legislative assembly hansard 1982€¦ · gold coast waterways authority act 1979-1982 medical act...

Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 5 AUGUST 1982

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Papers 5 August 1982 99

THURSDAY, 5 AUGUST 1982

Mr SPEAKER (Hon. S. J. Muller. Fassifern) read prayers and took the chair at 11 a.m.

APPROPRIATION BILL (No, 1)

Assent Mr SPEAJCER: I have to report that this day I presented to His Excellency the

Govemor Appropriation Bill 1982-1983 (No, 1) for the Royal Assent and that His Excellency was pleased, in my presence, to subscribe his assent thereto in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty,

PAPERS The following papers were laid on the table:—

Proclamations under— Anzac Square Development Project Act 1982 Traffic Act Amendment Act 1982

Orders in Coimoil under— Metropolitan Transit Authority Act 1976-1979 and the Local Bodies' Loans

Guarantee Act 1923-1979 Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977-1981 Industrial Development Act 1963-1981 Industrial Development Act 1963-1981 and the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act

1923-1979 Supreme Court Act 1921-1979 Art Unions and Amusements Act 1976-1981 Co-operative and Other Societies Act 1967-1978 Money Lenders Act 1916-1979 State Housing Act 1945-1981 Valuation of Land Act 1944-1980

100 5 August 1982

Rural Training Schools Act of 1965 and the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act 1923-1979

City of Brisbane Act 1924-1980 Water Act 1926-1981 Water Act 1926-1981 and the Local Bodies' Loans Guarantee Act 1923-1979 River Improvement Trust Act 1940-1981 City of Brisbane (Flood Mitigation Works Approval) Act 1952-1974 Brisbane and Area Water Board Act 1979-1981 and the Local Bodies' Loans

Guarantee Act 1923-1979 Harbours Act 1955-1982 Cairns Aurport Act 1981 Beach Proteotion Act 1968-1974 Health Act 1937-1981

Regulations under— Appeal Costs Fund Act 1973-1981 Co-operative and Other Societies Act 1967-1978 Auctioneers and Agents Act 1971-1981 Building Societies Act 1886-1976 Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act 1962-1982 Associations Incorporation Act 1981 Companies Act 1961-1981 Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958-1974 Securities Industry (AppUcation of Laws) Act 1981 Companies (Application of Laws) Act 1981 Bills of Sale and Other Instruments Act 1955-1981 National Companies and Securities Commission (State Provisions) Act 1981 Invasion of Privacy Act 1971-1981 Contractors' Trust Accounts Act 1974-1981 Companies (Acquisition of Shares) (Application of Laws) Act 1981 Builders' Registration and Home-owners' Proteotion Act 1979 Traffic Act 1949-1980 Valuation of Land Act 1944-1980 Valuers Registration Act 1965-1979 Education Act 1964-1974 Brisbane and Area Water Board Act 1979-1981 aean Waters Act 1971-1981 Queensland Marine Act 1958-1979 Port of Brisbane Authority Act 1976-1982 Harbours Act 1955-1982 Canals Act 1958-1979 Medical Act 1939-1981 Hospitals Act 1936-1981 Health Act 1937-1981

By-laws under— Queensland Cultural Centre Trust Act 1976-1981 Education Act 1964-1974 Harbours Act 1955-1982 Cairns Airport Act 1981 Port of Brisbane Authority Act 1976-1982 Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 1979-1982 Medical Act 1939-1981

Notifications under the Health Act 1937-1981 Ordinances under the City of Brisbane Act 1924-1980

Ministerial Statement 5 August 1982 101

Report of The Union-Fidelity Tmstee Company of Australia Limited together with the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 28 February 1982,

(A) Proposal by the Govemor in Council to revoke the setting apart and declaration as State Forest under the Forestry Act of:—

(a) All that piece or part of State Forest 840, parishes of Bams, Bingera, Gregory and Marathon described as Area "A" as shown on plan Fty 1095 prepared by the Department of Mapping and Surveying and deposited in the Office of the Conservator of Forests and contaming an area of 3.975 hectares—and,

(b) All that piece or part of State Forest 611, parishes of Beerwah, Canning and Toorbul described as Area "A" as shown on plan Fty 1168 prepared by the Department of Mapping and Surveying and deposhed in the Office of the Conservator of Forests and portion 935, parish of Beerwah, as shown on plan Q 4415 deposited in the Department of Mapping and Surveying and containing in total an area of about 50,912 hectares—and,

(c) All that piece or part of State Forest 3, parishes of Bowarrady, Moonbi, Poyungan, Talboor and Wathumba contained within stations 37-39-44-43-42-41-40-37 on plan Cat No 40324 deposhed in the Department of Mines and contaming an area of 7,423 hectares—and,

(d) All that piece or part of State Forest 341, parishes of Bringalily, Devine. Inglewood. Listohan and Mingimamy described as portion 35. parish of Bringalily as shown on plan Mh 797 deposited in the Department of Mapping and Surveying and containmg an area of about 78.3 hectares—and,

(e) All that priece or part of State Forest 365, parish of Calliope described as Area "A" as shown on plan Fty 1160 prepared by the Department of Mapping and Surveying and deposited in the Office of the Ck)nservator of Forests and containing an area of about 149 hectares—and,

(f) All that piece or part of State Forest 1004, parishes of Clomo, Cooloola, Cowra, Goomboorian, Tagigan. Tahiti, Toolara, Ulirrah and Womalah described as Areas "A". "B" and " C as shown on plan Fty 1157 prepared by the Department of Mapping and Surveying and deposited in the Office of the Conservator of Forests and contaming in tot^ an area of about 17 460 hectares.

(B) A brief explanation of the propx>sals.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

Lease Agreements in Shop>ping Centres

Hon, V, B, SULLIVAN (Condamine—^Minister for Commerce and Industry) (11.13 a.m.): I wish to make a ministerial statement regarding problems that have arisen \^th lease agreements in shopping centres and the Govemment's effort to help resolve these problems. Let me say from the start that there has been a considerable amount of speculation and misinformation on this matter, helped along by people who are only interested in pushing their own barrow.

The Government's view is that the best solution would be for all the parties to come together in a spirit of co-operation to work out methods of self-regulation. That has been my aim and I believe, after meeting various groups and organisations involved, that it can be achieved.

I would like to point out that, contrary to reports in the media and statements from some members of the Opposition, there was no end-of-June deadUne to resolve these matters. The end of June was the time suggested in the Cooper report, when the building owners and managers group were to put forward ideas on good working relationships between tenants and landlords in their shopping centres. This they have done, and at the same time the Govemment has drawn up its own guide-lines on how good relations and harmony can be achieved.

There are one or two variations and divergencies of opinion on these two submissions, but neither side is intractable and I am confident any differences can be overcome. Also, I am hopeful that by the end of the year we will have a harmonious working agreement between the parties, which is in fact the time suggested in the Cboper report.

102 5 August 1982 Procedural Changes

To indicate how the Government is helping the smaU business community, I would now like to table the booklet "Shop Leases-What the Tenant Should Know , one of which will be made available to each member later today. I have had this pubhcation prepared by my department to give parties entering into lease agreements a better understanding of their responsibilities before they enter any contract.

It is unfortunate that many tenants enter into lease agreements without fully understanding the obUgations to which they are committing themselves, particularly m relation to charges and outgoings, other than rent, which are stipulated m the lease, I urge all intending tenants to study this booklet so that they wUl have a better understanding of what is written in their lease documents.

Mr Speaker, how the member for Rockhampton can suggest that this pubUcation can be used by owners and landlords to victimise tenants is as ridiculous as it is amazing. He obviously has not seen the pubUcation and has no idea of its contents, and neither should he at this stage. However, one would expect him to be more responsible and not to make comments about somethmg of which he is unaware.

I urge all members of the House to examine the booklet themselves and form their own judgment. But let me just repeat one section which it says cannot be emphasised too strongly. It states that the lease document should never be signed, nor non-refundable money committed, before pemsal of the document by an experienced solicitor on the legal aspects and by an experienced financial adviser on the financial aspects. That is really the cmx of the matter.

The Govemment can go so far to protect people, as it has done through the (Consumer Affairs Bureau and the Small Qaims Tribunal, but in the final instance any person who signs a legal document without having it fully checked and approved has only himself to blame, if he later finds himself in financial difficulties. However, I beUeve that with the help of this booklet, which has been prepared with the help of many organisations, including the Small Business Development Corporation, the Building Owners and Managers Association and Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association, we will greatly reduce the problems that have arisen in the past over lease conditions.

There is another publication that has been prepared by my department that I am circulating to all members of this House and I commend to the smaU business community. Entitled "The Case for Business Success", it provides a wealth of information on such matters as starting a business, credit control, marketing and many other aspects of small business operations. As a Govemment that is firmly committed to and supportive of the free enterprise system, we believe that govemment should be involved only where it is necessary. We do not believe in burdening taxes and the unnecessary controls and restrictions that are part and parcel of the Labor Party platform. That is why we are now receiving a record number of inquiries from firms based in New South Wales and Victoria which are eager to come here and set up their operations in our free enterprise State, However, we do supply a wide range of assistance and information to secondary industries and small business, which is detailed in this pubUcation,

I now lay on the table the two documents I have mentioned to give honourable members the opportunity to examine them in detail.

Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid the documents on the table.

PROCEDURAL CHANGES Sessional Order

Hon, C. A. WHARTON (Burnett—Leader of the House): I move— "That—

(a) Presentation of Bills—For this session, unless otherwise ordered, and notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders—

(1) A public Bill shall be brought in upon motion made and question pnit 'That leave be given to bring in the Bill'. The question that leave be given shall be decided without amendment or debate. Immediately after presentation of the Bill it shall be read a first time and printed; the questions 'That the Bill be now read a first time' and 'That the Bill be printed' shall be put without amendment or debate.

Matters of PubUc Interest 5 August 1982 103

(2) Immediately thereafter the member in charge of the Bill shaU move 'That the Bill be now read a second time' and shall forthwith p>roceed to give an explanation of the Bill and at the conclusion of which a member shall move 'That the debate be now adjoumed until tomorrow',

(3) During or after the second-reading speech, additional detailed'or explanatory information to assist members in their understanding of the Bill may be tabled for incorporation in 'Hansard',

(4) Except as pn-ovided in this resolution the procedure on Bills shall be in accordance with the Standing Orders;

(b) Amended times for speaking—^For this session, unless otherwise ordered, the foUowmg amendments to the times for certain speeches shall apply:—

(1) Under Standing Order No. 37A (Disallowance of ProcIamati<His, Orders in (Council, Regulations or Rules):

Mover of the motion, fifteen minutes; seconder of the motion and any other member, ten minutes; Minister in reply, twenty minutes. Total time allowed, two hours.

(2) Under Standing Order No. 109 (Time limit of Speeches): (i) Paragraph tme—

Member speaking on second reading on BiU in House— Substitute 'thirty minutes' for 'forty minutes',

(ii) Paragraph two— Member moving second reading of a Bill or to the Leader of the Government— Substitute 'unlimited time' for 'one hour and a-half

(iii) Paragraph four— In Committee on a Bill, motion or Estimate— . Substitute 'ten minutes' for 'fifteen minutes'.

(3) Under Standing Order No. 113 (Repdy, when allowed): Substitute 'thirty minutes' for 'forty minutes': All other provisions of Standing Orders Nos. 37A, 109 and 113 shall continue

to apply; ,f,

(c) Adjoumment debates—^For this session, «nless otherwise ordered, and notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders on each Tuesday when the question 'That the House do now adjourn' is moved at the conclusion of the day's sitting, a debate not exceeding a total period of thirty minutes may be held, during which each member may speak for a time not exceeding five minutes, provided that no amendment shall be moved to the question 'That the House do now adjourn'; Mid

(d) Presentation of petitions—for this session, unless otherwise ordered, and notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders, petitions shall be handed to The Qerk of the Parliament for examination not less than one hour prior to the commencement of each sitting day; petitions which conform to the Standing Orders shall be read to the House and the Speaker shall thereupon put the question 'That the Petitions be received'."

Motion agreed to,

MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST

Sessional Order

Hon, C. A, WHARTON (Burnett-Leader of the House): I move— "That during this session, unless otherwise ordered, and notwithstanding the

provisions of Standing Order No. 17, on each sittmg Wednesday a period shall be aUotted until 1 o'clock p.m, for discussion of matters of pmblic interest on which any memiber may address the House for ten minutes. If the discussion is stiU proceeding at 1 o'clock p.m., it shall be terminated by Mr Speaker."

Motion agreed to.

IM 5 August 1982 Leave to Move Motion Without Notice

DAYS ALLOTTED TO ADDRESS IN REPLY

, Sessional Order

Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Bumett—Leader of the House): I move— "That thd House may, on the Tuesdays and Thursdays allotted to the debate

on the Address in Reply, continue to sit until 10 o'clodc p,m. Each of the periods between 11 o'clock a.m, and 4 o'clock p.m. and between 4 o'clock p.m. and 10 o'clock p.m. shall be accounted an allotted day. All provisions of Standing Order No. 17 shaU, mutatis mutandis, continue to apply."

Motion agreed to.

RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON BILLS BROUGHT OVER FROM PREVIOUS SESSION

Hon. C, A, WHARTON (Bumett—Leader of the House): I move-That, pursuant to Standing Order No. 276, the foUowing Bills, which were

presented in the first session of this Parliament, be resumed in this, the second session at the stage reached in the pn-evious session and thereafter be pn-oceeded with as if no prorogation had taken place:—

Hospitals Foundations Bill: Resumption of second-reading debate (11 March 1982, Mr Underwood).

Local Govemment Act Amendment BiU: Resumption of second-reading debate (30 March 1982, Mr Prest).

City of Brisbane Town Planning Act Amendment Bill: Resumption of second-reading debate (30 March 1982, Mr Prest).

City of Brisbane Act Amendment Bill: Resumption of second-reading debate (30 March 1982, Mr Prest),

Rural Fires Act Amendment BiU: Resumption of second-reading debate (25 March 1982, Mr Mackenroth).

Education Act and Another Act Amendment Bill: Resumption of second-reading debate (26 November 1981, Mr Shaw)."

Moti<»i agreed to, >

FEES PAID BY CROWN TO BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

Order for Return Mr GYGAR (Stafford): I move—

"That there be laid upon the table of the House a return showing all payments made by the Govemment to barristers and solicitors during 1981-82, stating the names of the recipients and the amounts received separately."

Motion agreed to.

FEES PAID BY CROWN TO PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING AGENQES

Order for Return Mr MOORE (Windsor) for Mr AKERS (Pine Rivers): I move—

"That there be laid upon the table of the House a return showing all payments made by the Govemment to public relations agencies or consultants and advertising agencies or consultants during 1981-82, stating the names of the recipients and the amounts received separately."

Motion agreed to.

LEAVE TO MOVE MOTION WITHOUT NOTICE

so ^L^n^^Z ^^^''^^^'n?^^' ° ^ ' ^ ' Opposition): I seek leave of the House to move that so much of the Standing Orders as is necessary be suspended to allow me to immediately move a motion regarding the funding of all political parties represented n thiT House

Leave to Move Motion Without Notice 5 August 1982 105

Question—That leave be granted—put; and the House divided—

Blake Bums Casey D'Arcy Davis Eaton Gibbs, R. J, Hooper Jones

Austin Bertoni Bu-d Bjelke-Petersen Booth Borbidge Doumany Edwards EUiott FitzGerald Glasson Goleby Greenwood Gunn Harper

Ayes, 24 Kruger Mackenroth McLean Milliner Prest Scott Shaw Smith Underwood

Noes, 41 Hewitt Innes Katter Kaus Lee Lickiss Lockwood McKechnie Menzel MiUer Moore Muntz PoweU Prentice Row

Vaughan Warburton Wilson Yewdale

Tellers:

Fouras Hansen

Scassola Scott-Young Stephan SulUvan Tenni Tomkins Turner Wharton White

Tellers:

Gygar Neal

Pair: Wright Knox

Resolved in the negative.

Mr CASEY having given notice of a motion—

Mr BJELKE-PETERSEN: I rise to a point of order. I simply want to know in which category the Leader of the Opposition is going to put the $30,()00 he received.

Mr CASEY: Is this an open discussion or is it accepted as a notice of motion?

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition wiU resume his seat. I wam him under Standing Order 123A,

LEAVE TO MOVE MOTION WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr R. J. GIBBS (Wolston): I seek leave of the House to move that so much of Standing Orders as is necessary be suspended to allow me to immediately move a motion regarding the establishment of an all-party parliamentary committee of inquiry on electoral redistribution in Queensland providing for one vote one value voting.

Question—^That leave be granted—put; and the House divided—

Blake Bums Casey D'Arcy Davis Eaton Gibbs, R. J. Hooper Jones

Ayes, 24 Kruger Mackenroth McLean Milliner Prest Scott Shaw Smith Underwood

Vaughan Warburton Wilson Yewdale

Tellers:

Fouras Hansen

1 ^ 5 August 1982 Questions Upon Notice

Noes. 44

Akers Austin Bertoni Bu-d Bjelke-Petersen Booth Borbidge Doumany Edwards Elliott FitzGerald Glasson Goleby Greenwood Gunn Harper

Hartwig Hewitt Innes Katter Kaus Kyburz Lee Lickiss Lockwood McKechnie Menzel MiUer Moore Muntz Powell Prentice

Pair: Wright

Resolved in the negative.

Knox

Row Scassola Scott-Young Stephan SuUivan Tenni Tomkins Turner Wharton White

Tetters: Gygar Neal

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Bumett—Leader of the House): I move— "That, because of delays in the proceedings of the Parliament, the House move

now to questions upon notice." Motion agreed to.

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE Questions submitted on notice by members were answered as foUows:—

Public Defender's Office Mr Greenwood asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General—

(1) Has the public accepted the role in the courts of the Public Defender? (2) WiU he assure the public of a high standard of legal representation available

through the office of the Public Defender? (3) Are private practitioners used by that office and in what circumstances?

Answer:—

(1) The PubUc Defender provided defence for 2 071 persons on 4 375 charges during the last financial year. These figures indicate the extent of acceptance of the Public Defender by the community.

(2 & 3) The Public Defender has provided representation in Children's Courts, Magistrates Courts, the Supreme Court, District Courts, the Court of Criminal Aweal and the High Court of Australia.

There are six office counsel in the PubUc Defender's Office. Twenty-one members of his staff have been admitted to practice, 14 as barristers and seven as solicitors, while another six are qualified but not admitted. This indicates the legal expertise available m the office.

Private practhioners are extensively used. The Public Defender has no staff outside the metropolitan area but is required to provide assistance throughout the State. 131 private sohcitors were briefed as agents for the Public Defender for preparation and appearance to instruct during the last financial year.

nerioH"fn';r'*«'^K'''* ^^"^ counsel in private practice were briefed during the same m r l l l u "̂̂ ^̂ "f/.̂ *̂- In addition, counsel from the local Bars are briefed in matters dealt with in their areas.

Questions Upon Notice 5 August 1982 107

The high standard of pubUc defence provided in Queensland is constantly receiving praise from the judiciary, the legal profession and the public.

