Parliamentary Debates - Legislative Assembly THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1985 - Queensland Parliament
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Queensland
Parliamentary Debates
[Hansard]
Legislative Assembly
THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1985
Electronic reproduction of original hardcopyMinisterial Statements 5 September 1985 761
THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 1985
Mr SPEAKER (Hon. J. H. Warner, Toowoomba South) read prayers and took the
chair at 11 a.m.
AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT
Treasurer's Annual Statement
Mr SPEAKER announced the receipt from the Auditor-General of his report on
the Treasurer's Annual Statement for the year ended 30 June 1985.
Ordered to be printed.
PETITIONS
The Clerk announced the receipt of the foUowing petitions—
Skate World, Benowa
From Mr Jennings (485 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland wiU
ensure that the Skate World faciUty at Benowa be preserved.
Electricity Tariffs
From Mr Jennings (2 157 signatories) praying that the ParUament of Queensland
will reduce the price of electricity to general consumers and for a 25 per cent rebate to
pensioners.
Petitions received,
PAPERS
The foUowing papers were laid on the table—
Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1978.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
Oxenford Totalisator Administration Board Agency Licence; Allegations by Member
for Salisbury
Hon. R. J. HINZE (South Coast—Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads
and Racing) (11.3 a.m.), by leave: I refer again to the aUegations made by the honourable
member for Salisbury (Mr Goss) about the granting of the Oxenford TAB agency Ucence.
Yesterday in this House the honourable member for Archerfield (Mr Palaszczuk)
asked me whether I had ever attended a TAB board meeting and asked the board for
that Ucence to be granted to my famUy company, Junefafr Pty Ltd. I repUed, "No."
The honourable member for Salisbury seemed to become upset by the ministerial
statement that I read to this House yesterday. He again aUeged, without the sUghtest
shred of evidence, that I had told the TAB to give Junefair Pty Ltd the Oxenford agency
licence, and that that instmction had been made at a meeting of the TAB board.
Again I reject that allegation absolutely. It is simply not tme. Two days ago I wrote
to the chairman of the TAB (Mr Ian CaUinan, QC) and posed a number of questions.
Yesterday I received his reply and I read that letter into the record—
"Dear Minister,
Thank you for your letter of 3rd instant.762 5 September 1985 Ministerial Statements
I preface my reply to your letter by reiterating that I do not have any personal
knowledge of the matters into which you enquire and accordingly I must rely upon
information conveyed to me by officers of the Board. I should also say that I have
not enquired, and indeed, do not have the means to enquire, of other persons who
might be interested in these matters to ascertain their views on them.
You asked me the foUowing questions:—
1. Am I confident that the existing files relating to the Oxenford TAB Agency
matter contain the full and accurate record?
Answer.
In view of what I was told and conveyed to you in my letter of 28th ultime,
I cannot be confident that the existing files relating to the Oxenford TAB Agency
matter contain the full and accurate record.
2. If I do not have absolute confidence, could I please advise of any reason
why I and/or TAB officers are not confident?
Answer.
Mr Harriott has assured me once again that he did indeed write the Memorandum
dated the Eighteenth day of April 1984, to which I referred in my letter of the 28th
August last to you. One of the officers of the Board also raised with me a possibility
that there may have been cortespondence received from Messrs. Short Punch and
Greatorix, Solicitors, acting on behalf of Junefair Pty. Ltd. before the Thirtieth day
of May, 1984.
I can find no officer who has any actual recollection of any such correspondence
but the possibUity is raised because of a reference in a letter from the General
Manager dated the Thirtieth day of May 1985 to 'previous correspondence',
3. Could I please fumish you with a complete record of TAB Board Minutes
relating to the Oxenford TAB agency matter.
Answer,
I attach copies of Minutes of all such Board Meetings as I have been able to
discover and in which an Agency or Sub-agency at Oxenford was referred to. I am
assured by Board officers that there are no other relevant minutes.
4. Could I please advise if any evidence exists on the official files which
indicates, in any way, if you, as Minister, ever instmcted, attempted to instmct,
influenced or attempted to influence the Board to either refuse the application by
the Friths for the agency licence or grant the licence to Junefair Pty. Ltd.?
Answer,
No evidence on any official file of the kind referred to can be located by any
Board officers,
5. Could I please ascertain from any TAB officer if, at any time, the former
chairman requested copies of Board files on the Oxenford agency matter and, if so,
when those requests or orders were made and if any TAB officer was given any
reason for that request or order?
Answer.
I am informed by Board officers that their best recollection is that the former
Chairman did not ever have in his personal custody the Oxenford Agency file but
that on two occasions, in about April 1984, and shortly before the Twenty-ninth
day of April 1985, he did request and obtain copies of some material on the
Oxenford Agency file. Those officers tell me that they are now unable to recollect
precisely which material the former Chairman sought to have copied.
Yours faithfully,
I. D. F. CalUnan
Chairman."Ministerial Statements 5 September 1985 763
Having read that letter, I now table the TAB board minutes fumished by Mr
Callinan and seek leave to have the document incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
Minutes 19 August 1985
Operations:
Sub-Agency—Oxenford/Coomera:
The report submitted by the Town Planning Consultant, Mr V. G. Feros, at the request
of the Board was discussed m detail.
It was moved by Mr C. Robertson and seconded by Mr K King that in view of the
recommendation made by the consultant, together with Executive confirmation of this
recommendation, that the sub-agency at Oxenford be awarded to the applicant, Junefair Pty.
Ltd., in accordance with the Board's sub-agency conditions, and on the condition that the
applicant comply with any necessary rezonings or planning requirements, and fiirther, that the
establishment thereof be submitted to the Minister for his approval.
The motion was carried.
It was also agreed that the Chairman make a suitable press release on this matter.
Minutes 8 July 1985
Operations:
Sub-Agency—Oxenford/Coomera
As all Board Members had not had the opportunity to study the report prepared by the
town planner engaged for this purpose, it was moved by Mr C. Robertson and seconded by
Mr A. HoUindale that this report be circulated to all Board Members with a decision to be
taken at the next Board meeting.
The motion was carried.
Extract from Board Minutes 8 June 1985
Engagement of Town Planner:
The Chairman reported that following the May meeting, Mr V. G. Feros was engaged at
an all-up fee of $2,500 to advise the Board on the most suitable location for the Beenleigh/
Coomera sub-agency.
