Queensland Parliamentary Debates [Hansard] Legislative Assembly THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 1987 Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy Papers 12 March 1987 587 THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 1987 Mr SPEAKER (Hon. K. R. Lingard, Fassifem) read prayers and took the chair at 10 a.m. PETITIONS The Clerk announced the receipt of the following petitions— City of Brisbane Town Planning Act, Costs in Appeals From Mr Beanland (38 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will amend the City of Brisbane Town Planning Act so that costs will not be ordered to be paid by appellants or respondents where appeals are unsuccessful. Deregulation of Shopping Hours From Mr Fraser (257 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will take action to ensure that proper discussions are held on the deregulation of shopping hours. Resumption of Land at Dellwood Street, Nathan From Mr Ardill (146 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will take action to resume land at Dellwood Street, Nathan for Forest Park purposes. Petitions received. PAPERS The following papers, which were laid on the table on 10 March, were ordered to be printed— Reports— Rural Fires Board Queensland Probation and Parole Service Parole Board Prisons Department Queensland Govemment Printer. The following paper was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed— Report of the Royal Queensland Theatre Company for the year ended 30 June 1986. The foUowing papers were laid on the table— Orders in Council under— City of Brisbane Act 1924-1986 and the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982-1984 Sewerage and Water Supply Act 1949-1985 Explosives Act 1952-1981 Mines Regulation Act 1964-1983 Regulations under— Local Govemment Act 1936-1985 Mining Act 1968-1986. 588 12 March 1987 Ministerial Statement MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Government Financial Assistance, Sanctuary Cove Development Hon. W. A. M. GUNN (Somerset—Deputy Premier, Minister Assisting the Treasurer and Minister for Police) (10.04 a.m.), by leave: During this morning's Haydn Sargent show, I understand that Mr Sargent claimed that money was lent to the Sanctuary Cove development by the Queensland Industry Development Corporation at the rate of 2'/2 per cent. For the benefit of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, I point out that yesterday I said that the loan was advanced at commercial rates. The loan was given at 1% per cent above bank rates, which, at the present time, would be I8V2 per cent. The Queensland Industry Development Corporation is not the only Govemment body that has lent money to Sanctuary Cove. Sanctuary Cove also received a loan from the Australian Industry Development Corporation, which is a Commonwealth Govemment agency, and from Beneficial Finance Corporation Limited, which is a subsidiary of the socialist Govemment of South Australia. I repeat that that company is a subsidiary of the South Australian socialist Govemment. Both bodies, AIDC and Beneficial Finance, have lent money to Sanctuary Cove. Mr Burns interjected. Mr GUNN: The honourable member has come one big thud. The Queensland Industry Development Corporation was motivated by its desire to maintain jobs in the State of Queensland. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT Builders Registration Board Hon. I. J. GIBBS (Albert—Minister for Works and Housing) (10.05 a.m.), by leave: On Tuesday, the member for Wolston, in a flurry of wild accusations against various building companies, which he claimed had used pressure on the former Minister for Works and myself, included the well-known building firm of Thiess Watkins. He said that that company was responsible for shoddy work and he mentioned the Dorchester building on the Gold Coast. As the honourable member used the protection of this House to make those allegations, I believe it is only right that I give the company's reply in this House so that it can be publicised and recorded in Hansard. The Dorchester building was built about six or seven years ago by Watkins Ltd, which was taken over by Thiess Watkins about two years ago. When some faults were pointed out to the existing company by the board, the work was carried out properly and expeditiously in co-operation with the board. The cost of the work was approximately $250,000. In fact, in a letter dated 8 July 1986, the board's registrar wrote expressing the board's appreciation of the diligence and co-operation of the company in carrying out the rectification work. In part the letter stated— "It is most gratifying to associate with builders who take the responsible approach by standing by their product to ensure both its quality and performance. This attitude can only serve to raise the esteem of both yourselves and the industry in the consumers' eyes." So, by inference, with