Roo Bars

Mr Turner asked the Minister for Transport— Is the fitting of roo bars to private vehicles in any way illegal and, if so, will he

take appropriate action to introduce legislation or regulations to allow for the fitting of roo bars, which are a virtual necessity in country areas?

Answer:— Roo bars may be fitted to vehicles, provided they meet two basic requirements.

The first is that they do not partially or completely obscure turn-signal lights that the vehicle manufacturer has been required to fit in accordance with Australian Design Rule for Motor Vehicle Safety No, 6. This design rule requires, among other things, that turn signals be completely visible from all angles within various arcs, both horizontal and vertical planes. In Queensland, it is an offence under the Traffic Act to shroud turn-signal lamp>s. The second requirement relates to Australian Design. Rule 103, which deals with barrier coUision performance. Under this requirement, roo bars cannot be fitted if they nuUify the controlled coUapwing effect that is inbuilt into vehicles, thereby increasing the deceleration of occupants of the vehicle in frontal collisions to levels beyond which the human brain cannot survive irrespective of whether the occupant's body is cmshed or not. Also they cannot be fitted if they impair the col-lapsiblUty of the steering column.

As far as I am concerned, roo bars are a fact of life in Queensland and are a particularly important accessory in country areas. I would expect that people fitting these bars would use common sense in the interest of road safety for both passengers and pedestrians. I have arranged for my Commissioner for Transport to issue a detailed information bulletin setting out all requirements. This will be sent to aU suppUers and manufacturers of roo bars so that there is no misunderstanding of the legality and the road safety standards that apply.

Assistance for Primary Producers in Drought-declared areas of South-western Queensland

Mr Turner asked the Minister for Primary Industries— With reference to the serious and deteriorating drought conditions in south-western

Queensland—^wiU he give consideration to introducing a system of rent or rate remissions as a means of assisting drought-affected primary producers in drought-declared areas of south-western Queensland?

Answer:— I recognise the severity of the drought in the far south-western shires of Paroo and

Quilpie and parts of Murweh and Booringa which have been declared drought stricken since late 1979 or early 1980. Considerable assistance has already been given to graziers in these areas through the Drought Assistance Scheme. However, the severity of the drought is such that I would support a consideration of any further assistance through measures such as partial rent and rate remissions.

In 1970. the then existing rent standard for sheep country was reduced by 30 per cent. The (Commonwealth and State Governments agreed to the provision of a grant to meet half the costs of rates payable. This followed a period of severe drought in the sheep areas in the late 1960s. However, this was during a period of very low prices for wool and sheep. Sheep prices have slumped over the vrinter of 1982. but the wool price remains relatively strong. Ultimately, consideration for rent and rate remissions lies respectively with my coUeagues the Honourable W, Glasson, Minister for Lands and Forestry, and the Honourable R. Hinze, Minister for Local Government, Main Roads and PoUce, to whom I now refer this matter.

,„„^ (Juestions Upon Notice 108 5 August 1982 ^ *^

4 Water Storage Schemes in Inland Areas

Mr Turner asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer-Has any consideration been given to an evaluation of the potential of establishment

of water storage in inland areas of Queensland by damming inland rivers such as the Maranoa where potential for such schemes can be established.

Answer:— I am advised by my colleague the Honourable the Minister for Water Resources and

Aborigmal and Island Affairs that the Queensland Water Resources Commission has been investigating a dam site on the Maranoa River above MitcheU. which appears to be the best of several possible sites identified along the Maranoa River, Imtial mdicaUons are that the cost of storage in this site wiU be high, but further studies are m progress mto some aspects of the storage and the useful yield available from it. When these mvestiga-tions and associated agricuhural mvestigations are completed, a report on the proposal wiU be finaUsed, This report wiU include an assessment of the project economics on which the Govemment could make a decision as to whether the scheme might proceed.

I am also advised that other sites on the Condamine and Balonne Rivers have been identified for future investigation as opportunity and funds permit.

Age Limit for Bookmakers' Licences

Mr Davis asked the Minister for Local Govemment, Mam Roads and PoUce— (1) Is he aware that the Queensland Turf Qub has mtroduced a rule which

prohibits the granting of licences to bookmakers over the age of 72?

(2) How many bookmakers have lost their licences since this mle's uiceptiMi?

(3) Is he also aware that there is a number of bookmakers over that age who are StiU operating?

(4) What are the reasons or the criteria behind this discrimination?

Answer:—

(1) Yes.

(2) Eight bookmakers' licences have not been renewed since the announcement of the introduction of this rule—not because of the rule, but for other reasons. The mle for bookmakers over the age of 72 years does not come into effect until 1 July 1983 and will be introduced on a year-by-year basis.

(3) No, but see (2).

(4) I have no knowledge of any discrimination as alleged by the honourable member and am informed that this rule wiU apply to aU bookmsdcers operating in the Queensland Turf Club's area of responsibility.

The case of Mr N. L. R. Attwood of Ashgrove, which the honourable member raised by letter dated 20 July 1982, has been referred to the Queensland Turf Qub for comment, and he will be advised further in that regard.

Waste Disposal, Prince Charles Hospital

Mr Davis asked the Minister for Health— (1) Why was the contract for the disposal of waste from the Prince Charles

Hospital given to an outside cleaning service, when facilities for its disposal are available within the hospital's grounds?

(2) When the cleaning service coUects the waste, where and how is it disposed of?


Answer:—

I have been informed that—

(1) Outside cleaning services were engaged in order to provide a more efficient, less expensive and cleaner means of removal of waste. Major considerations to this service were to remove the smoke and fume nuisance to the neighbourhood and the maintenance and running costs of the incinerator.

(2) Infectious and noxious waste is collected and burnt in the council incinerator. Any other waste is disp>osed of at normal tips.

7. Beenleigh Railway Station

Mr Davis asked the Minister for Transport—

(1) Is the Beenleigh Railway Station to be re-located?

(2) If so, to what area?

(3) Have residents in the area been notified?

(4) Is it envisaged that the new complex will be an interchange?

Answer:—

(1) This is StiU under consideration,

(2) Preliminary plans of options avaUable for possible relocation are being prepared to enable a final determination to be made.

(3) There have been detailed discussions with the member for Albert (the Honourable I. J. Gibbs, Minister for Mines and Energy) and representatives of the Albert Shire Council and further on-site discussions are planned in the near future.

(4) The planning of any new station complex will include the assessed needs of car-parking and bus/rail interchange facilities.

i . Proposed National Park, Lawn Hill Area

Mr Bertoni asked the Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and The Arts— What is the latest development to the proposed national park in the Lawn Hill area

of North-western Queensland?

Answer:— A design for a national park of substantial area has been worked out. It will

include all five gorges of Lawn Hill Creek, some important Aboriginal sites and will give control over access to the area from the Northern Territory as well as the Queensland side.

This design wiU be further discussed with the owners of Lawn HUl Station, as it presently forms part of that property and will have to be taken from it. I would hope the national park could be gazetted before the end of the year.

9. Land Tax, Queensland and New South Wales

Mr McKechnie asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer—

With reference to land tax— (1) What advantages do primary producers who own land in Queensland have

over primary producers who own land m New South Wales?

(2) What was the total amount of land tax collected in Queensland in 1981-82?

(3) What was the total amount of land tax coUected in New South Wales in 1981-82?

(4) At what point do non-primary producers start to pay land tax in Queensland?

(5) At what point do non-primary producers start to pay land tax in New South Wales?

m 5 August 1982 Q"^^*^°^ Upon Notice

Answer:— (1) There is no advantage. Land owned by resident primary producers in both

NSW and Queensland is exempt from tax.

(2) Land tax collected in Queensland m 1981-82 was $25.3m,

(3) This figure is not immediately avaUable in published form,

(4) Queensland residents are liable to land tax when the value of Unimproved land exceeds $50,000, after aUowing the exemption provided m respect of the principal place of residence.

(5) NSW residents are liable to land tax when the total value of unimproved land exceeds $30,000. after aUowing the exemption provided in respect of the pnincipal place of residence.

10. Additional Taxes and Charges, Queensland and New South Wales

Mr McKechnie asked the Premier— With reference to the fact that both New South Wales and Queensland have to

Uve with the reaUty that new tax-sharing arrangements wUl be phased in over three years rather than completely this year—

(1) What is the loss in revenue to both New South Wales and Queensland this year?

(2) What extra taxes and charges have been introduced in both New South Wales and Queensland to make up for this shortfall?

(3) What extra taxes and charges have been mtroduced in New South Wales in addition to those necessary to make up their shortfall?

Answer:—

(1) The reductions in the tax sharmg grants as a result of the Grants Commission's recommended distribution being phased in over three years instead of being fully implemented in 1982-83 are—

NSW—from $2,393m to $2,356m. that is $37m or 1.6 per cent.

QLD—from $1.659m to $1.529m. that is $130m or 7.8 per cent.

(2) Taxation measures announced by the Labor Government of New South Wales immediately after the decision was made on the implementation of the Grants Commission's recommendations and attributed by that Govemment to financial decisions taken at the Premiers Conference and Loan Council meeting are reported to have included—

a tax of 3c and 8c per litre on petrol and diesel fuel, respectively; an increase of 20 per cent in public transport charges; and increases of between 11 and 25 per cent in hospital charges.

The Queensland Government has not introduced any new or additional taxation measures to offset the $130m shortfall or for any other reason.

(3) I am not able to ascertain the extent to which the additional revenues from the extra taxes and charges introduced in New South Wales will exceed the relatively small shortfall of $37m in the tax sharing grant of that State.

However, as the introduction of a fuel franchise levy alone has been estimated to produce an extra $185m in 1982-83 it is quite clear that the Labor Govemment of New South Wales has used the Premiers Conference and Loan Council decisions as an opportunity to inflict on the people of New South Wales additional taxation imposts in an attempt to overcome the very serious budgetary difficulties which its own pohcies have brought about.


11. Student Allowances Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Education—

How many families in Queensland receive student allowances at the annual rate (a) for students who can live at home and attend a secondary school and (b) for students who must Uve away from home to attend the nearest secondary school?

Answer:— The number of students who received student allowances for the period January

to July in 1982 is as follows:— (a) students Uving at home: 2 664 (b) students living away from home: 225

These figures include special school students. Figures are not maintained on a family basis.

12. Conveyance Allowance for Students Attending TAFE Colleges Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Education—

With reference to the provision by the Education De|>artment of a conveyance aUowance to students who quaUfy under the department's approval criteria—

(1) Is such an allowance also available to students attending technical and further education colleges who are undertaking office training courses?

(2) If so. will he give consideration to extending this aUowance to include other students attending technical and further education colleges who are undertaking other pre-vocational training cources?

Answer:— (1) Yes. (2) I intend to have the matter fully investigated.

13. Teachers Seeking Employment with Education Department Mr Shaw asked the Minister for Education—

(1) With reference to the number of teachers currently seeking employment with the Education Department—how many (a) have indicated their wilUngness to serve anywhere in Queensland, (b) are not acceptable in that they do not meet the requirements of Govemment practice, either because they are not pn'epared to teach anywhere in (Queensland or for any other reason. <c) are considered to lack sufficient ability, experience or qualifications and (d) are married women?

(2) What is the number of teachers in the four listed categories seeking employment with each of the department's regions?

Answer:— (1 & 2) The information sought by the honourable member is held not in the

chief office of my department but in the regional offices in which the appointments are made.

It is therefore not possible to provide the detailed information sought by the honourable member at such short notice.

. However, if the honourable member wishes to pursue the matter with me at a later, date, the detailed information may be compiled as time and circumstances permit.

14. Steel Used in Car Manufacture Mr Lester asked the Minister for Transport—

(1) Is there evidence to suggest that steel used in present-day car manufacturing is thinner than previously?

(2) Is this a prime cause of such terrible injuries that so many victims receive in car accidents?

113 5 August 1982 Questions Upon Notice

(3) What is being done by the Queensland Road Safety Council to ensure cars are made safer within acceptable cost parameters?

Answer:— (1 to 3) The steel used in motor vehicle constmction today is of a thiimer gauge

than that used in motor vehicles of older constmction. This has been brought about mainly by the development of thinner and thus lighter steel which the steel manufacturers claim is of even greater strength than that previously used. The protection of motor vehicle occupants has also required the progressive distortion of the outer components of motor vehicles.

There is no evidence available which would indicate that the reduction in the gauge of steel is contributing to road fataUties. In fact, avaUable evidence indicates that improvements in motor vehicle design have contributed to the substantial reduction of fatalities per one thousand registered vehicles. FataUties have decreased from 2.3 per thousand from 1942 to 1943 to .4 for 1980 to 1981.

There are two Australian Design Rules which govern motor vehicle constmction of direct application in this regard. Australian Design Rule lOB requires a frcmt impact collision test to ensure the proper absorption of crash energy to minimise injury to vehicle occupants and Australian Design Rule 29 specifies strength requirements for side doors for the same purposes.

These standards are of necessity administered at the national level.

The Queensland Road Safety Council has no direct involvement in vehicle constmction standards, but only in the education of motorists using these vehicles, and in this regard its emphasis is on the prevention of motor vehicle accidents rather than relying on the protection from the vehicle.

I must point out that statisticaUy the greater engineering advance made in motor vehicle construction from a safety point of view has been the compulsory fitting of seat-belts. Yet of the fataUties that occurred in the first four months of this year 48 per cent of the persons killed were not wearing available seat-belts.

I appreciate the honourable member's continuing concem about vehicle safety and the road toll and I hope this information is of assistance to him.

15. New Libraries, Blackwater Schools Mr Lester asked the Minister for Education—

(1) What is the latest progress in the constmction of new libraries at Blackwater North State School and Blackwater State High School?

(2) What wiU these new Ubraries cost?

(3) What services wiU they provide for the children of these Blackwater schools?

Answer:—

T , ÎLT"^ "l^Z ^'î"^ *̂ ^^"^ Blackwater North State School was completed on 19

C'J!&X£^mr "' ''' ̂ "̂'"''" ^'''^ "•̂•̂ ''̂ '̂ ^̂ '̂ "̂̂ f̂^ ^̂ '"P'̂ '̂̂" »t f P c^^ P"I"^'^ ^^^°^^ "' ' '^'y "^^^ P "̂̂ °f a tender for several items of work !^h<if n S T- i'̂ J ••'̂ u°* '̂ ^'''' ^^ ' SW3J25; the estimated cost of the high $43^973 ^' '" Executive Council minute of 24 December 1981 is

reading 1!!^J'TZ^ ' ' * ' ?^ ^^'^"^ ? / ^°"'-^"y' fêe-standing faciUty providing a reading room, secure work-room, and furniture.

The high school library wiU provide the following facilities:-

r o o m ^ ' a u d i ^ S a / « r ' t ' " ^ ° " " ^ ^ '""?'"« '•°°'"' ""^'^ >vork-room, two group study ZTmtrrZL'ltfZ:^^^'^'''^^^^ ^ - - ' - ' « - d female toiled. cJeaner's


16. Comparison of Progress in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria Mr Lester asked the Premier—

(1) WUl he outline some areas of progress in the State of Queensland during the past few months?

(2) Will he outline Queensland's record in comparison with New South Wales and Victoria?

A nswer:—

(1 & 2) During the past few months Queensland has continued to demonstrate the soundness of its economic base. At a time when other States are feeUng the full effects of the international economic downturn, Queensland has been buffered to a degree by its fundamental economic strength and its propensity for growth.

The influx of new residents and the associated inflow of capital to Queensland attest the confidence of many Australians in the future of Queensland,

Progress continues on many fronts, and in particular in the mining and mineral processing sectors, even though the industries are being affected by the international recession. The Government will assist where possible by containing Government demands on the companies for urban infrastructure, and by careful planning for the provision of project infrastructure. For instance, new port developments—for example. Hay Point and Abbot Point—are proceeding, and the further development of existing ports has also continued. Rail transport facilities have been improved to cope with the new coal-mines about to come on stream. Roads have also been substantially improved -in spite of critical shortages of finance. Work on other infrastructure facilities in the areas of water supply, power generation, health, welfare, education and cultural development has progressed dramatically.

The economic indicators of Queensland's progress speak for themselves. We are the most decentralised State in the nation. Forty-six per cent of all the nation's major projects are in Queensland; 19 000 new businesses opened last year and 15 000 new companies were registered.

In the last year, retair sales were up 17 per cent and building approvals increased 24 per cent. Queensland is attracting 40 per cent of all foreign investment to Australia, and we are the lowest taxed State. That is official from the latest Commonwealth figures released just a few days ago.

The performance of the Labor States of New South Wales and Victoria pales into insignificance when compared with Queensland's record. Our population growth is double the national average with people moving to Queensland from other States and overseas at the rate of more than 1 000 a week. We are experiencing the greatest migration to a single State in the history of the nation. Queensland's record in job creation is now running at almost treble the national average and our export performance is the best in Australia.

On the latest figures taken over a full year, Victorians are moving north to live in Queensland at the rate of 342 a week. And there will be even more now under the Cain Labor Government with its threat of death duties taking 39 per cent of Ufe savings.

Every week, 528 people leave new New South Wales for Queensland. And no wonder, because the Wran Government has increased taxes and charges by an average of $15 for every family since taking office.

Both the New South Wales and Victorian Government are heading for serious Budget deficits. By comparison, Queensland lives within its means with a balanced Budget aimed at promoting development, creating new jobs and establishing the State as the private enterprise capital of Australia.

17. Residential AUotments, CoUinsville

Mr Katter asked the Minister for Lands and Forestry—

(1) Will he assure the people of CoUinsville that the proposed land soon to be released through auction will be only an initial release and that further land will be subdivided and made available to the pubUc in 1983?

19776—5

c A o* iQ«7 Questions Upon Notice 114 5 August 1982

(2) WiU any of these blocks be purchased by the pubUc given that their prices WiU be in excess of $15,000 per block while current CoUinsville land prices are approximately $5,000 per block?

(3) WiU he ensure that, in any future subdivision, land prices wiU not include electricity supply, kerb-to-kerb bitumen, sewerage, headwater improvements and a number of other charges, either never before included m the Pnce of land released in this area or, alternatively, services not provided in any other part of the Bowen Shirc?

Answer:— (1) It will be an initial release. Further land wiU be made available for purchase

but not necessarily in 1983. This will depend on demand and developments. (2) Studies and commitments already made reveal that all blocks wUl be purchased.

The development and servicing costs per block amount to about $8,500 (excluding land requisition and administration costs). If unserviced blocks were offered for sale, the servicing costs would fall back on the local authority and thus on ratepayers.

(3) No, I cannot give such an assurance. No-one could. Demand and developments in the locality wiU, of course, have an influence.

18. Population Loss and Flood Problems, Central and North Queensland

Mr Katter asked the Premier— With reference to the release of Bureau of Statistics figures mdicating a loss in

population in all shires in the westem parts of Central and North Queensland and the waterlogging and flood inundation problems of the far-northern sugar areas—what are his broad proposals to solve both these problems in a part of Australia containing more than half the country's land area but less than one per cent of its population?

