Queensland Parliamentary Debates [Hansard] Legislative Assembly WEDNESDAY, 28 MARCH 1984 Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy 2118 28 March 1984 Ministerial Statements WEDNESDAY, 28 MARCH 1984 Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. H. Warner, Toowoomba South) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Trade Data International Pty Ltd Hon. M. J. AHERN (Landsborough—Minister for Industry, Small Business and Technology) (11.1 a.m.), by leave: FoUowing discussions with my ministerial colleague the Honourable Peter McKechnie, Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and The Arts, I wish to draw to the attention of this House and of the people of Queensland the activities of a company operating under the name of Trade Data International Pty Ltd. This company has established In Melbourne a Queensland Real Estate Exhibition, which spedaUses in marketing Queensland real estate to Victorians wishing to resettle in Queensland. On the company's own figures, the exhibition to date has processed over 1 000 buyers with a total purchasing power in excess of $50m. Officers of my department and tourism officers have been concerned for some time that Trade Data International, primarily through the efforts of a Mr Colin Cowell, has deliberately sought to give a strong Impression to existing and potential clients that this exhibition has the full support and the ringing endorsement of the Queensland Government. Attempts have been made to convey the Impression through advertising and promotional material that the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau and the Department of Com­ mercial and Industrial Development have in fact been referring potential clients to the Queensland Real Estate Exhibition. Let me state quite clearly that this is not the case. Numerous attempts have been made in recent times to advise Mr Colin Cowell and the Queensls^nd Real Estate Exhibition to withdraw implications and statements of State Government support for the activities of this organisation. I think it is fair to say that these approaches have been virtuaUy ignored by Mr Cowell and others Involved with Trade Data International and the Queensland Real Estate Exhibition. Of particular concern to the Government are the use of the Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation logo on advertising material for the exhibition and a number of quotations in newspaper reports attributed to Mr Cowell. These quotations are to the effect that the Queensland Department of Commercial and Industrial Development and the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau have been referring to the Melbourne exhibition potential Victorian buyers of Queensland real estate. Again, this is completely false and Mr CoweU and the company have ignored repeated requests from the Government to withdraw these statements. Ministerial Statements 28 March 1984 2119 In short, Queenslanders are being asked to part with $350 for space In the exhibition with a very heavy sales pitch that the exhibition has the endorsement of my department and the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau. The State Government remains committed to attracting new residents to this State, but Queensland departments do not act as referral points for commercial ventures. I can only view with suspicion the activities and motives of Trade Data International, the Queensland Real Estate Exhibition and Mr Colin Cowell in ignoring numerous requests from the Government to desist from implying Queensland Government endorsement of the exhibition. I advise Queenslanders to treat with caution any approaches from or dealings with this exhibition, Mr CoUn Cowell and Trade Data International Pty Ltd. The State Government is now looking at legal options to redress the situation. Rural Fires Board Hon. M. J. TENNI (Barron River—Minister for Environment, Valuation and Adminis­ trative Services) (11.5 a.m.), by leave: Yesterday, I tabled in this House the annual report of the Rural Fires Board, which administers the operation of Queensland's very efficient network of 1 500 volunteer bush fire brigades in this State. In his report, the Rural Fires Board chairman was critical of the level of State Government funding to this essential service, currently $1.2m In 1984-85. Although I share the concern of the chairman that rural property-owners should receive adequate protection from the threat of bush fires, I cannot agree with the criticism that the State Government has given insufficient attention to the needs of the Rural Fires Board. Since becoming Minister responsible for the Rural Fires Board, I have had discussions with many bush fire brigades about the standard of rural fire safety in this State. I have been impressed by the efficiency and enthusiasm with which brigades carry out their work. As late as last week, when I visited four bush fire brigades on Eraser Island, there had not been any criticism made to me by the brigades that they lack the equipment or man­ power to carry out their task. I am very much aware that the Rural Fires Board is keen to expand its level of funding to meet what it sees as increased obligations throughout the State. However, to date, approaches made by me on the board's behalf to Treasury have been unsuccessful, and the question of Increased funding has now been taken up by the board with the insurance industry. I look forward to receiving a report from the board on this initiative. Although I fully support the board's efforts to obtain greater funding, it must be pointed out that comparisons between States on the level of rural brigade funding are not valid. Thanks to different climatic conditions, Queensland does not experience the dangerous cycle of hot dry summers and high winds that has caused so much destruction in southern States. Despite the reduced bush fire threat, the Rural Fires Board continues to maintain a very high level of fire protection In this State. The board recently approved the following objectives for the 1984-85 year^ A stepped-up hazard-reduction burning program in winter; The establishment of an operational pool of fire-fighting equipment capable of being deployed at quick notice anywhere in this State; An Improved public education program, using audio-visual aids, on the dangers of rural residential living and the fire safety needs of the established man on the land; The establishment of training programs for chief fire wardens, fire wardens and brigade first officers; The continuation of the very successful purchasing and rebuilding program for fire-fighting vehicles; The continuation of the successful fire station building program; and The introduction of a five-year program to upgrade radio communications for brigades. Sunshine Association of Australia Hon. N. J. HARPER (Auburn—Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) (11.8 a.m.), by leave: In November of last year, my attention was drawn to the activities of an organisation known as the Sunshine Association of Australia. This association appeals 2120 28 March 1984 Ministerial Statements to the public for support under the authority of a short-term sanction, issued by my department, which expires on 31 March 1984. As a result of these complaints, I had inquiries undertaken by Inspectors from my department. Members may be aware that the objectives of this association are "to make the dreams and wishes of chronically and terminally ill children come true" and "to provide happy memories to the parents during traumatic times ahead". I think that all honourable members would agree with me when I say that, without doubt, those objectives are such that wide public support could be expected. Not surprisingly, a number of prominent people, both in and out of business and of differing politicial persuasions, became involved in the organisation. It is a fortunate fact of Ufe that worthy charitable causes are not impeded by political harassment and political factors; certainly, there should be no place for politics in charity. Unfortunately, the investigations that were initiated in November have now indicated that the Sunshine Association is presently not viable and is not fulfilling its objectives to the extent one might reasonably expect. From the report that I have received today, it is apparent that the administration, and I stress "administration", is unsatisfactory In that only a very small percentage of the funds raised have been used to assist the children intended to be benefited. The audited income statement for the period ended 30 June 1983 discloses a total Income of $154,809, of which only $5,269 was shown as being spent on what is called "client servicing". Total expenses, apart from client servicing, as disclosed by that audited statement, were shown as $72,852. The Sunshine Association originated in Queensland but exended to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Audited accounts for New South Wales and the AustraUan Capital Territory for the period to 30 June 1983 indicate that telephone selling programs resulted in what were called sales of $235,545.29 and $72,385.47, with expenses iieing $302,960.76 and $92,048.19 respectively. Honourable members will understand that quite substantial losses were suffered. It seems to me that the present executive officer and founder of the Sunshine Association, Mr G. Shuker Mr R. J. Gibbs interjected. Mr HARPER: With respect, I remind the member for Wolston that this is an extremely serious matter. I genuinely believe that everybody Involved in this association has the best intentions and supports a cause with which we should all have sympathy. It gives me no joy to come to this House and draw the matter to the attention of the public. I hope that the member for Wolston understands that this is not political and, if he wants to bring poUtics into it, there will be red faces on the Opposition benches, too. I do not want politics to become involved. I believe that the present executive officer and founder of the Sunshine Association, Mr G.