Signed as a correct record
I. D. F. Callinan
Chairman
Minutes of the two hundred and seventy-fifth meeting of the TotaUsator Administration
Board of Queensland held at 240 Sandgate Road, Albion, Brisbane, on Monday, 13 May 1985
Present: Mr I. D. F. Callinan (Chairman)
Mr P. R. Gallagher (Deputy Chairman)
Mr J. S. Galwey
Dr J. F. O'Dufly
Mr C. C. Robertson
Mr C. L. Krogh
Mr J. W. Houston, A.M.
Mr K. J. King, C.M.G.
Mr A. D. HoUindale, O.B.E.
Mr P. Burge
Also in attendance:
Mr C. Harriott (General Manager)
Mr P. W. Lamb (Secretary)
The Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads and Racing in opening the meeting,
welcomed the new Chairman and wished him and the Board every success for the future.
After stating that he did not wish to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances which had
transpired, the Minister proceeded to advise the Board that there were some matters which he
wished to bring to its attention.
These matters were as follows:
(a) That in respect of capital exi)enditure by the Board, he wished to be advised of all
intended purchases for amounts in excess of $50,000.764 5 September 1985 Ministerial Statements
(b) That in respect of the present deliberations by the Board on the subject of the
distribution formula, he was in agreement with the distribution being based on 65% of prize
money for the current year on the condition that no club received less than in previous years.
(c) That on the subject of race broadcasts, he would be having a discussion with another
party on the possible acquisition by the Board of Radio Station 4AM, Mareeba, at a suggested
sale price of $1.5 million, but that he would not be making or giving any undertakings and
that this matter would be referred to the Board in due course for its consideration.
He further suggested that there was a possibility that Federal Govemment approval could
be given to the granting of a "specific purpose" licence in the Townsville/Caims area and
suggested that discussions be held with Mr R. Archer to ascertain what may be required to
achieve this result.
The Minister then left the meeting, at which time Mr P. Gallagher, on behalf of the Board,
welcomed the new Chairman.
Confirmation of minutes:
It was resolved:
"That the Minutes of the Board Meeting held on Monday, 1 April 1985 be confirmed"
Business arising out of minutes:
Matters for Discussion with Minister:
The General Manager indicated that the Executive was not aware of the results of
the discussions which were held between the Minister and the Board on Monday, 22 April
1985 and was advised as follows:
(1) The Minister had indicated that he would not be requiring any additional financial
assistance from the Board, over and above the existing commitments.
(2) The Minister had agreed with the proposal to alter the distribution formula in
accordance with the recommendation made in the discussion paper.
(3) On the subject of trifecta operations, the Minister accepted the proposal to
introduce 50 cent trifectas, and agreed further that the number of trifecta pools per meeting
should remain at the present level for the time being.
(4) The Minister supported the concept of the TAB seeking to become an on-course
operator, and after responses are received from the clubs involved to the Board's proposals,
the matter should be referred to his attention for final approval and drafting of any
necessary legislative changes.
Sub-Agency—Oxenford/Coomera.
Details were provided to the Board of the applications received for the above sub-
agency following recent press advertisements.
It was moved by Mr P. Gallagher and seconded by Dr J. O'Duffy that before making
a decision on this sub-agency, that a town planner be engaged to advise the Board of the
most suitable location, and to the extent that such was within his field of expertise, the
best application.
The motion was carried.
It was also agreed that a town planner could be engaged in future whenever it was
deemed necessary.
The General Manager in consultation with the Chairman, will engage a suitable
consultant at an appropriate fee and report back to the next Board meeting with the
results of their investigation.
Extract from board minutes 11 February, 1985
Other business:
Oxenford:
The Board was advised that a further survey had been carried out in the Oxenford
area, and after discussing the results of this survey, it was moved by Mr P. Gallagher and
seconded by Mr P. Burge that the Board reaffirm its original decision on this matter, and
instmct the Executive to call applications from parties interested in establishing a Sub-
Agency in this area in April, to enable a decision to be taken at the May meeting. Short
Punch & Greatorix, Solicitors for Junefair Pty. Ltd., are to be advised of this decision.
This motion was agreed to by the Board.
Extensions to Coolangatta Freehold:Ministerial Statements 5 September 1985 765
Extract from Board Minutes 14 May 1984,
TAB Service—Oxenford:
The Board was provided with and discussed all relevant correspondence associated
with the possible provision of a TAB service in the Oxenford area. It was moved by Mr
P. Gallagher and seconded by Mr P. Burge that before making any decision on this matter,
that the Executive be directed to conduct a fresh survey in this area, with this information
to be provided to the Board meeting set down for Tuesday, 29 May, 1984. This motion
was agreed to by the Board.
Executive salaries:
The General Manager sought approval for the flow-on of the recent National Wage
decision to the Board's Executive. It was agreed that this matter be deferred to the Board
meeting set down for Monday, 18 June, 1984.
Upper Mt. Gravatt:
The Board was advised that an opportunity existed to acquire freehold premises at
Upper Mt. Gravatt. Because of the position, the Executive was directed to fiirther investigate
the location, particularly in relation to available parking and to re-submit details to the
Board meeting of 29 May, 1984.
Date and Location of Next Board Meeting:
It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Board be set down for Tuesday, 29 May,
1984, with a further meeting set down for Monday, 18 June, 1984, at 240 Sandgate Road,
Albion at 10.00 a.m. There being no further business, the meeting closed at 6.00 p.m.
Signed as a correct record.
Sir Edward H. Lyons, Chairman.
Extract from Board Minutes 14 January 1985,
TAB Sub-Agency—Oxenford:
The General Manager tabled a letter received from Short, Punch & Greatorix, on
behalf of Junefair Pty. Ltd., requesting re-consideration by the Board of the establishment
of a TAB Sub-Agency in the premises occupied by the Oxenford Hotel. The matter was
to be reviewed in May, 1985.
It was agreed that the Executive be directed to re-survey the area, and that a report
be tabled at the next meeting of the Board. The Executive was directed to notify the
applicant accordingly.
Date and location of next board meeting:
It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Board be set down for Monday, 11 Febmary,
1985, at 240 Sandgate Road, Albion, at 10.00 a.m. There being no further business, the meeting
closed at 1.40 p.m.
Signed as a correct record.