Answer:— In 1938 the late Dr J. J. C. Bradfield proposed the concept of diverting some of

the waters of the Tully, Herbert and Burdekin Rivers through the Great Dividing Range into the catchments of the Flinders and Thomson Rivers and utilising the water for irrigation projects in Western Queensland.

Now that the construction of the Burdekin Falls Dam is virtually assured, it is timely that the momentum for further development of the water resources of northern and western Queensland be maintained. The concepts of Dr Bradfield present a suitable point for such investigation.

Although Dr Bradfield's scheme focused on irrigation works, at the present time the diversion of water west of the Divide has implications for the development and processing of mineral and energy resources of that area as well as for expansion of the pastoral and agricultural industries. I expect to have a report on the whole scheme from the Co-ordinator-General's engineers within 12 days.

19. Dam Shes, Flinders River Headwaters

Mr Katter asked the Minister for Water Resources and Aboriginal and Island Affairs-Will he immediately seek funds to investigate fully the best avaUable dam sites

on the headwaters of the Flinders River with a view to providing a dam sufficient to faciUtate the opening up of a number of farms as well as possibly augmenting existing supplies to cattle and sheep properties in the Hughenden area, an area once again suffering widespread drought conditions?

Answer:—

Provision will be made in the current financial year for the Queensland Water Resources Commission to commence a preliminary appraisal of possible storage options in the upper reaches of the Flinders River. The study will include indentification of those areas likely to benefit from such storages and the nature of the associated development. Results of this study will be available early in 1983, at which time the position wiU be reviewed to determine whether more detailed investigation of any particular site should be undertaken.

C^uestions Upon Notice 5 August 1982 115

20. Drought Declarations, Central Queensland Shires

Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for Primary Industries—

With reference to drought conditions existing in Central Queensland—

(1) Does the declaration of a shire as a drought area still lie within the control or recommendation of officers of the Department of Primary Industries?

(2) WUl he consider placing under the control of local shires such declarations pertaining to drought areas?

(3) Will he have the Shire of Livingstone declared drought-affected?

Answer:—

(1 & 2) I am sure that the honourable member will appreciate that my department, in common with other Government agencies, has a responsibility to ensure that decisions concerning eligibiUty of public moneys are not entrusted to organisations or individuals that may stand to benefit. Shire councils fit into the above category, as some are of the opinion that drought declarations may strengthen their case for financial assistance when submissions are made to the Local Government Grants Commission. It has, therefore, always been the practice to place the responsibility of recommending drought declarations in the hands of an impartial committee of Department of Primary Industries officers. However, they are instructed to consult other informed persons located in the area, such as primary producers and shire councillors, when making an assessment of seasonal conditions.

(3) Officers of my department in Rockhampton will be asked to do a report on seasonal conditions in Livingstone Shire following the honourable member's request for a declaration. This is usual procedure and is a preliminary step in recommending a shire declaration.

21. Early Education Centre, Thangool State School

Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for Education—

With reference to the rapid growth of the population of Thangool in recent years— when will an early education centre be established at Thangool State School?

Answer:—

I acknowledge a growing need for a State pre-school centre in Thangool but cannot give this project a high priority at present. A majority of eligible chUdren from Thangool already attend the Biloela State Pre-School Centre, where a special full-day program is offered to allow these children to travel to and from pre-school on the secondary school bus runs.

Given the situations in other areas in which children do not have access to any pre-school facilities, I believe that it will be another two to three years before a centre is built in Thangool.

22. Maintenance of Main Roads, Callide Electorate

Mr Hartwig asked the Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads and Police—

(1) How much has been expended on maintenance on the following main roads within the Callide Electorate: (a) Thangool to Dululu, (b) Rockhampton to Boulder-combe and (c) that section of the Rockhampton to Gracemere Road within the Fitzroy Shire?

(2) As many kUometres of these roads have deteriorated to the extent that they are hazardous, will he or his Commissioner for Main Roads accompany me on a conducted tour to inspect the dangerous condition of these roads?

Answer:—

Because of the limited time available to research the matters raised by the honourable member. I am unable to answer his question today. However, the honourable member may rest assured I will do so during the time allowed for questions on the next day of sitting.

m 5 August 1982 ^^''"^""^ Upon Notipe

23 & 24, Jojoba International Pty Ltd

Mr Harper asked the Minister for Primary Industries— With reference to a recently distributed brochure in the name af Jojoba Inter

national Pty Ltd--ar« the foUowmg claims in that brochure valid: (a) jojoba oil has been found to be the only replacement for sperm whale oil, (b) a huge world demand for jojoba oil is absolutely assured, (c) Queensland conditions are perfect for jojoba cultivation, (d) jojoba trees can go on producing for 100 to 200 years, (e) jojoba is by far the most attractive investment in the worid today and (f) a participant in a jojoba plantation benefits not only himself for life, but also his descendants?

Answer:— Jojoba produces a high quality liquid wax which can be substituted for sperm

whale oU and for other natural waxes currently used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and specialised lubricants. The degree of substitution and the scope for development of new uses is price dependent. In 1977, the National Academy of Sciences in the United States estimated the demand/price relationship as follows—

Demand Price of Jojoba Oil 2 700 tonnes $6.60—$13.20 per kilogram 6000 tonnes $2.20--$5,10 per kilogram

121500 tonnes $0.88—$1.65 per kilogram This may be compared with the price of the last Australian imports of sperm whale

oil in 1979 of $1 per kilogram and current prices of vegetable oils approximating 50c per kilogram.

Jojoba oil has been quoted m June this year at $25.30 per kilogram, a price which reflects availabUity below 2 000 tonnes, strong demand for the commodity by those engaged in developing pwroduct uses, and very heavy demand for jojoba planting seed. It seems highly i>robable that when existing plantations enter full production in the early 1990s that the price wiU be more in Hne with the lower estimates of the National Academy. This implies prices for jojoba seed less than one-tenth of the prices presently quoted by promoters of $13 to $20 per kilogram and possibly as low as 50c per kg.

In recent months officers of my department have been receiving up to 60 inquiries a week concerning jojoba. Many of these are the result of developers I>romoting jojoba as the new wonder crop of the decade, WhUe some of these promoters are doing an excellent job, pointing out to investors the risks of investing in a future agro industrial p>rojeot. others are charging exorlntant prices and claiming spectacular future results on the assumption that current high prices wiU maintain and that yield projections are certain,

I would like to be able to protect the investing public from the more unscrupulous operators, without holding up the furtherance of the crop and the development of the industry. Although it is px>ssible that jojoba could become a viable industry, investors should not be attracted to it as a get-rich-quick scheme, and should carefully consider the risks involved before making any financial commitment.

In particular they should examine their equity position and the obUgations of the management company to them if the plantations should fail through unsuitable environments, disease or any other cause.

Very little is known about the crop's prospects in Australia at this stage. We do not know what the yields are likely to be, or what the oil is likely to be worth if and when the crop comes into production. No varieties have been developed so far, and the only seed available is from plants little removed from the wild state. In short, insufficient research has been done to be able to make any firm recommendations. I am yet to be convinced that this crop, which appears to require cool wet winters and dry summers, is well adapted to Queensland's predominantly summer rainfall pattern.

Some developers and promoters in both Australia and the United States have been quoting high development costs for jojoba. An American authority, Mr N. V. NicoU of Jojoba Argentina S.A.. has safd that $4,000 is a realistic figure to purchase and develop one acre of jojoba includmg land at $300 to $400 per acre and a drip


irrigation system. It should, therefore, cost no more than $10,000 per hectare in Australia, yet in Queensland developers are asking around $25,000 per hectare for the development of the crop. This means that management fees are adding more than 100 per cent to plantation costs.

I would like to see the establishment of a soundly based jojoba industry which wiU supply oU at a competitive price and provide a fair return to producers and investors. I hope that people will not be misled by extravagant claims, both for their own sake and because if expected returns are not realised disappointment and disenchantment will foUow. This wUl inevitably discourage future investment in the industry.

Mr Harper asked the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations—

With reference to a brochure recently distributed in the name of Jojoba International Pty Ltd in which it is claimed that (a) jojoba oil has been found to be the only replacement for sperm whale oil, (b) a huge world demand for jojoba oil is absolutely assured, (c) Queensland conditions are perfect for jojoba cultivation, (d) jojoba trees can go on producing for 100 to 200 years, (e) jojoba is by far the most attractive investment in the world today and (f) a participant in a jojoba plantation benefits not only himself for life, but also his descendants, and as such claims appear to be without adequate foundation—is he prepared to take action causing Jojoba Intemational Pty Ltd to prove its claims or else to desist from making such claims?

Answer:—

This matter is not one that comes within my ministerial responsibilities. I suggest that the honourable member's question could perhaps best be answered by two of my colleagues, either or both the Honourable the Minister for Commerce and Industry and the Honourable the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General.

25. Motor Vehicle Inspections

Mr Yewdale asked the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations—

With reference to the most recent Auditor-General's report relating to machinery inspections wherein he was most critical of the department in not having commercial vehicles inspected—

(1) Is it departmental practice to send out official notices to all vehicle owners to have inspections carried out at a due date?

(2) If so, have aU vehicles requiring inspection been inspected by his officers?

(3) If not, how many are still waiting for inspection?

(4) Has his department given any consideration to increases in staff numbers, specifically to the number of vehicle inspectors?

Answer:—

(1) Yes.

(2 & 3) Figures for the last financial year are—

191 295 notices were issued to produce vehicles for inspection.

119 628 vehicles were inspected, leaving 71 667 still awaiting inspection.

(4) Because of staff ceilings, it has not been possible to employ additional motor vehicle inspectors to inspect all vehicles required to be inspected under the Motor Vehicles Safety Act.

After careful consideration of the matter, action has been taken, pursuant to section 26 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, to exempt certain classes of commercial vehicles from inspection so as to concentrate staff resources on high-risk vehicles.


2i, Additional Staff, Workers Compensation Board and Division of Occupational Safety

Mr Yewdale asked the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations— With reference to a recent Press statement wherein it was revealed that the Workers

Compensation Board has invested $100 million to create jobs for Queenslanders—does he consider it appropriate to create jobs in industry when in fact the Workers Compensation Board and the Division of Occupational Safety are crying out for additional staff to service their facilities?

Answer:—

The investment of workers' compensation funds is made mainly through loans to city councils and shire councils throughout Queensland for their works and development programs. These are normally labour-intensive and thus employment is created.

The salaries of staff employed in the Workers Compensation Board are debited against the fund. The staffing levels of the board are reviewed at regular intervals, with these levels being based on work volumes. This includes district offices of the board. A review of several branches recently carried out has been considered by the Public Service Board and Cabinet. A decision in this regard wUl be forthcoming in the immediate future.

The funding of the salaries in the Division of Occupational Safety is from consolidated revenue and it would not be possible to use the Workers Compensation Fund for this purpose. The recruitment strategy and staffing structure of the Inspectorate of Machinery is at present under consideration by the PubUc Service Board. In so far as motor vehicle inspections are concemed, an investigation into the present system by the Intemal Operational Audit Service has been carried out, its report is now being considered, and initial action has been taken to exempt certain low-risk vehicles from inspections.

27. Investigation of Complaints Against Employers in Fast Food Industry

Mr Yewdale asked the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations—

With reference to a statement in "The Australian" of 1 March wherein it was stated that his department was investigating complaints from young workers concerning employers in the fast food industry—

(1) How far advanced is its investigation?

(2) Have the complaints been confirmed?

(3) If so, has any action been taken by his department?

(4) If such complaints were valid, what is his department's long-term attitude in deahng with the matter?

Answer:—

f o n r t ^ L t w / l ^ ' ^ ^ ° " ^ ^ allegations were made during March 1982 that some fast food outlets were forcing young employees to work long shifts involving late finishing times, my department has not received complaints from young employeer a > n c e S working hours in such establishments. employees conceming

F a s t ^ F ^ d ' l t . i l r l ^ . ' f ' H ^ f ' ' . ^ ' ' ' " " ' " ^ " ' ""'^ ^ * " ' " S Award-South Eastern Division, Fast Food Industry; Industrial Agreement and clause 17 (7) of the Cafe Restauran

the S ^ T l s Z t ^ ' ' ^ T " ^ • ™ . " '-^'^ ^^°^ '^^ '"^^^ a^ml le^ 'ô loyeeuTde; the age of 18 years shaU not be permitted to work after 8 p.m. without "the consent

t ^ i r ^ T """'^'^^ ^"""'"^'T' ^^"^' ^h"« '^ ^" °""^ f«"^ng on both the ei^Fôye and the employee's parents or legal guardians. employer

mem™'fo? AsDlev^'andtl^ '"^ P^^âment on 30 March 1982 by the honourable memoer tor Aspley and I gave an assurance that the situation would be investigated bv industrial mspectors of my department if any honourable member coufd E fnsf^<S to my notice of such award breaches. So far no complaint has been r eSved frS any honourable member, any young worker or th^ rJr^l\ i i "^^^'^^d irom young worker. worKer or the parent or legal guardian of any


28. Shower Block. Freshwater Lake Area

Mr Stephan asked the Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and The Arts—

.With reference to the popularity of the Freshwater Lake in Cooloola National Park for use as a picnic and camping area, and to the fact that the lake itself is used for bathing and washing—is it intended that a shower block be constructed in the near future, for the convenience of the camping public and, further, to assist in keeping the lake and its surrounding area clean and tidy?

Answer:—

I thank the honourable member for his question. The problem has come to the fore because of the tremendous interest that the public is showing in the Cooloola National Park.

Because of the urgent need to ensure cessation of the practice of people washing themselves in Lake Freshwater, it is intended shortly to build simple shower standards such as one sees on bathing beaches. A water-supply for the area will also be built this financial year. A shower block will be built as soon as funds allow.

29. Seminar for Secretaries of State Members of Parliament

Mr Stephan asked the Minister for Welfare Services—

With reference to the large number of inquiries received in electoral offices covering aspects of most portfolios, welfare possibly being amongst the most prominent—^will he give consideration to organising and conducting a seminar, simUar to that which was held recently for secretaries of Federal members on the subject of migrant entry into Australia, for secretaries of State members?

Answer:—

I thank the honourable member for raising this matter. There is considerable merit in the p>roposal. He will be interested to learn that earlier this year I did arrange a seminar pertaming to the activities of my portfoUo for a number of electorate secretaries. That was well received,

I am sure the honourable member will appreciate that, in a State as vast as Queensland, there are logistic problems in arranging seminars to include aU electorate secretaries; but, nevertheless, it is my intention to organise further such seminars in the future. One is in fact planned for October.

I would add also that an information pack is being prepared that will ensure members are kept informed of developments within my portfolio.

30 & 31. Closer Economic Relations with New Zealand

Mr Stephan asked the Minister for Primary Industries—

With reference to discussions about the possible introduction of closer economic relations with New Zealand—

(1) Is he satisfied that sufficient safeguards have been negotiated for the fruit and vegetable industry in AustraUa and that import licensing restrictions against Australian produce will in fact be lifted without undue delay?

(2) Will the existing export incentives be eased by New Zealand to give equal economic opportunity to producers in this country?

(3) Has the suggested marketing and promotion program between the two countries been designed to complement promotion of the products from each country rather than make competition between the two?

Answer:—

(1) At the meeting of the Australian Agricultural Council in New Zealand last week, I requested the Federal Government to renegotiate with New Zealand the timetable for termination of New Zealand import licensing under CER. In this I was supported by other State Ministers. In particular, I asked the Commonwealth Government to renegotiate the position so that New Zealand import licensing restrictions terminate in 1986-87 instead of 1995.

120 5 August 1982 Quesiioi» Upon Notice

With regard to the fruit and vegetable industries, I am stHl not entirely happy with some aspects of the negotiation position. I made arrangements for my officers to undertake a further special study of arrangements under CER foUovring on the recent Agricultural Council meeting in New Zealand. I shall receive the resuUs of that study in the near future and will take the appropriate action with my Commonwealth counterpart.

(2) For free trade under fair competition to exist between Australia and New Zealand, the New Zealand export incentive scheme needs to be dismantled over a reasonable period. The present arrangement calls for its dismantling by 1986-87, which at least sets a positive framework under which trade may proceed.

(3) At the New Zealand meeting of the Australian Agricultural Council, I received the full support of other States with regard to joint Commonwealth/States/ New Zealand initiatives for closer co-operation between Australia and New Zealand for trade in third market countries. A system of co-operation already exists in the dairy industry and I am enthusiastic that the suggested marketing and promotion program will be beneficial to both countries.

Mr Booth asked the Minister for Primary Industries— (1) Has the Queensland Government been involved in the talks surrounding closer

economic relations with New Zealand? (2) Have the possible effects on fat lamb and prime beef production been

evaluated and, if so, what are they? (3) Have the effects on the dairy industry been assessed to ascertain the long

term effects? (4) Has the Queensland Government been in vigorous opposition to the new

closer economic relations policy? (5) What has been the response from the Federal Government?

Answer:—

(1) Qose contact has been maintained between my department and Commonwealth authorities during the CER negotiating process to date and this wiU continue.

Last week in New Zealand, at a meeting of the AustraUan Agricultural Council, I strongly advocated an improvement in the position already negotiated by Australia, and, in this regard, had the support of all State Ministers.

(2) No serious effect on the viability of local fat lamb or prime beef producers is anticipated.

(3) The possible effect on the dairy industry was initially looked at with some concern. However, through close consultation and negotiation between Australian and New Zealand dairy industry bodies, a mutually satisfactory agreement has been reached.

(4) The Queensland Government has watched developments very closely and has been active in negotiations with the Commonwealth to ensure Queensland primary producers are not disadvantaged.

In particular, I have been critical of New Zealand's proposed timetable for the phasing out of their import licensing and export incentive systems as they apply to trans-Tasman trade. I am still concerned with some aspects of the presently negotiated position, particularly as they relate to proposed New Zealand import levels for some horticultural products.

In overall terms, however, CER should prove beneficial to both countries provided any abnormalities that might occur can be quickly and effectively corrected.

(5) The Federal Govemment has participated actively in these negotiations. At the New Zealand meeting of Australian Agricultural Council, it was agreed that the Commonwealth Departments of Trade and Resources and Primary Industry will designate special contact officers with whom organisations can confer on matters of concern as the arrangements proceed. Senior officers from State departments wiU also be designated as contact officers to deal quickly with any problems which may arise.


32. Beef Slaughter Rationalisation

Mr Booth asked the Minister for Primary Industries—

With reference to the recent paper on beef slaughter rationalisation in Queensland—

(1) Has he had discussions with the six major interests in the slaughtering business who promoted the paper?

(2) Is the Department of Primary Industries involved in any way with this proposal?

(3) Is the Queensland Meat Industry Organisation and Marketing Authority involved in any way and. if so. on what authority?

Answer:—

(1 to 3) Because of the serious downturn in the meat-processing industry, both in Queensland and throughout AustraUa, representatives of the six major meat-processing companies initiated discussions with, and submitted a proposal to, the Queensland Meat Industry Organisation and Marketing Authority relative to the rationaUsation of cattle slaughtering capacity in Queensland. While I have been kept informed of the situation, neither I nor my departmental officers have been involved in discussions with the proponents of the scheme.

