPORTED BY MR. SPEAKER

QUESTIONS

BEEF ROADS SCHEME Mr. Duggan, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- ( 1) How much has been spent since 1960-61 on the construction of roads under the Beef Roads Scheme from (a) State funds and (b) Commonwealth funds? (2) What proportion of such road building has been carried out by (a) con­ tractors and (b) the Main Roads Depart­ ment? (3) Have any contracting firms defaulted on their contracts and, if so, how many? ( 4) What are the reasons for any such contract defaults? Answers:- ( I) "(a) $2,132,448 as at July 31, 1966. (b) $16,225,262 as at July 31, 1966. Total $18,357,710." (2) "Most of the road building has been done by contractors. Proportions are-(a) Contractors, 83 per cent.; (b) Main Roads Department, 17 per cent." Questions (11 AUGUST] Questions 123

( 3) "Yes, two. One, a contmctor from they make it known that they are desirous New South Wales, was declared bankrupt of obtaining a licence to drive a truck for in that State before he had made a real the purposes of employment." start on the job. He had previously carried out another contract successfully on the same beef mad. One, because of losses, came to an agreement with the (b) Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked Commissioner of Main Roads to have the The Minister for Education,- contract determined. The work is being ( 1) What is the average waiting time completed by day labour using the con­ from time of application to time of test tractor's equipment and operators on a for a car driving licence? hire basis. This work is approaching com­ pletion." (2) What is the average number of (a) tests per day, (b) failures per day and (c) ( 4) " (a) Lack of appreciation of the tests per applicant before finally passing? difficulties in the beef road areas when tendering. (b) Lack of road building know­ ledge and experience required in such Answers:- areas." (1 ) "In so far as the License Issuing Centre, Kemp Place, Brisbane, is concerned SALVAGE CoLLECTIONs -ten to twelve days." Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The ( 2) " (a) In so far as the License Issuing Minister for Education,- Centre, Kemp Place, Brisbane, is concerned Wii! he investigate the present nuisance -120. (b) In so far as the License being experienced by householders by Issuing Centre, Kemp Place, Brisbane, is salvage collectors collecting clothing under concerned-49. (c) The avemge number the guise of assisting charitable organisa­ of tests per applicant for a Driver's Licence tions, when in fact, it is being continually before a Driver's Licence is issued is reported that the articles of clothing are not given to the charitable organisations unknown. This figure could not be ascer­ but are sold for profit? tained without research. Many applicants secure a Driver's Licence after one test Answer:- only, whilst some secure a Driver's Licence "A check of records at the Criminal after a second test, and yet others undergo Investigation Branch, Brisbane, has revealed several tests before it is considered that that only seven complaints in relation to they have reached the ~tandard justifying the activity of salvage collectors over the the issue of a Driver's Licence." period 1953 to date have been received. All these complaints have been made the subject of immediate Police investigation. WoNDALL RoAD STATE ScHOOL The investigations did not result in any person being charged with any offence. If Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The the Honourable Member has any particular Minister for Education,- matter in mind and sees fit to raise the When will the new State primary school matter with me, I will cause it to be at Wondall road, Manly West, be opened investigated immediately." for the intake of pupils?

Answer:- TESTS FOR DRIVERS' LICENCES "It is expected that the school will be (a) Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked opened on Monday, September 12, 1966." The Minister for Education,- In view of the fact that learner-drivers and other people requiring tests for licences BOOKLET ON LEGAL AID for vehicles have to wait for weeks to be Mr. Newton, pursuant to notice, asked The tested in the metropolitan area, what other Minister for Justice,- action is being taken by his Department apart from other testing centres being built As legal aid has been introduced to overcome these delays, particularly in under the Legal Assistance Act, will relation to drivers requiring tests for truck­ he consider issuing a hand booklet or driving to fill vacancies in employment? brochure explaining the entitlement under the scheme to interested organisations and Answer:- the public generally? "The waiting time between the date of appointment and the actual date of test at Answer:- the License Issuing Centre, Kemp Place, "It is proposed when reprinting the Brisbane, is approximately .ten to twelve handbook outlining the services provided days. Persons requiring tests for licences by the Department of Justice and its to drive trucks are given such tests within associated Sub-Departments to include a approximately twenty-four hours of their comprehensive section dealing with the request for a test in circumstances where Legal Assistance Act." 124 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL ( 3) As a result of these visits, how many IN BURDEKIN ELECTORATE vehicles were checked each month and how Mr. Cobum, pursuant to notice, asked The many of these were condemned? Minister for Industrial Development,- ( 1) Has his Department carried out a Answers:- survey to ascertain the potential for indus­ ( I) "This information is not readily trial development in towns and districts available, but it is estimated that the within the Burdekin Electorate? number exceeds 200." (2) If so, what industries will be recommended by his Department to pros­ (2) "January, 9; February, 12; March, pective investors as the best prospect for 15; April, 10; May, 8; June, 11." successful investment in industrial under­ (3) takings within the Electorate? Minor "Inspected Unsafe Repairs Answer:- January 87 15 33 (1 and 2) "The Department of Industrial February 116 21 42 Development is, of course, not con­ 10 47 cerned with electoral boundaries. It March 118 is, however, keenly interested in regional April 91 19 28 development. Broadly speaking, the May 79 12 36 aim of the Department is to increase June 80 11 28" the industrialisation of the State as a whole. A series of studies of particular EXAMINATION OF ToWNSVILLE WATER commodities which could conceivably be SUPPLY produced in Queensland is currently being ~ndertaken. In documenting its findings Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The m respect of these cases, the Department Minister for Health,- does not seek to direct an industrialist to ( 1) Do officers of the State Health any particular area. The location and Department make tests of the reticulated extent of raw materials, the availability water supplied to the people of Townsville of water and power, harbour faciliHes and and, if so, when and how are such tests such like are dealt with on a purely factual made and with what result? basis. It is then left to the industrialist to (2) If no such tests are made by the determine, in the light of the overall Department are any made by any other economics of the project, where such a authority and, if so, are they checked in plant should be established. The Honour­ any way by the State Health Department? able Member can rest assured {hat in these exercises tire undoubted opportunity which ( 3) If any tests are made by any exists for further capital investment in authority, do such tests embrace the fitness North Queensland is given full weight by of the water for human consumption, the the Department." animal, mineral, and vegetable content and the odour of the water?

COMPLAINTS OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES IN Answer:- BULIMBA, BALMORAL, AND HAWTHORNE DISTRICTS ( 1 to 3) "Bacteriological examina­ tion of water from the reticulated water Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice asked supply of Townsville is carried out by The Minister for Education,- ' the Laboratory of Microbiology and How many complaints of (a) breaking Pathology of tire Health Department and and entering, (b) attacks on the person, chemical analysis by the Government (c) damage to property and (d) other Chemical Laboratory. Samples for nature, have been referred to the police bacteriological examination were submitted from the Bulimba, Balmoral and Haw­ on January 6, February 17, March 10, and thorne districts for the twelve months ended May 12 of this year, and the Townsville June, 1966? City Council applied for further bacterio­ logical and chemical sample bottles early Answer:- this month. In addition, four to five "(a) 42. (b) 9. (c) 17. (d) 157." samples are examined bacteriologically each week by the Commonwealth Health Laboratory, Townsville. In all instances INSPECTION OF VEHICLES IN USED-CAR the water, which is chlorinated, was found YARDS, BRISBANE to be suitable for human consumption. The Mr. Houston, pursuant to notice, asked second type of analysis, chemical analysis, The Minister for Labour and Tourism,- which is carried out by the Government (1) How many used-car yards are there Chemical Laboratory indicates any animal, in the Brisbane metropolitan area? mineral, and vegetable content, and the type of odour of the water when present. (2) How many have been visited each Samples of bore water from Anderson month during the six months ended June, Park and Farrar Street have been 1966? chemically examined and found to be fit Questions [11 AUGUST) Questions 125

for human consumption from a chemical of the Railway Workshops at Willowburn point of view. Water from these sources there has been a lowering of morale is chlorinated and then fed into the amongst the employees? reticulated system. The reticulated water was last examined chemically in August, (2) How many employees have tendered 1965." their resignations from positions at the Willowburn Workshops since the carriage­ building section was eliminated there? OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS Mr. Melloy, pursuant to notice, asked The Answers:- Minister for Education,- ( 1) "This decision has not lowered the ( 1) What is the number of opportunity morale of employees at the Willowburn schools in (a) the metropolitan area and Workshops. As a matter of fact, there is (b) the remainder of the State? evidence among employees generally of (2) How many pupils are enrolled at improved morale following announcements each of these schools? that the Railway Department is modernising its services, as it is realised (3) What is the number and classifica­ tion of staff at these schools? that a determined effort is being made to secure a fair share of business in a Answers:- very competitive field." ( 1) "There are eight opportunity (2) "Four employees associated with the schools in the metropolitan area and carriage-building section of the Willowburn eleven in areas outside Brisbane." Workshops tendered their resignations but (2) "The number of pupils enrolled at one was subsequently re-employed at his each opportunity school is- trade of carriage-painter at the Ipswich Metropolitan Railway Workshops. The other three .employees, although offered alternative Baroona 168 employment as tradesmen, declined the Buranda 44 offer." Darling Point 83 Dutton Park 168 Greenslopes 78 GRADUATE TEACHERS IN STATE SCHOOLS Newstead 126 Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked Sandgate 105 The Minister for Education,- Windsor 79 ( 1) How many graduate teachers were admitted to the Education Department at 851 the commencement of the current school year? Country Bundaberg 59 (2) How many graduate teachers have resigned from the Education Department Cairns 60 since the commencement of the current Gold Coast 41 school year? Gympie 40 Ipswich 104 (3) How many graduate teachers have given as their reason for resignation the Mackay 63 fact that they have accepted or will accept Maryborough 38 teaching positions in Canada? Redcliffe 63 Rockhampton 80 Answers:- Toowoomba 82 (1) "Fifty-six graduate teachers were Townsville 107 admitted to the Education Department at the commencement of the current year. 737" Twenty-four graduate teachers have been admitted to the Education Department (3) 'There are 86 teachers employed since that time." in opportunHy schools, whose classifica­ (2) "Forty-three graduate teachers have tions range from I.l to Teacher on resigned from the Education Department probation. Teacher-pupil ratio is 1 : 18.5." since the commencement of the current school year."

MORALE OF EMPLOYEES AT WILLOWBURN (3) "Three graduate teachers have given RAILWAY WoRKSHOPs as their reason for resignation the fact that they have accepted, or will accept, Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked teaching positions in Canada. At the same The Minister for Transport,- time three graduate teachers from Canada ( 1) Is he aware that following the have been admHted to the Education removal of carriage-building as a section Department this year." 126 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

UNIVERSITY COURSES FOR TEACHERS IN Answer:- OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS (1 to 4) "Overseas shipping is primarily Mr. P. Wood, pursuant to notice, asked a matter for Commonwealth Authorities. The Minister for Education,- The question of rationalization of ports ( 1) How many Queensland teachers of call in Queensland is closely tied have attended or are attending this year up with the present dispute regarding special courses at the University of Queens­ increases in overseas freight rates. It is land for teachers in opportunity schools? argued by the shipping companies that, related to the present possibilities of bulk (2) How many Queensland teachers will handling, it may well be that overland be given the opportunity to attend similar movement of goods to central poPts £or courses next year? export could be economically justified (3) Is it desirable that all teachers in in relation to savings in shipping freights Queensland opportunity schools be given thereby made possible. It is understood such specialist training? this matter is in the proposal stage only. ( 4) How many teachers from other The Australian Meat Board is playing a States have attended or are attending this very active and positive role in both the year the special courses at the University question of freight rates and of the of Queensland? rationalization proposal in specific relation to the effect on meat exports. The State Answers:- Government is watching very closely (1) "Forty-three Departmental teachers developments in these ma;tters, as it could from Queensland have attended the affect our grain and other primary Diagnostic Testing and Remedial Teaching industries." Course at the Remedial Education Centre, University of Queensland, since its incep­ DRAINAGE, BONES KNOB AREA tion fourteen years ago. Three have attended this year." Mr. Wallis-Smith, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (2) "It is anticipated that .three De~art­ mental teachers will agam be given In view of the fact that the success of the opportunity to attend the course next the soil conservation scheme for Bones year." Knob area depends on the enlargement of the culvert under the Tolga-Kairi railway (3) "It is not considered desirable that line, when will this work be commenced all teachers in Queensland opportunity and will it be completed before the onset schools should attend the Diagnostic of the wet season? Testing and Remedial Teaching Course since in-service specialist training can also Answer:- be given, and is being given, in additional ways." "The provision of additional drainage under the Tolga-Kairi section of railway (4) "Fifty-four Departmental teachers is associated with the implementation of a from other States have attended the soil conservation and drainage scheme, course since its inception. This is the responsibility for the financing of which only such University course available in is accepted by an authority other than Austrulia. Teachers from all States, from the Railway Department. A decision as to New Zealand, from New Guinea and the when the insertion of the drainage in other Territories also attend." question will be commenced is accordingly not one for the latter Department." BEEF-LOADING PORTS Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- SEED TESTING IN NORTH QUEENSLAND ( 1) Is he aware of any programme of Mr. Wallis.Smith, pursuant to notice, rationalization being applied with possible asked The Minister for Primary Industries,- discontinuance of meat exports from some In view of the expansion of the seed ports in Queensland? industry in North Queensland and the (2) Has he knowledge of any proposals delay often experienced in having seed from shipping authorities suggesting that tested and certified, will he consider the the number of ports in Queensland at provision of a seed testing department at which ships might call be reduced to three? either Walkamin or Kairi Research Stations or, if this is not possible, will (3) Is there any serious threat of the he provide for more personnel and equip­ discontinuance of meat exports from Cairns, ment so that the present inconvenience thereby placing Cairns' meat exporting and delay can be overcome? future in jeopardy? ( 4) If so, wili he give assurances to allay Answer:- grave concern and fears expressed at such "In order to establish seed testing proposals and make overtures to the Com­ facilities in North Queensland specialised monwealth Minister for Trade to prevent equipment and trained personnel would be any reduction of ports of caH for beef­ required. These are not available at loading in Queensland? present but the position is being Questions [11 AUGUST} Questions 127

investigated. Some delays are presently Answers:- occurring in completing seed tests at the (1 and 2) "Wagons have not been B~isbal!e labora:tory. These delays are delayed awaiting the return of fittings sent pnmanly due to a heavy intake of samples to Townsville. Two small sheep wagons at this time of year coupled with recent and one large sheep wagon, which wagons staff losses. Action is being taken to over­ were severely damaged in a derailment at come the problem as far as is practicable Homestead, are held on hand at Charters with the resources available." Towers. There is an urgent demand for wagons for the carriage of cattle, sugar DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATER, MITCHELL cane and general goods and the work of RIVER MISSION repair is being concentrated on those Mr. Wallis-Smitb, pursuant to notice, classes of rollingstock." asked The Minister for Education,- ( 3) "See Answer to ( 1 and 2) . There In view of the decision of the Govern­ is no indifference on the part of the loco­ ment to relieve the Church of the responsi­ motive engineer or any other officer of bility of Mitchell River and Edward River the Railway Department in this matter." Missions and the fact that a town water supply has been implemented at Mitchell River, will he take the necessary action C.I.B. STAFF, TOWNSVILLE to provide for the permanent disposal of Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The all waste water and so guard against the Minister for Education,- possibility of any outbreak of sickness due to fly-borne infection? ( 1) What was the number of staff employed at the Criminal Investigation Answer:- Branch, Police Department, Townsville, as "As was conveyed you by letter from at June 30, 1964 and how many of these my colleague the Minister for Works on were classified as senior detectives? August 1 last, it is a matter for the Mission (2) How many are presently employed authorities to arrange for the installation of grease traps to the kitchen wastes and at the Branch and what is the present arrange for suitable soakage trenches for number of senior detectives? wastes from the kitchens and bathrooms Answers:- at Mitchell River community. During the cours·e of the contract, one house was (1) "Three non-commissioned officers treated as a demonstration unit to ensure and twelve detectives and plain clothes local administration was fully aware of constables." necessary requirements and illustrate how (2) "Three non-commissioned officers individual house occupants could put down and eleven detectives and plain clothes their absorption trench or pit. It is con­ constables. There are also two vacancies sidered that local forces could adequately provide for the needs of each of the homes for constables which will be filled in the they occupy. When the material administra­ near future." tion of the community is transferred to and becomes a State responsibility the situation TOILET FACILITIES AT ToWNSVILLE will, of course, be reviewed." FisH BoARD Mr. Tucker, pursuant to notice, asked The DELAYS IN RAILWAY WAGON REP AIRS, Minister for Labour and Tourism,- CHARTERS TOWERS ( 1) Is it the responsibility of the Fish Mr. Lonergan, pursuant to notice, asked Board to provide toilet facilities for fisher­ The Minister for Transport,- men, their families and their assistants, ( 1) Is he aware that as a result of the who supply the Townsville Fish Board? locomotive engineer'·s decision not to advertise the vacancy for a blacksmith at (2) If so, are the present facilities con­ Charters Towers, wagons have been delayed sidered to be adequate and efficient? for lengthy periods awaiting the return of fittings that had been sent to Townsville Answers:­ for repair? (1) "No." (2) Is he also aware that at the present time there are wagons in the wagon shop (2) "See Answer to ( 1) ." at Charters Towers which have been there for weeks, one wagon since July 7, awaiting the return of fittings from Townsville? FREE OPTICAL SERVICES TO PENSIONERS ( 3) Will he take the necessary action to overcome these unnecessary delays to Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked rollings;tock and the apparent indifference The Minister for Health,- of the locomotive engineer in the matter, What arrangements are in operation with as such delays are not in the best interests regard to the supplying of free optical of the Department and the people who services through the Department of Health patronise the Railways? to recipients of social service payments? 128 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Answer:- NETTING LICENCES FOR AMATEUR "The Mackay Hospitals Board Secretary FISHERMEN has advised that the current contract Mr. Harris, pursuant to notice, asked The between the Board and local optometrists Treasurer,- provides for the free issue of spectacles to Has reconsideration been given to age and invalid pensioners and indigent a previous decision to eliminate amateur persons only. Recipients of social service netting licences with a view to allowing payments would be entitled to a free issue these fishermen to operate at certain of spectacles under the contract if they restricted times of the year? came within these categories." Answer:- "I have not had the opportunity to IRRIGATION LICENCES, PIONEER RIVER fully consider this matter. I understand Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked that the thinking behind the present policy The Minister for Local Government,- is that to exploit our limited estuarine How many irrigation licences are in fisheries to the best advantage, we should operation using the Pioneer River as the pursue a policy of netting for commerce source of supply (a) above the Marian and angling Jior sport. This policy is Weir and (b) below that weir? aimed at encouraging investment in a better equipped commercial fishing fleet, and in tourism, respectively. I propose Answer:- to give the matter some further thought ( a) "25 licences (including 11 on the when opportunity arises." Weir storage). (b) 17 licences."

