Senate
26 April 1977

30th Parliament · 2nd Session

  1. Senate
  2. 30th Parliament
  3. 1977

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Condor Laucke) took the chair at 2.30 p.m., and read prayers.

page 959

PETITIONS

Pensions

Senator MISSEN:
VICTORIA

– I present the following petition from 25 citizens of Australia:

To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth:

That those who have retired and those who are about to retire, are being severely and adversely affected by inflation and Australian economic circumstances.

The continuance of the mean’s test on pensions causes undue harship to them. We call on the Government to immediately abolish the mean’s test to all aged pensions.

To ensure a pension for all on retirement, and a guarantee that all Australian citizens will retire with dignity. Acknowledge that a pension is a ‘right and not a charity’.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.

Petition received and read.

Rhodesia

Senator SHEIL:
QUEENSLAND

– I present the following petition from 2 citizens of Australia:

To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth:

That the Charter of the United Nations clearly precludes it from interference in the domestic affairs of a country or from obstructing the free transmission of news and information between individuals and between nations.

That the United Nations, in apparent illegality, has imposed many restrictions and sanctions upon Rhodesia which has been remarkably free from the bloodshed and turmoil of northern and central African lands, even to the extent now of actively encouraging armed conflict against the legally elected Government of Rhodesia.

Lord Graham as Minister of External Affairs and Defence had said: ‘International communism is our enemy, all this talk of political advancement and majority rule is no more than a smokescreen in the early skirmishes of an assault upon the whole of Africa . . . It is even difficult to see this enemy because it is not merely attacking us, but on a broad front is attacking the whole world order, its standards, its law and order, its moralities, its churches, its patriotisms, its philosophies and even much of its learning . . . ‘

That Communist Chinese infiltration in much of Africa over many years, and Cuban Communist troops reported to number 25 000 are dominating nearby Angola, and possess modern missiles etc.

It is urgent that Mozambique, now under Communist domination and which has a common border with Rhodesia, does not receive any further aid from the Commonwealth Government of Australia, which has benefited mainly, the terrorist guerilla movements that are responsible for the deaths of many Rhodesian people.

It is urgent for the Australian people to determine for themselves, the actual facts of the Rhodesian struggles.

It is urgent that the Senate and the House Representatives in the Parliament assembled, will observe common justice and proper humanity by inviting only authorised representatives of the present Government of Rhodesia to Australia, to do what they have been deprived to do previously, present their case fully and publicly so that this can be examined and tested, without interference, and so that the eventual impact on Australia’s own security and defence alliances can be gauged with better accuracy.

Your petitioners request urgent action to be taken immediately.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.

Petition received.

The Clerk:

– Petitions have been lodged for presentation as follows:

Metric System

To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled:

The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth objection to the metric system and request the Government to restore the imperial system.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Senator Sheil.

Petition received.

Pensions

To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth:

That the delays between the announcements of each quarterly movement in the Consumer Price Index and their application as a percentage increase in age and invalid pensions is excessive, unnecessary, discriminatory and a cause of economic distress.

That proposals to amend the Consumer Price Index by eliminating particular items from the Index could adversely affect the value of future increases in aged and invalid pensions and thus be a cause of additional economic hardship to pensioners.

The foregoing facts impel your petitioners to ask the Australian Government as a matter of urgency to:

  1. Require each quarterly percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index to be applied to age and invalid and similar pensions as from the pension pay day nearest following the date of announcement of the C.P.I. movement.
  2. Give an open assurance to all aged and invalid pensioners that any revision of the items comprising the Consumer Price Index will in no way result in reductions in the value of any future entitlement to pensioners.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Senator Jessop.

Petition received.

Building Industry

To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth that:

Concerned at the record number of building workers registered for unemployment benefits in N.S.W.; aware of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Report for N.S.W. revealing a drastic fall off in both commencements and approvals for future commencements, of building projects this year as compared to previous years; alarmed at the fact that 1568 building apprentices were registered for unemployment benefit payments during the month of July in N.S.W.;

Conscious of the fact that most of the unemployed apprentices will never be able to complete their training (thus creating a continuing problem for the industry, and indeed the community as a whole) unless immediate urgent measures are provided for in the Federal Government’s Budget; we the undersigned citizens of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia by this our humble petition respectfully request that members of the Senate insist that the 1976-77 Budget provides specific measures to lift building activity particularly welfare housing, schools, hospitals and other public buildings above the present dangerously low level; we request that the Budget be returned to the House of Representatives with instructions from the Senate to include such measures. by Senator Mulvihill.