The authority has a legislative responsibiUty under the Meat Industry Act 1965-1981 to examine aU problems affecting the livestock and meat industries and this, no doubt, is the reason the proposal was submitted to that organisation for consideration. I am also aware, as would be the proponents of the scheme, that the authority has been cautioning the processing sector of the meat industry for a number of years about the serious excess in cattle-slaughtering capacity in Queensland.

In view of the obvious ramifications, the authority felt that it should have the full support of industry before it could seriously consider the possible implementation of any rationalisation plan. Accordingly, as an initial move and to assess the overall opinion of the meat-processing sector of the industry to some form of rationaUsation of abattoir capacity, the authority recently convened a meeting of the owners of all abattoirs in Queensland. However, the meeting did not indicate the clear-cut support which the authority sought as a prerequisite to any plan of rationaUsation. Nevertheless, the meeting generally accepted that an oversupply of slaughtering capacity did exist and that some form of rationaUsation was inevitable in the future through natural market forces, and agreed that discussions on rationalisation should continue. .:.,

There is no doubt that the problems of excessive slaughtering capacity in abattoirs, not only in Queensland but throughout AustraUa, is real at present, and the honourable member would be aware that the matter is now to be examined on a national basis by the Industries Assistance Commission at the request of the Federal Minister for Primary Industry. The authority wiU naturally now defer any further consideration of the matter to the commission. However, in further regard to the proposal presented to the authority and in view of various misconceptions of the scheme and misleading statements which may have prompted this question by the honourable member, I feel it is appropriate to reiterate the statement by the authority that it is not a party to any suggested closures of abattoirs and that any decisions of this nature would be strictly a matter for the management of the particular works.

33, New Police Launch

Mr Hansen asked the Minister for Local Government, Main Roads and PoUce—

With reference to the decision to award the tender for a new police laimch to the Hong Kong firm C3ieoy Lee—

(1) Is the vessel a "production line" game fishing boat rather than a work boat?

(2) Are modifications required to be made to conform to the specffications laid down for local boat buUders?

(3) Where are these modifications to be carried out and is the cost involved included in the tender? •• 19776—6


(4) What consultation took place with local boat builders and Department of Harbours and Marine surveyors before the decision was taken to disregard the "Buy Queensland Made" campaign of the Government?

Answer:—

(1) No.

(2 & 3) Boat built to poUce specifications. No further modifications required.

<4) Consultation was had with Department of Harbours and Marine, and tenders were called through the State Stores Board. Tenders received from local boat builders did not meet requirements.

34. Subsidy Assistance, Maryborough City Council

Mr Hansen asked the Deputy Premier and Treasurer— With reference to continued State Government subsidies to local government

where there is a prior commitment to the particular project and particularly to the Maryborough City Ck)uncirs commitment to the Tinana sewerage scheme since 1980 and the payment of 40 per cent subsidy during 1981-82 on the upgrading of treatment works prior to the connection of Tinana sewers and house drains during 1982-83—why has the application by the Maryborough City Council for continued subsidy assistance been rejected while other projects such as the Bundaberg/Gooburrum scheme have been accepted as eligible?

Answer:— The Maryborough City Council has been treated no differently from any othw

local authority in Queensland in respect of sewerage projects attracting subsidy. The position generaUy is that the Tinana scheme, along with similar schemes throughout the State, now attracts subsidy at the rate of 20 per cent applicable to that portion involving treatment works and disposal after treatment.

In line with the Government's supplementary grant scheme, the councU was able to claim up to 40 per cent subsidy on eligible sewerage works for work completed prior to 30 June 1982. This special assistance was introduced by the Government in recognition of the budgetary difficulties experienced by local authorities in the year that subsidies were reduced. The Bundaberg/Gooburrum scheme was determined to have exceptional circumstances involving two local authorities which was not appUcable to any other scheme current in the State. They were circumstances unique to the Bundaberg/Gooburrum scheme.

35. Rationalisation of School Bus Services, Maryborough District Mr Hansen asked the Minister for Education—

(1) Has he already agreed to a program extending over two years tor a rationalisation of school bus services in the Maryborough district?

(2) Has he received any requests from parents to adjust this rationalisation?

(3) Has he agreed to any changes as proposed?

Answer:—

t ,. ^^^ ^^^' j ^ '".f tipnalisation scheme in the city of Maryborough has been approved r S ^ / n ? ? SA .^ investigation into 14 school transport services by the Regional Director of Education. It is Govemment policy that children be conveyed at depart-!?«n i r r ^ . " ' ^ \ ^ ^ T ' ? ^ ^* ' ' ' ° ' ' "'"^ '̂̂ exceptional circumstances exist requiring ZT^ • K / " K " 'u^"^^- ^^'^^"'^ exceptional circumstances existed at certain S^rxLded ' S ^ T - ' ' ' ? T f ' f ' ."«°' .'PP^^^''^ ^^' 8iven for some services to c^ses t L L ^ t ? . „ T " ^ ^ 'f'^^'' '"^"•" ' ' ' ' ^ ° ^ ^ ^ " ' showed that in a number of cont nued ^'"''^''^^^^ circumstances no longer exist but the extensions have been


Students at the two Maryborough high schools will retain existing privUeges until the end of Year 10 for students in Years 8 and 9 and to the end of Year 12 in the case of Year 11 students. The rationalisation will not be undertaken until next year, so students in Years 10 and 12 this year will not be affected.

(2) No,

(3) No.

36, Application by Fraser Island Defence Organisation Ltd for Land Lease on Fraser Island

Mr Powell asked the Minister for Lands and Forestry—

(1) Is he aware of publicity given to the Fraser Island Defence Organisation Ltd, and that organisation's stated plan to establish a camping ground at Chard's Rocks on Fraser Island?

(2) Has FIDO or any person connected with that organisation made application for a lease over land on Fraser Island for camping purposes?

(3) If an appUcation is received, what are the procedures that must be followed before any lease can be granted?

Answer:—

(1) No, I am not aware of any inordinate publicity. However, I am aware that FIDO Ltd has been pushing for the establishment of a camp site behind Chard's Rocks along a road known as Nicky's Bypass. FIDO Ltd has not sought a lease of any land there, but has offered to assist in developing the area by doing certain works and actively encouraging campers to use such site. The land referred to by FIDO Ltd is included in mining lease No. 95 and, accordingly, is not within my authority.

(2) Not to my knowledge, but FIDO Ltd was an unsuccessful applicant for a special lease for camping and caravan park purposes north of Happy VaUey. Hannants were the successful appUcants.

(3) If the land applied for is alienated or leased land, an applicant must firstly take matters up with the landholder. If land applied for is a reserve, an applicant must initially take matters up with the trustee (if any) and the Land Administration Commission. The purpose for which an applicant wants land must be consistent with the purpose of the reservation in normal circumstances. If the land is vacant Crown land, an applicant must apply to the Land Administration Commission, which will process the apQ>lication along normal lines.

37. Police Investigations into Activities of Messrs E. P. Vibert and L. H. Ainsworth

Mr Powell asked the Minister for Local Government, Main Roads and Police—

(1) Have the respective Police Forces of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia been investigating the activities of Edward Phillip Vibert and Leonard Hasting Ainsworth?

(2) Are Vibert and Ainsworth political poker machine lobbyists?

(3) Is the Queensland Police Department conducting investigations into the receipt of $30,000 by the CASPALP Promotion Fund from Messrs Vibert and Ainsworth?

(4) If so, who are the signatories to this fund, what stage have these investigations reached and is it anticipated that criminal charges wMl be laid in Queensland?

Answer:—

(1) Yes. Police have been investigating the activities of Vibert and Ainsworth for many months,

(2) Yes, Vibert and Ainsworth are heavily involved in the poker machine industry and could be described as political poker machine lobbyists.

(3) Yes. The involvement of C^eensland Labor politicians is yet to b̂e fully determined. It is clear that the honourable the Leiader of the Opposition was involved


in certain money transactions with the poker machine lobby. As honourable members are aware, the Leader of the Opposition was caught out when attempting to cover up the receipt of funds from, the poker machine lobby through Vibert,

(4) The CASPALP Promotion Fund was wound up on 9 March 1982. This was three days after the execution of a search warrant by poUce, with seizure of documents from Vibert's office located in Ainsworth's building at Rosebury, a suburb of Sydney,

The original signatories to the CASPALP Promotion Fund were Edmund D. Casey, as chairman, Lesley J. Yewdale, as vice-chairman, and Malcolm J, McMillan, as secretary, who is an employee of the Queensland Govemment, The Queensland police investigation is stiU pwoceeding. As acting Police Minister, I am now in receipt of a comprehensive interim report from the Commissioner of PoUce, The report has now been sent to the SoUcitor-General, The matter of whether criminal charges may ensue wiU be one for determination by the SoUcitor-General, as is customary in such cases.

38. Dog Obedience Clubs

Mr Powell asked the Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and The Arts—

(1) Is he aware that members of dog obedience clubs have sought recognition of their activities as a sport?

(2) Does he accept that those involved in dog obedience clubs are engaged in a sport?

(3) If not, what criteria are used to gauge whether or not an activity is a sport?

Answer:—

(1) Yes.

(2) No.

(3) I refer the honourable member to my letter to him of 4 June 1982, which fully explained the criteria mvolved. In that communication, I stated that the Government's sports assistance schemes recognised sport as, inter alia

(a) An actively requiring physical effort by the male or female participant which leads to a desire to master more complex degrees of skill.

(b) Competitive in nature, either externally directed against an opponent or internally directed with a view to improving the sportsperson's performance.

(c) Taking place within a specific framework based on time, distance or other hnite objective, and wUhin this framework there are formal and distinctive rules as recognised by the participant sportsperson as well as the observer (the code or rules of play).

(d) Having an institutionalised structure or organisation supporting the activity as well as some premeditated preparation by the participant.

There are presently in Queensland some 75 acknowledged sports, each having the normal club/zone/State/national and intemational affiliations. In all cases, the skill and endeavour relates to the human participant in either the individual or the team sense. It is considered dog obedience clubs do not come within these definitions of sport.

^^- Appointment of Deputy Mayor, Townsville City Council

Dr Scott-Young asked the Minister for Local Govemment. Main Roads and Police-

aODoSmenf w?t5f I r f ?i°!l ^^ f *^' ^ ^ Government Act 1936 (as amended)-is the

a t y Council legal? "'' °^ ^ ^""-""^^ ^"P^^^ '"^y^' *« '^' Townsville

Answer:—


local authority in respect of attendance at meetings, committee meetings, authorised inspections, deputations and the like, the chairman and deputy chairman may be paid such allowances as the particular local authority may determine.

40. Haughton River Canal Scheme

Dr Scott-Young asked the Minister for Water Resources and Aboriginal and Island Affairs—

(1) What is the present attitude of the Government to the construction of the Haughton River canal scheme to augment the water supply of Townsville?

(2) What is the expected cost of this project and how long will it take to complete if implemented?

Answer:—

(1) The Townsville City Council has, to this stage, made no formal request for water supply from the Burdekin River, although it is known that a recent report received by the councU has concluded that, provided the seepage problems in Ross River Dam Stage 2 can be resolved, supply from the Burdekin River should follow Ross River Dam Stage 2.

Subject to such an approach being made and to subsequent arrangements between the Queensland Water Resources Commission and the council on the cost of water from the Burdekin, I see no reason why a supply to Townsville from the Haughton main channel could not be provided.

(2) Following the recent approval of the $7m semi-governmental loan to the State for the Burdekin River project, consulting engineers are now being briefed by the Queensland Water Resources Commission to complete designs for the initial sections of the Haughton and Elliott main channels.

Although it is proposed that construction of both of these channels will commence in the first half of 1983, I must point out that the earliest date by which water supply could be made available from the Burdekin Falls Dam will be 1987, assuming that the initial Commonwealth funds for the daim are made available in the current financial year. To this extent, I suggest that construction of the Haughton main channel, involving an expenditure of at least $25m, need not be completed until 1986.

I would also stress that the above costs do not include the pipeline from the Haughton River to Ross River Dam, construction of which would have to be met by the Townsville City Council,

i|L Annual Report of Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation

Mr Warburton asked the Minister for Tourism, National Parks, Sport and The Arts—

With reference to his ministerial statement in which he indicated that he consulted with the new Auditor-General, Mr P. N, Craven, who signified that the financial statement and Auditor-General's certificate included in the substitute report are correct—does that mean that Mr Craven in fact audited the new financial report?

Answer:—

I would have thought the statement I made needed no further clarification. However, to satisfy the honourable member's curiosity, I quote from a letter addressed to me in this regard on 2 August 1982 by the Auditor-General. With reference to the substitute report, Mr Craven said—

"The financial statement included in that report and the certificate as given by the Auditor-General and appended to that statement have been examined and have been found correct in all respects."

Mr WARBURTON: I rise to a point of order. Yesterday I asked a question without notice on this matter. At the request of the Minister, I put the question on notice. Yesterday he told the House that he would sup>ply, today, a detailed reply on all matters covered by my question. I seek your ruUng, Mr Speaker. Are we to continue to be held in contempt by Ministers?

126 5 August 1982 Questions. Upon Notice

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I exercise no measure of control over answers. I understand that the Minister will make himself avaUable for further comment.

Mr ELLIOTT: The question that appears on the Notices of Questions reads— "With reference to his Ministerial Statement in which he indicated that he

consuUed with the new Auditor-General, Mr P, N. Craven, who signified that the financial statement and Auditor-General's certificate included in the substitute report are correct, does that mean that Mr Craven in fact audited the new financial report?"

Mr WARBURTON: I rise to a point of order. When I asked the question of the Minister yesterday, he would not answer it; he probably could not. He asked me to put it on notice. He said—

"If he would like any further repUes in relation to it, I vrill give him a detailed answer."

I expected that, this moming, Parliament would have been given a detailed answer.

Mr SPEAKER-_Order! I suggest that the honourable member put a further question on the Notices of Questions,

42, Food Additives Dr Lockwood asked the Minister for Health—

(1) How many of the approximately 4 000 agents used in the United States of America to colour, flavour, emulsify, condition, stabiUse, pweserve or prevent oxidation of food are used in food consumed here in Queensland?

(2) Which food additives have been subjected to the same exhaustive clinical trials required of pharmaceutical chemicals, before they are released for restricted use in humans?

(3) Has the Queensland Health Department expressed concem about any food additives, ordered investigations or even their withdrawal and, if so, for which additives and for what reasons?

(4) What are the labelling requirements for food additives?

Answer:—

(1) Additives permitted to be used in food in Queensland are prescribed in the following regulations which form part of the Food Standards Regulations 1982.

A 3 Food additives A 4 Preservatives A 5 Colourings A 6 Flavourings A 7 Antioxidants A 8 Artificial sweetening substances A 9 Vitamins and minerals A 10 Modifying agents

(2) Specifications for the identity and purity of food additives are prescribed in Regulation A 11 of the Food Standards Regulations 1982. All food additives are subjected to extensive trials before their use is permitted. AustraUa is a member of the British Industries Biological Research Association, which is the clearing-house for world-wide research on food additives. Only approved food additives cleared by this association are recommended by the National Health and Medical Research CouncU to the States for inclusion in prescribed food standards, and Queensland strictly adheres to these recommendations.

(3) No. This department accepts the advice of the National Health and Medical Research Council in this matter.

(4) The labeUing requirements are specified in the Foods Standards Regulations as tor food , which is defined as including food additives plus various specific s a ements set out in individual regulations covering food additives plus the required statement, food grade", and the name of the additive as specified in the regulations.


43. State Electoral Roll Canvass

Dr Lockwood asked the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General— (1) How many complaints have been received at the State Electoral Office from

people who have not been contacted during the recent State electoral roll canvass?

(2) What procedure is undertaken by the State Electoral Office to investigate such complaints?

(3) Does he consider the canvass to have been a successful exercise?

Answer:—

(1) The Principal Electoral Officer has advised me that there have been very few complaints received at his office from people who claim that they were not contacted during the canvass,

(2) Where such a complaint is received, the matter is referred to the relevant roll canvass coordinator for his attention. In some instances the Principal Electoral Officer has sent one of his officers to personally visit the complainant to check the relevant information.

(3) Most certainly. Since the canvass commenced on 10 May 1982, the State Electoral Office has received 214 000 enrolment cards.

The proportion of new enrolments is not known at this stage but preliminary reports indicate that many errors presently in the roll wUl be corrected.

The main errors being detected are:— (a) claimant not on roll; (b) elector enrolled for wrong address; (c) street number incorrect because of renumbering; (d) country areas where real property description only available now allocated

street or house number; (e) country elector in incorrect division or shire; and (f) elector left State or deceased.

After processing all claim cards received, the Principal Electoral Officer proposes to take objection proceedings under the Elections Act 1915-1976 against all those electors who are shown as having left the address shown on the roll and who are not enrolled elsewhere in Queensland, so that an accurate roll may be prepared as at 31 December 1982.

44. Water Resources Commission C^harges for Water for Irrigation

Mr FitzGerald asked the Minister for Water Resources and Aboriginal and Island Affairs—

What is the charge per megalitre levied by the Water Resources Commission for water supplied to irrigators in the various irrigation areas in Queensland?

Answer:—

Charges for water sup>plied to users in the irrigation areas vary greatly. In 1981-82, water supplied from channels in the Mareeba/Dimbulah irrigation area ranged from $9.55 per megalitre to $22.60 per megalitre. depending on crops being irrigated and the location of the farms being supplied. In the same area, water pumped privately from regulated streams was charged at $11.50 per megalitre.

Within the Bundaberg and Burdekin River irrigation areas the charges for water supplied through the channel i^stem is $17.25 per megalitre and for private diversions from regulated streams $5.45 per megalitre.

Within the irrigation projects where water is released from a storage to regulate the rivers downstream and landholders divert water from such river for their own use, the charges range from $4.65 per megalitre to $5.70 per megalitre.

I shall arrange for a complete list of charges for 1981-82 to be supplied to the honourable member.

All of the above charges are determined annually in the light of cost movements, and the charges for 1982-83 are currently under consideration.

128 5 August 1982 Commercial Bank of Australia Limited Merger BUI

45, Fire Danger, South-east Queensland

Mr FhzGerald asked the Minister for Environment, Valuation and Administrative Scrviccs~~~"

(1) Is he aware of the acute fire danger that exists in many areas of South-east Queensland following good early summer rains and a series of very heavy frosts this winter?

(2) What action is his department taking to bring this danger to the notice of the many new rural residential landholders who, through lack of experience, are at risk?

Answer:— (1) I share the concern of bush fire brigades throughout South-east Queensland

which are currently facing the prospects of a serious fire risk this summer. The brigades are well aware that we could see a repetition of the major bushfires which posed a serious threat in the Gold Ck)ast hinterland and on North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands in October and November last year.

The abnormally high bushfire risk has been caused by the combination of three good summer growing seasons followed by a long dry vrinter. The risk is particularly of concern in Brisbane's outskirts, the hinterlands of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and on the Toowoomba Range.