DRIVERS' LICENCE TESTING CENTRE, MACKA Y OUTER HARBOUR ROAD COORPAROO Mr. Graham, pursuant to notice, asked Mr. Bromley, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- The Minister for Education,- ( 1) Is provision being made for the ( 1) When is it anticipated that the new widening of the roadway from the Pioneer drivers' licence testing centre at Coorparoo River to the Mackay Outer Harbour? will be opened? (2) If this work is to be undertaken, (2) In view of its close proximity to who will be the constructing authority and the Coorparoo High School, will a police­ when will the work be started? man be on duty when testing is taking place during the morning and afternoon Answers:- periods when children are going to or (1) "Yes, of the Main Roads section." coming from sohool? (3) Because of the very heavy peak-hour (2) "(a) Not fully decided. (b) Depends traffic and the hold-ups that occur at this on finalisation of right of way details." time, particularly when trains are pro­ ceeding over the level crossings, has any thought been given to the hours when LEJCHHARDT STREET STATE SCHOOL, testing will take place? BRISBANE Mr. Mann, pursuant to notice, asked The Answers:- Minister for Education,- ( 1) "When certain access work to the ( 1) Has his Department received a property is completed. This is being under­ request from the Parents and Citizens taken by the Brisbane City Council." Committee of the Leichhardt Street School, (2) "At the present time a member of North Brisbane to keep the school open? the Police Force performs duty at the Coorparoo High School from 7.30 a.m. to (2) Has a Departmental enquiry been 8.45 a.m. each school day. Traffic condi­ conducted into the advisability of keeping tions here during the afternoon period the school open? when pupils are leaving the school do not warrant a member of the Police Force (3) Is it the intention of the Govern­ performing duty during this afternoon ment to keep the school open for the period. No decision has been made to education of the children living in the area? alter the present arrangements, but when the licence testing centre at Coorparoo is opened the general position then Answers:­ prevailing will be examined." (1) "Yes." (3) "The hours of testing at the Coor­ (2) "Yes." paroo Testing Centre have been given consideration and the hours being con­ (3) "It has been decided to allow the sidered at the present time for testing are school to continue until the end of 1967 from 8.45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to when the situation will again be examined." Friday." Address in Reply [11 AUGUST] Address in Reply 129

SANDGATE MEDICAL CLINIC will make a good impression upon the people Mr. Dean, pursuant to notice, asked The of this State. He has already visited my Minister for Health,- electorate, and his visit was greatly appre­ In view of the increased demand for ciated. As I say, I sincerely hope that his medical attention at the Sandgate medical term of office will be a very happy and clinic, will he consider increasing the num­ rewarding one. ber of days on which it is open to the I take the opportunity also to reaffirm the public? loyalty of the people of Burnett, and of myself, to Her Majesty. Answer:- I congratulate those hon. members who "The General Medical Superintendent have entered Parliament for the first time this of the Royal Brisbane Hospital has advised session. I hope their stay will be a pleasant that the medical team can adequately one and be of benefit not only to themselves handle the patient demand at the Sandgate but to those they represent. I respect the Medical Clinic on the two days each week right of electors to choose their own repre­ it is visited. I would mention that when sentatives in this Parliament, and I am sure the Redcliffe Clinic closed following the that those who have been elected will make opening of the new Redcliffe Hospital on a valuable contribution to the welfare of our July 1 last year an extra half day was great State. allocated to the Sandgate Clinic." I thank the electors of Burnett for re­ electing me as their representative. In doing PAPERS so, I wish to comment on remarks made by The following paper was laid on the the Leader of the Opposition yesterday when table, and ordered to be printed:- he was rather critical of the fact that the Report of the Literature Board of Review Country Party held 27 seats although it for the year 1965-66. represented, according to him, only a small percentage of the electors of Queensland. The following paper was laid on the table:- The fact that we do represent country electorates is, to my mind, a good reason for Order in Council under The Southern having greater representation in this Parlia­ Electric Authority of Queensland Acts, ment. After all, the country electorates are 1952 to 1964. sparsely populated and the people in them represent the pioneering section of the com­ ORDER IN CHAMBER DURING munity; they comprise primary producers, QUESTION TIME small business people, and workers as well. In fact, they comprise a very representative Mr. SPEAKER: Order! There is too much cross-section of the community which does audible conversation on my right. For the not enjoy the best of amenities and services. benefit of new members, and older members who may have forgotten it, it is a rule of People living in city electorates enjoy all mine that during question time, when notices the benefits of transport, electricity, and other of questions and answers to questions are services, which are readily available on their being given, I require strict silence. If other doorsteps. People in country areas are not hon. members do not desire to hear the so fortunate. It is therefore essential that questions, Ministers do. Similarly, although they should be very well represented; that some hon. members may not wish to hear the they have not only quality of representation answers to specific questions, the persons in this House but the numbers as well. Prior who ask them do. I therefore ask all hon. to the accession of this Government to office members to please allow others to hear the very little was done for country electorates. questions and answers. Mr. O'Donnell: You know you are talk­ ing rubbish. ADDRESS IN REPLY Mr. WHARTON: The hon. member for RESUMPTION OF DEBATE Barcoo would not appreciate that in the years Debate resumed from 9 August (see p. we have been the Government every country 76) on Mr. E. G. W. Wood's motion for electorate has developed and progressed­ the adoption of the Address in Reply. there is no question about that-and in developing country electorates we develop Mr. WHARTON (Burnett) (11.34 a.m.): the State generally. Then, as the State is In speaking to the motion, I wish first to part and parcel of the Commonwealth, we congratulate His Excellency the Governor, are contributing to progress on a national Sir Alan Mansfield, upon his Opening Speech basis. and also upon his appointment as Governor The Leader of the Opposition tried to of the State. I hope that his term of office make political capital of the fact that the will be a happy and rewarding one both for A.L.P. obtains a greater number of votes himself and for Queensland. than other parties and should therefore have We have been very fortunate in obtaining a greater number of members. He said also the services of such excellent people to that the Country Party was losing some of represent our Queen. I know that Sir Alan its support. Be that as it may, we are 5 130 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply retaining our numbers and are still doing a don't eat it at home now,' he said. Mr. S. great job, not only for the electorates that Davis (for the union) was seeking an $8 return us, but for the State generally. a week wage rise for up to 150 Inter­ It is amusing to me to hear the Leader continental Packers Pty. Ltd. male of the Opposition say that the Country Party employees." is fading out. I know that in the electorate That is typical of what is happening to our that I represent-and it reflects the senti­ great primary industries today. These men ments of the whole of the community-we say they can no longer buy bacon, but they are regarded as a national par,y, an Aus­ want another $8 a week so that they may tralian party. We believe in a balance of never be able to buy it again, as it is progress-a fair sharing of the wealth for obvious that the end result must be a further everybody-not sectional progress. ri-se in bacon prices. Mr. MeHoy: We represent people; you These problems are common to all represent p~,ddocks. primary industries. When the sugar industry received a very good return for its product Mr. WHARTON: If you did not have the the unions sought a £2 a week increase. The paddocks you would not have the people industry granted it because its prosperity here. We represent quality. warranted it. However, when that pros­ I would not have said these things but perity came to an end the unions did not for the comments of the Leader of the hand back the £2; it remained as a per­ Opposition in his endeavour to condemn manent part of the wage. our party. It is necessary to get things in Mr. Melloy: Did you hand back the good their proper perspective. All I ask for is prices you got? '' fair sharing and balanced progress for everybody. Mr. WHARTON: No; but they did not There was an intense feeling of depression last, did they? The wage rise and its costs in the Chamber yesterday during the Supply remained. dcb::.te. We have to look at both sides of The sugar industry is in difficulties because the State's financial picture. Certainly we the price is virtually pegged. The farmers have lost on one side. Many farmers have are in a terrible plight. come out of the drought with large over­ Mr. Th:u:l,eray: Where are these pegged drafts. However, on the other side progress prices? Tell us something about them. All has been made because of the assets that you are doing is grunting. have been built up. There is no question that the State has progressed. The depressed Mr. WHARTON: I refer the hon. member attitude of so many electoral representatives to the price- paid for sugar. is an indirect result of the drought through the loss of spending power on the part of Mr. Thackeray: A minute ago you referred the primary producers. In any town or city to bacon. depression is obvious because of the lack of Mr. WHARTON: Over the years the price '::ending power on the part of primary of sugar has not been increased generally to producers. consumers. In many other industries, too, I wish to refer to the sugar growers, the the returns to the farmer have not increased dairymen, the citrus growers, the vegetable in line with wage increases and other costs growers and other primary producers who borne by the primary producer. He is on have to market their commodities. The the worst end of the stick; he cannot Government has done a great deal to stabi­ recover his costs. lise primary industries but the primary pro­ I have a word or two of commendation ducers are facing ever-rising costs. Prices for the hon. member for Bundaberg in what in the sugar industry and many other he said yesterday about the farmers in his primary industries, have been pegged. In area. Their great problem is a lack of some instances the primary producers have money. to accept the price they can obtain for their product on the open market. Unfortunately, Mr. Dewar: I have the same trouble. many of the difficulties of the man on the Mr. WHARTON: Haven't we all? land have arisen out of wage increases. Do not let it be thought that I am opposed to The measures applied by the Government reasonable wages for the working man. in granting drought relief assistance and loans have been very helpful and I com­ Mr. Tucker: Turn your volume up; we mend the Government for them. But still cannot hear you. the great need is money. Farmers' returns are derived from the sale of their produce, Mr. SPEAKER: Order! If hon. members and obviously if they cannot get an adequate on my left did not talk so much they might return for what they produce there is not be able to hear the hon. member for Burnett. much chance of their getting a loan. The Mr. WHARTON: I draw attention to the other types of assistance help for only a following article in "The Courier-Mail"- very short time. " 'Prices of bacon have galloped away,' I place on record my appreciation of the a Meat Union advocate told State Indus­ Government's attitude in approaching the trial Commissioner Tait yesterday. 'We Commonwealth Government for more Address in Reply [11 AUGUST) Address in Reply 131 money for our great sugar industry. It is Mr. Thackeray: Who was the sitting a shame that in my electorate this industry member? has had to suffer so badly because of the prevailing low price and the effects of the Mr. WHARTON: Doesn't the hon. mem­ drought. At present I am speaking mainly ber know his geography or history? of the low price, about which I am particularly concerned. Mr. Thackeray: In the State House. I turn now to some of the other industries Mr. WHARTON: I am talking about in my area and I will speak first about the Dawson and Wide Bay. Those two elec­ dairying industry. As with other industries, torates are represented by two Federal it has not had price rises in keeping with A.L.P. members, and they have achieved the increase in costs. absolutely nothing for the people they repre­ Mr. Davies: Whom do you blame for that? sent. They did get great headlines in the Press; but publicity alone is not enough. Mr. WHARTON: The Opposition. Costs Something has to be done besides gaining are rising continually. publicity. It is good to publicise if one has something to sell, but it is no good pub­ Mr. O'Donnell: What about the Chifley subsidy that Menzies reduced? licising if one has nothing to sell. I want to say something about the Opposition Members interjected. dairying industry now because it seems to Mr. SPEAKER: Order! be making the headlines at the moment in the battle on margarine quotas. Mr. WHARTON: I am glad that the hon. member for Maryborough raised the matter Mr. Houston: What is your opinion on of costs. The farmer has to face rising that? costs for everything that is needed to produce Mr. WHAR.TON: The hon. member must his crop. Wages and all other items have wait and see. He cannot wait a minute. The increased, and the hon. member asks who is to blame. hon. member has to talk. He will learn more from listening. Citrus growers have to accept the best price offered at auction. The price early Let us have a look at the dairying industry this season was acceptable, but the return to and see how much it appreciates the Govern­ the citrus growers will be lower than in ment's action in relation to pastures. That previous seasons. The point I am making is is one of the things that the dairying industry that, while a good deal more money is has appreciated most. The introduction of available for spending, wages and costs have the Dairy Pasture Subsidy Scheme by the increased considerably and yet growers get a Premier and the Minister for Primary lesser return. Industries was welcom~d by the dairying industry. Mr. O'Domrell: When did we say that the The first paragraph in the booklet pub­ primary producers had no problems? When lished by the Queensland Department of did we say that we had no sympathy for Primary Industries and entitled "Dairy them? Pasture Subsidy Scheme" reads- Mr. WHARTON: The hon. member for "The Government offers a subsidy for Barcoo may have said a lot. Prior to the the approved establishment of improved last election I heard so much said, and I perennial pastures for dairy production. have never before heard such insincerity. The subsidy will be for 50% of the Members of the Australian Labour Party approved establishment cost up to a went around the country trying to coerce the maximum subsidy of $14 per acre, with farmers by telling them how badly off they a maximum of 100 acres per registered were, and saying what their party would do dairy and at a maximum rate of 20 acres and what it would not do. They were idle per year and will pertain to all approved words then, and they are idle words now. pasture establishment commer:ced after May 9th, 1966." Mr. Thackerny interjected. I do want to thank the Premier and the Mr. WHARTON: In reply to the hon. Minister for introducing that legislation. In member for Rockhampton North, there was fact, I think it had such a wonderful effect no-one who was a better publicity agent than on the Minister that he decided to get the gentleman he mentioned. married. I extend my congratulations to him upon this forward step, and wish him Mr. Thackeray: Do you agree that he well in his married life. should be the member for Dawson after December? This legislation, which he helped to intro­ duce, has been designed to assist the dairy Mr. WHARTON: I do not, because some­ farmers. I do not know of any scheme in the thing more than publicity is needed to win dairying industry that has been accepted with elections; something has to be done. In more enthusiasm than this one. I am aware Dawson and Wide Bay there are two A.L.P. of the sentiments of the farmers; they appre­ members, and what did the people get from ciate it. I know that this scheme will help them? Nothing. the industry to progress and that it will do 132 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply something to alleviate one of the great prob­ Mr. Davies: Which Minister? lems that face the industry in this State. Mr. WHARTON: I am sorry; it is Mr. It will be of long-term assistance in achiev­ Adermann, the Federal Minister for Primary ing a pattern of progress, which this State needs. Industry. I now wish to refer to the extensive Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I hope hon. mem­ advertising by Marrickville Holdings Ltd. I bers on my left will aUow the hon. member have never known so much money to be for Burnett to develop his speech in his own spent on advertising, and I am wondering manner. The interruptions that have been to what lengths it is possible to go in this continuing are highly disorderly, and I shall field. A circular issued by the Australian have no alternative but to deal with the next Dairy Produce Board reads, under the member who interrupts. That includes the heading, "Quota System Upheld"- hon. member for Maryborough. "The long legal battle on Marrickville's Mr. WHARTON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. over-quota production of table margarine The point that I am stressing is the extent came to an end this week when the Privy of the advertising. Fabulous sums of money Council rejected that Company's reques,t must have been spent on it. I see in 'The for leave to appeal against their conviction. Courier-Mail" and other newspapers half­ 'This finally settles the legal position page and full-page advertisements containing of the quota system and any move to statements such as, "Why should Mrs. Jones increase table margarine production must be rationed?" and, "Is this a free country?" now be made through political channels. Anyone would think that there was not enough margarine to go round. I assure hon. "Naturally all members and associates of members that there is ample. Our own the Australian dairy industry are pleased State quota is 4,500 tons, and we do not that the validity of a system which is of want it increased. undoubted benefit to the Australian economy has been upheld. Leaders of Mr. Houston: Why? various dairy organisations around Aus­ Mr. WHARTON: For the obvious reason tralia have called on the New South Wales that we do not want to injure or destroy the Government to take the strongest possible dairying industry. We should hold what we action against the offending margarine have and endeavour to add to it. We want manufacturer and to revoke their permit to to live and let live. We want a fair share manufacture any more table margarine. of prosperity. "The Australian dairy industry is solidly unite-d in its absolute and unqualified Mr. Thackeray: Do you think there should opposition to any increase in table mar­ be greater efficiency in the dairying industry? garine quotas. Now that the legal position Mr. WHARTON: No, definitely not. has been made perfectly clear, there must I have here a letter written by Mr. be no question of raising the quotas to Anthony, who sets out at some length the cover any situation created by former over­ attitude of dairymen to Marrickville production. Dairy industry men feel Holdings' announced intention of continuing strongly on this matter and have pointed to manufacture above its quota. If neces­ out on many occasions that any increase sary I could table it for the information of now would harm the dairy industry at a hon. members. I remind the House that most crucial time and would also encourage many people and much capital are involved the belief that the margarine industry as a in the dairying industry, and we should do all whoLe oan ultimately profit if one of its we possibly can to preserve it. members breaks the law. If enough money is spent on advertising, "In a report in The Australian Financial whether the advertising is true or false, bad Review' of the 21st July, The Managing or good, somebody is convinced some time. Director of Marrickville Holdings Ltd. In my opinion, advertising should be limited (Mr. R. C. Crebbin) was reported as saying to some extent, either by a decrease in the that his Company would continue to apply taxation concession or in some other way, 'political pressure' . . . (against the quota because I think people are using it system). improperly. "It will be a sorry day for Australia In the circular to which I referred earlier, when one Company and one under con­ the remarks of many people are quoted in viction for flouting the law at that, can part. They do not show the real line of apply any effective political pressure at all." thinking of those people, and things of that They are certainly engaging in extensive sort worry me. I believe that the Govern­ advertising. Only today I received a circular, ment must regulate advertising in some way. containing a photograph of the Minister for It should be remembered, too, that advertis­ Primary Industries, in which there are quota­ ing adds to the cost of the article to the tions in part. public, and extensive advertising such as Mr. Davies: Mr. Adermann? this costs a great deal of money. I do not contend that all advertising is a waste of Mr. WHARTON: No, this is not from money; good, wise advertising in the Press Mr. Adermann. It contains a photograph of can be very valuable; but a sensible balance the Minister. should be preserved. Address in Reply [11 AuGusr] Address in Reply 133