no justification whatsoever, a leading building company was damned by the Opposition. As I said in this House yesterday, it is a pity that, when the Opposition deals in stolen goods, it does not try to determine what is malice and what is the tmth. I can assure the House that Thiess Watkins Constmction Ltd is a firm with a high reputation. In fact the constmction of the Townsville casino was in the final three considered for Ministerial Statement 12 March 1987 589 the engineering construction achievement award by the Australian Federation of Constmction Contractors. Also the company's development at 200 Mary Street in the city won the Building Owners and Management Association of Australia notation of special merit for Queensland in 1986. I call again on the member for Wolston to apologise for making such unjust and unfounded allegations against such a reputable Queensland building contractor. I seek leave to table a copy of the letter from Thiess Watkins. I would like to read out the letter from the Builders Registration Board in fiiU. The letter is addressed to the secretary, Thiess Watkins Constmction Ltd, 19 Hope Street, South Brisbane and it is in the following terms— "RE: 'The Dorchester' 3 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise Further to my letter dated 2nd July, 1986, on behalf of the Builders' Registration Board of Queensland, I would like to express appreciation for the co-operation and diligence displayed by your company in the rectification work on 'The Dorchester'. It is most gratifying to associate with builders who take the responsible approach by standing by their product to ensure both its quality and performance. This attitude can only serve to raise the esteem of both yourselves and the industry in the consumers' eyes. I would also like to place on record the appreciation of the Board's staff to Mr Ben Neilsen and his team for their co-operation and professional approach in finalising this matter. Should the Board's business deem contact with your company in the future, I look forward to the continuation of our present amicable relationship." It is signed by Arch Nicholson, the registrar. In conjunction with this ministerial statement, I have a couple of other letters that I would like to read. The first is addressed to the Honourable C. A. Wharton, MLA, Minister for Works and Housing, Brisbane. It is in these terms— "Dear Mr. Wharton, Recently, as President of the Queensland Consumers' Association, I made representations to the Builders Registration Board on behalf of S. J. Charles of 4 Madge Street, North Rockhampton. I have enclosed a copy of Mrs Charles' comments to the answer received from the Builders Registration Board and you will note that she is far from satisfied. I believe that this matter should be reinvestigated as I do not believe that justice had been done. Any assistance that you can give in this matter would indeed be appreciated. Yours sincerely, Keith Wright, M.L.A., President". The second letter I wish to read to the House states— "The Hon. C. A. Wharton, M.L.A., Minister for Works and Housing, Executive Building, 100 George Street, Brisbane. 4000. Dear Minister, I seek your co-operation in providing me with an up-to-date report from the Builders' Registration Board in respect to a home owned by Mrs. S. J. Charles and situated at 4 Madge Street, North Rockhampton. This particular home has been 590 12 March 1987 Ministerial Statement examined by the local representative of the Board. I have had several discussions with Mr. Nicholson of the Builders' Registration Board. Whilst appreciating that there is some legal complications in regards to insurance and the responsibilities of the original builder, I believe this matter has been dragging on for far too long. I ask that you"— this is addressed to Mr Wharton— "use your influence within the Department to have finalisation expedited." Mr McPhie: Who is that from? Mr I. J. GIBBS: That was signed "Les Yewdale, M.L.A., Member for Rockhampton North". I will now read another letter to the House— "The Honourable C. A. Wharton, M.L.A., Minister for Works and Housing, Brisbane Dear Mr Wharton, I have been requested to make personal representations in my capacity as the A.L.P. Consumer Spokesman, on behalf of Mr and Mrs Barry Slattery of 11 Madge Street, North Rockhampton, 4701. Whilst I appreciate that this matter has been investigated by the Builder's Registration Board, I believe the file should be re-opened in view of the report submitted to me, prepared by Fulton, Gilmour, Trotter and Moss, Architects. I believe that action ought to be taken to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out and I seek your support in this matter. Yours sincerely, Keith Wright, M.L.A. Member for Rockhampton". I will now read from an urgent telegram that was delivered by messenger to the former Minister for Works and Housing, Mr C.