(2) Inspectors of the Rural Fires Board and bush fire brigade members have been very active throughout winter in encouraging the controUed buming of surplus undergrowth and vegetation. Controlled buming, for example, wUl be conducted, weather permitting, in the Samford-Mt Nebo area this week-end.

The Rural Fires Board is reinforcing this prevention program with a major fire safety public awareness campaign at the Brisbane Exhibition.

I strongly urge all property owners, particularly on rural residential allotments, to take commonsense fire safety measures around their homes now. Under no circumstances should these property owners attempt to burn off vegetation without first obtaining a permit from their local fire warden.

I wish to advise the House of the conflict of interest that a Minister sometinies faces. Last year, a major controlled burn was carried out at Mount Coot-tha. As the Minister responsible for the Rural Fires Board, I ap>plauded that action, but a change of wind occurred and Brisbane was covered with a very heavy smoke paU. As the Minister responsible for air pollution, I had to view that very seriously. I was urged to condemn that practice. I can only make the observation that when controlled burning occurs, of necessity there has to be smoke and the greater good has to prevail. If people are disadvantaged by smoke in the Mount Nebo-Samford area this week-end, they should understand that it is a preventive measure and that it is for their own protection.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The time alloted for questions has now expired.

COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED MERGER BILL

Hon. S. S. DOUMANY (Kurilpa—Minister for Justice and Attorney-General), by leave, without notice: I move—

"That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to supplement by legislation of the State of Queensland the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited (Merger) Act 1982 of the State of New South Wales which provides for the transfer to Bank of New South Wales of the undertaking of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited and for the transfer to Bank of New South Wales Savings Bank Limhed of the undertaking of the Commercial Savings Bank of Australia Limited and for other purposes, and to provide for related purposes and that so much of the Standing Orders relating to private BUls be suspended so as to enable the said BUI to be presented and passed through all its stages as if it were a public BiU."

Motion agreed to.

First Reading Bill presented and on motion of Mr Doumany, read a first time.

Commercial Bank of Australia Limited Merger Bill 5 August 1982 129

Second Reading

Hon. S. S. DOUMANY (Kurilpa—Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) (12.45 p.m.): I move—

"That the BUI be now read a second time."

The purpose of this Bill is to facilitate the merger of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited and its subsidiary the Commercial Savings Bank of Australia Limited with Bank of New South Wales and its subsidiary Bank of New South Wales Savings Bank Limited,

The Commercial Bank of Australia Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of New South Wales in Febmary 1982 pursuant to the take-over provisions of the Companies Act 1961 of the State of Victoria.

The Treasurer of the Comonwealth of Australia has consented to a merger of these banks.

To effect the merger, it is necessary that the banking business conducted by the Commercial Bank of AustraUa Limited and by its savings bank be transferred to the Bank of New South Wales and its savings bank respectively.

The task of formally transferring individual Commercial Bank of Australia Limited documents and customer accounts to the Bank of New South Wales would involve the banks and (rfficers of such Crown offices as the Stamp Duties Office and the Titles Office in an immense amount of work in connection with the discharge registration and stamping of a considerable number of documents.

An amount is to be paid to the Crown to cover estimated stamp duty, registration fees. e tc . which would have been paid in the absence of legislation. Because such payment is to be made, a merger of the banking businesses is to be effected by legislation, without loss of revenue to the Crown and without involving Crown servants in a considerable amount of time.

The Government of New South Wales has passed legislation, namely, the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited (Merger) Act 1982. The New South Wales legislation transferred the banking business of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limhed and its Savings Bank to the Bank of New South Wales and its savings bank respectively, without the necessity for other documentation. However, that legislation will not effect the merger beyond the borders of New South Wales. Other States and the Northem Territory have similarly taken action in connection with legislation to effect the merger within their jurisdictional limits.

In brief, the Bill will minimise the volume of paperwork to be handled by Government officers, bank staff and bank customers without loss of revenue to the State of Queensland.

Negotiations are taking place with the Bank of New South Wales as to the appropriate amount of payment in lieu of stamp duty, etc., that will adequately compensate Queensland for the loss of revenue which otherwise would have occurred.

In 1970, in somewhat simUar circumstances, legislation was enacted in Queensland to facUitate the merger of the Australia and New Zealand Bank Limited with the EngUsh Scottish and AustraUan Bank Limited,

Recently, in 1980, in relatively simUar circumstances, Queensland enacted legislation to merge the' Bank of Adelaide whh AustraUa and New Zealand Bankmg Group Limited.

Clause 6 of the BUI is an important provision. This clause vests the undertakings of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited and the Commercial Savings Bank of Australia Limited in Bank of New South Wales and Bank of New South Wales Savings Bank Limited respectively. By virtue of this clause, the Bank of New South Wales succeeds to the whole of the property, assets and liabiUties of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited, except the "excluded assets" and liabilities relating to those assets. The position with the savings banks is the same.

Clause 7 amplifies clause 6 and provides in some detail for the continuation between the Bank of New South Wales and the customers of, and other persons dealing with, the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited of exactly the same relationship as already exists with the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited.

Qause 8 is a similar provision relating to the savings bank of each bank.

130 5 August 1982 Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited Merger Bill

The purpose of clause 9 if to ensure that, where the Commercial Bank of Australia or its savings bank was occupying premises under a lease, licence or other agreement which is not transferred (because it would be classed as "excluded assets'), nevertheless the Bank of New South Wales or hs savings bank may exercise the nghts of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited, or its savings bank, thereunder.

aause 10 facilitates the service of documents, continuation of legal proceedings and enforcement of judgments against either of the merging banks.

Clause 11 relates to evidence. It has the effect that any document which before the commencement of the Bill could have been used as evidence for or against the Commercial Bank of Australia Lfanhed or its savmgs bank, may, after the commencement of this Bill, be similariy used for or against the Bank of New South Wales or its savmgs bank.

Clause 12 deals with the position of the staff of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited. They become employees of the Bank of New South Wales on the same terms and condhions as applied to them as employees of the Commercial Bank of Australia Liniited. The clause preserves any right which at the commencement of the BiU had accrued in respect of the employment.

The authority of the Registrar of Titles and like registrars to make necessary entries and endorsements to give full effect to the statutory vesting, is provided for by clause 13.

If company shares, etc., have been vested in the Bank of New South Wales by the BUI, clause 14 provides a mechanism for deeming a transfer of the shares to have been duly stamped.

Clause 15 simplifies compliance with company law in relation to transfers of charges on property which are effected by the BUI.

Clause 16 of the Bill gives protection to persons dealing with the merging banks in respect of "excluded assets".

As the Bank of New South Wales is paying a sum which is the equivalent of the stamp duty which would ordinarily have been payable (if there had been no legislation), clause 17 provides an exemption from stamp duty.

The schedule to the BiU lists certain documents. Any property, rights and liabUities resulting from those documents are excluded from the ambit of the Bill by virtue of clause 4.

Mr Speaker, it is necessary, from a practical business point of view, to expedite the merger of these banks as much as possible in the interests of the staff and also the customers of the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited,

I commend the Bill to the House.

Debate, on motion of Mr R. J, Gibbs, adjoumed.

COMMERCIAL BANKING COMPANY OF SYDNEY LIMITED MERGER BILL

Hon. S. S. DOUMANY (Kurilpa—Minister for Justice and Attomey-General), by leave, without notice: I move—

"That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to supplement by legislation of the State of Queensland the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited (Merger) Act, 1982 of the State of New South Wales which provides for the transfer to the National Bank of Australasia Limited of the undertaking of the Commerdal Banking Company of Sydney Limited and for the transfer to the National Bank Savings Bank Limited of the undertaking of CBC Savings Bank Limited and for other purposes, and to provide for related purposes, and that so much of the Standing Orders relating to private Bills be suspended so as to enable the s^d Bill to be presented and passed through all its stages as if it were a public BiU."

Motion agreed to.

First Reading Bill presented and, on motion of Mr Doumany, read a first time.

Dividing Fences Act and Another Act Amendment BUI 5 August 1982 131

Second Reading

Hon. S. S. DOUMANY (Minister for Justice and Attorney-General) (12.54 p.m.): I move^

"That the BUI be now read a second time." The purpose of this Bill is to simplify tjie merger of the Commercial Banking Company

of Sydney I^imited and its subsidiary CBC Savings Bank Limited with the National Bank of Australasia Limited and its subsidiary the National Bank Savings Bank Limited.

The Bill also vests aU property, held by Commercial Nominees Pty Limited, as trustee, in National Nominees Limited as trustee.

The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Bank of Australasia Limited In October 1981 pursuant to schemes of arrangement under the piroyisions of the Companies Act 1961 of the State of New .South Wales.

The Federal Treasurer has consented to a merger of these banks, pursuant to the Federal Banking Act.

To effect the merger, it is necessary that the banking business conducted by the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited, and by its savings bank, and all property held by its trustee company, be transferred to the National Bank of Australia Limited, its savings bank, and its tmstee company respectively.

My previous comments about the other merger BiU, namely, Commercial Bank of Australia Limited Merger BiU, generally apply with respect to the desirability of legislation and the amount to be paid to the Crown to cover estimated stamp duty, etc., which would have been paid if legislation had not been introduced. Once again, the Bill WiU greatly reduce the amount of paper work connected with the merger, without loss of revenue to the State of Queensland, while protecting the rights of employees and minimising inconvenience to bank customers.

As the terminology used in the Bill is largely identical with that used in the other merger Bill, I shall not repeat my explanatory comments regarding the various clauses of the BiU. In essence, the only main differences between the two merger BiUs are—

(1) The CBA merger Bill has a clause (clause 4) and a schedule which remove property, rights, etc., arising under certain documents from the ambit of the BUI. The other merger Bill does not have simUar pyrovisions,

(2) The CBC merger BiU has a clause (clause 12) which discharges one bank's tmstee company from certain trusts, appoints the other bank's tmstee company in lieu, and vests all property in the newly appointed trustee company. The other merger BiU has no need for such a clause.

Once again, it is necessary from a business viewpoint to assist the merger in the interests of the banks, the staff, the customers and Crown employees. I commend the Bill to the House.

Debate, on motion of Mr R. J. Gibbs, adjoumed.

DIVIDING FENCES ACT AND ANOTHER ACT AMENDMENT BILL

Hon. S. S. DOUMANY (Kurilpa—Minister for Justice and Attomey-General), by leave, without notice: I move—

"That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to amend the Dividing Fences Act 1953-1972 and the Small Qaims Tribunals Act 1973-1978 each in certain particulars."

Motion agreed to.

First Reading BiU presented and, on motion of Mr Doumany, read a first time.

Second Reading

Hon. S, S. DOUMANY (Kurilpa—Minister for Justice and Attomey-General) (12.57 p.m.): I move—

"That the BiU be now read a second time."

132 5 August 1982 Acts Repeal Bill

The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Dividing Fences Act and the Small Claims Tribunals Act in certain particulars. The Dividing Fences Act is an Act relating to the construction and repair of dividing fences between adjacent lands, whilst the Small Claims Tribunals Act is an Act to provide for the constitution of small claims tribunals, their jurisdiction and related powers.

SmaU claims tribunals are tribunals invested with statutory jurisdiction to settle quickly, cheaply and informally disputes arising between traders and consumers over goods and services where the value claimed does not exceed $1,000, It is considered, however, that the monetary jurisdiction of the tribunals should be increased to $1,500 to accord with present-day money values, thus enabling more consumer accessibility to the tribunals.

Fencing disputes arising between neighbours under the Dividing Fences Act are currently proceedings which are dealt with exclusively in the Magistrates Courts, regardless of the value claimed in the proceedings. The decision of the court is final and conclusive, which is the same principle applying to a settlement or order made by a smaU claims tribunal in a dispute between a consumer and a trader. It is proposed that fencing disputes where the value claimed does not exceed $1,500 be proceedings which, if desired, may be dealt with by agreement of the parties in a small claims tribunal; but if agreement cannot be reached, the disputes remain as proceedings in a Magistrates Court. Access to the Magistrates Courts will thus be maintained. When orders are made by smaU claims tribunals in fencing disputes, those orders will have the same effect and be enforceable in the same manner as an order of a Magistrates Court made in a fencing dispute under the Dividing Fences Act.

The particulars of all references to smaU claims tribunals upon which orders have been made are presently required to be published. The particulars are, in fact, pubUshed in a prominent manner in newspapers circulating within the locaUties where the orders were made.

Traders have complained to me about the pubUcation of particulars affecting them although they have not been liable under the Act for the grievance aUeged by the consumer. The publication of the particulars, however, attracts undue pubUcity, It is proposed to provide for the publication of particulars of references when orders are made for the benefit of consumers only and not when the claims are dismbsed or struck out for want of jurisdiction. It is not proposed to publish detaUs of the ordeis made by tribunals in fencing disputes,

A Bill has been prepared to amend the Act so as to give effect to the proposals outlined by me. I commend the Bill to the House.

Debate, on motion of Mr R. J. Gibbs, adjourned.

[Sitting suspended from 1 to 2.15 p.m.]

ACTS REPEAL BILL

Hon. M. J. AHERN (Landsborough—Minister for Primary Industries), by leave, without notice: I move—

"That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to repeal certain Acts passed by the Legislature of Queensland."

Motion agreed to.

First Reading BiH presented and, on motion of Mr Ahern, read a first time.

Second Reading

Hon. M. J. AHERN (Landsborough—MinUter for Primary Industries) (2 16 o m)- 1 move— ^' '''

"That the Bill be now read a second time."

The purpose of this BUI is to repeal a number of Acts which are no longer operative and are considered as having no possibility of being required in the future These Acts were predominantly transient in nature, and none has operated since 1944.

Exotic Diseases in Animals Act Amendment BUI 5 August 1982 133

The decision to repeal these Acts follows a legislative review of Acts administered by my department in consultation with the Parliamentary Counsel. Accounts established under these Acts have no moneys standing to their credit, and no borrowings or arrangements are outstanding under the Acts.

The BiU itself is brief, and my comments will be equally brief. The Acts to be repealed are as follows:—

The Marsupial Proof Fencing Act of 1898, which has been amended on only one occasion. The Act was intended to faciUtate the proteotion of certain lands from the incursion of marsupials and other purposes. This protection is now provided under other legislation.

The Marsupial Proof Fencing Act Amendment Act of 1913 was the only amendment to the Marsupial Proof Fencing Act of 1898. As a consequence of the 1898 Act being repealed, it becomes necessary to also repeal this amendment Act.

The Sugar Growers' Employees Act of 1913 is a good example of the transient nature of the Acts being repealed. This Act made temporary provision for the wages and conditions of employment of employees in the sugar industry until these matters were dealt with by the Industrial Peace Act of 1912.

The Primary Produce Experiment Stations Act provided for the establishment and control of primary produce experiment stations. Experimental stations run by my department are now administered by the Research Stations Board. The need for this Act, therefore, no longer exists.

The Rural Assistance Board and Agricultural Bank Acts Amendment Act of 1934, which founded the Rural Assistance Board to advise the Agricultural Bank with respect to appUcations for advances made under—

(i) the Agricultural Bank Acts 1923 to 1934; and (ii) the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act 1917 to 1932.

These functions are now covered under other legislation. The Rural Development Transfer and Co-ordination of Powers Act of 1938

created the Corporation of the Bureau of Rural Development. The role of the corporation was to co-ordinate advances to co-operative companies, associations and primary producers. These functions are now undertaken by the Agricultural Bank and this Act is, therefore, no longer relevant.

Part V of the Co-ordination of Rural Advances and Agricultural Bank Acts and other Acts Amendment Act of 1944 relates to the Marsupial Proof Fencing Act of 1896, and as that Act is to be repealed, this legislation is no longer required.

The schedule to the Bill sets out the thle and citation of each Act to be repealed and the extent of the repeal, and I commend the Bill to the House.

Debate, on motion of Mr Blake, adjourned.

EXOTIC DISEASES IN ANIMALS ACT AMENDMENT BILL Hon. M. J. AHERN (Landsborough—Minister for Primary Industries), by leave, without

notice: I move— "That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to amend the Exotic Diseases in

Animals Act 1981 in certain particulars." Motion agreed to.

First Reading Bill presented and, on motion of Mr Ahern, read a first time.

Second Reading Hon. M. J. AHERN (Landsborough—Minister for Primary Industries) (2.20 p.m.):

I move— "That the BiU be now read a second time."

Honourable members wUl recall that the Exotic Diseases in Animals Act 1981 was introduced into the Pariiament during the March session of 1981. The purpose of the Act was to provide for control over the movement of animals, and animal products and equipment during an outbreak of exotic disease in order to prevent it from spreadmg.

134 5 August 1982 Toowoomba Showgrounds Bill

Since the passing of the Act, departmental officers have conducted simulated exercises m order to test not only their own proficiency but also all other aspects of the system ot exotic disease control introduced by the Act, During such an exercise a deficiency was discovered regarding the effect of the implementation of a standstill gazettal notice.

At present the relevant sections provide that when a standstiU zone notification is pubUshed in the Gazette there is, as the title suggests, a complete pyrohibition on movement into, out of, and within the area, with respect to the particular species of animal involved m the exotic disease outbreak. This prohibition on movement also applies to any animal products such as meat, milk or eggs obtained from the species involved.

Experience has shown that this total prohibition is not practical. Provision should be made for the controlled movement into or within the zone of essential food items derived from animals of the species involved. These essential food items, when obtained from uncon-taminated sources, would be safe for distribution to the public within the standstill zone and would not involve risk of further spreading the disease. No movement out of the zone would be considered for material once introduced.

Associated with the movement of animals and animal products is the movement of all types of vehicles and equipment. These items are simUarly dealt with by the Bill.

The present legislation puts a total prohibition on the movement of all property, vehicles, vessels and articles within, into or out of the standstill zone. At pwesent this applies whether they are directly involved with the disease outbreak or not, and again experience has shown that to maintain normal services within an area some flexibility is required.

In order to introduce this flexibility it is p>ropx)sed that provision be made for specifying in the gazettal notification those particular categories, classes or types of animal products, carcasses, property, vehicles, vessels or the like to which the notification will apply. This will mean that all other categories and classes not mentioned in the notice wiU be able to move without restriction of any kind.

Although these proposed amendments are concise their effect is significant. It is essential that the State be fully prepared to combat any outbreak of exotic disease.

The potentially disastrous effects of any such disease outbreak on the pastoral industries of this country are well understood and the need for strict controls in the event of an outbreak is well accepted. An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in this country could cause more devastation than would be caused by an invading army. Nevertheless, it is also essential that, as far as is possible, consistent with the need for an efficient disease control system, the legislation should allow for the maintenance of normal services to the population in controlled areas.

I commend the BUI to the House.

Debate, on motion of Mr Blake, adjoumed.

TOOWOOMBA SHOWGROUNDS BILL

Hon. W. H. GLASSON (Gregory—Minister for Lands and Forestry), by leave, without notice: I move—

"That leave be granted to bring in a Bill to provide for the disposal of land held by the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland in tmst for agricultural and horticultural society purposes and the substitution upon the same trust of other land in place of the land disposed of and for related purposes; and that so inuch of the Standing Orders relating to private Bills be suspended so as to enable the said BiU to be introduced and passed through all its stages as if it were a public Bill.