Mr. Davies: You think we should control anyone else, but in their advertising Marrick­ the number of advertisements that appear in ville Holdings have made a great issue of the press? margarine's polyunsaturated qualities. In yesterday afternoon's "Telegraph" there Mr. WHARTON: I do not go as far as appeared advertisements offering the pro­ that, but I say that taxation concessions for duct at 50c a lb.-just a few cents below advertising expenses should be limited so that the price of butter. I suppose that is fair the cost of articles will not be increased enough. unreasonably. People should not be penal­ ised because companies throw money down From inqmnes of the Department the drain on needless advertising. of Primary Industries I have ascertained that it is only in certain parts of Queensland Mr. O'Donnell: It is Marrickville that safflower can be grown economically, Holdings that is throwing the money down and I know that these growers are not the drain, not the dairying industry. getting enough for their product. Mr. WHARTON: Fair enough. I am not Mr. O'Donnell: How much are they arguing only against Marrickville Holdings getting? Ltd. Mr. WHARTON: I do not know, off-hand. Mr. Tucker: But you are not forced to buy margarine, are you? Mr. O'Donnell: They are getting up to £35 a ton, and that is on contract. Mr. WHARTON: No, certainly not; neither is anyone forced to buy butter. M.r. WHARTON: I do not know the figure, but if the Department of Primary Mr. Tucker: If you can afford to buy Industries says that the Bureau of Agricul­ butter, you do not buy margarine. tural Economics considers it is uneconomic Mr. Duggan: You say the people must to produce safflower at the present time­ have a choice. You are not giving them at least in New South Wales-because of the much choice in this matter. low production per acre, then I believe it, even though I understand that it is possible Mr. WHARTON: The hon. gentleman to grow it economically in the hon. member's should be careful on which side of the fence area. he falls. During the election campaign he Mr. Hughes: Are these oils that are used said, "We love the dairying industry." I in the manufacture of margarine imported, wonder how much he loves it now. I even or are they grown locally? stood on the street corner at Bundaberg and listened to his speech. I thought it was a Mr. WHARTON: Some are imported and very, very good speech, as far as words go. some are grown locally. I am not condemn­ Mr. Duggan: Yes, you clapped; I ing the growing Df safflower just because it is remember that. not grown in my electorate and is grown somewhere else in the State. If it is neces­ lVlr. WHARTON: The hon. gentleman sary to grow safflower and if there is a was jumping up and down in the one place. rr,,.rket for it, the growers should get together and obtain an economic price for Much of the advertising in this connec­ lheir product. If they were getting a reason­ tion is true; much of it is not true. As I able price, butter would be able to compete said earlier, in this circular there are quota­ with polyunsaturated margarine on a fair tions from statements made by responsible basis. It has been said that in New South people in the dairying industry. Wales and

I wish now to say a little about irrigation. Mr. O'Donnell: You are quite right. There I was glad to learn from the reply to a is a great lack of funds. C.R.E.B. will not question I asked that the Kolan survey extend electricity to rural producers in the should be completed in September, and the Eastern Highlands. bigger one on the Burnett probably some time next year. Irrigation is a very Mr. WHARTON: It is a real problem. important matter from the State's point of Some people have had to put up considerable view, from the Commonwealth's point of sums of their own money before they could view and from the farmers' point of view. obtain the benefit of an electricity supply. I am disappointed that we are so short of If we are to have decentralisation we must money for this important work. provide subsidies for electricity supply. If we are going to develop the State we must Mr. Davies: Whose fault is that-the go further afield than Queen Street. I Labour Party's? am not being derogatory here. We must Mr. WHARTON: No, I do not think it foster the sparsely populated areas. I ask would be the Labour Party's fault. It is for a fair share of the common fund for a set of circumstances. I do not think we the good of the whole community. can blame anyone in particular. (Time expired.) Mr. Davies: Blame the Commonwealth Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) (12.15 p.m.): Government~the Country Party and Liberal I intend to take advantage of the opportunity Party in the Commonwelath sphere. that this debate presents to pay a tribute to Mr. WHARTON I would not accept that. the electorate of Ipswich East for the con­ sistent support it has given to the A.L.P. Mr. Davies: You would not blame the over the years. I sincerely thank my cam­ New Zealand Government, would you? paign director, Tom Easterbrook, and members of the campaign committee, all Mr. WHARTON: I think it is a set of others who served Labour so conscientiously circumstances that we are paddling in at and well during the election compaign, and the moment-lack of exports, lack of overseas also on election day. reserves, lack of funds in the farming community. We must have more money I was very pleased to hear His Excellency for irrigation. I am glad that the Premier the Governor express appreciation on behalf has said that the Government is seeking, of the people of Queensland to Sir Henry or will seek, more funds. I am prepared Abel Smith and Lady May for their excellent to go outside for capital if it is so short 5ervice to Queensland and Queenslanders here, because I know the importance of during their eight years in office. I am con­ irrigation. I doubt that there is very much f'dent that Sir Alan and Lady Mansfield will in it, but it was reported in the Press the vindicate conclusively the policy of the other day that someone had any amount A.L.P. in having Queensland-bern and of money to spend on roads. We can Australian-bern people appointed as manage with our roads as they are now, Governors of our State and the Common­ but if we could get adequate funds for wealth. At present we have two native-born irrigation we could bring about more intensive Queenslanders serving in those offices, one farming, enjoy greater production and occupying the important position of provide more employment. In that way Governor of Queensland and the other occu­ we would be able to get enough money pying the very high position of Governor­ from the returns from the Federal Govern­ General of Australia. ment to give us all the road money We I am indeed pleased to have sitting on this wanted. Let us have first things first. We side of the House a son of a former Leader must get funds for irrigation. of the Australian Labour Party in this Rural electrification is another very Parliament, Les Wood, in the person of important matter. Most country electorates Peter Wood, who, in my opinion and in are sparsely populated. Roads and an the opinion of many others, is a worthy son electricity supply really make development. of a worthy sire. I am sure he will represent A road will get you to a place, but once the elector:1te of Toowoomba East with out­ you get there you want the amenity of standing ability. I am sure, too, that Peter electricity. To attract new settlers to an is a young man with a very bright political area an electricity supplv is necessary. future, and th1t he will follow in the foot­ Southern peonle are not likely to settle in steps of his late father. an area in Queensland where there is not Some people have expressed surprise at the electric power they have been used the e"Xcellence of the speech delivered by to. City people do not want to go to the the newly elected hon. member for Ipswich country, where the amenities they have West, Mrs. Jordan. I was not at all sur­ enjoyed in the city are not available. It prised because, despite the fact that she is not progress to deny oneself an amenity. is a woman, she has had a very long and The natural tendency is to want the amenities successful career in the Labour movement one has alwavs enioved, and to try to g-et of this State both in the oolitical and the more. Jt is distmbing to learn that there industrial spheres. She may have been are insufficient funds for rural electricity fortunate in having a father who for many extensions into isolated areas. years played a very prominent part in the Address in Reply [11 AUGUST] Address in Reply 135 industrial movement in the Ipswich district. coal and iron-ore to Japan more than 40 per She has given excellent service to the unions cent. of Australia's exports will be going to which have had to struggle; she has backed meet the requirements of the Japanese steel them up in their strike actions and in indus­ industry. We cannot afford to overlook or trial matters generally. She has earned her disregard the fact that the J apanse steel reward. industry is threatening and entering into I believe that the new hon. member for competition with the Australian steel Wynnum, Mr. Harris, will be a worthy industry. Japan is also demanding-unfor­ successor to the former member, Mr. Gunn. tunately, with considerable success-that the Not one hon. member who has entered this raw materials purchased from us be at cut Parliament has given better service to his prices. That is demonstrated by the price constituents than did Mr. Gunn. We all of the iron-ore that we export to Japan, deeply regretted that ill health prevented his in the critical situation that is predicted for attending this House during. the last session the world's steel industry. of Parliament. We wish him well and hope that his health will be restored in his I ask: what benefits will jobs in producing retirement. coal for export to Japan now have if, in the long run, it means fewer jobs in the coal The people of Queensland, and particu­ industry and a serious undennining of both larly the people on our coal fields, must view the Australian coal industry and its steel with a good deal of apprehension the future industry? No-one can deny that Aus­ of the coal industry, which has played a tralia has the know-how; no-one will deny major part in the development of our State. that Australia can produce steel in excellent Many people closely associated with the quality and at low cost. It is not so many industry are asking, "What will its future years ago that Broken Hill Proprietary Co. be?" The outstanding feature of the coal Ltd. produced not only the best steel in the industry today is the increasing export trade world but also the cheapest. with 1 a pan. On the surface, this may appear to be a very desirable development. Does There is room for another steel works in not greater production in the industry mean Australia, and that steel works should be more work in the industry and larger pay established in Queensland. We could produce envelopes for those engaged in it? Whilst steel from our own iron ore and coking we may be prepared to admit that that may coal instead of exporting those commodities be the position today, we must take into and importing the finished article, steel. It consideration what is likely to happen in the is wrong to suggest that the need for another future-the immediate future. What will be steelworks does not exist. Our national the position of our collieries without any development demands that this need be met. export trade? For example, in spite of the Look at what happened in Great Britain, assurance given by the Government that the which was dependent on its coal and steel cml produced on the Moura field would be industries, and in Belgium and other used only for export, except in an emergency countries. or in very special circumstances, a yearly quota of 250,000 tons of this coal is to go Economically and socially, it is extremely to the Gladstone alumina refinery when it foolish to continue to denude our nation by commences processing bauxite. exporting coking coal and iron-ore. Last The late Mr. Evans, as Minister for year Queensland exported to Japan over Mines, stated quite firmly that those circum­ 1,000,000 tons of coal-most of it was stances would have to be very special and good coking coal-which amounted to very pressing indeed, and that the arrange­ approximately one-third of the State's pro­ ment would not interfere in any way with duction. That may sound gratifying indeed; the successful working of the collieries of but it indicates the serious imbalance that has Queensland generally. If a portion of this developed in the industry. The section of the quota of 250,000 tons could be given to the industry that is catering for local needs is mines in Central Queensland, or even the languishing, while our limited resources of Howard-Torbanlea district, it would improve good coking coal are being exported-and their position considerably and allow their for the benefit of whom? It is not for the employees to enjoy the benefit of full benefit of those engaged in the coal-mining employment. industry; it is not for the benefit of the people of Queensland, or of Australia. It is Writing in the Australian Mineral Industry for the benefit of overseas companies. Review, a Commonwealth Government jour­ nal published with the authority of the Hon. It should be remembered that coal and David Fairbairn, Minister for National iron-ore are not like our primary products, Development, Mr. S. I. Livingston, Chief which can be replaced. They are not like Mineral Economist of the Bureau of Mineral beef, mutton, wool or sugar, which can be Resources, reveals that, on present trends, produced year after year and, in many cases. Japan's share of Australian exports by 1970 in increasing quantities. Every ton ·of coal would be as high as 55 per cent. By that and iron-ore that is sent overseas is just year Japan will be buying from Australia another ton less of coal and iron-ore that minerals worth $290,000,000, and of this we have to develop and stabilise our own amount coal will represent $110,000,000. economy. That is something that at present This will mean that through the export of seems to be overlooked. 136 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

The Government has also to be censured as different as William Morris, Ken Hardie, for not taking positive action to assist the Robert Blatchford, Sidney Webb, Ferrier, Coal and 01l Shale Mine Workers' Pensions Saint Siemon, and Robert Owens, all dedicated Fund. Production per employee in the coal­ themselves to a system of society in which mining industry increased from 655 tons a man's growing power over the means of year in 1950 to 1,439 tons in 1964. This production should be harnessed for the benefit has to some extent interfered with con­ of all and not for the profit of a few. tributions to that fund. Originally the Government's contribution was £13,000 a The present industrial revolution has year, which was increased to £15,000 shortly developed in line with the development of after the commencement of the scheme. technology, and it differs not only in kind Colliery proprietors were charged 6d. a ton but in degree and speed from the industrial on coal produced, and each mine-worker revolution of the last century. The application was required to pay 2s. 6d. a week. As the of steam power and the steam locomotive, method of collecting contributions from the followed later by oil and hydro-electric power, employers was challenged by a small but to the methods of production and transport powerful group of colliery proprietors, it enabled industry to increase production had to be changed. It was argued that tremendously. The increase was made unless all the colliery proprietors agree·d to possible largely by replacing human labour pay an excise on coal, the collection of such with machine power. contributions was not in accordance with the Constitution. For that reason, three or four The coming of automation and its growth­ years after the scheme began it was found call it the automative revolution, if you ne·cessary to have the contribution of the desire, as some people have already-is colliery proprietors related to that of the entirely different. Modern machines are mine-workers. It started at 1! times, and replacing not muscle and brute human rose to 4! times, the workers' contribution, strength but two functions that previously and is now 45s. an employee, or approxi­ represented man's unique contributions to mately Ss. a ton. the means and method of production-the human faculties of memory and judgment. If it was right and proper for the Govern­ Once a computer can store facts and then ment to contribute £15,000 when the owners use them to make a selection, a valued were paying 6d. a ton and the mine-workers judgment, the whole productive process is 2s. 6d. a week, it is only fair and logical transformed. that the Government should increase its contribution now. The whole problem con­ Technologists have now produced a frontin;s the administrators of the fund would machine capable of feats of memory and be solved if the Government legislated to selection that go far beyond the capacity have the owners' contributions based on so of any human being or group of individuals. much a ton instead of so much an employee. It is claimed by those who should know To give hon. members an idea of how the that it is almost impossible to estimate fund has suffered, I shall quote some figures. 1he advance in technology. However, we In 1954, with 3,759 employees in the have been told that in 15 years-from 1955 industry, the amount of coal produced was :o 1970, or from 1960 to 1975-industrial 2,749,000 tons. In 1965, with 2,407 mine Lchnology will have advanced more quickly workers, production was 4,191,286 tons or than it did in the preceding 150 years. We an increase of 1,442,286 tons per annum have been informed, also, that since 1945 with 1,352 fewer employees in the industry. military technology, in conditions of so-called On the present method of collecting con­ peace, has made more progress in less than tributions, the fund is losing no less than 2 0 years than it did in the centuries that £3,718 a week in spite of an increased pro­ have passed since the discovery of gunpowder, duction of approximately 1,500,000 tons of and I think hon. members generally will coal a year. agree with that statement. I have been told that it is in the intention It is claimed that industrial technology of the Government to introduce in the is moving almost as rapidly. The stage coming session a Bill amending the Coal has now been reached where it is possible and Oil Shale Mine Workers (Pensions) Act. technically, if not worth while in a commercial If that is so, I shall say no more on the sense, for a programme-controlled machine­ subject except to express the wish that it tool line to produce a complete motor-car will not make the scheme any worse than it without the aid of any human agency. It is but will increase the benefits to those has become apparent that the point of no participating in it without the cost to the return has been reached in the technological employe·e becoming any higher. revolution, because it is now possible for a machine-tool to produce another machine­ We are now living in the midst of an tool, and, indeed, numbers of machine-tools, industrial revolution which is entirely in its own image without any intervention different from that of the nineteenth century. from a craftsman. When the machine is It has been claimed, I think correctly, that capable of producing without limit, it Socialism began as a revolt against the becomes necessary either to control the inequalities and exploitations of the earlier machine or to accept the inevitable and be ind11strial revolution. At that time, men controlled by it. Address in Reply [11 AuGusT] Address in Reply 137