Sir Edward H. Lyons, Chairman.
Mr HINZE: In case there is any Ungering doubt about these minutes, I stress that
all have been signed, as a tme and accurate record, by Sir Edward Lyons when he was
chairman and by Mr Ian Callinan, QC, since he has been chairman.
I again ask the honourable member for Salisbury to withdraw his allegation that I
asked the TAB board for the Oxenford licence for Junefair Pty Ltd, and I again ask for
an apology from the honourable member.
To refresh the mind of the honourable member for Salisbury, I point out that he
said that if I tabled the documents and I proved to this House what I had said previously,
he would be prepared to withdraw. Whether he apologises or not, I do not care.
Health and Hospital Services; Criticism by Member for Stafford
Hon. B. D. AUSTIN (Wavell—Minister for Health) (11.9 a.m.), by leave: Yesterday
in this place, honourable members were subjected to yet another lecture from the
honourable member for Stafford on his peculiar and uninformed views about the
Queensland health system. This so-called Liberal health spokesman has obviously decided766 5 September 1985 Ministerial Statements
to attack and undermine the health and hospital services of this State in a personal
vendetta against me as the responsible Minister.
Let me say at this point the honourable member for Stafford is, in one particular
respect, well-qualified to be party spokesman in this area—certainly not because of any
special knowledge or training in respect of health matters, which is clearly evident from
his hopelessly ignorant and impractical proposals on health policy. No, this member's
one and only qualification in this area is his well-recognised position as the poUtical
surgeon of the Liberal Party, which has left him with a considerable amount of blood
on his hands over the years.
In this role of political surgeon, the honourable member has already stabbed two
of his party leaders in the back, one being the present leader, the honourable member
for Nundah (Sir WiUiam Knox) and the other Sir Llewellyn Edwards. It is interesting
to note that both these men were also former Health Ministers, and that leads me to
wonder whether the honourable member harbours a particular bent against people who
hold that office.
I also note with interest the honourable member's rather petulant and juvenile
remarks about coverage that I have received in the news media. One would expect a
"small" person to make remarks such as those. Obviously, the news media sees some
value in the issues concemed, otherwise such coverage would not be forthcoming. Perhaps
the honourable member, in his considered opinion, believes that the news media lacks
judgment or even integrity in its treatment of my ministerial activities. If the member
for Stafford had taken more notice of the content of some of that media coverage instead
of just privately cursing it, as he obviously does, he might be a bit better informed about
some of the health issues on which he pontificates.
With a grandiose flourish, the honourable member yesterday unfurled what he
described as his six-point program for health services in this State, Little do the people
of this State realise how fortunate they are that this piece of academic nonsense would
never be adopted as Govemment policy, irrespective of the political persuasion of the
Govemment.
The honourable member delights in using terms that have absolutely no relevance
to the ordinary provider or recipient of health service. He attempts to disguise his lack
of understanding and superficial knowledge by serving up a whole lot of theoretical
nonsense full of meaningless jargon.
Let us look at his disastrous blueprint for the State's health services. One key
element of his plan is caUed decentralisation, which means the wholesale expansion of
bureaucracy to fragment administrative control of the health system. For the information
of the honourable member, I point out that this policy has been tried in a variety of
forms throughout much of the rest of this country with an outstanding lack of success.
Everywhere that this has been attempted, costs have sky-rocketed and management
problems have increased enormously. In fact, the trend in other States now is towards
a system very like the model that has been used so successfully in this State, It is
precisely because the Queensland health system is so decentralised in delivery that a
very capable and centralised control is absolutely essential.
The honourable member talked also about the need for rationalisation; in effect, he
set about reinventing the wheel. Again for the honourable member's information, I point
out that a very effective system of rationalisation has been established in the Queensland
Health Department during my administration. It is interesting to note that this was
based on a White Paper prepared by one of the victims of the honourable member's
political surgery whom I mentioned earlier. Sir Llew Edwards, during his term as Health
Minister. However, although the honourable member now attempts to claim it for the
Liberal Party, this policy of rationalisation almost went no further after being buried
during the term of his other victim, the honourable member for Nundah (Sir William
Knox), as Health Minister.Ministerial Statements 5 September 1985 767
So that he might become better informed, I invite the honourable member for
Stafford to pemse my address to the Chamber during the Estimates debate on 23 October
last year, wherein I detailed, among other things, the Govemment's achievements in the
rationalisation process.
The remainder of the six points raised by the honourable member can easily be
seen as no more than political rhetoric.
I am proud of the standard of health services in this State and the record of
achievement in reducing morbidity and mortality rates right across the board. Our
success in combating the major killers such as heart disease and cancer is equal to that
anywhere else in the country, which is a credit to the dedicated team of health professionals
we have in this State. There is no justification for claims that Queensland is delivering
anything but a highly effective and cost-efficient health service.
Fire Services; Allegations by Member for Redcliffe
Hon. M. J. TENNI (Barron River—Minister for Environment, Valuation and
Administrative Services) (11.13 a.m.), by leave: At 12.17 a.m, yesterday, the honourable
member for Redcliffe made a series of allegations about Brisbane's fire services. As is
usual with the honourable member, he never lets the facts get in the way of a good
emotional outburst.
I refute his allegations that the fire services are mn down. As I have said before in
this House, I am reviewing the effectiveness and efficiency of the service and plan to
introduce reforms progressively as their need is identified. My office continues to receive
feedback from serving officers and firemen that the reforms that I have introduced are
long overdue.
I can well imagine that some people will profit from the maintenance of inefficiency
and wiU complain to the honourable member. I suggest that he check the veracity of
these complaints before he races off and wastes the time of the House.
The honourable member referted to pump 66 as being due for replacement. The
House should also be aware that pump 66 is a 1973 model vehicle with less than 80 000
km on the clock. No expensive fire appliance of this age would be due for replacement
unless the vehicle had been badly neglected by the people responsible.
In referring to snorkel number 79, the honourable member claims that the vehicle
has only 25 per cent braking efficiency. Again the member for RedcUffe (Mr White)
misleads the Parliament. The honourable member seems to have ignored a statement
that I made in this House last week. He should refer to that for information on the
condition of fire appliances.
The honourable member seems to be concemed that fire stations are left unattended.
He should be aware that firemen do not sit idly at their stations waiting for a fire caU.