Motion agreed to.

First Reading Bill presented and, on motion of Mr Glasson, read a first time.

Second Reading

mov^' ^' " ' ^^^^^^ (Gregory-Minister for Lands and Forestry) (2.27 p.m.): I

"That the BiU be now read a second time."

Toowoomba Showgrounds BUI 5 August 1982 135

The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland is a body incorporated by letters patent pursuant to the Religious Educational and Charitable Institutions Act 1961-1967 with the object, inter alia, of "holding and conducting at Toowoomba an annual or other periodical agricultural, horticultural, pastoral or industrial show, promoting improvement in the breeding and quality of stock and encouraging development of the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral and industrial resources of the State by exhibitions of livestock includmg horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fowls, birds and other animals, agricultural produce, machinery, manufactures, fine arts, flowers and other commodities, and giving prizes for same."

Under its constitution the income and property of the society are to be applied only to the promotion of its objects and the giving of prizes regarding them, and no part thereof shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of pecuniary profit, to the members provided that remuneration may be paid in good faith to officers and servants of the society or other persons in return for service actually rendered to the society.

The Toowoomba Showgrounds presently consist of— (a) 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches, being portion 890, parish of Drayton, held

V by the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland, under deed of grant in trust for . agricultural and horticultural society purposes. (Title reference volume 4776, folio

187); and

(b) 4-598 acres held by the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland under normal freehold title.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland has, as one of its main functions, the administration and organisation of the Toowoomba Royal Show, which is the largest agricultural show in Australia outside those conducted in the five capital cities. It has an attendance of some 60 0(X) people and approximately 12 000 entries per annum.

The present site comprising 25.4 acres is completely inadequate for a show of this size. Not only is the existing site too small—there is not sufficient room there for holding an annual show of the size which has developed—but also the existing site enforces severe limitations. It is surrounded by residential land, it is financially and physically impossible for the existing showground to expand or develop, there are limitations on activities and it creates parking and traffic problems during the show.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland has purchased freehold portions 125, 126 and 127, county of Aubigny, parish of Westbrook containing in aU an area of 240 acres more or less. It proposes to re-establish the Toowoomba Showground on the land so purchased. Such new site will allow for further development, particularly of the agricultural aspect of the show. For example, it will enable the society to conduct machinery and truck demonstrations, camp drafting, cross-country show jumping, sheep and cattle dog trials, experimental agricultural plots and will also enable the society to provide a large area of on-site parking, picturesque picnic parks, a modern paviUon and associated public facilities in keeping with the size and standard of the Toowoomba show.

The society also proposes to provide a large number of sports fields to serve as parking areas during the show period and recreation areas for the balance of the year.

Arrangements have been made with the Toowoomba Greyhound Racing Club to conduct night greyhound racing at the main arena complex, and a licence was granted by the Greyhound Racing Control Board for this purpose."* Such board has indicated approval for the track at the new showground site.

The resiting of the showground is necessitated by the development and growth of the city of Toowoomba and the limitations in and on the existing site.

The BiU provides, by clause 2 thereof, for the surrender and transfer of the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches of the deed of grant in trust land to the Crown. It also provides for the surrender and transfer of such portions 125, 126 and 127, parish of Westbrook land containing 240 acres more or less (being the land purchased by the society) to the Crown. No compensation is payable in respect of either such surrender or transfer and the transfer documents are to be free of stamp duty.

136 5 August 1982 Hospitals Foundations Bill

Clause 3 of the Bill provides that upon registration of such surrenders and transfers the Governor in Council shall:—

(a) grant a fee-simple (freehold) title to the society in respect of the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches being the deed of grant in trust land surrendered and transferred to the Crown;

(b) grant to the society upon trust for agricultural and horticultural society purposes (a deed of grant in trust) the 240 acres of land the society has purchased being portions 125, 126 and 127, parish of Westbrook.

The trust for agricultural and horticultural society purposes is accordingly transferred from the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches existing showground land to the 240 acre land purchased by the society.

Clause 4 of the Bill provides for the carryover of the bill of mortgage on to the freehold title to be granted in respect of the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches. Such land will remain subject to the mortgage and the 240 acre land (the new showground) will not be affected by such mortgage.

Clause 5 of the Bill enables the society to sell the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches of land for which the fee-simple (freehold) title has been granted to it. It has reasonable flexibility as to the mode of sale so that the best price may be obtained.

The purchase price for the 240 acres of freehold land purchased by the society was advanced to the society by the Bank of New South Wales. The terms of the bank's loan arrangements call for full clearance on sale of the existing showgrounds.

Clause 6 of the Bill ensures that moneys received by the society from the sale of the 19 acres, 3 roods, 8 perches (8.0127 ha) land wiU be applied firstly in payment of expenses of sale, secondly in payment of the mortgage debt and thirdly in the development and use of the 240 acres of acquired land for agricultural and horticultural society purposes.

Clause 7 of the Bill authorises the society to make and perform all contracts and agreements necessary or desirable for giving effect to the Act.

I believe that I have covered all saUent points, I commend the Bill to the House. Debate, on motion of Mr Kmger, adjourned.

HOSPITALS FOUNDATIONS BILL

Second Reading—^Resumption of Debate Debate resumed from 11 March 1982 (see p, 4701, vol, 287) on Mr Austin's motion—

"That the Bill be now read a second time."

Mr UNDERWOOD (Ipswich West) (2.35 p.m.): The Opposition does not disagree with the establishment of hospital foundations. As outlined by the Minister, they are necessary and this measure is long overdue. However, the Opposhion is concerned about the method of establishing hospital foundations, their supervision and appointments to them.

One major cause for concem is the provision that enables private individuals, companies and other groups of interested persons, as weU as hospital boards themselves, to make appUcation for the establishment of a body corporate, which, in this instance, is a hospital foundation. That provision paves the way for vested interests to exert undue influence on and to interfere in the activities of hospital foundations, hospital boards and Governments. That, of course, is not necessarily in the public interest. On the contrary, it could work against the public interest.

The provision gives to companies such as Utah an opportunity to camouflage the super profits that it obtains from this very wealthy State. That company will be able to camouflage its expenditure of relatively meagre sums of money through its own foundation, the Utah Foundation. Even though the work carried out by the Utah S l k i t y " ^ ^^^ """"^^ ' ' ' ^ "^ '̂ ""^^^ ^ * ™^^"^ °f saining cheap

.Mi!^^^L '^^'"P'"' '^ "^t^. "^« jhe provision as a means of gaining respectability m addition to camouflaging their profits. I think of tobacco companies that set up foundations and sponsor various activities. AUhough those foundations do good work, their companies'

Hospitals Foundations BiU 5 August 1982 137

profits depend upon the destmction of the community's health at great cost to the community. In this instance, too, meagre funds are expended to camouflage the long-term effects of the activities of such companies.

The hospital boards, not private individuals, companies and similar organisations, should be the bodies that ap>ply for the establishment of hospital foundations. Anyone who does not beUeve that influence is a p>roblem in the area of health has only to look at the history of private laundry operators in Queensland hospitals. The private enterprise system is putting its own interests before those of the health institutions that it serves.

Dr Lockwood: Wouldn't there be a prior need to wash the laundry?

Mr UNDERWOOD: One would presume that that is what a laundry contract is all about.

This legislation is another example of the Government's poUcy of denying public scmtiny of health matters and public participation in them. Since the proclamation of legislation passed in this Chamber last year relating to hospital boards in Brisbane, all members of those boards are now ap>pointed by the Crown. That practice immediately eUminates public scmtiny of any sort by representatives of the people of Brisbane.

Mr Hooper: You are not suggesting that there could be some form of payola on hospital boards?

Mr UNDERWOOD: One of the problems is that hospital boards in Queensland are paranoic about giving out information. One of the reasons for their paranoia is that they do not want to be scrutinised by the public and this Parliament. If they were so scrutinised, some smelly mould heaps would be turned up. Time and time again the need for pubUc scrutiny of documents belonging to various Govemment bodies has been shown.

One thing that man needs to enable him to conduct his affairs properly is scrutiny by others. If the legislation does not provide for public scrutiny, a very dangerous system wiU be estabUshed, The Crown will be able to set up its own structure and supervise it virtually without any scmtiny by the people of Queensland through this Parliament or other bodies or group>s.

Appointments to hospitals foundations will be made by the Minister. No longer wUl there be on hospritals boards any representatives of the public, as is the case at present. There are no representatives of the public on the Brisbane Hospitals Board. The only reason why there are representatives of the public, in the form of local authority representatives, on other hospitals boards is that invariably the people involved are members of the National and Liberal Parties,

Besides the need to scmtinise Govemment poUcy and management, there is the need to scrutinise the management and poUcies of the foundations themselves, particularly when some important decisions that they will make will be based on opinion or influence. I refer particularly to land purchases, the investment and expediture of funds and decisions on various projects as outlined in the Minister's speech and in the legislation.

The reports to Parliament by the hospitals foundations should contain, in addition to an audited statement of accounts, a list of land purchases and of various investments and projects undertaken by each foundation. That would provide some degree of scrutiny of the activities of the particular organisation.

The BUI allows for the public subscription of funds. Those public subscriptions will be used to fund the various activities that the hospitals boards engage in at the moment. That wiU be one smaU way of ensuring that funds are made available to make up for the dramatic shortfall in the funds that hospitals have received under the funding arrangements of the National and Liberal Parties.

As far as I can see, the legislation does not provide for the co-ordination of the particular research structures that are to be set up under the legislation. Research needs to be co-ordinated so that the funds are used in the most effective way in the pnibUc interest. The Minister did not say how the research funds should be spent. It is particularly important that that phUosophy should be stated, because under various Acts and under this legislation the Minister wiU have substantial powers over the activities of the foundations.


I shall quote the philosophy of the National Health and Medical Research Council on research expenditure in the present economic cUmate. The council stated—

the current economic climate, is one of financial restraint by government. Policies therefore need to be evolved on a longer term basis to permit maximum utilisation of the money available for research. In this respect, two diametrically-opposed philosophies exist on research funding:

1. That researchers should be unrestricted in their work and permitted to generate new knowledge, even if this seems of little direct relevance to the community's needs at the time. This philosophy of basic research is strongly supported by history, which has repeatedly demonstrated that major breakthroughs occur through seemingly irrelevant experiments.

2. That Umited funds should be tightly controlled, and allocated preferentially to research on problems perceived to be of major importance to the community at the time of allocation. This approach has both popular appeal, particularly to groups and societies in the community advocating research into particular diseases, and to government, which sees in direct research the possibility of providing some solutions to high health costs."

The proper approach would be to take some of both in the phUosophy so that we have balanced, planned development of research. Unfortunately, the Minister has not stated his view on that matter. I would be interested to hear it. A basic format should be laid down to allow public scrutiny of how scholarshipjs and the like are given by foundations, so that junkets and trips are not handed out; so that activities are carried out along proper manpower lines; so that we do not have a series of super students who are studying for study's sake; so that we do not have the position that I believe exists with harbour boards, whose members enjoy fairly expensive trips and regard them as nice little holidays. Such scmtiny is essential at a time when health funds have been reduced. I see nothing like that in the legislation, nor was it suggested in the Minister's speech. It is very important that we have scrutiny to ensure the wise and economic expenditure of funds in the best public interest.

Dr LOCKWOOD (Toowoomba North) (2.46 p.m.): I support the BHl. I am reminded that this State has received from benefactors major gifts that have been app)lied in the health field. I do not for one minute believe that in the absence of legislation such as this, greater difficulties were experienced in the past in applying those grants or bequests to the purposes for which they were intended. I am reminded of the Tooth Lecture Theatre at the Brisbane General Hospital, as it then was. It filled a vital need in that hospital, providing a facUity not only for medical students, pathology students and biochemistry students to receive lectures but also a very worthwhile venue for staff—resident medical officers, registrars and even consulting or staff specialists—to meet to discuss cases, air their knowledge and learn from each other.

Bearing in mind the larger financial and industrial corporations of this State, legislation such as this will allow our hospitals to readily receive grants through such bodies corporate and apply them to very narrow fields, according to a hospital's own needs and the recognition of such need by a donor. I feel sure that a great many research endeavours will come to fruition in this State that otherwise might have been possible but technically difficult to achieve.

The Parliament has already passed legislation similar to this, enabling the Queensland Institute of Medical Research to establish a body to receive grants to be applied to furthering its magnificent work. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research has long been world renowned for its original work in tropical and other diseases that create problems in our State and for our near neighbours. By gathering a body of experts into that institute under leaders such as a former director, now a professor, Ralph Doherty, we have been able to shed new light on diseases and provide a measure of relief and an indication of how Queensland and other tropical countries might gain relief from tropical diseases, especially those borne by parasites, insects and so on.

We could translate that instance into the affairs of hospital boards that perhaps because of regional industries have regional problems that need to be overcome but are well b^ond the scope of a Health budget. A foundation structured as a body corporate could allow local bodies to apply moneys to what is seen as a particular need.

Hospitals Foundations BUI 5 August 1982 139

It is not that the State should fund aU research that is possible for all people in all cases. In every community there is a place for the State to provide the coffee, if I may use this analogy, and the local community to provide the cream for that coffee. That type of very good voluntary work was originally commenced by very small bodies such as ladies' auxUiaries, which provided little touches of comfort that they thought were needed in hospitals to make the stay of the patients much more enjoyable, or at least tolerable, especiaUy when they were separated from their relatives.

Research may be carried on at several levels. Not all doctors in the State who wish to conduct research are working with, or even associated with, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. If research grants and funds are available and a place is provided at which research can be carried out, medical research may be carried out by any doctor or any member of a paramedical profession—for example, a pathologist or a biochemist—who makes an input into the study of man and his problems. A great many members of the medical and paramedical staff who work for the University of Queensland see as part of their responsibilities the conduct of research into the various aspects of modern health problems.

Doctors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, for example, could well benefit from the proposed amendment. Many of the doctors who work at pubUc hospitals are well known because they also work for the University of Queensland and play what might be termed a multiple role in providing a vital part of the health care services, educating students and, in conjunction with the university, undertaking research. Other people who are not members of the staff of the University of Queensland could well do vital research that would throw new light on some of the present pressing medical problems.

Very highly sophisticated and specialised equipment can be provided for ancillary services such as nursing. In this day and age, more and more facilities are becoming automated. One needs only to walk into a modern intensive care ward to see a great number of facilities that could be automated. Instruments provide very accurate and up-to-the-minute records on criticaUy ill patients, thereby reUeving nurses of some of the continuous, menial tasks such as recording the blood pressure, pulse and respirations of the criticaUy iU.

Just as equipnnent of that type can be applied to nursing, it can also be appUed to specialty wards and operating theatres where more and more sophisticated equipment is being used to provide safer and better care. That development applies through the full range of age group>s right down to the neonatal paediatric patient who is at risk because the chUd has been born with some infection or some congenital anomaly that requires rapid diagnosis and very urgent correction.

I cannot let the opportunity pass without paying tribute in the House to the tremendous amount of charitable work done by various bodies in the State. As I said previously, it was begun by ladies' auxiliaries attached to hospitals and I give fuU credit to them for their work. InitiaUy it may have been simple work in the provision of fans, and later, when they had the ability, the provision of air-conditioners for the very sick and elderly people in our hospitals before the State had the ability to provide those services. That work has been very ably taken up by service clubs such as Lions, Rotary and Apex, which have provided a great many faciUties for hospitals. Those facilities have been provided as a result of such things as kidney campaigns, heart campaigns and campaigns for the better care of neonates. A whole host of facilities in our hospitals bear smaU silver plaques which state that a service club has donated the equipment as part of that club's contribution towards the community's health and welfare.

However, there is also a need to provide some very large items such as laboratories, research grants, scholarships, Ubraries and many other facilities, and the type of legislation that we are discussing in the Chamber today wiU facUitate not only the making of a donation but also the application of that donation, whether large or small, towards some ongoing project of a hospital board.

One of the benefits of having a body incorporated as a body corporate is that Parliament will not have to meet from time to time to amend an Act of Parliament, as it had to do, for example, when the Colonel Daniel Edward Evans (William Parry Memorial Bursary) Act passed into oblivion when the three surviving members of the tmst died within a year and before they could appoint successors. By having members with differing periods of membership, the body corporate should be weU and tmly able to keep itself supplied

140 5 August 1982 "^P**^'^ Foundations Bill

with members. There are a great many people in this community who could give very valuable service to such bodies corporate, particularly m the provision of items required by hospitals.

I commend the BiU to the House and congratulate the Minister his committee and his department for the work they have done in bringing it before honourable members today.

Mr DAVIS (Brisbane Central) (2.56 p.m.): Usually I do not involve myself very much in heaUh matters. I leave them in the capable hands of the honourable member for Ipswich West. However, I enter the debate today because one clause m the Bill places upon the Minister for Health the responsibiUty for making appointmente. Members wUl recall that during the previous session a similar Bill was introduced that gave the Minister for Health the power to make appointments to various hospitals boards m this State.

Mrs Kyburz: As it should be.

Mr DAVIS: Fair enough; as it should be. But the honourable member vrill also recall that Opposition members raised the matter of appointments and I alleged that the Minister would use his powers to appoint people of his own poUtical ilk. In his reply to the second reading debate, the Minister for Health said that that would not be on and that he would appoint people purely and simply on abUity, Now what do we see? I felt sorry

Mrs Kyburz: Would you be any different?

Mr DAVIS: Of course I would be different, Mrs Kyburz,

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr MiUer): Order! There is a trend developing in this Chamber towards referring to members by their surnames. It is quite cleariy written into the Standing Orders that the correct reference is to "the honourable member for Salisbury".

Mr DAVIS: Please accept by apology, Mr Deputy Speaker, You appreciate that I am one of the few members in this Chamber who rarely digress.

To continue—the Minister gave an assurance to my colleague the shadow Mmister for Health, Mr Underwood, that he would be appointing people purely and simply on ability. Let us have a look at the ability of some of the people appointed by this Minister. I am sorry that I have had to raise this issue, because I honestiy thought that the Minister was a man of integrity. However, he has proved himself to be cast in the same mould as many other members of the coaUtion who, as soon as they begin to enjoy their ministerial perks, feel that they must give preference to others holding a similar political philosophy. Out of all the hospitals boards in Brisbane

Dr Lockwood: Would you accept an appointment?

Mr DAVIS: The honourable member should keep out of this. He is involved not in Brisbane but in Toowoomba, and he is making a shocking mess of his efforts to represent the people of that city.

The Minister appointed to Brisbane hospitals boards not only a Liberal menUer of the council but also a former Liberal member of this House. The same happened at the Queen EUzabeth II Jubilee Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Prince Charles Hospital.

The Minister has gone against the philosophy of such appointments over the years. In the past the Minister, whether he liked it or not, appointed board members from the ranks of the majority party in the council. Surely members of the majority party, be it Labor or Liberal, should be considered for appointment.

Mr Austin: They wouldn't be poUtical, would they?

Mr DAVIS: No.

The Minister for Health has appointed Tory flunkies. I regret that I have to raise this matter.