The automatic revolution, like the atomic Are we preparing our work force so that revolution, may bring to mankind greater the nation as a whole can benefit from the prosperity than the world has ever known; advantages that flow from controlled on the other hand, it could bring abject automation? Trade unions, faced as they poverty and misery to millions of people are with automation in present-day society, throughout the world. If properly controlled have a dual responsibility. They have first and spread among the nations, it would to strive for some degree of protection for greatly improve the living standard of people their members; in addition, however, they everywhere and, incidentally, enable them to must bear at least some of the burden of enjoy the benefits of greater leisure and educating the community to insist on a more recreation. If uncontrolled, it could mean rational employment of the country's greater profits, greater wealth and greater resources. Workers, and their trade union power to a powerful minority. It would, officers, should be fully informed and indeed give more pleasant employment and consulted well in advance on any technological more interesting employment to those in change. employment. Greater production with fewer Every effort should be made to provide workers naturally means that many goods, displaced workers with alternative jobs particularly consumer goods, would remain quickly, and compensation should be paid unsold because, due to the introduction of to workers transferred or compelled to seek uncontrolled automation, a large section of other employment. Adequate facilities should the community will be out of employment be provided for training and re-training, and consequently unable to buy the goods with particular attention being paid to older they need-and in many circumstances the workers. Wage rates and earnings should need will be very great indeed. be safeguarded and benefits of technological I think hon. members will agree that change should be shared by all. Working automation has developed to a greater degree, conditions must be improved, and human and much more rapidly, in the United States problems met by close consultation at all of America than elsewhere. Experience in levels. Above all, pressure upon Governments that country indicates that each new cyclical to maintain full employment must be kept peak in industrial production is marked by up. It should be made clear that unless a significantly higher rate of unemployment the demand for full employment is met, and than the last. There are in the United full employment is maintained, trade unions States of America leading trade union will have little chance of obtaining their officials who claim that if unemployment is objectives. Full employment has not been to be prevented, 40,000,000 new jobs will maintained in the United States of America, have to be provided by 1970. Even if where automation has been widely adopted. that number has been over-estimated and As no other alternatives have been provided we reduce it by a quarter, or even by a it is safe to assume that the capitalist solution half, it has to be admitted that even if of high rate of economic growth has been we extend the period to 1975 or 1980, it accepted. is still a problem of great magnitude. The special mention of older workers sug­ In spite of the fact that we in Australia gests one serious problem connected with are a young nation, sparsely populated, with re-training. For those who know something millions of acres of our land semi-desert or of unskilled workers who have lost their desert, our rate of development and jobs, re-training is not as simple as it sounds. production is greater, and certainly our It may be possible to train at least some economic position is as sound as, if not of these men for more skilled employment, sounder than, that of the emerging nations but it would be naive to expect this to be and some of the older nations. Although undertaken by private firms. It calls for to a large extent we still depend on our a well-organised Government scheme. primary industries-and must continue to do At a time when many traditional produc­ so-our secondary industries have developed tion methods and human skills are becoming and are developing rapidly, and the forecast redundant, the community must be prepared is that they must continue to do so. Our to treat education and re-training very workshops and factories, in the majority seriously. It may be found very difficult to of cases, are staffed with intelligent and train some of the older employees to fill very efficient persons who have demonstrated positions in the new industrial regime. Such again and again not only their ability to men should be offered retirement on adequate get things done but also their ability to pensions. For the younger men, special new do things well. Our engineers, our draftsmen, techniques which may be radically different our electrical workers, together with our fitters from conventional teaching may be required and turners and other workers engaged for successful training. However, if adequate generally in the metal industry and the wood resources are made available, large-scale industry, compare very favourably with their re-training would be accomplished, as was counterparts elsewhere. the case after the Second World War, when I ask, are we giving these people the thousands of ex-servicemen were trained up encouragement they deserve? Unfortunately, to university standard. I think not. Are we training sufficient Some thought must also be given to that scientists, engineers and technologists to meet large proportion of young people who do the challenge of the modern trend in industry? not respond to present teaching methods, 138 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply and finally leave school equipped only for be used to give us the services and the leisure unskilled labouring. Jobs for these people that private enterprise fails to provide? I will not be available in the future. Are we think all hon. members will agree that the therefore to admit that many people in the latter will be more beneficial to the nation community are to be unemployed for ever? and the people of the nation. Should we not come to grips with the The cost-price movement over the last problem of educating these people? This decade has resulted in a falling standard is far too big a task for the present over­ of living for a large sector of our farming worked teaching fraternity, with its over­ community. The members of the Country loaded classrooms and time-tables. If the Party, without exception I am sure, will agree job is to be tackled at all it calls for a new with that statement. Should, therefore, some band of teachers, specially trained and with of our surplus wealth from automative indus­ the necessary time to cope with people having tries be directed towards lifting the income of slow mental processes. farmers? That brings to mind our balance Many skills will become outmoded. Craft of payments problem. How can automation unions catering for redundant artisans must be used to overcome this? Should our expect membership to dwindle to insignifi­ national resources be used to provide a dozen cant proportions. Their jobs will not neces­ different brands of identical petrol, or to sarily be taken over by other tradesmen, give more leisure for the work force; to but by complex automatic equipment con­ build towering office blocks full of sales trolled by engineers and other professional representatives and advertising men, or to white-collar workers. provide adequate educational opportunities Before automation a factory may employ for our children? That prompts this ques­ a thousand workers belonging to a par­ tion: do Australians really prefer the former, ticular trade union, but with the successful or is it that the alternatives have never been introduction of automation their places may put to them in clear terms? To dispose of eventually be taken by a few dozen the increasing volumes of goods produced by technicians. Unless the white-collar workers automatic factories, the advertising industry are organised and thoroughly welded into is expanding. It uses up a lot of resources the trade union movement the bargaining itself and, at the same time, creates artificial power of the wage-earner will be progres­ demands for inessential products. Where sively weakened. The trade unions must be there is real demand, advertising is not prepared-! feel sure they are-to adapt necessary. themselves to the change expected in the The cost structure in an automated indus­ whole structure of production process by try has high capital and low labour com­ the introduction of automation. ponents. Employers in such an industry could thus increase wages substantially with­ I should like here to stress the fact that out affecting costs significantly. If they should white-collar workers, such as clerks, bank decide to do this, one section of the work and insurance officers and others, are just force would be on a much higher living as vulnerable to automation as are the standard than the remainder. What effect workers in a factory and in industry gener­ would this be likely to have on workers' ally. Much tedious clerical work has already solidarity? Would the favoured workers been eliminated by computers, and the trend tend to lose interest in the agitation for bet­ in that direction will continue. ter conditions for the whole community? A trade-union policy alone will not be Any serious attempt to restrict profits of sufficient to maintain full employment unless industrial enterprises, and any whisper of the State is prepared to assist with a nationalisation, may well cause a flight of properly orientated economic policy, and overseas capital. That prompts the question, among other things investments of its own. "What price are we prepared to pay for the An enlightened trade-union policy aims to privilege of owning our own country?" With protect workers facing loss of employment the growth of automatic processes the degree in a capitalist society. However, it also of skill required of the workers will increase. recognises the need to change the nature We should at least consider the possibility of the economic system. Unless this is that in spite of the best training facilities a accomplished trade-union members will, at significant proportion of people may be the most, make only marginal gains. unemployed. It will be the responsibility of As compensation for structural unemploy­ the State to see that gainful employment is ment, the workers can expect a further flood found for them. I emphasise "gainful of cheap promises of better things to come employment". We do not want the unem­ in the future. In the meantime the state ployed to be given tasks such as those given of public responsibilities, such as housing and to them during the depression, when they education, could quite possibly assume the were worked but produced nothing. They proportions of a national disaster. must be gainfully employed. Because automation makes labour more Fear of unemployment is uppermost in the productive, the community is richer in terms minds of many workers when they think of of resources. Should these resources be automation. Their reaction is not unreason­ channelled into producing more goods which able. When automatic control and processes yield profit but have low priority value in replace older types of machinery in fac­ terms of need, or should the increased wealth tories some redundancy is bound to occur Address in Reply [11 AUGUST] Vacancy in Senate 139

unless the factory is already very short of Commonwealth Gov.ernment should and manpower or the firm is expecting a large would have to treat us much more sym­ and quick expansion in the sale of its pro­ pathetically than it has doiie in the past. ducts. Nevertheless, by planning well in New industries may be in need of assist­ advance, and by taking into account the ance in finding suitable locations for estab- normal turnover of labour, the finding of lishment and taking work to the alternative work in the same district, or workers and the workless. That is probably in the same factory should not very important. It is the duty of the prove too difficult while full employment Government and industry to create con­ persists. When I say "full" employment, I do ditions in which a high level of employ­ not mean half-employment-but I do not ment may be maintained. The trade unions expect that workers will have great difficulty would like to feel assured that industry is in t1nding employment while full employ­ looking ahead, is planning its caJ?ital inve;>t­ ment p.ersist's. ments, and is actively a&socmted with In any case, automatic and electronic scientific and technical research. development will continually create new An expanding educational programme is avenues of employment. The highly auto­ also needed as part of a policy of making the mated oil refining industry provides an best use of the nation's resources of skill excellent example of this. and talent. We should be mindful of the Large-scale retooling, leading to the Let that the danger could arise of automa­ temporary layoff of workers, is sometimes tion and other industrial developments not feared; but to date there is little evidence moving rapidly enough for the natio~'s that this is happening on any appreciable position in the world's markets to be mam­ scale or that its effect is as great as that tained, and for the conditions of our workers caused by seasonal unemployment. The to be safeguarded. people of Queensland know something about The unions would like to se'e automation seasonal unemployment Indeed, it is not introduced at a pace that is not so fast as inconceivable that some form of automation to put a breaking strain on industrial might help to alleviate the labour problems. relations and on industry's ability to cope If the rate of industrial development can be with the inevitable problems associated with kept at above the rate at which labour is change and it must not be so slow as to displaced, much can be done to allay fears jconanhse industry's competitive efficiency of unemployment. and, thereby, to threaten employn;.ent. T~e Progress cannot be made with a static scientific revolution is bound to bnng a b1g labour force-and the trade-union movement change in our social and economic life. has generally accepted the need for a change Our approach to the task of training in the pattern of employment, so long as it apprentices and workers. generally mus.t . be is made with the minimum amount of per­ aiven very serious thought mdeed. Re-trammg sonal hardship and industrial dislocation. for many will be essential. Even where redundancy does occur there are many ways of coping with that problem. (Time expired.) Monetary compensation can and should be Debate, on motion of Mr. Tucker, paid from industry to workers who are adjourned. displaced. I believe that in Great Britain provision has been made for this to be done. SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT I am sure that hon. members will agree Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ that this is a fair and reasonable charge on Premier): I move- increasing productivity, and that workers "That the House, at its rising, do should be gran1ed financial assistance until suitable and gainful employment is found adjourn until Tuesday, 23 August, 1966." elsewhere for them. In many cases it may Motion agreed to. be necessary for workers who are thrown The House adjourned at 12.56 p.m. out of employment to move to other districts to obtain re-employment. It will not be easy At 2.15 p.m., for the married man, who has struggled for Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, many years to pay off his home and furni­ Murrumba) took the chair. ture, and who has worked long and hard both inside and outside his home to make it VACANCY IN SENATE OF COMMON­ attractive to pull up his roots and transplant WEALTH OF AUSTRALIA them elsewhere. His only alternative is to stay where he is, without work, and lose all. NOMINATION OF WILLIAM CLARENCE That is not desirable, and it is certainly not HEATLEY, VICE RoBERT DUNCAN SHERRING­ very pleasant. I think hon. members will TON, DECEASED agree that this claim for compensation is Mr. SPEAKER: Hon. members, I have to fully justified. announce that this meeting has been sum­ The easing of dislocation caused by large­ moned for 2.15 p.m. this day under the pro­ scale displacements would be the responsi­ visions of Standing Order No. 3 31 for the bility of the Government, and may call for purpose of the election of a Senator. There action and assistance from our national is a quorum present, and I now call for Government. Should this be necessary, the nominations. 140 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ considers that he will be an excellent and Premier): I nominate Mr. William Clarence able representative for Queensland in the Heatley, Grazier, of Ocean Avenue, Surfers Senate. Paradise, Queensland, for election to hold Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer­ the place in the Senate rendered vacant Treasurer) (2.21 p.m.): In speaking to the through the death of Senator Robert Duncan Sherrington. I produce Mr. Heatley's motion I want to take a few moments, as declaration of qualification and consent. Leader of the Liberal Party in this State, to pay tribute, principally on behalf of the Whereupon the hon. gentleman produced Liberal Party members of this House but Mr. Heatley's declaration of qualification and also on behalf of the majority of Queens­ consent. landers, to the memory of the late Robert Sherrington. I did not always see eye to eye Mr. SPEAKER, having called for further with him on some matters of party policy, nominations: As there are no turtner but let me record in "Hansard" that at no nominations, I call on the Premier. time did I ever doubt his sincerity of purpose. Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Premier) (2.17 p.m.): I move- There is no doubt, that the late Robert Sherrington was very dedicated to the "That Mr. William Clarence Heatley be Liberal Party, which first recognised his elected to hold the place in the Senate ability and knowledge by electing him as its of the Parliament of the Commonwealth president over a long term. Later in 1961, rendered vacant through the death of the party saw fit to nominate him as a Senate Senator Robert Duncan Sherrington." candidate. Because of his dedication to the I make that nomination because. under the party he spared no effort, even in the closing Constitution, it is necessary for the Parlia­ period of his life-time when he knew the end ment of Queensland to elect a person to fill was drawing nigh, to further its interests. the vacancy in the Senate resulting from the In the field of Federal parliamentary repre­ untimely death of Senator Robert Duncan sentation, the late Senator was untiring in his Sherrington on 16th March, 1966. advocacy for North Queensland, and, because As hon. members are aware, the constitu­ of his very close association with Sir Robert tional position is that the Governor in Menzies and other members of the Federal Council, on 14 April this year, appointed Liberal Party, he was responsible for bringing Mr. William Clarence Heatley as Senator to the notice of the Federal Government to succeed the late Senator Sherrington. This many matters of vital interest to the people appointment is constitutionally valid until the in the north of this State. His rather expiration of fourteen days after the begin­ untimely death was a great loss to the ning of the present session of Parliament, Senate, to the Commonwealth Government, by which time Parliament must proceed to to the Liberal Party, and to this State. Con­ the election of a Senator to fill the casual sequently, I desire to associate myself vacancy. That is why this special session publicly with the expressions of regret at his has been called by Mr. Speaker and we are passing. assembled here this afternoon. Turning now to the election of a person It has always been the practice that any to fill the vacancy in the Senate occasioned Senate vacancy occasioned by the death of by the death of the late Senator Sherrington, a Senator should be filled by the election I am very pleased to support the motion put of a person belonging to the same political forward by the Premier that William Clar­ party and having the same political views as ence Heatley be chosen to hold the place his predecessor. Such action is in accord­ in the Senate rendered vacant by the death ance with long-established precedent. of Senator Robert Duncan Sherrington. Mr. Heatley has been recommended by the William Heatley was elected at a duly Queen'Sland Division of the Liberal Party constituted selection meeting, organised by of Australia as an eligible and suitable person the Liberal Party and held on 12 July, 1966, for appointment to the Senate vacancy, and which I attended as a member of the selec­ I have produced a declaration as to tion committee. At that meeting Mr. Mr. Heatley's qualification and his consent Heatley, because of his ability to express to this nomination. himself publicly, overshadowed to quite a Mr. Heatley has a wide knowledge of degree the seven other candidates who were Queensland and its people. He has had prac­ considered. But what impressed me above tical and long experience in both primary all was the manner in which he acquitted and secondary industry in this State. He is himself during what we regard at a selection also a returned soldier and saw active ser­ meeting as question time. He left no doubt vice during the Second World War in in my mind that, given the opportunity to Tobruk, Syria, El Alamein and New Guinea, represent Queensland in the Commonwealth and wa'S twice wounded during the period of Parliament, Queensland would be the better his service. for his representation. It can truthfully be said that Mr. Heatley As the Premier has very rightly said, is a man of broad vision with a dedicated William Heatley is a young man with a wide desire to be of service to his country, his knowledge of Queensland and its people. He State and his fellow-man. The Government is a returned soldier who saw active service Vacancy in Senate of [11 AUGUST] Commonwealth of Australia 141 in World War Il, during which he was twice checked in a book in the Library on some wounded. He comes from a very well­ of these names. I found that while the name known and highly respected northern family, "Sherrington" is predominantly English and he has a background that will enable there is a liberal interspersion of Scottish him to serve the State of Queensland well. blood in the Sherrington family tree. I also During the eight years that I resided in North found evidence of many mighty battles by Queensland, from 1937 to 1945, I well recall Sherringtons in the Highlands of Scotland the activities of his late father, who for a and elsewhere, so I was not surprised to period was mayor of Townsville and who know that the name "Sherrington" appeared also, as a citizen, served Townsville and prominently in the political fighting that has North Queensland well. occurred, and will occur in the future, in this State. Mr. Heatley's background is predominantly pastoral, although he has had considerable It was rather unusual to hear the Premier business managerial experience in several of the State-the nominator of Senator northern towns and cities and has also had Heatley-occupy only a few minutes of the activity in the West, as far out as Mt. debate-the Deputy Leader of the Govern­ Isa. In his earlier days he served as a ment occupied the greater time-in dealing jackeroo in the Gulf Country; today he owns with this nomination. certain cattle properties in South-western Queensland. So that there may be no ambiguity or mis­ understanding about the attitude of the I know that on an occasion such as this Australian Labour Party to this matter, I there is no need to say a tremendous amount state at the outset that, as a party, we approve about the person to whom we are making of the practice that has always been fol­ reference, but I believe it can be truly said iowed by parties in all Australian States that Mr. Heatley has had a very rapid trans­ since 1949, where, because of death, a formation from what might be described vacancy occurs in the Senate of the Com­ as "John Citizen" to "Senator Heatley of monwealth of Australia it should properly Queensland". But it is my sincere belief be filled by a nominee of the party to which that, as time goes on, this young man will the deceased Senator belonged. That practice prove himself and prove his worth in the has been followed in all Australian Parlia­ Senate. I believe that he will be able to ments-in Western Australia, Victoria, contribute quite a lot in debate which will Tasmania, and here. be of assistance to this State and will go This is only the fifth occasion since towards the furtherance of the Common­ Federation that it has been found necessary wealth as a whole. to invoke the Standing Orders to comply with For the reasons I have stated, I am very the provisions of the Commonwealth Consti­ pleased to have the opportunity of supporting tution in electing a Senator in this way. the motion. Looking back over the records, I find that prior to the system of propor­ Mr. DUGGAN (Toowomba West- tional representation being operative there Leader of the Opposition) (2.40 p.m.): In was not a uniform practice followed by the speaking to this motion, I should like to pre­ Parliaments in the election of a Senator if face my general remarks by associating the a vacancy occurred in circumstances similar Opposition with the expression of regret at to those that obtain today. I will not waste the untimely passing of the late Senator time by canvassing this matter because the Sherrington. It is true that he was a strong reasons which motivated them are all political fighter. He was, indeed, one of the recorded in the relevant "Hansards". driving forces behind the resurgence of Three of the previous nominees originated Liberalism in the State of Queensland. He from the Labour Government; two of them was a forthright advocate of the principles originated from the present Government. of the Liberal Party. He would not brook In 1962 we had the sad duty of filling very much opposition when opposition was the vacancy caused by the untimely raised to the implementation and realisation death of another prominent public man of ,f the objectives of that party. this State, a man with very great academic Like most dogmatic men, he attracted a distinction, in the person of the late Dr. Max certain amount of criticism from those who Poulter, who died prematurely; indeed, perhaps preferred a softer pedal, or a softer before he actually made a speech in the line, in espousing the cause of Liberalism Senate. On that occasion, the Government in this State. He was a courageous fighter; intimated to me, as Leader of the Opposition he spoke forthrightly and bluntly, so that in this Parliament, that it was its wish that everyone knew where he stood. For these, we should select a nominee for consideration and many other qualities that he possessed, by the Parliament. In pursuance of the we wish to publicly acknowledge him today. practice followed by every major political party in Australia, action was taken to con­ "Sherrington" is not an unusual name in sult the administrative body of the A.L.P. the politics of this State, and it is not to ascertain its views as to the person whom unusual to expect the Sherringtons to be they thought should be given the opportunity actively interested in a dogmatic way in of being considered by the Parliament for these matters. As a matter of interest, I this vacancy. 6 142 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