Duties undertaken include—
district inspections to ensure that they are famiUar with the fire risk of their
area;
hydrant inspections to check the location of fire hydrants and to test the
adequacy of water flow; and
participation in training exercises, including breathing apparatus training.
Often it is necessary for appliances to leave a station to undertake these duties. During
any such absence from stations, they are in two-way radio contact at aU times. The
district serviced by that station is also covered by appUances from other fire stations.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade maintains a network of stations capable of providing
support one to the other. At no time are the people of Queensland left at risk because
of the essential training and other duties carried out by firemen. The risk would be in
not carrying out these duties.768 5 September 1985 Ministerial Statements
The Taigum Fire Station has not been closed and continues to form an important
part of the fire protection of Brisbane.
It is inappropriate that I respond directly to the honourable member's comments
about an officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Board making public statements, as
the matter is subject to proceedings by the metropolitan board. However, it staggers me
that the honourable member is trying to distort the facts of this case by suggesting that
the board is out to victimise this officer.
The honourable member should direct his attention to the fact that both the
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Board and the previous Liberal Minister, who was supposedly
responsible for this portfolio, failed to ensure that very expensive fire brigade appUances
were properly maintained. The problem of mst in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade's vehicle
fleet did not happen ovemight or in the last two years. It has been a long-term problem,
which the board and the officers responsible for these vehicles failed to address adequately.
Unlike the previous high-spending Liberal Minister, who was more interested in
junkets, I ordered an independent report by the Govemment Motor Garage into the
mst problem with Brisbane fire appliances. A repair program is now under way at the
Govemment Motor Garage and steps are being taken to overhaul maintenance procedures
at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade workshop. The honourable member claims that the
MetropoUtan Fire Brigade is 44 men short on its approved strength. This is totally
incortect, I do not know where the honourable member gets his information, but he
should be more careful in future.
The approved strength of a brigade is determined by the Govemment in the exercise
of its responsibility to provide an effective and efficient fire-fighting service. The
Metropolitan Fire Brigade is currently at an appropriate strength, and I have only recently
approved the employment of a further 10 fire-fighters to fill vacancies which have
occurred.
The member for Redcliffe is on record as causing the mination of the State Liberal
Party, One would have thought that he would have leamt a lesson from that. Now, by
innuendoes and false statements, he is trying to min the fire services; but because of
my strong leadership, he may as well give up.
It is interesting to note that the honourable member for Port Curtis has thrown in
his lot with the Liberals in criticising the operation of our fire services. It is weU known
that the Liberals and the ALP enjoy sleeping in the same bed when it comes to poUtical
opportunism. The honourable member for Port Curtis should be the last person to claim
that I have made misleading comments about the commercial fire levy. The ALP has a
dismal track record of spreading misinformation, distortions and falsehoods over the
introduction of the fire levy in Queensland. All I can say is that it is at least consistent
in its policy. Once again, it is setting out to distort the fact that this Govemment is
doing an excellent job in spreading the cost of our fire protection fairly among the
property-owners of this State.
Foreign Investment in Queensland; Speech by Member for Lytton
Hon. V. P. LESTER (Peak Downs—Minister for Employment and Industrial Affairs)
(11.20 a.m.), by leave: In this Chamber yesterday, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition
(Mr Bums), in a msh to "bag" Queensland, quoted figures on foreign investments in
Queensland. He stated that the expected new foreign investment in Queensland during
1983-84 would be no more than a miserable $2m. As the Minister in charge of statistics,
I thought that I had better check that information because it did not seem to be correct.
Although the honourable member received a great deal of publicity for his little
effort, I found that the correct figures, as published by the Foreign Investment Review
Board in its 1983-84 report, showed that Queensland expected new investments totalUng
$499m—second only to New South Wales, which has nearly double Queensland's
population.Ministerial Statements 5 September 1985 769
Mr Burns: Table the document.
Mr LESTER: I am sorry to tell the honourable member that the document from
which he quoted is not correct. The $2m that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition
quoted for Queensland was actually for the Labor-led State of South AustraUa. I suggest
to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that, in future, he carefully check his facts and
not be so ready to msh in to "bag" Queensland, because aU it means is that he gets
"bagged" himself
I table the documents and seek leave to have them incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted,
TABLE 1.11: FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROPOSALS, BY LOCATION OF EXPECTED
INVESTMENT (a), 1 JULY 1983 TO 20 JUNE 1984
Consider- Expected new Total expected
ation (b) investment investment
State or Territory Number ($m) ($m) ($m)
New South Wales 346 483 111 1,210
Victoria 119 508 499 1,007
Queensland 33 21 2 23
South Australia 159 221 146 367
Westem Australia 165 373 :i2 685
Tasmania 24 15 189 204
Northem Territory 10 15 3 18
ACT 7 1 — 2
863 1,638 1,879 3,517
Other (c) 153 840 142 982
Total 1,016 2,478 2,021 4,499
(a) The table does not include 175 proposals for the restructuring of companies and 17 company
financing arrangements.
(b) Payments for shares and assets.
(c) This category includes 'off-shore' acquisitions and proposals where the expenditure was
expected to be undertaken in more than one State or Territory.
CORRIGENDUM TO TABLE 1.11, PAGE 50, FOREIGN INVESTMENT REVIEW BOARD
REPORT 1983-84
TABLE 1.11: FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROPOSALS, BY LOCATION OF EXPECTED
INVESTMENT (a), 1 JULY 1983 TO 30 JUNE 1984
Consideration Expected new Total expected
State or Territory Number (b) investment investment
($m) ($m) ($m)
New South Wales 346 483 727 1,210
Victoria 159 221 146 367
Queensland 119 508 499 1,007
South Australia 33 21 2 23
Westem Australia 165 373 312 685
Tasmania 10 15 3 18
Northem Territory 24 15 189 204
ACT 7 1 — 2
863 1,638 1,879 3,517
Other (c) 153 840 142 982
Total 1,016 2,478 2,021 4,499
(a) The table does not include 175 proposals for the restmcturing of companies and 17 company
financing arrangements.770 5 September 1985 Personal Explanations
(b) Payments for shares and assets.
(c) This category includes 'off-shore' acquisitions and proposals where the expenditure was
expected to be undertaken in more than one State or Territory.
PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
Mr BURNS (Lytton) (11.21 a.m.), by leave: This moming, the Daily Sun reports
on page 12 part of my speech in the House on Tuesday night in relation to Keith
Thompson.
The Daily Sun story attributed to me comments that were made by the Gold Coast
town clerk in a letter to the city's mayor. I make it clear that it was the town clerk who
rang P and C Introductions and established that the service offered was introductory
only, not meals.
In the Daily Sun and in other media. Alderman Thompson has said that if he ever
found the need to visit a brothel, he would pay cash. For the information of honourable
members and Alderman Thompson, I table a photocopy of an American Express credit
card charge, to the account of the Gold Coast City Council, signed by Keith Thompson
for a total of $132 for "P and C Int. Service" of Narembum, New South Wales,
Whereupon the honourable member laid the document on the table.
A Government Member: Has the price gone up?
Mr BURNS: The Minister would know the price.
I table a memorandum from the town clerk to the mayor of the Gold Coast City
Council and seek leave to have it incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
Vide Item 27
GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL Courtesy is Catching
INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM
15th July, 1985.
Memo To: His Worship the Mayor, Alderman Denis Pie
From: Town Clerk
Re: American Express International
You mentioned to me over the weekend that you wanted to re-examine the matter of a
charge made by Alderman Thompson about October/November 1983—
Details
1. Panda and Cupid Introductory Service
Narembum N.S.W. $132.00
2. Alderman Thompson tendered $90 in settlement (7.11.83), claiming that the balance was
a meal expense incurred on his own behalf while engaged on Council business (a
conference or meeting at Newcastle as I recall).
3. The blue docket submitted by Alderman Thompson was blank where the name of the
supplier should have shown.
4. The white docket which comes with the monthly account to Council showed P & C Int
Service. The more detailed personal account show the details in 1. above.
5. I confronted Alderman Thompson with the fact that the charge was for an introductory
service (massage parlour or whatever you want to call it) and that the whole amount
should be refunded to Council.
6. Alderman Thompson professed at all times that the charge was for meals, however, I
had taken the trouble to ring and establish that the service offered was introductory only,
no meals.Personal Explanations 5 September 1985 771
7. Alderman Thompson paid the balance ($42:00 16.11.83) still claiming that it was for a
meal.
(R. H. Brown)
TOWN CLERK
RHBiLCB
Mr BURNS: In the memorandum to the mayor of the Gold Coast City Council
about the American Express Intemational credit charge for Panda and Cupid Introductory
Service of Narembum, New South Wales, the town clerk said—
"I confronted Alderman Thompson with the fact that the charge was for an
introductory service (massage parlour or whatever you want to caU it) and that the
whole amount should be refunded to council."
My advice to Alderman Thompson is that if he wants to save the rate-payers money
in future he should put his money where his mouth was and pay cash on the knocker.
Mr GOSS (SaUsbury) (11.24 a.m.), by leave: As to the statements put to the House
this moming by the Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads and Racing (Mr
Hinze)—he said, in particular, that I had said in this Chamber that I would withdraw
and apologise if he proved his innocence. In fact, I said that I would consider withdrawing
if he answered the questions and tabled the whole file. He has not done that. However,
I am prepared to consider what he has said in the Chamber this moming and the fact
that he has tabled a letter from the current chairman of the Totalisator Administration
Board dealing with the question whether or not he attempted to influence the board of
the TAB in relation to the Junefair application. As I understand it, the letter that he
tabled is to the effect that there is no documentary evidence to show that the Minister
attempted to exercise such influence. The Minister is unable to produce a statutory
declaration from the then chairman and the board members that he did not try to argue
the case for his family company.
I will neither withdraw nor apologise.
Mr PREST (Port Curtis) (11.25 a.m.), by leave: Yesterday, my speech to the House
was made on the basis of questions asked of and answers given by the Minister for
Environment, Valuation and Administrative Services (Mr Tenni). If the answers given
by the Minister to questions asked by me are an embarrassment to him, and if he claims
that what I said is untme, it is his fault if he misled the House when answering questions.
What I said was factual, and the Opposition will continue to speak out on such important
matters as fire services and their administration in this State.
Mr HENDERSON (Mount Gravatt) (11.26 a.m.), by leave: A document headed
Show Your Opposition: Restore Democracy has been fairly widely distributed at Griffith
University by a group calling itself the Democratic Rights Association. I gather that it
was produced by the Griffith University Union of Students. My copy of the document—
and I stress this—was handed to me by Dr Peter Coaldrake of Griffith University.
The document contains a number of interesting statements—it almost seems like a
continuing episode of General Hospital—and one of them reads as follows—
"PLUS EARLIER THIS YEAR—
When asked to condemn the introduction of tertiary fees, Mr Henderson
responded with the view that public education was outdated, and the State
should look at 'private' universities as an altemative."
Dr Coaldrake has circled that and underlined it. He also personally wrote the
following comment on it—
"Not fair. Henderson at council strongly opposed fees in any form."772 5 September 1985 Questions Upon Notice
Dr Coaldrake handed it to Ms Bond, the student representative on the council, Ms
Bond then wrote on it—it is there in her handwriting—
"Leaflet writers aren't supervised weU enough,"
Perhaps an eye needs to be kept on them.
On Tuesday, The Courier-Mail continued the comments on page 2 with the following
statement—
"The Democratic Rights Association convenor, Mr Andrew McNee, said: 'Mr
Henderson, since he has been on council, has denigrated the public education system
and has worked with minority extremist groups off campus to interfere with the
university curriculum.'"
Those statements are demonstrably untme. They are a lie. I strongly urge the
Democratic Rights Association of Griffith University and The Courier-Mail to consult
their solicitors on the defamation laws in relation to such statements.
The same pamphlet also contains the following statement—
"Ian Henderson passes material to Griffith Uni Vice-Chancellor which calls on
QLD Parliament to establish a committee of enquiry into tertiary instmction in 'all
matters relating to the family and the relation between the sexes.' (See next Griffitti)"
Ms Patricia Keegan, along with 39 other people—I remind honourable members
that 40 grasshoppers do not make a plague—confronted me on Monday night at Griffith
University and read to me a prepared statement containing the following question—
"Why did you give material which calls for a parliamentary committee of
inquiry to the vice-chancellor instead of tabling it openly at council?"