An honourable member asked me what I would do if I were the Minister and the Labor Party was in power. The ALP would make appointments based on ability and the benefit that the appointees could give to the city. The ALP would not do what


the Liberal Party and the National Party are doing. Those parties say, "Who will we appoint to the North Brisbane Hospitals Board? The first crherion is that he be a financial member of the party. Harold is looking for a job and could do with a Uttle extra money."

Mrs Kyburz: That is not the criterion.

Mr DAVIS: It is. In addition, the National Party would demand that the appointee be a contributor to the Bjelke-Petersen Foundation. I give a warning. If that is the way it is to be done, other political parties may have to do the same thing in the future.

Mr AKERS (Pine Rivers) (3.3 p.m.): The Opposition tries to give the appearance that it is as pure as the driven snow. When the ALP gets into power, as happened with the Whitlam Government, the driven snow turns into driven slush. That is precisely what happened in the Federal sphere and the Brisbane City Council when the ALP gained control.

The honourable member for Brisbane Central outlined how pure he would be if he were Minister for Health. What did the Labor Brisbane City Council try to do? It tried to appoint all ALP aldermen to the boards in Brisbane. The whole of the honourable member's speech has gone down the drain. The ALP has been shown to be false. The speeches of both Opposition members have been destroyed by outlining what has happened.

It is difficult to follow an expert in any debate. I do not mean either the honourable member for Brisbane Central or Ipswich West; I mean the honourable member for Toowoomba North. His expertise is a great asset in this place. However, following him makes it difficult for me to speak.

Dr Lockwood: Would you believe that I have even done hospital laundry?

Mr AKERS: Is that so?

Dr Lockwood: The Labor Party does not want anybody to do it.

Mr AKERS: It would drop it in this place rather than wash it. The honourable member's experience and the way he addressed the Bill make it difficult for a less expert person to say much. He said everything I wanted to say more expertly than I could.

I repeat that the Bill wOl allow private enterprise to become totally involved in the hospital system in Queensland. It wUl allow people to help hospitals. The public wUl have access to records to see that their donations for a particular service have actually gone towards that purpose. It wUl also provide for full recognition of the support that they have given our hospitals. The Bill will encourage people to support our hospital system, if nothing else.

The extension of that support to specific hospitals in provincial cities and country towns will encourage each of those areas to keep developing. This is another good example of the decentralisation policies that the Government has adopted. I congratulate the Minister on introducing a BUI in this form. It will ensure the continuation of the good work that has been carried out by Lions, Rotary, Apex and other service clubs. The renal research program carried out by the Lions Qub has done an enormous amount of good in Queensland. People throughout the State have raised money for that organisation. The Bill will allow that money to be more efficiently channelled into that essential cause. It will allow for diversification of the hospital system generally.

One of the assets that will flow from the Bill is the proposed hosipital at Bald Hills. Recently I was informed by the Minister that constmction of that hospital wiU proceed despite the tremendous problems that exist. The land was obtained from the Commonwealth some time ago. The problem that arose was that the Brisbane City Council imposed a condition of constmction on a proposed shopping development adjacent to the proposed hospital that a road be provided in front of the site. That shopping centre project has been defeated in the courts. The hospital constmction has been held up for want of the construction of the road. I understand that the department will be able to get around that problem. The road will not be as good as it should be. I call on the Brisbane City Council to look at its responsibility to the people in the Bald Hills/Bracken Ridge area and to resume that land to constract Hoyland Street to allow the hospital to be more effective than it wUl be with its limited access. Until that section of road is constructed, there will be no access from the Bald Hills area except by a circuitous route around

142 5 August 1982 Hospitals Foundations BiU

the ABC tower that wiU add about H miles to the journey. The city council could reUeve enormous traffic problems and allow the hospital construction to go ahead if it really recognised its responsibUities and constmoted that section of road. I call on the Brisbane Chy CouncU to do that in conjunction with the hospitals board to enable the commencement of that project.

$1.5m has already been raised by the administrator for the construction of the hospital. Desphe the default of the Brisbane City Council in providing the road, the she is an excellent one and meets all the criteria necessary for the type of 40-bed holding hospital that is proposed.

The BiU wiU allow the hospital to be constructed. Greater assets will be provided for the hospital system throughout Queensland as the real benefits of the Bill proposed by the Govemment are obtained. The hospital system will certainly prosper from them.

Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (3.10 p.m.): The establishment of hospital foundations is a forward step and I support the remarks made by pjrevious speakers.

As the debate has been broadened, I should like to draw the Minister's attention to the new hospital in Gladstone. Plans have been drawn up and tenders have been let. That is very pleasing, because Gladstone has been waiting a long time for that hospital. The surgical block was commenced recently.

Concern has been expressed in Gladstone at the fact that no provision is made in the new hospital complex for a blood bank. The Blood Transfusion Service provides a wonderful service in health care. I venture to suggest that no-one has had greater experience than I have of the service provided by it; but I shall not go into that. Because of the siting of the new hospntal it was necessary to relocate the old geriatric ward, which was used as a blood bank. A public appeal had to be launched to obtain the $15,000 or so that was necessary to shift the blood bank from point A to point B. The plan for the new hospital should have made provision for a blood bank. It is wrong to have the blood bank separated from the new hospital. At this early stage of planning the new hospital complex I should like the Minister to examine the possibility of locating the blood bank in the new hospital.

Mention has been made of political appointments to hospital boards, I do not agree with them. From time to time the Govemment has said that appointees to hospital boards, regional electricity boards, fire brigade boards and other boards will be those persons who have the best to offer, those who have a sound knowledge and are able to make the greatest contribution to those boards. Unfortunately, however, in areas in which, say, four or five local authorities are voting to elect a repxresentative to a hospital board, what I wiU call the outside shires are controlled predominantly by persons who espouse philosophies that are different from those espoused by the Australian Labor Party. Most shire councHs in Queensland are controlled by members of the National Party or Liberal Party; they are certainly not controlled by members of the Labor Party. It is very seldom that a member of the Labor Party is elected to a hospital board. Almost invariably when an opportunity aries to appoint a person as a representative of the people, the person who is appointed is not a Labor Party supporter but a ticket-holder of the National Party or Liberal Party, I agree with what the member for Brisbane Central said, and he is a person who would not know how to tell a lie. He is an honest person whom I would trust with my wallet if I had one.

Mr Hooper: You are suggesting that this Government is guilty of poUtical nepotism at its worst.

Mr PREST: I had hoped that I would not have to go so far. As the member for Archerfield, who is also an honest person, has put it that way, I will have to agree with him.

I am talking about poUtical appointments. Mr Belief, the manager of Radio 4CD in Gladstone, was awarded an MBE. The critics say that that was for being the most boring entertainer. We were told that he was given the award because of his contribution to music. He was then appointed to the Capricornia Regional Electricity Board. The critics said that he received that appointment because he was not a live wire. When he was appointed to the Gladstone Fire Brigade Board, the critics said that he would not set the world on fire. He was later appointed to the Gladstone Harbour Board.

I am told that at the first meeting of the Gladstone Harbour Board which he attended he said, "When there is a trip to Germany I want to go because I can speak German and


none of you can." He was appointed to the board because he was at the top of the hit parade —one of the "Golden Oldies". Now the Minister for Health (Mr Austin), or someone in his department, has appointed him to the Gladstone Hospitals Board.

Mr Austin: Executive Council.

Mr PREST: I am sorry, he was appointed by Executive CouncU. Mr Bellett is always talking to Tom T. Hall and other overseas artists. He has been appointed to represent Gladstone on five different boards. He is an authority on fire brigades, the harbour board, electricity, the hospitals board and everything else.

I give every credit to the various boards in Gladstone for the work that they have done, but I do not want to see them manipulated for political purposes. That happened just lately with the Gladstone Harbour Board. I shall not go into that matter today, but the Minister for Northern Development and Maritime Services (Mr Bird) has said that he wiU not interfere with those appointments.

I draw these matters to the attention of the House to indicate just what this Government is doing. We all have our own political points of view and poUcies, but stooges should not be appointed to the various boards so that they can get some inside information. The boards should work in the interests of the people, not for a particular person or a particular political party. People should not be appointed to boards because of their political persuasions. They should be appointed by the people for the people. I hope that that is done in the future.

Mrs KYBURZ (Salisbury) (3.19 p.m.): So many members have referred to the importance of this legislation that I do not think that I need to reiterate the point. I think that aU honourable members welcome this Hospitals Foundations Bill because it wUl bring Queensland into line with many of the other States that have legislation providing for these sorts of institutions. Most Western countries, not the least of aU America, provide for similar institutions.

The legislation contains safeguards to allow for close scrutiny of the way in which money wiU be spent. Private individuals and companies wiU be enabled to donate money to foundations attached to hospitals. That is extremely important.

My only concern about this legislation is that I would be particularly worried to see industrial lobbyists of various kinds making large donations, I wiU give the House two examples. I am particularly concerned about the sugar industry making large donations to a foundation attached to a hospital to try to prove that the increasing consumption of sugar is not harmful to the general population. Such an endeavour could be seen in Queensland because the sugar industry and the sugar lobby are so extremely powerful in this State, as we have unfortunately seen recently. The parochialism attached to the sugar lobby is to be regretted; but, because of its power and its wealth, it wields a certain amount of extra lobbying power that other industries do not have. •>'

The other industry we would have to watch very carefully is the tobacco industry. I know attempts have been made to buy off various doctors and to state that cigarette-smoking is not harmful. It is extremely important to ensure that the tobacco-growing industry and the cigarette manufactures are not able to pay a large amount of money into a foundation to prove what they want to prove. I wonder how the Minister and the Department of Health will safeguard against that type of thing.

The Minister stipulated that members of a body corporate will be required to produce estimates of receipts and disbursements. Does that mean that the Health Department will be able to scrutinise the precise manner in which funds are provided and spent?

Mr Eaton: Sugar is an energy giver.

Mrs KYBURZ: Sugar is a poison in a disguised form. If the member for Mourilyan wants to know what I think about sugar, I will give him 10 minutes on it. However, this is another BUI. .,a '\P

Mr Eaton: I'll tell you what: a lot of farmers are making a living out of it. We can't eat anything, according to the experts today. We are told that a person should not eat meat because of the risk of high blood pressure. The only people living to a ripe old age are those old-timers who worked hard and lived well by eating natural foods such as butter, meat and plenty of sugar.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Salisbury.

144 5 August 1982 Hospitals Foundations BiU

Mrs KYBURZ: That was a lovely speech, wasn't h, Mr Speaker? Of course, one would expect that a member representing a largely sugar-growing area would be an excellent lobbyist for the main industry in that area. The honourable member for Mourilyan plays that role.

Fortunately, I do not have to represent cane growers. How would I be able to get up and say, "I think you are growing a jolly poison."? I think tobacco growers are doing so, too.

Mr Eaton: I have tobacco growers in my electorate, too. They all have to make a living.

Mrs KYBURZ: We should pay them to get out of the tobacco industry—it is as simple as that—because they are growing a poisonous weed.

Mr Eaton: They are all hard workers.

Mrs KYBURZ: I do not care what they are. They are rippung this country off. I am particularly concerned about the importance of funding in various areas. I refer

in particular to the early detection of breast cancer and the fact that so many doctors now are using the scanning technique. It is, I am assured, extremely expensive. With further funding we should see a widening of the use of the scanning technique in public hospMtals outside the city. I hope that research into diseases of the eye will be further funded, as wiU research into early childhood diseases.

I know that a group of doctors is waiting for this legislation so that a foundation can be set up in Queensland for in vitro fertiUsation. I hope that that comes about as quickly as possible. I know the Minister's attitude to that subject; I am afraid that he and I do not see eye to eye on it, but then, when it comes to in vitro fertiUsation, in my state, does it really matter! However, many people are waiting for it and it should go ahead as quickly as possible.

As mentioned by the honourable member for Toowoomba North (Dr Lockwood) the laundry and cleaning services provided in hospitals are very important. Now that the Minister has the authority to consider the use of outside contractors, I ask him to do so,

I also suggest to the Minister that every hospital board, includmg the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, provide a report to ParUament, As every member of Parhament has a particular interest in one or two hospitals boards, those reports are extremely important. Sometimes I question the decisions made by hospitals boards, and I ask the Minister to state his attitude to that.

I am concerned about the activities of some union members, particularly in relation to frozen foods. The frozen food facUity provides what I consider to be exceUent meals. I have eaten the food produced there and, indeed, its products are on sale in supermarkets, a fact of which many people are unaware. Some members of a particular union are not heating those frozen foods in the proper manner in the microwave ovens and occasionally complaints are received from patients that the food is not good enough. Of course that IS sheer nonsense. Anyone who cannot use a microwave oven is too dumb to be employed m a hospital in any capacity. He should not be there; it is as simple as that.

Another p>ublic instrumentaUty at which there is a great deal of union bloody-w'l.l? r"/nort V ^i. Eventide" nursing home I would like to see presented to ParUament a full report on the activities of various unions at the "Eventide" nursing home. In fact, the various unions that operate there should be amalgamated. I also wish to know abou union thuggery infficted on patients at the "Eventide" nursing home. I have X e T T o he Mimster a few incidents that have been reported to me. It is absolutdy disgusting

to hear of patients being bmtalised, particulariy at their stage of life ''"'"'^'^ oisgusimg


Hon, B. D. AUSTIN (Wavell—Minister for Health) (3.29 p.m.), in reply: I thank honourable members for their contribution to the debate this aftemoon, which has been both interesting and wide-ranging. I am delighted that so many members have taken the opportunity to speak on this BUI and that no-one to this stage has expressed opposition to it. Personally. I am very enthusiastic about the possibilities contained in this BiU for the estabUshment of foundations in all hospitals throughout the State.

I am pleased that the honourable member for Ip>swich West expressed no opposition to the BiU. although I was a little disappointed at his attitude towards company profits. As each and every honourable member knows, if there are no profits, there wiU be no jobs. So we have to have company profits to contribute to the system. I am quite happy for the boards, if they set up these foundations, to receive company profits which would in some way go towards research within the hospital system.

The honourable member for Ipswich West also mentioned accountability. I am not sure of the exact point he was driving at, but I am sure he is aware that there is a reference in the BiU to the Auditor-General and that in fact the Auditor-General or his nominee will audit the operations of the various foundations and then report to Parliament. The audited accounts of the foundations wiU also be available for public scmtiny, and if the Minister, and that happens to be me in this case, so desires he may also instruct that such reports be published. I feel that the matters of account-abUity that were raised by the honourable member—if he,(Was talking about monetary accountabUhy—are fairly well covered. We can monitor virtually the entire operation of a foundation, so I would not be too worried about accountabiUty within the system.

Mr Underwood: Will the list for public scrutiny include investments?

Mr AUSTIN: It will include whatever the Auditor-General publishes. I suppose that if the investments are included in the audited accounts they would also be published and be available for scrutiny.

The honourable member spoke about the awarding of scholarships, and I got the feeUng that he was suggesting that there might be graft and corruption in the awarding of such scholarships, with people being awarded scholarships for a number of years when in fact they might not be warranted. There is provision in the Bill for the body corporate to make rules, and it could make mles in relation to scholarships and the terms and conditions that would apply to those scholarships. So I feel that all of the matters raised by the honourable member are adequately covered by the provisions of the BiU.

The honourable member for Toowoomba North quite rightly mentioned the splendid work carried out by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. I, too, take this opportunity to congratulate the director and his officers for the splendid work they have carried out over many years. At the moment the institute is involved in a very extensive program on our behalf in relation to mosquito-borne diseases, and we hope to see some very fruitful results from that in the near future.

The honourable member also mentioned the contribution made by ladies auxiliaries. In fact, they are just about defunct; most hospitals now have an auxiUary with both men and women being involved in community work. The honourable member paid tribute to those people and I also acknowledge the work being done by them throughout the hospital system.

The honourable member acknowledged the work of services clubs, which each and everyone of use know about. The honourable member referred to the many plaques placed in hospitals throughout the State acknowledging the work done by service clubs. I have no doubt that some of them will continue to work for organisations such as the Kidney Foundation and the Heart Foundation, as well as beginning to work for a particular hospital foundation, and I believe that this will make a tremendous difference to community spirit, particularly in smaller country towns where people wUl be able to join together and really play an effective part in the operations of hospital foundations.

I was a Uttle disappointed in the contribution of the honourable member for Brisbane Central. He suggested that the nominees recently appointed to the Brisbane hospitals boards by Executive CouncU were m fact poUtical appointments. During the passage of the relevant legislation I did give an undertaking that I would recommend to Executive CouncU that the best possible people should be appointed. But the honourable member for Brisbane Central went so far as to say that some of those appointments were


political and that in fact a Government of his political persuasion would not have anything to do with such political appointmentis. I thought that the honourable member would raise that matter today, so I took the opportunity of obtaining a copy of the official minutes of the Brisbane City CouncU of a meeting held at 12 o'clock on Tuesday, 13 April 1982. If members want them tabled, I am quite happy to do so. They state—

"Hospital Boards (1) Chermside:

The Lord Mayor moved,, seconded by the Vice Mayor, that the Minister for Health be requested to appoint Alderman I. Brusasco to represent the Council on the Chermside Hospitals Board.

By way of amendment. Alderman O, L, Olsen moved, seconded by Alderman S. Atkinson, that the name of Alderman J. N. Goss be added to the motion but on being put to the meeting, the motion was lost.

Thereupon, the original motion was submitted by the Chairman and carried. (2) North Brisbane:

The Lord Mayor moved, seconded by the Vice Mayor, that the Minister for Health be requested to appoint Alderman F. J. St. Ledger to represent the component Local Authorities on the North Brisbane Hospitals Board.

By way of amendment. Alderman O. L. Olsen moved, seconded by Alderman S. Atkinson, that the name of Alderman D. A. TurnbuU be added to the motion but on being put to the meeting, the motion was lost.

Thereupon, the original motion was submhted by the Chairman and carried. (3) Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee:

The Lord Mayor moved, seconded by Alderman F. J. St, Ledger, that the Minister for Health be requested to appoint Alderman L, A. ArdiU to represent the component Local Authorities on the Queen Elizabeth II JubUee Hospitals Board.

By way of amendment. Alderman O. L. Olsen moved, seconded by Alderman S. Atkinson, that the name of Alderman J. P. Coneybeer be added to the motion but on being put to the meeting, the motion was lost.

Thereupon, the original motion was submitted by the Chairman and carried. (4) South Brisbane:

The Lord Mayor moved, seconded by the Vice Mayor, that the Minister for Health be requested to appoint Alderman J. H, CampbeU to re{»resent the component Local Authorities on the South Brisbane Hospitals Board,

By way of amendment. Alderman O. L. Olsen moved, seconded by Alderman S. Atkinson, that the name of Alderman N. A, Rose be added to the motion but on bemg put to the meeting, the motion was lost.

Thereupon, the original motion was submitted by the Chairman and carried." Is it or is it not a strange coincidence that all the nominees were members of the

ALP? Is the Brisbane City Council claiming that it selected the best people for the job? The ALP leader made a statement after those appointments had been made without realising, as most of the people of Brisbane did, that Royal Brisbane Hospital then had three boards. He was still talking about one board. Later he made an amending statement, no doubt because the honourable member for Ipswich West drew that fact to his attention.