It is not within the province of the Govern­ "As you know, the accepted practice ment to make these decisions, but within the when a vacancy of this nature occurs is province of the Parliament. Therefore, for the new Senator to be of the same although the Government, acting in its political party as his predecessor, and I executive capacity through its executive arm, have asked the Queensland Division of the took advantage of the right provided by the Liberal Party of Australia to advise me as Constitution to make a decision in this quickly as possible of the name of the matter, it does not become operative or bind­ person they wish to nominate on this ing until it is endorsed by this Parliament. particular occasion. We are given the opportunity of either "As soon as I am in receipt of the endorsing that decision or making some other name of this nominee I shall advise you decision. accordingly with a view to having your In 1962, in pursuance of that policy, I co-operation in regard to his appointment. conveyed to the Premier the wish of the I presume you would have no objection in Australian Labour Party that Mr. Alfred this regard, and the necessary constitu­ Arnell be nominated to fill the vacancy tional action could then be set in train for caused by the death of Dr. Poulter. I was appointment by the Governor in Council. informed, and Parliament was informed, in no uncertain terms that such a practice was "As I have mentioned earlier, this not acceptable to the Government. We were appointment would have effect until the informed that the Government was not going commencement of our next Parliament to accept a direction from an outside body, when-actually by the elective process-­ and that it was not going to endorse the it could be confirmed." election of one man unless the Parliament What an extraordinary letter, after the was provided with the opportunity of making attitude of the Premier and those gentlemen a choice. who were in Parliament in 1962 and are We do not disagree with the principle of members of the present Government! When filling this vacancy in the Senate with a I received it I discussed it with members of Liberal nominee-we think it is appropriate the Parliamentary Executive, and I addressed and proper that there should be a Liberal the following reply to the Premier- nominee on this occasion-but because of "My dear Mr. Premier, the very determined, and predetermined, atti­ tude of the Government, stated in forth­ "I desire to acknowledge receipt of your right, forceful and irrevocable terms, that the letter of 25th March, in which you have Parliament demanded a choice in the matter sought my co-operation in regard to the and that it would not accept a nomination appointment of a Senator following the from an outside body, the Opposition will untimely death on 16th March of Senator vote, not against the principle of this prac­ Robert Duncan Sherrington. tice, which has been adopted by all Aus­ "You have outlined to me the Consti­ tralian Parliaments, but in protest against tutional procedure which is to be followed the turnabout in the filling of this vacancy in this matter and indicated that one of from the procedure followed on the last those steps would be to set in train occasion. machinery measures for appointment of a For the record, I want to recite the history successor to the late Senator Sherrington of this matter. On 25 March, 1966, the by the Governor in Council. Premier addressed the following communica­ "My first and personal reaction on tion to me- hearing through a Press statement of your "Dear Mr. Duggan, probable intentions was that it would be "On 17th March, 1966, His Excellency an appropriate line of action to fill the the Administrator of the Government was vacancy by an appointment of a person formally advised by the President of the holding the same political views as that Senate of the Commonwealth, of the of the deceased Senator. Senate vacancy which had resulted from "I do not think there is anything wrong the death on 16th March of Senator in accepting such a principle in the light Robert Duncan Sherrington. The question of the system of proportional representa­ now arises of having that vacancy filled. tion now applying in Senate Elections. "In terms of the Constitution of the "Since then I have, of course, received Commonwealth of Australia, the situation your letter and have had an opportunity is that when the State Parliament is not of refreshing my memory in regard to in Session-and this, of course, is the your comments in Parliament in situation existing at the present time-the September, 1962. Governor in Council of the State con­ cerned may appoint a person to hold the "You have stated in your letter, and I Senate place until the expiry of fourteen quote- days after the beginning of the next '. . . I have asked the Queensland Session of the State Parliament. When the Division of the Liberal Party of Parliament does meet, it must then pro­ Australia to advise me as quickly as ceed within fourteen days to the election possible of the name of the person they of a person to hold the late Senator's wish to nominate on this particular place in the Senate. occasion.' Vacancy in Senate of [11 AUGUST] Commonwealth of Australia 143

"You will recall that when a somewhat "Then you stated-'It was never the similar situation existed following the intention of the framers of the Common­ death of the late Senator Max Poulter, wealth Constitution that Parliament should you addressed a letter to me on hand to an outside political organisation 12th September, 1962, which said, and the power to determine who should be I quote- the senatorial nominee. No outside political organisation, whether it be 'While my Government feels that it Labour or non-Labour, can be allowed would be in accordance with the current with impunity to abrogate the Common­ conventions of the Constitution if wealth Constitution. Such attempts to Parliament were to elect as a Senator a override the rights of Parliamentary rep­ member of the Australian Labor Party, resentatives com,titutionally elected by the Queensland Branch, yet, at the same time, it believes that Parliament should peo·ple must be resisted with vigour and not be deprived of all choice in the determination.' " matter and particularly that the circum­ I interpolate to say that this "vigour and stances of the election should not be determination" has had the greatest political such as to make it appear that the turn-about that I have ever known, and the choice was made otherwise than by pei'petrators are nDne other than the Premier Parliament.' and his Deputy. "No such reservation seems to dictate The letter continues- your consideration of the procedure to be "Despite these forthright and unam­ followed on this occasion and, on perusing biguous declarations by yourself, and the the relevant 'Hansard,' namely, Volume fact that you have informed me that you 233, 1962, when the Parliament was called have, despite your earlier protestations of upon to deal with the que·stion of filling such a procedure being follDwed, asked the vacancy in the Senate, you stated, inter the Queensland Division of the Liberal alia, on Pages 603 and 604, and I quote- Party of Australia, to advise you as '! took the logical and, I submit, the quickly as possible the name of the person eminently fair course of asking the they wish to nominate on this particular Leader of the Opposition to submit the Dccasion, this makes the situation a marked names of at least two A.L.P. nominees.' change of attitude on your part. I am 'I asked the Leader of the Opposition not even extended the cDurtesy of knowing to give this Parliament its right to make who this nominated person might be " a choice. One nomination is no choice.' No such courtesy was extended to me. "Further-'Of course, we know that the I went on to say- Leader of the Opposition is endeavouring to apologise for the fact that he and his " ... and whether, in fact, if and when party have been directed by somebody out­ his name is submitted, that it might be side Parliament in the actions they are acceptable to both sections of the Coali­ taking in this nomination.' tion Government, which you lead." "Again, on page 604, you stated-'All As a matter of fact, I should mention that that we have asked the Leader of the the question of triangular contests was a very Opposition to do was to give the Parlia­ sore point with the coalition Government ment the right to make a choice between then-it had almost reached boiling point­ two nominees.' and, strangely and paradoxically, perhaps, the "Again-'It is evident that pressure has chief stirrer-up of the trouble was the late been brought to bear on the Parliamentary Senator Sherrington. I was approached, Labour Party by the all-powerful Q.C.E. admittedly unofficially, by one or two pro­ to nominate only one person, thereby minent members of the Country Party asking depriving Parliament of its right of a me, if the Liberals persisted in this prosecu­ choice. This parliament is not going to tion of triangular contests, what the attitude be denied the right of a choice. This of the A.L.P. would be if they tried to example of an attempt to usurp the rights short-circuit this political manoeuvring by of Parliament by an outside organisation, replacing the senatorial nominee of the which is not responsible to the electors Liberal Party, and whether we, with them, and which has no constitutional standing could support a Country Party candidate whatsoever in the duty we are called upon and set the Liberals back a peg or two. to perform here tonight, will not be accepted by the Government party and Knowing this, how could I be sure that by the Parliament. Why should the when the Liberal Party did make a selection Q.C.E. decide that only one man's name it would be acceptable to the coalition should be submitted, with the obvious parties? The Country Party has a majority inference that its nominee should, willy in the coalition Caucus and, combined with nilly, be accepted by this Parliament? It the A.L.P., would have a majority of mem­ is not going to be willy nilly accepted by bers in this House to elect someone other this Government, anyway. than the person who was nominated for the position by the Liberal Party. "It is not the business of the Q.C.E. to decide who shall be the Senate representa­ The Premier said that we must have a tive; it is the business of Parliament choice in this matter, not be dictated to by itself.' some outside body, and his reply, as reported 144 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

in "Hansard," specifically included even non­ It was only because I had been asked to Labour organisations and did not confine it submit a nomination. only to the Q.C.E. Basically, the Liberal He went on to say- Party and the Country Party operate and "The issue on that occasion was whether function administratively along the same Parliament's right of making a choice of general lines as the A.L.P. In inviting candidates should be exercised. That was nominations, dealing with them, prosecuting the only decision we had to make on that campaigns, defraying expenses of campaigns occasion, so why should we mention his and organisational literature, and so on, the name?" methods are fundamentally the same for all parties. Why should his name be mentioned? That is the crux of this whole matter. It all boils The Deputy Premier said that, although down to a question of the Premier's own we have not a choice today, he had the insistence, stated in a letter to me and unique distinction of having seven nominees recorded in the pages of "Hansard", that from whom to choose and that Mr. Heatley there must be a choice and apparently one impressed him greatly with his repartee, his name only cannot be mentioned because off-the-cuff remarks, and his ability to answer there would be no opportunity for choice. without hesitation searching questions that What does "choice" mean? Looking at were directed to him. Webster's dictionary I found that there are Mr. Chalk: You did not have much choice several definitions and meanings of the in-- word. As a noun it means "act of choosing; the voluntary act of selecting or separating Mr. DUGGAN: The less the Treasurer from two or more things that which is pre­ says, the better it will be for him. On his ferred; election; selection. Power, oppor­ own admission-it is recorded in "Hansard" tunity or privilege of choosing; option. A -he had the choice of seven nominees. sufficient number and variety to choose among; field for choice; also, a plentiful Mr. Chalk: Quite true. and choice supply. Care in selecting; dis­ crimination. Estimation. An alternative; Mr. DUGGAN: Yet the Premier said to as, death or exile was the only choice." this Parliament, the highest tribunal in the land, that it must have a choice. As an adjective it n:eans "worthy of being chosen; select; precwus; of high quality Let us examine this question and make or grade. Selected with care, and due atten­ sure that there is no doubt about it. Hon. tion to preference; deliberately chosen; well­ members will remember that there was a chosen; fit." stony silence in September 1962 when we submitted Mr. Ameli's name. Not one word This man might have been well-chosen. of condemnation was directed against him by His might have been a very good appoint­ any Government spokesman. It was decided ment; he might be a man of high-grade on the first occasion not to elect Mr. Arnell, quality. I do not know. I suggest that some and the Premier adjourned the House. We Country Party members might feel he is not met again a week later, and the Premier so high-grade because although he is a grazier then began telling us all the things that his he is not a member of the Country Party. security men and others were able to tell I do not know, and I am not pushing that him about Mr. Arnell. I suggest that he at the moment; but in this case the Premier had not been told those things in the inter­ has laid down these conditions and that is vening period, but that he had the informa­ the important point. Throughout the whole tion before him on the first occasion and of these matters the Premier has laid down that it was because of his possession of it that rnrticular requirements. the Government parties would not support I now proceed with the rest of my letter, Mr. Arnell. which I felt it proper to depart from to emphasise the points as I went along. My Mr. Ramsden: There is a shocked silence. letter to the Premier continues- Mr. DUGGAN: Yes, on the hon. mem­ "Would not the invitation extended to ber's side of the House. the Liberal Party to select a person for your consideration constitute an admission This is what the Premier said on by you that an outside organisation (in this 9 October- instance, the Liberal Party), which is not "The Leader of the Opposition, I feel, responsible to the electors, has the right is not right behind the nomination of of nominating a person to fill a Senate Mr. Arnell. On the previous occasion he vacancy. If such is the case, why was made, and he repeated tonight, the state­ an entirely different attitude adopted by ment that we should accept Mr. Arnell you as far as the Q.C.E. of the A.L.P. because not a single word was said against was concerned in September, 1962? him by any member of the Parliament. "Certainly, you are not, as you indi­ Evidently members of the Opposition think cated previously, asking that a choice be there was something sinister in that, but made which, as you state, cannot be done what was the reason for dragging by submitting only one name, and which Mr. Ameli's name into the debate on the you further state, must be the prerogative last occasion?" of Parliament itself. Vacancy in Senate of [11 AuousT] Commonwealth of Australia 145