That material came into my possession and, out of courtesy to the vice-chancellor, I
sent the petition to him with the following little note attached—
"For your information. You may be pleased to leam that this is circulated
widely in Queensland."
The implication contained in the material is incorrect.
Presumably, "DRA" stands for Democratic Rights Association. However, I suggest
that I have established today that those letters stand for "demonstrably ridiculous
allegations"
QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE
Questions submitted on notice were answered as follows—
1. Alleged Breaches of Totalisator Administration Board Legislation
by Sir Edward Lyons
Sir WILLIAM KNOX asked the Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads and
Racing—
With reference to the serious nature of the allegations made by him during the
week ended 31 August concerning actions of the former chairman of the Totalisator
Administration Board in destroying TAB files—
(1) WiU he investigate the possibUity of any breaches of the (a) Criminal Code, (b)
Racing and Betting Act and Rules made under that Act, (c) Public Service Act and (d)
Financial Administration and Audit Act and as well examine the possible breach of a
fiduciary duty to the board during the term of office of the immediate past chairman of
the TAB?
(2) Will he give details of any alleged breaches of these Acts, which I have mentioned,
and which have come to his notice and what action does he intend to take?Questions Upon Notice 5 September 1985 773
Answer—
(1 & 2) In relation to the allegations made against the former chairman of the
Totalisator Administration Board in respect of certain matters alleged to have occurred
prior to his resignation on 29 April 1985, I am aware that an opinion was given to
certain members of the board on 26 April 1985 by Mr C. E. K. Hampson, QC. This
opinion was not sought by the Totalisator Administration Board or by the Crown, and
I therefore consider that it would not be appropriate for me to make any comments in
respect of the contents of that opinion. This would be a matter for the board members
concemed.
I will refer to the Honourable the Minister for Justice and Attomey-General for
advice allegations made in respect of the alleged removal of documents from TAB files
by the former chairman of the board and his aUeged instmctions to a board officer in
relation to the destmction of copies of those documents.
2. Relative Federal Funding for States
Mr HENDERSON asked the Deputy Premier and Minister Assisting the Treasurer—
(1) When compared with ALP States, such as New South Wales and Victoria, what
is the extent of the Hawke socialist Govemment's underfunding of Queensland in the
foUowing areas of Govemment activity: (a) health, especially Medicare, (b) education,
especiaUy tertiary places available to Queenslanders, (c) Expo 88, compared with the
defence of the America's Cup, (d) main roads, especially in terms of the bicentenary
petrol levy, (e) housing, especially in terms of the failure of the Canberra centralists to
move to a per capita-based grants system, (f) industry, especially in terms of the levels
of tariff and subsidy assistance to New South Wales and Victoria, (g) primary industry,
especially the reluctance to assist our sugar industry, compared with Hawke's assistance
to the steel and motor industries, (h) aboriginal welfare and housing, (i) allocation of
defence and supply contracts and (j) any other area of Govemment activity such as
banking?
(2) Were Queensland to be funded fairly and equitably with New South Wales and
Victoria, what would be the effect on the Queensland economy?
(3) Why does this obvious discrimination occur and what can be done about it?
Answer—
(1 to 3) I congratulate the honourable member on his obvious understanding of
the discrimination and inequities that the Federal Labor Govemment is trying to inflict
on the people of Queensland. The very matters that he has raised will be addressed by
the Honourable the Premier and Treasurer in his Budget speech to the House this
aftemoon. I am confident that the Honourable the Premier's speech will provide the
necessary answers to the questions he has raised. However, if there are other matters of
detail that the honourable member beUeves have not been adequately covered, I will be
only too happy to answer any questions he may have.
3. Child Abuse
Mrs HARVEY asked the Minister for Welfare Services, Youth and Ethnic Affairs—
(1) Is he aware of the great concem in the community at the incidence of child
abuse?
(2) Is he satisfied with the efforts being made by Queensland authorities to cope
with this serious problem and will he do everything possible to ensure that child abuse
is reduced?
Answer—
(1 & 2) I assure the honourable member that I am aware of the great concem in
the community at the incidence of reported child abuse. It is a concem which I share.774 5 September 1985 Questions Upon Notice
It is an unfortunate fact that reported cases of child abuse are increasing not only
in Queensland but also in the other States. All thinking people will agree that that is a
tragedy that needs urgent attention. The honourable member may be assured that the
Queensland Govemment is determined to do everything possible to stop this abuse of
our young people.
Although the figures are high, they do offer some encouragement in that they indicate
an increasing community awareness of the problem. People are now more prepared to
come forward and report child abuse rather than deny the problem exists. FamiUes
affected by child abuse are now more inclined to seek professional help.
The reasons for child abuse are many and varied. They include parent fmstration,
ignorance of a child's needs, personality conflicts, discipline problems and deep-seated
problems.
Action has been taken to attack this matter in a number of ways. From a legislative
basis, there will be wider provisions relating to the protection of children in the new
Family and Community Development Bill. Secondly, the establishment of community-
based SCAN teams has been supported. These teams will relieve some of the pressure
on the present hospital-based SCAN teams and enable complaints to be dealt with
locally. Thirdly, the Child Abuse Research and Education Committee, known as CARE,
has been established under the chairmanship of the honourable member to consider,
particularly, the important role which education and educators can play in the prevention
of child abuse.
It is generally recognised that, by the time the children come to the attention of a
SCAN team, they have been mistreated to an increasing degree for some time. The
honourable member's committee will help co-ordinate an overall plan aimed at the
prevention of child abuse. Education must play an important role. This involves educating
parents, teachers, chUdren and the wider community.
The CARE committee has already made its first recommendation, which is that an
officer of my department compile appropriate material and up-to-date statistics which
could be referted to my colleague the Honourable the Minister for Education for
consideration for inclusion in the teacher-training curriculum. This would assist in raising
teacher awareness of the problem. I am in the process of nominating that officer. Children
have to be made aware of their right to physical safety and their rights as individuals.
I mention that, where child abuse is suspected, contact should be made immediately
with the Department of Children's Services or the local SCAN team,
4. Oxenford Totalisator Administration Board Subagency Licence
Mr HAMILL asked the Minister for Local Govemment, Main Roads and Racing—
With reference to the question asked of him on 3 September by the member for
Rockhampton, namely, "Who apart from the Minister could possibly have been respon-
sible for the undenied political interference in the granting of a licence for a TAB agency
at Oxenford?", to which he replied that it was blind Freddy—
Are bUnd Freddy and Sir Edward Lyons one and the same person?