When the council passed its motions, the decision had been made by Executive Council, The Brisbane City Council did not know that, so it had not been doing its homework.

Mr Davis: You didn't tell them,

• ^.^'•^AUSTIN: It is not up to me to tell them. The official organ of the Government IS the Government Gazette.

T rJ^^ honourable member for Brisbane Central referred to payments to board members. A T T fh. T i ! ? i \ .i members throughout the State whether they come from the ttl'. Ind V;? P^'ty. the National Party or anywhere else. They work many long mTetini T t ^ ^^ / ^ ' ^ receive would not pay for the petrol to attend the board meetings. It is nonsense to say that they are very well-paid jobs. The honourable member


should ask some of his colleagues how much they receive. I pay tribute to those people who give many hours of their time, outside usual working hours, to contribute to the work of the hospitals boards.

The honourable member for Pine Rivers correctly mentioned the local community support that can be expected, I was delighted that he was able to recognise that fact. I am sure that he will make the most of it in his electorate and wUl encourage people to become a part of this scheme and contribute to these foundations.

I was delighted also to be able to inform him that the Bald Hills hospital wiU go ahead. I hope that it will be under construction by Christmas. No doubt the honourable member will make the announcement in his electorate. However, it would be of some assistance if the Brisbane City Council could help with some of the road-works in that area.

Mr Warburton: What about the one you psromised in Sandgate?

Mr AUSTIN: I made no promise.

There is a problem with access and it would help the hospitals system greatly if the Brisbane Qity Council could assist or could approve some development in that area that would give us some assistance in providing access to that hospital.

I am sure that the project wUl be well looked forward to by everyone in the electorates of the members for Pine Rivers and Sandgate. They will have direct access to it. The people in those electorates will be able to enjoy the facilities at the hospitals.

The honourable member for Port Curtis referred to a blood bank. I would be delighted to consider the matter that he raised.

Further developments wUl take place at the Gladstone Hospital. As the honourable member knows, the Govemment has spent many millions of dollars in the Gladstone area, which puts paid to the claim by many members of the Opposition that the Government spends nothing in Labor electorates. An examination of the hospital system in aU electorates reveals that splendid hospitals exist throughout the State. The Government is spending a great deal of money in Gladstone, Rockhampton and Cairns, which are in electorates held by Labor members. The Labor Party cannot be heard to say that the Government discriminates in any way. My counterpart in Victoria recently made a very stupid announcement that he would cut off health services to the Prime Minister's electorate because the Prime Minister had said that there was to be a cut-back in funds.

Mr UNDERWOOD: I rise to a point of order. The Minister's statement is totally untme. The Minister for Health in Victoria accepted the Prime Minister's recommendation of 4.5 beds per thousand.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order.

Mr AUSTIN: It is true. He was reported in the Melbourne "Age" and "The Australian" as trying to stand over the Prime Minister. That pM-actice is not adopted in Queensland. Such behaviour is a load of nonsense and the Government will not stoop to those tactics.

The honourable member for Salisbury said that there should be close scrutiny of the foundations. I assure her that the operation of all of the foundations will be scrutinised very closely. The Act gives the Minister many powers to scrutinise the operations of the foundations.

The honourable member referred also to the types of donations that may be made to the foundations in an attempt to influence research work by the foundations or the hospitals to which they are attached. Ethics committees will be established withm the hospitals, and an ethics committee will have the authority to make recommendations to me or to the foundation in relation to a particular project. The members of those commhtees will be ethical, highly professional and highly trained people, and I am sure that the matters raised by the honourable member will not pose any problems. If it is brought to my attention that problems exist, there is power within the Act to enable me to overcome them.

The honourable member for Salisbury mentioned frozen foods. She and I have tasted the food that is served in the hospitals. It is quite palatable. It is unfortunate that there has been sabotage within the system. There is no excuse for serving a meal with a lump


of ice in the centre of it when it should have been heated correctly. In the institutions in which the unions are operating correctly, the meals are very good. Difficulties arise in some hospitals where militancy exists. I am not sure how that can be controlled.

As to reporting—I am not sure to what type of reporting the honourable member was referring. I will cover two points. Each of our institutions publishes an annual report; an annual report is also published by each of the hospitals. I presume that the honourable member was referring to the stmcture of a hospital and the efficiency within the system. She wUl be delighted to know that recently an operational audit team has been appointed within the department. It works under the directorship of myself or the Under Secretary. I am able to use my powers under the Hospitals Act to have those people move into any part of any hospital anywhere in the State and carry out investigations that I think are necessary. That committee has already been working within the system. No doubt the honourable member wiU be delighted to know that its reports will be made avaUable to me to enable me to make the hospital system more efficient.

I thank honourable members for their contributions to the debate and for their support of the Bill.

Motion (Mr Austin) agreed to.

Committee Mr Row (Hinchinbrook) in the chair; Hon. B. D. Austin (WaveU—Minister for

Health) in charge of the BiU, Qauses 1 to 3, as read, agreed to. Clause 4—^Interpretation—

Mr AUSTIN (3.46 p.m.): I move the following amendments— "At page 2, line 36, after the word 'board' add the words—

'and includes any premises for the reception and treatment of the sick declared by Order in Council to be a hospital for the purposes of this Act'";

"At page 2, line 39, after the word 'board' add the words— 'and a governing body of a hospital required by Order in CouncU to be

deemed such a hospitals board for the purposes of this Act'." After the Bill was drafted it was found that the Mater Hospital was not covered

by it. The amendments wUl allow it to be covered. Amendments (Mr Austin) agreed to. Clause 4, as amended, agreed to. Causes 5 to 12, as read, agreed to. Clause 13—Objects for which bodies corporate may apply property—

Mr UNDERWOOD (3.49 p.m.): This clause, together with clause 15, deals with research. An important task that should be carried out by hospital foundations as weU as by the pubUc health authorities as a whole is the evaluation of health care provided by institutions. This matter was raised in the second-reading debate by the honourable member for Salisbury, who made accusations of thuggery against Health Department employees at "Eventide", Sandgate. The honourable member for Salisbury has an obligation to try to back up her allegations. I challenge her to do so now. She should give a full explanation so that the Mmister and the Committee can be made aware of the basis for her terrible accusations. In other words, she should put up or shut up.

If problems exist in relation to the health care provided at certain institutions, those problems are caused by the Govemment's policies and its lack of sound management. In many instances people providing health services are working in a demoralised environment. Even though they try hard, they are unable to give of their best. In

r •u VT ?• "^T . P/?:̂ '̂ "»s of understaffing have been created by the financial policies of the National and Liberal Parties. Because of the financial cutbacks, modem, progressive care programs are being wound down, if not completely cut out. Although the people working m these areas devote a great deal of their own time, as well as their paid time, r ^ i f r -fh programs, they find that their efforts are being sabotaged by Govemment J? S «>"ditions under which they work have worsened not because of any fauU of their own but because of the policies of this Government.

Hospitals Foundations Bill 5 August 1982 149

I have been told that intellectually handicapped persons in institutions have been given cold showers when hot showers are not available. One of the first tasks of the foundations when they are set up should be to investigate such complaints. Because the Government is not making any investigations under the Mental Health Act into psychiatric services or the care of patients in hospitals, the foundations wiU have a golden opportunity to prove their worth. They wiU be able to evaluate the quality of the care that is given to people in the various heaUh institutions in Queensland in the public and private spheres. The foundations can look also at nursing homes, and private nursing homes in particular. Private nursing homes are not adequately supervised. Recently I was told of some horrific things that have been happening in nursing homes operated by very wealthy people.

Dr Lockwood: Now I call on you to enunciate chapter and verse which private nursing homes are involved in these horrific things.

Mr UNDERWOOD: I shall do so when you fellows come back from the Brisbane Show.

Dr Lockwood: I am not going to the show. You can get into it now,

Mr UNDERWOOD: Even if you are not going to the show, you will have to wait until the Parliament resumes.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Row): Order! I ask honourable members to refer to each other by their proper titles.

Mr UNDERWOOD: Mr Row, I shall do exactiy that.

I chaUenge the member for Salisbury to tell us here about the thuggery that is taking place at "Eventide", It is a very serious allegation and she must back it up. I am prepared to back up my aUegations.

Mr Mackenroth: He will document it.

Mr UNDERWOOD: Yes, I will document it. The member for Salisbury made a serious attack upon the people working in the health system. If she cannot back up her aUegations, she should get up in this Chamber and apologise to the very keen and able workers in our health system who are working under the difficult conditions that have been created by this Government and its counterpart in Canberra.

Mr AUSTIN: I cannot aUow the opportunity to pass without making some comment. What the honourable member for Toowoomba North said is quite true. The honourable member for Ipswich West got up and immediately said that the honourable member for Salisbury had made unsubstantiated aUegations about violence at the "Eventide" institution. He then proceeded to make unsubstantiated allegations about reductions in health care services, shortages of staff, and bad private nursing homes. He did not substantiate one of those statements. The honourable member really did not have anything to say.

Clause 13, as read, agreed to.

Clauses 14 to 17, as read, agreed to.

Clause 18—Members of body corporate—

Mr UNDERWOOD (3.54 p.m.): This clause deals with the appointment of members to body corporates, as does clause 19. Earlier in the debate reference was made to what the Brisbane City CouncU had tried to do in making appointments to hospitals boards in the Brisbane city area.

The Minister waved the minutes of the Brisbane City Council about, pointing out that it had an election and recommended to the Minister the various people it thought should represent the people of Brisbane and surrounding areas on hospitals boards. What the Minister fails to realise—or chooses to ignore—is that the people he is putting on the boards are Crown appointments made by him, on recommendation to Executive Council. The representatives previously on the various hospitals boards were elected by baUot in Brisbane and in the contiguous shires. In the instance of the Prince Charles Hospital, it was by election of the Brisbane City Council.

n It just so happens that for quite a number of years the Brisbane City C^ouncil has

been controUed by the Labor Party. Naturally, decisions would be made by that governing authority—the Labor council. That stands to reason. If it was a Liberal Party


council that democratically elected a Liberal Party nominee for the board, I could not see any objection to that. That would be fair enough. Is the Minister suggestuig, using the same argument, that because we have a National-Liberal Party coaUtion in power in Queensland members of the Cabinet should be members of the Labor Party? That is the coroUary of what he is saying. He is saying that he can appoint Liberal Party members to represent a Labor-controlled area, so we should be able to say to him today that the ministry should be comprised not only of Liberal and National Party members but also of Labor Party members. His argument does not hold water. The difference between the Govemment's view and our view is that we say that there should be elected representatives to pwesent the community point of view, via local authority representatives, rather than appointed stooges to protect the financial and management interests of this Govemment. It is very important for the Government to put stooges on the major hospitals boards because it allows the Govemment to paste over the cracks appearing in the hospntal and health management programs, or to conceal the lack of such programs.

Mr DAVIS: I take umbrage at the Minister's earlier statement. I love the way that he flourished the document from the city council, saying, "Here are the minutes of the city council." Naturally, if it was put to the majority vote of a democraticaUy elected administration and it voted for a certain person, that should be the person on the board. However, in every case the Minister put one of his stooges on. That is the cold, simple fact of the matter.

The instance I raise today is that of the Royal Brisbane Hospital, The nommation of the Brisbane City Council was Alderman St Leger, who is the alderman for the Central City ward, which takes in the Royal Brisbane Hospital complex. He is a popular alderman, having won by about 4 000 to 5 000 votes. Who did the Minister for Health appoint—not elect; appoint?

Mr Austin: I did not appoint anyone.

Mr DAVIS: He appointed the alderman for

Mr Austin interjected.

Mr DAVIS: He is not going to talk about his colleagues in the Cabinet approving it.

Mr Austin: The Governor in Council.

Q 11 ^^ ^^X!^' ^''f* rubbish! Next he will be saying that the Premier told him to appoint Board""^ Atkinson, from way the hell over at Brookfield. to the Royal Brisbane Hospitals

Mr Austin: She is a competent administrator.

ma t t^ ' ^? !^^^ ' -̂^ ' ' . £ ''Y^ "̂ ^̂ "̂̂ ^^^ ^ '" '^^^ to be glib and to make a laughing What hf^« H . ' ' ^ ' " ^ ' K ^ ^ ^ ^ ' ' ' '^""'^ Labor blokes. We knocked them on the head." the T«h^r L r " ^ ' ' * ^ ^ ' * f ? ' ' ' " ^ democracy. Even though this Govemment does not like elected T t ^ ^ ' T ^ ^ ' " ® populariy elected, that administration has been democratically mendation infT^^r ' ' ' ' ' '^"' P'^'P'^' ''"^ ^^^ Minister overturned that. His recom-mendation to the Govemor in Council stopped those names being put forward.

memblrs^riull 'fh^..^'^ ' ' ^^ / "^ '^^* '' ^^^ ^« ^^^ ^^ry suspicious about foundation

heCir ̂ t-Li^- ^ t rSon^rtiiiTc^r^''"--'-''' ve ry^L^^Ta^ t l iar°"tt ' V^^'^ '^'''^' ""'^^ "^^ °^" ^'^^^ «"d that of the Govermnen. thTlSsTation whkJ il h ^^l? ' "?"^^^ democractically elected Govemment-Hunended of thS tmocraticlllv l l J H " ? ^ " '* ^' ' democratically elected member and a part I k f heTni^fn ml^t. tn ^^ Government, decided that the Govemor in Coundl would t^e teonle S h T h • ^^ u ° " ^ ' ' "^ "°^ ^^^ Brisbane Qty Council. So. in fact. e g i s l S ^ e OoDbshLn'L^ 'T" ' ' '^'' ^"PP°'^ *^« Government that changed that legislation. The Oppositon has to cop it sweet; the people support the Govemment.

Hospitals Foundations BHl 5 August 1982 151

So it was a democratically elected Government that changed the legislation to allow the Governor in CouncU to make those appointments. I reiterate that the Governor in Council appointed the best possible people for those jobs, those who will do the best jobs.

An Opposition Member: Liberals!

Mr AUSTIN: If they happen to be Liberals, so be it.

Mr UNDERWOOD: As the Minister has just amply pointed out, the basic difference between the Govemment's approach to management and that of the Opposition is that it ap>pomts people who will do what it wishes them to do rather than appoint the elected representatives of the people.

Mr DAVIS: I wish to ask the Minister a question.

Mr Austin: At least you presented a flag to the school.

Mr DAVIS: That is quite all right. After aU, I am the democratically elected member for the electorate of Brisbane Central.

I wish to ask the Minister a question and I hope he replies to it. On what criteria were the so-called brilliant appointees placed on the committee? Was a panel of names supplied or was a name simply picked out of a hat? I have heard a rumour that two names were suggested for one of the hospitals boards, one of a person who held three or four degrees and had some knowledge of hospital administration, finances, etc., and the other of a person who is a member of the Wavell Heights branch. The Minister's administration recommended the appointment of the person with the qualifications but when it came to the Minister for Health he recommended the appointment of the person from the Wavell Heights branch because, it was said, he showed potential.

Mr AUSTIN: I cannot comment on rumours. However. I have not heard the rumour, so I can state quite clearly that the conversation did not occur in my office. Before a recommendation was made to the Cjovemor in Council a number of people were considered. I considered the nominees of the Brisbane City Council.

Mr Mackenroth: Very briefly.

Mr AUSTIN: Yes, very briefly, because they did not seem to be overendowed with intellect. On these boards we need people of high intelligence with a great deal of business acumen. As one would suspect, those members of the ALP did not have the necessary qiialffications and therefore they were not appointed.



Clause 25—Interests to be Disclosed—

Mr UNDERWOOD (4.4 p.m.): I wish to seek clarification on this clause, which could have been drafted a little more clearly.

It reads— "A member of a body corporate who (other than as a shareholder, and in

common with the other shareholders, of a corporation consisting of not less than 25 shareholders) is directly or indirectly interested in a contract made or proposed to be made by the body corporate shall, as soon as possible after the relevant facts have come to his knowledge, disclose the nature of his interest at a meeting of the body corporate,"

Does that mean that a member of a body corporate who is a shareholder in a company which has more than 25 shareholders does not declare his or her pecuniary interest? ( .

Mr Austin: I think it means the opposite, doesn't it?

Mr UNDERWOOD: I think it is debatable.

152 5 August 1982 ^P^^^^ Adjournment

Mr AUSTIN: Perhaps it wUl be tested in the courts on some occasion, but I understood it to mean the opposite of what was suggested by the honourable member. I think it is a legitimate clause. The honourable member quite rightly said that people have to declare their pecuniary interests, and I would have interpreted the clause in the opposite manner to the honourable member for Ipswich West.

Mr UNDERWOOD: I believe that a member of a body corporate, particularly a hospital foundation or a hospital trust, should declare any pecuniary interest, whether it is in a company which has either more or fewer than 25 shareholders. I think that should be a basic fact of life in this day and age, and I am deeply concerned that in this legislation we are picking on only one type of shareholder with a pecuniary interest. I think all members of a body corporate should declare their pecuniary interests when decisions are being made, particulariy when they are dealing with large sums of money relating to land purchases or investments or deciding on a project that the foundation intends to undertake. These foundations will be very useful to people who make investments, and if a member is part of a company or some other business it is irrelevent whether it has 25 or more or fewer shareholders.



Clause 29—Fees and allowances—

Mr UNDERWOOD (4.8 p.m.): I have a small point, but I think it is important in principle. The second part of the clause states—

"Allowances shall not be paid by a body corporate to a member who is an officer of the PubUc Service of Queensland for attendance at any meeting of the body corporate held during ordinary office working hours of that officer."

In this instance the Government is picking on Queensland public servants and saying that they will not be paid a fee for attending a meeting during working hours. Why can that principle not be applied to every person who is on a wage or salary? What about the captains of industry who will obviously be members of these bodies corporate? Are they to be paid a fee while public servants are not? Surely there is an injustice here? Either all of them should be paid fees or none at all.

Mr AUSTIN: I think the simple answer to that is that an officer in the Public Service is being paid by the Govemment and it would be ridiculous to pay him a salary for working during his normal working hours and then pay him agam for attending a meeting during those hours. If a pwivate company wants to pay its officers for attending such meetings, or a managing director elects to pay himself out of his own funds while he is away attending a meeting, that is all right; but we look after Govemment funds, and the Government is not In the business of paying its employees twice.

Mr UNDERWOOD: I think that needs much greater consideration. For instance, some public servants while on jury service do not receive their fuU pay, so I think that question should be looked at in much greater detail.

Qause 29, as read, agreed to. Causes 30 to 74, as read, agreed to. Bill reported, with amendments.

Third Reading BiU, on motion of Mr Austin, by leave, read a third time.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT

Hon. C. A. WHARTON (Burnett-Leader of the House): I move-

1982''"*^* ^^^ " °"^^ ' ^̂ '̂ ^ "^'"^' ^° ^^J°"'n "ntU 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 August

Motion agreed to.

The House adjourned at 4,12 p.m.

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