"In view of the evidence which I have Let us see how the Premier felt about placed before you, I therefore invite you this question of choice. When we made to carry out the procedure which you our speeches on the first occasion in support insisted upon in regard to the filling of the of Mr. Arnell, who had been duly selected vacancy caused by the death of the late democratically by the rank and file-he was Senator Max Poulter and give Parliament the third official endorsed candidate on the a choice by having more than one name A.L.P. ticket in the year in which he stood submitted. and was defeated-! and other hon. members "I trust you will take this appropriate on this side invited the Government to say course of action before the dissolution of on what grounds they rejected Mr. Arnell's the current Parliament." nomination. Not one single reason was given other than "We want a choice." did not receive an acknowledgment to that letter, because it is unanswerable. I Mr. Ramsden: We did not want to do not say that in any sense of vanity; it embarrass you. is an unanswerable letter. The indictment was prepared not by me but by the Premier Mr. DUGGAN: When the Premier, with himself. He is batting to his own bowling all his knowledge and experience and with and, as the hon. member for South Brisbane a retinue of highly paid public servants, indicates, there would be no occasion for the including officers of the Crown Law Office jury to retire to come to a verdict on this behind him, and the Deputy Premier, with matter because the Premier, if he was the all his galaxy, including the recently elected fair man that he wanted to make out he was hon. member for Toowong, with his skill in 1962, would say, "I plead for mercy. I and knowledge, behind him-with all the ask that the punishment be made as light as brains and money behind those two hon. possible notwithstanding that I admit my gentlemen--cannot make out a better case, guilt completely. The evidence is there; there the hon. member for Merthyr should not is no case to argue against what I have said." come in and embarrass them any further. Why the turnabout in this matter? If the If they cannot get out of this situation, Premier wants to lay down some high, lofty, how in the name of goodness can the hon. ethical standards, that is all right. We have member help them? If he sticks to his said that we agree with the principle of tunnel he might have a bit of a case. replacement, but what is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander. If this The point I am making is this question document is to be policy, if we are to listen of choice. Not one accusation was levelled to these announcements from time to time against Mr. Arnell. On the next occasion about the individual rights of members of Senator Spooner, as Acting Prime Minister, Parliament and of how they are entitled to gave a certain indication. It was the wish c::::t up here as free agents and nominate any­ of many people, including many on this side body, why do we persist with this sort of of the House, that we should persist with nonsense? a single nomination. I did use words to this effect on behalf of the Opposition. I could understand it if this change-about Many of us were rather desirous of accepting had come in 1949, but 17 years have passed the challenge of the Government of the since the proportional system of representation day by persisting with a single nomination, in the Senate came into being. We did knowing full well that the Government wanted have the situation for many years where to go outside and make its own nomination, we had 33 Liberal or Country Party Senators at the same time taking full credit by saying, to three Labour Senators, despite the fact "We gave the Opposition an opportunity that the Labour vote throughout the but they did not elect to take it. Seeing Commonwealth was something of the order that they didn't, we want to elect someone of 50 per cent. of our own for nomination." Mr. Campbell: You had the reverse position, too. How silly is this sort of thing if we are going to have the nomination of a certain Mr. DUGGAN: I said that in my previous person because the Deputy Premier and speech, too. I acknowledged that it would other members of the Liberal executive on vary according to the fluctuating fortunes the selection panel are impressed with a of the various parties. I think the present certain candidiate! I am not going to say system has some imperfections, but I am not that Mr. Heatley was not the most appropriate canvassing that point today. I am simply candidate. I do not know, but I accept it saying that had this change of attitude on that he was. But when we have two the part of the Government taken place nominees, what do we do? Have we got around 1949 there might be some explanation to go around the State searching for two for it. But this has happened in the last very outstanding men? On the last occasion four years. It is fresh in our memory. It I was invited by the hon. member for is something that is almost current; it is Carnarvon to nominate as an alternative almost contemporaneous. Yet we find on this someone who was not known and therefore occasion that we are being treated not only whose character and integrity could not be in a shabby, discourteous way, but in a challenged. Is that the right thing to do­ way that is a shocking violation of all that to select someone that no-one knows anything the Standing Orders lay down on this matter. about? 146 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

I simply want to point out that I was for Ashgrove, said, "If Ameli's name is sub­ invited to bring Ameli before the Bar of mitted I will walk out of the House." Later the House and subject him to interrogation. on, Mr. Waters's name was mentioned by Every member of the Government said, "He someone not on this side of the House, as is the plaintiff in this case, not the defen­ a perso~ whose name might be submitted, dant." Sir Alan Munro said, "What are and the Premier said "I will not vote for you all whingeing about? He is the nominee; him." We know ve;y well that it was a he is not the defendant; he has nothing to rotten-and that is the appropriate term to defend." Sir Thomas Hiley, the then Deputy use-"ganging up" by all the members of Premier, said the same thing. He said, "He the coalition Government on that occasion. is the plaintiff in this case." Yet I was I have heard Senator Hendrickson invited on behalf of the Opposition, by these described as a left-winger. No objection was seers in this matter, to bring Arnell before taken by the Victorian Liberal Government the Bar of the House. What would have when the A.L.P. nominated him. They happened if we had submitted someone who accepted him without question. When the was completely unknown, someone whose Western Australian Government was asked character could not be examined? We might to receive a nomination by the A.L.P. it have brought in a "swiftie," or the Govern­ asked for one name to go forward-and we ment may not have had time to examine submitted only one. Had the Premier his background. What would have happened adopted the same attitude in 1962 I would if we had brought in a candidate who was not be saying what I am saying now. It incapable of adequately representing this is only because of the changed attitude-­ State in the Senate? the volte-face-on the part of the Govern­ I have not spent my time today as I did ment and the vicious way in which these on the previous occasion in drawing atten­ thing~ are twisted for party-political pur­ tion to the responsibilities of the Senate, poses, that I, on behalf of the Opposition, which was originally established to safe­ have adopted this attitude today. guard the rights of the States. I went through "Hansard" is full of statements by the those matters, as did other hon. members, on Premier on this attitude, and I will be that occasion so I will not recapitulate them referring to them. I specifically asked the now. If we had submitted both a strong Premier, in view of the turn of the debate candidate and an unknown candidate, would on the last occasion, whether he might not the Government have tried to weaken make a note of the procedure that was our position by voting for the lesser-known followed. This is what I said-and it is candidate? What did we do on that occa­ very germane, as it happens, and almost sion? On the second occasion there was prophetic-at page 723 of "Hansard" for no diffidence or hesitancy; there was no gal­ 9 October, 1962- lantry, no courtesy, no political chivalry or "Whilst we are on this point of having even political honesty on the part of the a choice in the matter, I invite the Premier Premier, who tipped bucket upon bucket to give a declaration for the record that upon Mr. Ameli. I ask hon. members to in the unhappy event-and I hope it will read "Hansard" to see what was said. not occur-of any Senator from Queens­ land representing the Government parties Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I am afraid the resigning or dying before the next Senate Leader of the Opposition is getting a little elections, he will undertake to submit to out of line in accusing the Premier of this House for consideration the names of political dishonesty. two members representing Government interests outside this House. Will he do Mr. DUGGAN: I withdraw that remark; that? On the last occasion when we had I withdraw the particular phrase to which an opportunity of discussing the fitness or you, Mr. Speaker, have taken exception. I othe·rwise of a person to enter the Senate am quite certain that, with a little time, I the then Leader of the Opposition, the could add extensively to the volumes of Hon. G. F. R. Nicklin, did not elect to "Hansard" with other appropriate language, put forward even one name from this side but I leave it to those who read "Hansard" of the House to give the Government a to see the indictment that was made on the choice in the matter." first occasion. Mr. Nicklin then replied- On the second occasion there was very "! was not the Leader of the Opposition strong condemnation of the fitness of at that time." Mr. Arnell, on political grounds, to be the representative. We did not agree. We I specifically anticipated the situation that rejected those charges and fought them very brings us together here today. It was not strongly. On that occasion there was no that I had any forebodings or fear or fore­ hesitancy on the part of the Government to knowledge of this sickness that the late do everything possible to "cruel" this man Senator ultimately died from. in the eyes of others. I took particular objec­ Then I asked the Premier if he would lay tion when these things were done, but that down the same conditions; I gave him written was not the only occasion. In the first place, notice of that. I invited him, in the event before there was any nomination, the pre­ of a vacancy occurring under the conditions sent Minister for Health, the hon. member that bring us together today, to give two Vacancy in Senate of [11 AUGUST] Commonwealth of Australia 147 names. But he S'aid merely that he wanted In the final analysis, in a very brief tribute our acquiescence in the proposal that he one would say of Bob Sherrington that his communicate with the Liberal Party Execu­ outstanding characteristic was his total tive as speedily as possible to select a integrity, from which stemmed his personal Senator. courage. No tirades or threats could per­ suade him to deviate from the course that he There are many other things I could say. considered proper. I have tried to stick strictly to relevant matters on this point and I have tried to Perhaps the greatest tribute that I can pay speak logically on the attitude of the to a good friend and fine leader is to say Government. For those reasons I say on of him that he was a good man in the very behalf of the Opposition, "The principle is best sense of that ~.,ften-used but much under­ good; but the method of choosing the man valued term. to fill the vacancy stinks to high heaven." For that reason, the Opposition votes in I am pleased to support the appointment of protest against this nominee. William Clarence Heatley as a Senator for Queensland. Mr. PORTER (Toowong) (3.8 p.m.): In supporting the motion for the appointment as Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (3.12 Senator of William Clarence Heatley, I p.m.): The very holding of this special wish to join with my Leader, Mr. Chalk, and session of the Queensland Parliament-- pay a small personal tribute to the late Senator Robert Duncan Sherrington. That Mr. Walsh: Special sittings. is all I propose to do on this occasion. Over the last 10 years I worked very closely Mr. AIKENS: The very holding of this with Bob Sherrington, perhaps more so special sittings, as the hon. member for than any other person, and I came to know Bundaberg wants to call it, exemplifies the hrm very well. Nothing so quickly reveals shrinking and stinking past of the Senate as it the inner man as politics, with its stresses is constituted today. We have been informed and strains and its blandishments. The more by the Premier that on 14 April, by Order in important a man becomes politically, the Council, Mr. Heatley was appointed a more important and the stronger become the Senator. I have been informed by other pressures. Yet Bob Sherrington climbed to Senators who were there (n:>t that many the top of the political tree after many Senators ever ~;o near the Senate) that he was successes, both private and public, in the sworn in as a Senator, took his place in the North's sugar industry. He came down to Senate, and has been receiving his salary, Brisbane, and so great was the impact he allowances, and other emoluments as a made that he rapidly became Vice-President Senator from 14 April to date. Yet today, of the Liberal Party, and after that he on 11 August, we meet in solemn conclave became its much loved President. to formally elect him to a position that he has held since 14 April. I ask myself: what can one say about a good man? Certainly he was a devoted I have a problem to pose, and perhaps family man. His surviving widow, son, some of those who claim to have some daughters and grandchildren are magnificent knowledge of constitutional law may be able tributes to him. to advise me on it. What would have hap­ pened, for instance, if between 14 April and Bob Sherrington was also a man of very today Mr. Senator-elect Heatley had died or deep convictions, and he had the courage to resigned? Would his estate have had to pursue them. What is more to the point, refund the amount of salary that he had he had the character and integrity that drawn as a Senator? Obviously this Parlia­ enabled him to recognise at what point ment could not elect to the Senate a man expediency, which is always necessary in who was dead. politics, had to be checked before it turned into the surrender of cherished principles. Mr. Smith: Haven't you read section 15? Bob Sherrington, devoted to the political cause that he espoused, was an active presi­ Mr. AIKENS: If I ever read anything, I dent till literally the last hours of his life. certainly would not forget myself sufficiently He chaired our party's annual conference, to read in "Hansard" any of the speeches of which was a vital one, on the Gold Coast in hon. member for Windsor. What would 1965 with good humour and tolerance, when have happened if the Senator-elect had died? he was already under sentence of death. I What would happen to the money that he believe he was a man of great talents, with had drawn? Would we now be meeting in sound common sense, who could very quickly solemn conclave to elect another person to see the significance of situations that often the position of Senator? Would the confused others. He had, if I may put it Governor in Council have elected a second this way, an innate flair for politics and a man? Assuming that this man, too, had very shrewd capacity to recognise not only died, we would have had two dead men and what was best in the short term but, what is a live man, so would we then have been more important, what was best in the long required to elect the live man to the position term, and always his decisions were based of Senator? on what he saw as the proper principles. Mr. Smith: Quite right. 148 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY) Commonwealth of Australia