Answer—
I answered a question in the House yesterday from the honourable member for
Lytton indicating that I have no knowledge of interference by any person in proposals
for the establishment of a TAB agency at Oxenford,
Mr WARBURTON having given notice of a question—
Mr WARBURTON: I lay on the table what I believe to be an accurate copy of the
information supplied by Mr C. E, K, Hampson, QC, as requested by the seven members
of the Totalisator Administration Board,
Whereupon the honourable gentleman laid the document on the table.Questions Without Notice 5 September 1985 775
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Fire Services Levy
Mrs CHAPMAN: In directing a question to the Minister for Environment, Valuation
and Administrative Services, I refer to an allegation made yesterday by the honourable
member for Port Curtis (Mr Prest) to the effect that the Govemment is using the new
fire services levy as a means of raising revenue beyond what is necessary to operate fire
services in Queensland. I ask: Will the Minister comment on this claim?
Mr TENNI: I thank the honourable member for Pine Rivers for the question.
Mr COMBEN: I rise to a point of order. I point out that no question has been
asked by the honourable member. The Minister has been asked to comment. He has
not been asked a question, and, on this matter, the Standing Orders are clear: the
honourable member must ask a question.
Mrs CHAPMAN: I am sorry. I will rephrase what I have said. I now ask: Will the
Minister outline in detail the reasons why the honourable member for Port Curtis made
that statement yesterday, and will the Minister comment on it?
.Mr TENNI: Before replying to that question, I must say what a wonderful repre-
sentative the people in the electorate of Pine Rivers have in Mrs Chapman. Mrs Chapman
is a great person, who wishes to get the tmth through to the people of Queensland. I
have pleasure in answering the question.
As usual the honourable member for Port Curtis has made a number of wild
assertions in which he has plucked figures from any number of sources in his attempt
to prove what the honourable member for Pine Rivers has alluded to.
I will not waste the time of this House by responding to his allegations in detail,
for the honourable member for Port Curtis has proved time and time again that he does
not listen. I worry for the future of the Opposition because they are represented by
boneheads of the calibre of the honourable member for Port Curtis; and the honourable
member for Redcliffe might also listen, instead of spending so much time in plotting
the overthrow of his leader.
The situation is this: for a number of years, public complaints about the funding
of fire services through an insurance levy focussed on the inequity of that system. The
Govemment took note of these complaints and decided to implement a system of
funding fire brigades under which all persons who expected a fire service helped to pay
for that service.
Legislation passed by this House limits the total sum raised to that actually required
to fiind the fire services.
In transferring the funding system to a property base, which was adopted as the
most equitable, there was an expectation that problems would arise and that they would
be solved as the scheme progressed. That expectation was correct. Stage 1 of the proposed
levy has been implemented with relatively few problems, and there is widespread
community support for it.
Stage 2 of the levy has been troublesome, as we move to define categories of
industrial and commercial property. These problems will exist for some time yet, but
there is strong support for the new system from the commercial and industrial sector.
Given this fact, I am confident that all problems will eventually be overcome, and the
community will be the beneficiaries of a progressive and equitable system of funding
fire services.
The efficiency with which fire-protection services are delivered is a separate but
equally important issue, because implicit in the new funding system is the objective that
expenditure of funds raised by the fire levy will be made more accountable. As the776 5 September 1985 Questions Without Notice
member for Redcliffe has noted, the Govemment has already moved to ensure that
expenditure growth is subject to much closer scmtiny than has occurted in past years.
This scmtiny will lead to change without prejudicing the level of fire protection enjoyed
by the community, and I am confident that this will also lead to a far better career
service for firemen than has existed in the past. The days of fire unions plundering the
public purse have finished, and the members for Port Curtis and Redcliffe associate
themselves with that cause at their electoral peril,
Mrs CHAPMAN proceeding to give notice of a question
Mr Mackenroth: Shame!
Mrs CHAPMAN: I can't help it if the honourable member for Archerfield has a
funny name,
Mr PALASZCZUK: I rise to a point of order. I ask that that comment be withdrawn.
Mrs CHAPMAN: I withdraw it.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! For the edification of the honourable member for Pine
Rivers, the correct pronunciation is "Palashay",
Mrs CHAPMAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker, It is very difficult to pronounce.
Opinion of Director of Prosecutions
Mr BURNS: In asking a question of the Minister for Justice and Attomey-General,
I refer to his claim to have obtained an opinion from the Director of Prosecutions (Mr
Sturgess, QC) regarding the credit-betting activities of the former TAB chairman (Sir
Edward Lyons). I ask: Does that opinion exist in written form? As the opinion of another
eminent QC (Mr Cedric Hampson) regarding this same matter has now been made
public and tabled in this House, will the Minister table Mr Sturgess's opinion so that
the Parliament and the public can properly assess the contents of both documents and
determine any discrepancies which may exist between them?
Mr HARPER: I will not take time to clarify the position, but I do not recaU ever
having told this House that I have an opinion from Mr Sturgess, QC. I believe that, in
the past, any information that I would have given to the House would be that I have
an opinion from the Solicitor-General and Crown law officers,
Mr Burns: Will you table them?
Mr HARPER: No, I will not table the opinions that I have from Crown law officers,
I will say that my primary advice in this area was from the Solicitor-General (Mr Ken
Mackenzie, QC), who at that time was acting Solicitor-General. It is a long-established
practice that such opinions are not made public. They are intemal documents within a
Govemment department, in this case the Department of Justice.
I am aware of the opinion given to certain members of the Totalisator Administration
Board by Mr Hampson, QC, an eminent barrister for whom I have a very high regard.
On the expression of opinion by Mr Hampson about the possibility of a criminal act, I
inform the House that Mr Hampson did not have available to him all of the information
and details that were available to me as the Minister for Justice and Attomey-General
and to my officers. I believe that had those details been available to Mr Hampson, his
opinion may have been slightly different.