Mr. AIKENS: The hon. member for voted to send anybody to that House of Windsor says, "Quite right." No doubt the fossils, that political Eventide Home, and I hon. member for South Brisbane would not will not do it. agree with him, because they have never agreed on anything. Mr. Mann: That is nonsense. Mr. Bennett: That is definitely wrong. Mr. AIKENS: We know now that the hon. member for Brisbane recently contested Mr. AIKENS: I have not as long to a ballot in the Q.C.E. against Milliner to spend debating this matter as I would wish, see who would fill the position in the Senate because I have to catch a plane to my that will become vacant. As an old war­ beloved North-land. However, let us wake horse who has sniffed the battle from afar on up to the fact that the Senate is, quite frankly, many occasions and who is now leaning a depository of political dead-beats and against the boundary fence, with his head no-hopers. Men who can no longer serve hanging down, waiting for the knacker's any useful purpose in the State political knife, it is a pity that he did not win. He sphere are side-tracked into the Senate; party would have been a typical Senator. Of hacks and party leaders who have served course, 20 or 30 years ago he would have the party outside Parliament are pushed into been much too forceful. the Senate, firstly as a reward for their hack ~ervice to the party and, secondly, of course, I knew Senator Heatley as a young man, m order to get them out of their official and I hold him in high regard. I have no positions and make room for someone else means of knowing what sort of a public in the party hierarchy. man he will be, no means of knowing whether he has any ability to become a Senator. I We are meeting here today to confirm an knew his father, Bill Heatley, who was Mayor ";;pointment already made by the Governor of Townsville, and who did a very fine job in Council of Mr. Heatley to the Senate. for the people of Townsville. I am always The Senate is an anachronism; it is a sympathetic towards a man who does a good political excrescence. It costs the people of job for the little people, and when Bill Australia £3,000,000 a year; it sits on very Heatley, the father of the Senator who has few days of the year, and very few Senators been elected already and is about to be attend when it does 't. I shall not go into re-elected by this Parliament, had the big the farce of a Senate election. At a general furniture store in Townsville, he helped election, the people of Queensland are called scores and scores of workers to furnish their upon to elect five Senators, and four of them homes on time payment. There was no are already elected before the people go to question of their paying any interest; cer­ the polls; two nominated by the Labour tainly not the inordinately high and iniquitous Party and two nominated by the Liberal­ interest charged by hire-purchase companies Country Party are automaticlllly elected today. before the people cast a vote. Yet the people I well remember the furniture that went must go to the polling booths and go through to the West and, indeed, all over North the tortuous process of filling in a long Queensland, provided by Bill Heatley on the Senate ballot paper with 16 or 17 figures in most moderate time-payment terms. Many order to elect the fifth Senator. people in North Queensland will remember Mr. Walsh: Aren't you unfair to Senator with considerable affection how the late Bill Keeffe? He is in the North. Heatley, father of the gentleman we are discussing, helped them to furnish their Mr. AIKENS: I hope he never leaves homes on the cheapest possible terms. the North, because the arrival of Senator Keeffe in North Queensland was the best The uncle of the Senator-elect, who is thing that ever happened for the anti-Labour already elected, was, of course, the late forces .there. I would not mind betting that Talbot Heatley. I do not know of any man the Liberal-Country Party has subsidised who has done more for or stands higher in Senator Keeffe's coming to live in Towns­ the affection and esteem of, the people of ville. One of these days the whole story North Queensland than the late Talbot Heatley. It would be almost impossible for will come out. If the Labour Party ever wants to regain any image it might have had any man who did not know him to even in North Queensland as a party for the faintly envisage the tremendous amount of useful people, it will have to get Senator support he gave every organisation in North Keeffe to leave the North. Queensland, particularly sporting organisa­ tions, and the innumerable times he put his I agree with a number of the things that hand in his pocket and gave generous help the Leader of the Opposition said, though to those who needed it. I am not going to buy into any dogfight If the gentleman we are discussing sending between the Labour Party and the Liberal­ to the Senate, eight months after he has Country Party. According to the principle already got there, is only one small fraction that I adopted in 1962, my conscience will as good as his father, Bill Heatley, or his not allow me to vote for the appointment of uncle, Talbot Heatley, he will be a very any person to the Senate. I think I would worthy representative of this State. But be recreant to the trust that the people of whatever I feel about him personally does Townsville South have reposed in me if I not alter my fixed conviction that if we Vacancy in Senate of [11 AuGusT] Commonwealth of Australia 149 were honest-if the members of the Labour for the purpose of electing a Senator as Party were honest-they would stick firmly provided by Section 15 of the Common­ to the policy of their party, which is that wealth of Australia Constitution Act." the Senate be abolished. The sooner the To follow that up so that I can indicate that Senate is abolished the sooner this great I want to confine myself to the relevant nation of ours can begin to really forge factors, I point out that Standing Order 3 31 ahead. reads- I know, of course, that it is impossible to "(a) Within fourteen days after Parlia­ amend the Commonwealth Constitution to ment has received, during a Session of abolish the Senate, which is without power; Parliament, from the Governor of the it is a powerless body, and the only time State, a notification that a vacancy has we hear of Senators is when they go on occurred in the number of Members for their innumerable jaunts around Australia the State in the Senate of the Common­ and overseas at the expense of the taxpayers. wealth, the Speaker shall, by giving not Mr. Mann interjected. less than seven nor more than fourteen days' notice, summon every Member of Parliament to meet in the Legislative Mr. AIKENS: I would like to hear of Chamber, on a day and at an hour to one Senator who is doing a good job. be specified in the summons, for the Mr. Ramsden: Senator Rankin. purpose of electing a Senator as pro­ vided by Section 15 of the Common­ wealth of Australia Constitution Act." Mr. AIKENS: I have never head of him. If the hon. member for Merthyr can get I will not read the numerous other para­ his mind off a tunnel under the Brisbane graphs because that is the paragraph t~at River for a moment, I challenge him to is relevant to the matter now under dis­ write, in the space of five minutes, the cussion. However, I emphasise that in your names of the 10 Queensland Se-nators. I communication to hon. members you have will bet he cannot do it. I will bet there used the words "for the purpose of elect­ is not one person in 10,000 in Queensland ing a Senator as provided by Section 15 of who knows how many Senators represent the Commonwealth of Australia Constitu­ Queensland, and not 200 persons in Queens­ tion Act." land who, in the space of five minutes, can So that we will keep the matter in its sit down and write the names of the 10 proper train, let us see what Section 15 Senators from Queensland. That is how of that Act says. It reads- useful the Senate is. As a matter of fact, it is worse than many of the things I have "If the place of a senator becomes said about it. 0£ course, I am very cog­ vacant before the expiration of his term nisant of the fact that you are sitting in of service, the Houses of Parliament of the chair, Mr. Speaker, and I am anxious the State for which he was chosen shall. to avoid using any unparliamentary language, sitting and voting together, choose a so I have made a temperate speech. person to hold the place. until the ~xpira­ tion of the term, or until the electiOn of I again repeat that in no circumstances a successor as hereinafter provided, which­ have I at any time voted for the election ever first happens. But if the Houses of of any person to the House that is a disgrace Parliament of the State are not in session to the Parliamentary fabric of Australia and at the time when the vacancy is notified, the that ought to be abolished as quickly as pos­ Governor of the State, with the advice of sible in the interests of the people of Aus­ the Executive Council thereof, may appoint tralia. I shall now go home to my beloved a person to hold the place until the e_xpi:a­ North. tion of fourteen days after the begmmng of the next session of the Parliament of Mr. WALSH (Bundaberg) (3.24 p.m.): So the State, or until the election of a suc­ that the House will be clear about the line cessor, whichever first happens." I am going to follow, first of all I want to quote the notice sent out by you, Mr. It goes on to provide what shall happen at Spe-aker, under date 3 August. It reads- the next general election of members of the House of Representatives, when the Senator who has been so chosen by the Houses "ELECTION OF SENATOR of Parliament shall submit himself to "Whereas Parliament has received from election. His Excellency The Governor a notifica­ It will be noted that in each of these cases tion that a vacancy has occurred in the the term used is "the Houses of Parliament representation of the State of Queensland ... sitting and voting together." I am not in the Senate of the Commonwealth going to say, nor do I wish to convey, that through the dealth of Senator Robert I am asking that this House should deter­ Duncan Sherrington, now, pursuant to the mine a legal question. As I see it, Parlia­ provision of Standing Order No. 331- ment never interprets its own laws. But Casual Vacancy in the Senate, I hereby just as I would raise the interpretation of summon you to meet in the Legislative any clause submitted by any Minister for Assembly Chamber on the Eleventh day presentation to the Committee of the Whole of August, 1966, at 2.15 o'clock p.m. House, I am now challenging the right of 150 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia this House to proceed to make the choice seeking their approval of an alteration of the of a Senator constitutionally in terms Constitution, no doubt to give it what was of section 15 of the Commonwealth of Aus­ regarded as a proper legal interpretation of tralia Constitution Act. I know that we these terms. In section 13 it will be noted have reached the stage where certain parties that in 1906 or 1907 the words "the third may have decided to ignore the constitutional year" were eliminated from the Constitution aspects of this question, and to leave it to and the words "three years" substituted. The another place to determine. I admit that words "the sixth year" were eliminated and that is where it will be determined, if it the words "Six years" substituted. The words is challenged. "in the year at the expiration of which" were I realise that even the Liberal Senator from eliminated and the words "within one year Tasmania, Senator Wright, has had much to before" substituted. They are simple words say about the powers of Parliament and in the Constitution; but it was still necessary courts being eroded by executive government. to submit this question to a referendum of He probably-! think he might see eye to eye the people. with this point of view-will not raise the I know that a referendum would cause a question. It will probably be left to a lot of people headaches, but I am not wor­ Senator like the Independent Senator for ried about that; that is not my problem. I Tasmania, Senator Turnbull, if the matter has to be challenged. am here as a member of Parliament to exer­ cise my right. I raised this question on a I do not think we are entitled to ignore previous occasion and, although I was not this, although I know that is the easy way at that time attempting to ask the House to to bypass what could be a very intricate legal determine the legal aspects, you, Mr. question. I will listen to the legal luminaries Speaker, very rightly said that the House from both sides of the House because I could not do it. I emphasise today that I always like to listen to anyone who can give am not asking the house to determine the an intelligent answer to a question. If they legal aspects; but, since they have been can tell me that it is competent for this raised, I hope that the Premier or somebody Parliament to amend the Commonwealth else will be able to give this House some Constitution, or any phraseology of any part idea whether it has the constitutional power of the Commonwealth Constitution, by to choose a Senator today. merely amending its own Constitution or its Standing Orders, I should like to hear their I have discussed this matter on many arguments on the matter. occasions with some of my legal friends. As soon as I put the question to them they run I will not belabour this question, but I for cover and cite the Acts Interpretation should like the hon. members for Windsor Acts. It is true that that Act is used in and South Brisbane to look at section 8 of respect of many of our statutes-and wisely the Queensland Constitution and see whether so. I would need somebody to convince me we really have the power to approve of a that that Act, which was passed by the State Standing Order such as No. 331. By no means Parliament, can interpret in any way the do I claim to be a legal authority, but I am wording of any of the sections of the Consti­ here to question these matters if I think they tution. I want anybody to quote to me, if he are not in accord with what I think is the can, any section in the Imperial Acts Inter­ proper constitutional or legal practice. I pretation Act that can do so. If it could draw attention to part 4 of the Common­ be done, the procedure as laid down in wealth Constitution under the heading, "Both section 128, which provides for the taking Houses of Parliament". of referendums on this question, would not Again, I specifically draw attention to be necessary. sections 57, 58, 59 and 60, where the term "Houses of the Parliament" is mentioned in As far as I know, there is only one occa­ each case. If any constitutional lawyer, any sion on which the rights of both Houses of legal representative in this Chamber, or any­ Parliament have been challenged on the one else who might feel he should take part choosing of a Senator in accordance with in the debate, can give me any reason why section 15 of the Constitution. That occurred the word "Houses" should be interpreted in South Australia following an election away differently under the Commonwealth Constitu­ back in 1906, when one of the defeated can­ tion and the Standing Orders of this House, didates challenged the election of the can­ I am again prepared to listen. didate declared elected by the returning officer. The matter was submitted to the I do not know that any power exists court, which determined, after considering whereby a State has the authority to amend the votes allowed and the votes disallowed, the Commonwealth Constitution, any more that if certain votes had been allowed there than the Commonwealth has the right to would have been a different result. On that amend the Constitution of this State. A ground the High Court determined that the method is set out for amending the Constitu­ election was void. A by-election was held, tion. It is contained in section 128 of the and it was the only single by-election in the Commonwealth Constitution history of Federation back in 1908. The I now draw attention to some simple candidate who was first selected by both amendments that have been submitted by Houses of Parliament, and who subsequently referendum to the people over the years had his right to occupy the position of Vacancy in Senate of [11 AuGUST] Commonwealth of Australia 151

Senator challenged when the matter was Mr. Hanlon: He is disgusted with the referred to the Committee of Disputed Liberal Party, in any case. Returns in the Senate, was defeated. Mr. W ALSH: That is true. I have a Situations can arise, as the hon. member lot of respect for him. I know him pretty for Townsville South has said, wherein the well, and I know that he has done a lot of person who has been appointed by the work in the municipal field and has done a Governor in Council passes away before the pretty good job in recent times for the Red House has been asked to confirm his appoint­ Cross, too. However, I am not denying to ment. What is the situation then? The hon. the Liberal Party their right to choose a member for Windsor may say, "Haven't you nominee any more than I am denying the read section 15?'' as he did to the hon. same right to the A.L.P. I am sure that member for Townsville South. The Parlia­ they, too, would not deny me the right. to ment of South Australia, in 1906 or 1907, make these observations-as long as I stick thought, no doubt on the best constitutional advice available, that it had the right to somewhere near the truth, anyway! appoint a person as a Senator, but it was Much has been said, and I do not wish subsequently ruled by Mr. Justice Barton to raise the name of the departed Senator that the election was not in accordance with or bring it into this de·bate; I will leave it section 15. to those who are now carrying on the intrigue. It is quite obvious to me that I know it is no use my trying to get before the late Senator passed away there another Senator Wright, although I have a was widespread intrigue to see that the name very deep respect for his challenges now a_nd of Senator Dame Annabelle Rankin was again to the Government of the day, which not placed at the top of the ballot pap.er, show that there is returning to the Senate in the No. 1 position, at the forthcommg more freedom of expression on matters such Senate election. One did not have to be a as this. That also goes for Senators member of the Liberal Party to see that; McManus, Gair, and Turnbull. That pro­ nor does one have to be a member of the bably will not have the approval of the Liberal Party to know that the Country A.L.P.; I do not know. If those Senators Party and the Liberal Party are going to exercise their rights, as Senator Wood has have a real Donnybrook before the 1967 done, the people will have a little mo:e election in deciding in what order the names faith in the Senate. Over and over agam will be placed on the ballot paper. There we hear that the Senate is supposed to be will be four vacancies to be filled, and Dame representative of the States. If that is the Annabelle Rankin, Mr. Ken Morris, and case, over the years it has gone a long way Mr. Heatley will be coming up for from what was intended by the fathers of re-election. The fourth vacancy results from Federation. the re·tirement of Sir Waiter Cooper. It is perfectly obvious, as has been mentioned in The Premier was quite brief on this the House today, that under the system of occasion. I quite understand that, as, after proportional voting only two Senators can all, this selection is not really his "baby". be elected from that group. Somebody must The Treasurer somewhat amazed me when he be sacrifice·d. Who is it to be? I find this rose and extolled the capacity and keenness amusing, and I am sitting back watching it of Mr. Heatley. I wondered what had hap­ with a great deal of interest. pened to Ron Witham. In 1964 he obtained, after the allocation of preferences, 7 5,000 Mr. Murray: Do you suggest that only votes. I do not know what has happened, two could be elected from that group? but I read in the Press that he was really disappointed not to receive nomination. Mr. WALSH: I am saying it positively, Mr. Han!on: He withdrew in disgust before yes. The hon. member knows that as well the selection was made. as I do. He should not make silly inter­ jections. He knows that at the previous election Senator Gair came between the two Mr. WALSH: That is perfectly true. It parties, and if a candidate such as Mr. seems strange that the person who stood for Condon Byrne heads the D.L.P. group next election in 1964 and was able to obtain, after year, I have no doubt that a similar thing the allocation of preferences, 75,000 votes, will happen. The hon. member can work is no longer regarded by the Liberal Party it out for himself. as a suitable nominee. I do not know what the hon. member for Toowong would have Mr. Chinc.hen: You will rejoin the party? had to say about that if I had spoken before he did. Certainly he did not enter into Mr. W ALSH: I stick to what I think is anything controversial, and I would not have right. expected him to do at this st~ge.. I C

I leave that little mystery with hon. mem­ Mr. W ALSH: I do not care who is at fault. bers opposite. They will see just what is I have always questioned this selecting at ahead. The Liberals will do their best random the surplus votes. I have sufficient to ride the Country Party into the ground; knowledge of the things that have gone on in there is no question about that. They will elections over a long period to have my put forward an argument similar to that suspicions of what might happen. Think of which was used when the question arose as the things that happened in Victoria. to whether Senator Lawrie should be first or second on the ballot paper. If No. 1 The Leader of the Opposition made much replaces No. 3 or No. 4, without question of the attitude adopted by the Premier when one of them must be sacrificed, and the other a situation like this arose previously. I one takes the risk, as was the case in 1964. think the Leader of the Opposition will I will watch that position with interest as remember that at that time I gave my reasons time goes on. why I was not prepared to support Mr. Arnell, and I quoted from the verbatim report of the The Leader of the Opposition took part in Labour-in-Politics Convention at Mackay. the debate. It seems to me that, because of the introduction of proportional voting, Mr. Duggan interjected. there is some justification for adopting the Mr. WALSH: I know I did say that, but practice of electing a Senator nominated by unfortunately at that time the Leader of the the party to which the Senator belonged who has passed away or vacated his seat. Opposition was badly advised when he Proportional voting was introduced 17 years nominated another person known as a Com­ ago, and I think it is now becoming very munist but who was not a "Comm.". clear to everybody that all parties are sick I am not attacking the right of the and tired of the method of counting the administrative body to select its candidates. surplus votes and that it will go down the That has been common practice over a long drain. period, and if I do not deny the right to the Q.C.E. to select its candidates then I do Whether or not the major political parties not deny the right to the Liberal Party to can agree among thmselves on the procedure do the same, although I might object to their to be followed in future, I do not know, but methods just as I might object to those of I wonder whether, if Senator Gair were to the Q.C.E. today. vacate his seat either because of death or for some other reason, both sides of the However, that is their method of doing House would be so enthusiastic to nominate these things and I can only voice my opinions another member of the Democratic Labour in this House. I did say at the time that Party in his place. I have my doubts. the Leader of the Opposition should have thrown this back into the Government's lap With all the front that has been put up here and put the Government in the position of that they want to agree with this because determining for itself who was going to be of the application of the proportionate­ the candidate. voting method in Senate elections, the test would come even if Senator McManus from After having rejected Mr. Ameli's nomina­ Victoria or Senator Turnbull from Tasmania tion and, in effect, telling the Leader of the died or vacated his seat. That would test this Opposition to go back to the Q.C.E. and mutual understanding that has been entered bring another nomination, the Country­ into to elect a candidate of the same party Liberal Government determined the selection as the candidate who has vacated the seat in their own way. It would have been a in the Senate. really pleasant situation to have sat here and witnessed what would have happened had the I think the Leader of the Opposition said, onus be thrown back on the Premier to make when somebody interjected about the previous a nomination. I wonder whom he would method of voting in the Senate, that it was have picked out of the Trades Hall group. unfair. In what way was it unfair? Nobody Jack Egerton, I suppose. explained that. Nobody explained how or Mr. Chalk: No. why it was unfair. Back in 1919 a preferential system of voting was in operation and the Mr. WALSH: If he were faced with that electorate had a choice by marking a ballot responsibility and he wanted to give the paper twice the number of candidates Labour Party some recognition, he could not required plus one. If three were required ignore the prominent part Mr. Egerton plays the elector had the choice of marking seven. in the affairs of the A.L.P. in this State. But that did not suit. Some mathematicians got on the job and somebody thought that Although the Leader of the Opposition some party would gain a political advantage. might say these things about what the Not one political party in this State had the Premier ,has done, we cannot get on the slightest idea how it was going to work out, inside of the Liberal Party or the Australian because each of them nominated five candi­ Labour Party. Whether the rumours circu­ dates for three seats that could be won. lating at the time were correct or not, I would have supported Arnell through thick and thin Mr. Mm:ray: You will agree that the had I thought he was the right candidate. present system is entirely the product of the The Premier said, "You go back and select Labour Party? another man." At the time it was mentioned Vacancy in Senate of [11 AuousTJ Commonwealth of Australia 153 to me that the Leader of the Opposition Reference has been made to the convention nominated Mr. Whiteside. The proper thing that exists in respect of situations such as for him to have done then at the Q.C.E.­ this, namely that someone of similar I say this subject to his denial or otherwise political convictions to the Senator who has passed on should be appointed to -was to have nominated Mr. Arnell again. take his place. In general, that is a principle If ~here was any truth in the statement that of which we approve; a conve-tion that we he nominated Mr. Milliner, it still did not desire to retain. But this Parliament has do any credit to the Leader of the Opposi­ a very great responsibility in this matter. tion. I would have stuck to the man through Parliament is more than merely a registering thick and thin. mechanism and must accept responsibility for the final appointment. That is a duty Mr. Duggan: Where did you get that story that Parliament cannot abrogate-it is a about Mr. Milliner? duty that Parliament must not shirk­ convention or custom notwithstanding. Mr. WALSH: I am glad to have the hon. Amongst its many duties in considering gentleman's denial. That is fair enough; if this matter, it has an overriding duty to he denies it, I accept it. It is just as well see that no man whose adherence to the to bring these things to the surface. If principles of parliamentary democracy is in Arnell had been my nomination, neither Jack any doubt-whether by his own actions, Egerton nor anyone else would have shifted or by his association with organisations me. If he were the right choice in the first which repudiate the principles of parlia­ place, that is what I would have stuck to. mentary democracy and which are committed to their overthrow-shall ever enter the I will not delay the meeting too long national Parliament. because I know that a number of people Mr. Thackeray: Isn't it a fact that your want to get out to the Show. I will vote mother was once a member of the Communist with the A.L.P. and now give my reasons Party? for doing so. The Leader of the Opposition has stated his reasons for opposing the Mr. TOOTH: My mother passed away motion. He is, in effect, registering a pro­ some years ago at the advanced age of 87. test against the Government's adopting the attitude it did when a previous selection was Mr. Thackeray: When she was alive. before this House for the election of a Mr. TOOTH: The hon. gentleman does Senator. My reason for voting against the himself little credit by such a query. election of Mr. Heatley will be that I do not think we are in the position constitution­ Mr. Thackeray: I am just asking you a ally or legally to proceed with the appoint­ fact. ment. I want to make it clear that my vote Mr. SPEAKER: Order! Will the hon. goes in that direction. member please remain quiet.

Hon. S. D. TOOTH (Ashgrove-Minister Mr. TOOTH: We have a duty as a for Health) (3.59 p.m.): It was not my inten­ Parliament in this matter and it is a duty tion to enter this debate until the Leader that we cannot, and must not, abrogate. of the Opposition did me the honour of It is a duty that devolves upon the Opposition mentioning my name in relation to an earlier as well as the Government, and upon each occasion in this House when we had the duty and every member individually. I want to of appointing a member to the Common­ exemplify that: if, for example, the wealth Senate. It is not my intention to Oppmition felt that any nominee brought delay the meeting unduly, but I think it is before the House from this side, through fair that certain things should be said. association with extreme right-wing organi­ sations that, either by their policy or by At the outset, I should like to join in the their announced principles, were opposed to, tributes that have been paid to the late and intended to overthrow, our parliamen­ Senator Robert Sherrington. I became an tary democracy, the Opposition would be acquaintance of Senator Sherrington when duty bound to demand an alternative choice, he arrived in Brisbane several years ago, and and this would apply whether the nominee during the time of my acquaintance with him be from the left or the right. That would be I learned to respect and, indeed, admire him. their duty, as it is ours. This is a duty It is true that our personal relations varied we must accept. from that of close friendship to, at times, a certain measure of restrained acrimony. But I finish on this note: there has been no-one could doubt his sincerity, his strength no such suggestion from the Opposition in of character, or his singleness of purpose. I relation to our nominee. The Opposition should like to go on record as expressing is evidently satisfied with him as a person; my admiration for his work as a Queens­ indeed, that has been stated. The adverse lander in the field of primary production vote that the Opposition proposes to record with which he was associated for so long, today is, in fact, a protest against the in the field of party-political activity, and principles that I have just enunciated, and in the Australian Senate. therefore it must be rejected. 154 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ of the members of this Parliament-not the Premier) (4.5 p.m.), in reply: I listened Government, but the majority of the members with considerable interest to the sham fight of this Parliament. that the Leader of the Opposition put up for 40 minutes against the election of Queens­ Mr. DUGGAN: I rise to a point of order. land's Senator. I deliberately say it was a The Premier stated that Mr. Arnell was sham fight, because the Leader of the unacceptable to the House. I want to inform Opposition said he was in favour of the you, Mr. Speaker, that the Premier is respon­ nomination; but then he made a lot of sible for a grave mistake because he indicated statements about alleged inconsistencies and that he had no objection to any person but departures from precedents, and so on. that Parliament desired a choice. Those Where are the inconsistencies? Where are were his own words. the departures from precedents that have been made today? There are none. If there Mr. NICKLIN: In reply to the Leader of were, Mr. Speaker, you would be the first the Opposition, I may say that Parliament one to say that the proceedings are out of made a choice and rejected Mr. Arnell. We order. were then faced with a possible impasse. To enable the Australian Labour Party to exer­ We have certain constitutional procedures cise its privilege, given by precedent over the laid down for the election of a Senator to years, of having appointed a Senator of its fill the vacancy. Certain procedures have to political colour, I asked the Leader of the be followed when the House is not sitting, Opposition to submit two nominations to and certain other procedures have to be the House. I, too, could have exercised my followed when the House is sitting. The right and made a nomination of my own. I procedures leading up to the election that did not want to do that; I wanted the nominee will be made by this House today have been to come from the Australian Labour Party. followed strictly in accordance with the Two nominations were made. The alterna­ principles laid down in the Constitution. t:ve nominee was acceptable to the majority of members of the House, and he was As the Leader of the Opposition admitted, elected to the Senate and took his seat there. it had been the practice over the years for the Let me now refer to the difference between replacement of a casual vacancy in the the current selection and the previous one. Senate to come from the political party of In the case of the present nomination the which the late Senator was a member. This House was not sitting at the time, and the practice has been followed in the submission alternative procedure was adopted. In 1962 of Mr. Heatley's name today. Following the House was sitting, and the choice was the usual procedure, I asked the Liberal made by the House. Party, of which the late Senator Sherrington was a member, to give me its nominee, on The Leader of the Opposition made a tre­ whom Cabinet could make a recom­ mendous song and dance about the fact that the Opposition had no choice except our mendation. nominee. What a lot of nonsense! Anybody Mr. Sherrington: Why didn't you ask for could nominate anyone at all. two nominations? Opposition Members interjected.

Mr. NICKLIN: I will deal with that Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I remind hon. question in a moment, if the hon. member members on my left that the Leader of the will be patient. Mr. Heat!ey was nominated, Opposition has made certain statements to and Cabinet approved of his nomination and which I think the Premier has to be given recommended it to the Governor in Council. the right to reply. The Leader of the Oppo­ In accordance with constitutional procedure, sition was given a very attentive hearing by the Governor in Council recommended 'nembers on my right, and I now ask mem­ Mr. Heatley to the President of the Senate. bers on my left to refrain from further Of course, all hon. members know that interjections. I also ask the hon. member that is a stop-gap procedure until such time for Merthyr to stop interjecting and cross­ as members of this House, who are the final firing in the Chamber. arbiters in selecting a Senator, have their say, Hon. members have l,ad their say Mr. NICKLIN: If the Leader of the today, having been duly called together for Opposition was keen to have a choice, he that purpose in accordance with the had the constitutional right to make a practice that has been followed over the nomination today. You, Mr. Speaker, paused years. On behalf of the Government, I have for some time after asking if there were nominated Mr. Heatley as its choice to fill further nominations to give all the oppor­ the vacancy that exists in the Senate. tunity to make nominations if they desired, but none did. What complaint can the The hon. member for Salisbury asks why Leader of the Opposition then have, and I did not request two nominations. The how can he say, "We have no choice."? He reason is that totally different circumstances had the opportunity, if he wished to take it, exist. In the first place, the nomination of to give the House a choice. All he actually Mr. Arnell was not acceptable to the majority wanted to do was to put up this sham fight. Vacancy in Senate of (11 AUGUST] Commonwealth of Australia 155

The Leader of the Opposition spent a con­ I shall make one other reference to the siderable time quoting from letters that hon. gentleman's letter. It said- passed between him and me in connection "It is not the business of the Q.C.E. with this matter. to decide who shall be the Senate repre­ sentative; it is the business of Parliament Mr. O'Donnell: Do you suggest that we itself." should have written to the Liberal Party to get a second nomination from this side of I could not agree with him more. Is it not Parliament's business to make this selection? the House? Opposition Members: No! Mr. NICKLIN: That is the sort of sense­ less interjection that one expects from the Mr. NICKLIN: Of course it is! hon. member from Barcoo. Mr. DUGGAN: Again I rise to a point When the Senate vacancy occurred, I of order. What the Premier is quoting and informed the Leader of the Opposition of attributing to me is a statement in "Hansard" the action that I proposed to take in the made by himself. terms of the letter that he quoted. I wish to refer to one specific point in his reply to me. Mr. NICKLIN: I did not attribute it to you. He said- "My first and personal reaction on hear Mr. Duggan: Yes, you did. ing through a Press statement of your Mr. NICKLIN: It was in your letter. probable intentions was that it would be an appropriate line of action to fill the Opposition Members interjected. vacancy by an appointment of a person holding the same political views as that Mr. SPEAKER: Order! of the deceased Senator. Mr. Duggan: You convict yourself. "I do not think there is anything wrong in accepting such a principle in the light Mr. NICKLIN: I do not mind the Leader of the system of proportional representa­ of the Opposition quoting what I said in tion now applying in Senate Elections." certain letters. He said- "I am not even extended the courtesy of Mr. Duggan: I said that today; that is knowing who this nominated person might right. be and whether, in fact, if and when his name is submitted, that it might be accept­ Mr. NICKLIN: The Leader of the Oppo­ able to both sections of the Coalition sition quoted that today. But, having met Government, which you lead." his party, he then did one of those political Mr. Duggan: That is right. somersaults for which he is so well known. IVl:r. NICKLL~..': You agree with that? Opposition Members interjected. Mr. Duggan: My word I do! Mr. DUGGAN: I rise to a point of order. Mr. NICKUN: Let me draw the attention My personal integrity is involved. I made of the Leader of the Opposition to the fact that statement before I received the Premier's that, after he had finished quoting it, he said letter. I had only seen a Press statement that his letter was such a knockout that I that the Government would be filling this could not reply to it. The hon. gentleman vacancy in the usual way, and it was not would not deny that? until I received the Premier's letter that I Mr. Duggan: I was quoting it. It is in was aware that it would be a sole nominee "Hansard." from the Liberal Party. I object to the hon. gentleman's putting my personal integrity in Mr. NICKLIN: I have here a copy of a letter addressed to the Leader of the Opposi­ doubt. tion on 12 April, 1966, in reply to his letter. It says- Mr. NICKLIN: I accept the hon. gentle­ "I have your letter of 6th April, 1966, man's explanation, but I question his political concerning the question of the filling of integrity in asking for two nominees. This the vacancy in the Senate occasioned by is entirely a sham fight. The Leader of the the death of Senator Robert Duncan Opposition said in his letter that he was Sherrington. quite happy with what was proposed. After "In your communication you have pro­ the pressure was put on him, the position posed that the Legislative Assembly should was quite different. He turned up "Hansard" be summoned so that the vacancy in question could be filled by a person elected and quoted out of context today part of what by Parliament. In view of the period of I said in the debate on an earlier occasion. time between now and the announced date 156 Vacancy in Senate of [ASSEMBLY] Commonwealth of Australia

of the General Elections (in this regard it In conclusion I feel that in Mr. Heatley will be necessary to dissolve Parliament we are nominating a gentleman who will very on Tuesday, 19th April), I intend to adequately, efficiently and effectively fill the conform with the provisions of the Con­ vacancy in Queensland's representation in the Senate. stitution of the Commonwealth specifially formulated to deal with the present set Question-That the motion (Mr. Nicklin) of circumstances." be agreed to-put. I point out that 19 April was six days after Mr. SPEAKER: Honourable members, the date of the letter that I am reading. It under Standing Order 3 31, as presiding continues- officer, not only am I entitled to vote but I am required to vote. I therefore ask that "The Queensland Division of the Liberal my vote be recorded in favour of the motion. Party of Australia have recommended- William C. HEATLEY, Esquire, IN FAVOUR: 36 Armstrong Newbery Ocean A venue, Beardmore Nicholson Surfers Paradise Bje!ke-Petersen Nicklm Cam m Pilbeam for appointment to the Senate vacancy. It Camp bell Porter Chalk Rae is therefore proposed to submit Mr. Cory Ramsden Delamothe Richter Heatley's name to His Excellency the Fletcher Row Hewitt, W. D. Smith Governor in Council tomorrow with the I:!inze Sullivan recommendation that he be appointed to Hodges Tooth Hooper Wharton the vacancy in question. Hough ton Wood. E. G. W. Hughes "As indicated in my previous letter to Jones, V. E. Kaus Tellers: you of 25th March, 1966, this appoint­ Lie kiss Low Carey ment will be constitutionally valid until Murray Lee the expiration of fourteen days after the beginning of the next Session of Parlia­ AGAINST: 26 ment, by which time the Parliament will Bennett Mellov Byrne Newton have to proceed to the election of a Davies O'Donnell successor to the late Senator Sherrington." Dean Sherrington Donald Thackeray Dufficy Tucker The hon. gentleman claimed that he received Duggan Wallis-Smith no reply. Graham Walsh Hanlon Wood, P. Hanson Mr. DUGGAN. I rise to a point of order. Harris Houston Tellers: acknowledge that I did receive that letter Jordan and it was not my purpose to mislead the Lloyd Brornley M ann Inch House. I probably very imperfectly indicated in my speech that the point I wanted to have PAIR acknowledged was the two nominees. I Knox Jones, R. acknowledge that I did receive that letter, ELECTION OF WrLLIAM CLARENCE HEATLEY and I apologise to the Premier in that respect. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! I have to inform Mr. NICKUN: I accept the hon. gentle­ hon. members that the motion has been man's statement in that respect. carried and, accordingly, Mr. William Clarence Heatley has been elected to fill the Mr. Bennett: But you did not reply about vacancy in the Senate of the Parliament of the two nominees. the Commonwealth. Government Members: Hear, hear! Mr. NICKUN: I have very effectively disposed of the question of the two nominees, Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ and I do not think there is any necessity to Premier): I move~ say any more about that matter. I have "That Mr. Speaker inform His very effectively disposed of the allegation by Excellency the Governor that Mr. Wiiliam the Leader of the Opposition that there has Clarence Heatley has been chosen to hold the place in the Senate of the Parliament been inconsistency and a departure from of the Commonwealth rendered vacant by precedent in the action that the House will the death of Senator Robert Duncan take in a few moments by proceeding to the Sherrington." election of a Senator to fill the vacancy Motion agreed to. caused by the death of the late Senator Sherrington. The meeting adjourned at 4.31 p.m.