At this stage, I do not intend to go into any greater detail than I have indicated to
the House, but I do give an assurance to the House that the statement I have made
previously about this matter, namely, that it was the opinion that no criminal act had
been perpetrated by the person involved, was cortect. I stand by any statement that I
have made previously, on the ground that it was the best possible advice available
having regard to all details available at that time.Questions Without Notice 5 September 1985 777
Legal Action to Recover Totalisator Administration Board Funds
Mr BURNS: I refer the Minister for Justice and Attomey-General to page 21 of
Mr Hampson's document that was tabled in Parliament today—I am talking now of
civil and criminal action—in which he wrote, "I tum now to consider whether the
Chairman's activities may give rise to civil or criminal UabiUty by him.", and later,
wrote—
"To the extent that its account was in overdraft or that it could have used the
cash it would be possible to compute damages in the form of interest lost. In my
opinion it is entitled to compensation for postponement of its use of its money."
I now ask the Minister whether, as Attomey-General and Minister for Justice, he
will take action against Sir Edward Lyons to see that the TAB gets back the money that
would be lost to the board through the loss of the use of that money.
Mr HARPER: If a request is made by the Totalisator Administration Board or by
the Minister responsible for that board, or if these matters are brought to my attention
and action is sought by those responsible, certainly consideration will be given to it.
However, I believe—and, again, I am relying on my memory—that at the time of these
incidents some months ago I indicated that, if anything, there may have been cause for
civU action. That was a responsibility of a civil nature. My recoUection is that the civil
action would not necessarily involve the board as a Govemment instmmentality.
Application by Junefair Pty Ltd for Totalisator Administration Board Subagency
Mr HAMILL: In directing a question to the Minister for Mines and Energy, I refer
to allegations surrounding the granting of the Oxenford TAB licence and to a letter
written by him to the Minister for Racing (Mr Hinze) in Febmary 1983 supporting the
application by Mr and Mrs Frith for the Oxenford TAB Agency. I refer also to a letter
from the Minister for Mines and Energy to the then chairman of the board (Sir Edward
Lyons) dated 30 November 1983, in which he raised the matter of the delays with the
Frith appUcation, in the following terms—
"I understand that although they have discussed this with TAB officials several
times in the last few months they have not yet been given a clear indication whether
their application will be successful."
I now ask: Why, having already raised the matter of the Frith application with the
Minister for Racing, did the Minister for Mines and Energy go round his feUow-Minister
to the chairman of the board? Was it because he beUeved that the Minister for Racing
was blocking the Frith's application?
Mr I. J. GIBBS: The letters to which the honourable member referred have been
tabled in this House; and it is quite clear what they contain. My coUeague the Minister
for Racing (Mr Hinze) has adequately answered questions in this House arising from
this issue, and I have no further comment to make on this matter.
Application by Junefair Pty Ltd for Totalisator Administration Board Subagency
Mr HAMILL: In directing a question to the Minister for Local Govemment, Main
Roads and Racing, I refer to his statement in the House this moming and to his recent
denial of the suggestion that he attended a Totalisator Administration Board meeting to
ask for the granting of the Oxenford licence to his family company Junefair Pty Ltd. I
now ask: Did the Minister at any time attend a board meeting when the Oxenford
agency was discussed and, if so, did he express the view that Junefair Pty Ltd should
not be prejudiced in its application because of its connection with him?
Mr HINZE: The honourable member could be charged with provoking an argument.
I beUeve that I have tried to answer these questions adequately on so many occasions
that this matter is becoming old hat. Honourable members may continue to ask questions,
but I ask the honourable member to put his question on notice. He will get his answer.778 5 September 1985 Questions Without Notice
but he will not put me in the position of saying one thing today and something else
tomorrow. He has no chance of doing that.
Mr HAMILL: A "yes" or "no" would have been adequate, but I put the question
on notice accordingly.
Effect of Action by Electrical Trades Union on Electricity Industry
Mr BAILEY: I ask the Minister for Mines and Energy: Given the continuation by
the Electrical Trades Union of what can only be described as its despicable campaign
to harass and intimidate South East Queensland Electricity Board workers and to discredit
the board, can he advise the House whether this action is having any effect?
Mr I. J. GIBBS: The harassment and attempted intimidation of SEQEB workers,
which is still continuing in various forms, is despicable and un-Australian, but it is
having no effect on the electricity industry. Yesterday, another crowd gathered out the
front of this place, chanting away.
Mr Gunn: Rent-a-crowd.
Mr I. J. GIBBS: Yes, rent-a-crowd.
That group of people, who are supported by the mob who sit on the other side of
the Chamber, are professionals; they take money to make a noise or create a disturbance.
They are all socialist Left people and are supported by Opposition members, at whom
Govemment members stare day after day.
The Courier-Mail of 28 August 1985 carried the headlines, "Vandals could blow
themselves up—and cut off power" and "SEQEB misled public on staffing—union".
They are good examples of the type of statements that are being made. A great deal of
stupid vandalism is occurring which is causing great inconvenience to many people. The
word "vandalism" should stand out, because that is what it is. It is harassment,
interference and vandalism of public property. When those vandals get caught, the full
force of the law under the Criminal Code will be applied.
Acts such as shooting electrical insulators are certainly un-Australian. When the
wind blows, the insulators fall to pieces, as happened in the South Coast area. No doubt,
that is an example of the vandalism that these people have set out to do.
Let me get down to the real facts of the matter. The Govemment is quite determined
that these people will have no effect on the electricity industry. Early in the piece some
of those union-leaders made the mistakes. They misled and misinformed the people
whom they are supposed to represent. Very recently the Govemment had to go to the
tribunal and apply for a flow-on of wages from the national wage case; the unions would
not represent their people. On that score they have set their members back another 10
years. The Govemment looked after them and made sure they got that flow-on. There
is more to come yet.
The Govemment has been criticised for bringing workers from New Zealand. At
present the board has 30 vacancies. The Govemment has never misled the people. It
has always given out the correct figures and Wayne Gilbert has always given out the
correct figures. I can assure honourable members that the end result of all this will be
that the Govemment will continue to make great savings to consumers of electricity in
Queensland, as it already has.
Many other problems, such as demarcation disputes, bans and limitations have
been unearthed. They may not be obvious to the public at this stage, but they wiU be
made public very soon. Over the next two years, through the elimination of unnecessary
expenditure the Govemment will save millions of dollars. That will be reflected through
the electricity bills of the people of this State. The Govemment now knows why, in the
past, it has been criticised for the price of electricity to consumers. I assure honourable
members that the Government is now on the scent of all the problems and will makeYou can also read