Petition received.

page 960

QUESTION

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

page 960

QUESTION

VACATION PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN: FUNDING

Senator GRIMES:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– My question is directed to the Minister for Social Security. Is it a fact that many organisations have applied to the Government for funds to run vacation programs for children during the May school holidays? Is it a fact that these organisations have not received notification of whether they will receive funds? Is the Minister aware that in all States the school vacation starts within the next few weeks? If the answer to the first 2 parts of the question is yes, how can the Minister expect these groups to plan activity programs when they receive such short notice of whether they will be funded?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
Minister for Social Security · VICTORIA · LP

– I expect that announcements will be made either today or tomorrow with regard to the vacation programs that will be funded in the various States. Hundreds of applications have been received from organisations which conducted programs during the last vacation, and from new organisations. It has been necessary to decide the priorities which would be accepted. These announcements will be made to all organisations within the next day or two.

page 960

QUESTION

NATIONAL MUSEUM

Senator KNIGHT:
ACT

– I ask the Minister for Administrative Services: What progress has been made with proposals to establish a national museum in Canberra? Can the Minister give any indication as to when this project will be commenced? Is the Government treating it as a matter of priority?

Senator WITHERS:
Minister for Administrative Services · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

-As the honourable senator was asking his question evidently I got a volunteer from an old fossil, in an interjection, to go into the proposed museum. As the honourable senator knows, there is a proposal for a national museum of history to be established in Canberra. This was one of the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry on Museums and National Collections set up by the previous Government. The honourable senator will recall that I announced in the Senate that last year I arranged for the site proposed for the national museum to be provisionally reserved for that purpose. I certainly wrote to the Minister for the Capital Territory and I think I also wrote to the National Capital Development Commission. I understand that the NCDC has agreed not to release the site for any other purpose. Whilst the NCDC cannot reserve the site absolutely, it has decided not to release it for any other purpose in the meantime. In relation to the ongoing recommendations concerning a national museum, the honourable senator will understand that that is a matter which the Government will take into consideration with all its other programs in the forthcoming Budget. On Budget night we will know one way or the other.

page 960

QUESTION

URANIUM MINING: NORTHERN TERRITORY

Senator KEEFFE:
QUEENSLAND

– I direct my question to the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory. Did the Minister write to the Minister for National Resources indicating his concern that uranium mining in the Northern Territory would be obstructed by the possible national park boundaries and Aboriginal land rights claims? If so, in the light of the letter’s implication, will the Minister table it for the information of this chamber and of the public? I further ask: If the letter indicates that the Minister is advocating that the Federal Government break its election promises on the environment and on Aboriginal affairs in order to push ahead with uranium mining in the Northern Territory, does not this pre-empt any recommendations which may be made by the second report of the Fox inquiry? If not, why not? Has the Minister had similar correspondence with the Ministers for Environment, Housing and Community Development and Aboriginal Affairs respectively? If so, what were their replies?

Senator WEBSTER:
Minister for Science · VICTORIA · NCP/NP

-The general ambit of the questions which the honourable senator asks is such that I should refer the specific points which the honourable senator has raised to the Minister for the Northern Territory and seek a response, particularly the honourable senator’s request that the letter be tabled. Of course, that must be something which that Minister answers.

page 961

QUESTION

RYEGRASS TOXICITY

Senator DRAKE-BROCKMAN:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– I ask the

Minister for Science whether the Western Australian Minister for Agriculture made representations for Commonwealth assistance into research on ryegrass toxicity? The Minister will be aware that over the last 6 years the number of properties in Western Australia hit by this ryegrass killer has increased tenfold. Can the Minister inform the Senate what offers of assistance have been made in response to the Western Australia request?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

-Mr Old of the Western Australian Government wrote to me in March of this year in relation to this matter and I responded to him. Grasses and weeds are a problem. Certainly this is a matter for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to pursue as its resources allow. Honourable senators will know that on a variety of occasions problems associated with parthenium weed in the Northern Territory and certainly annual ryegrass have developed, not only in Western Australia and the Northern Territory but also in other States. I am not aware of the matters referred to by the honourable senator in relation to the incidence of death of stock from the consumption of annual ryegrass but I will make that aspect my interest.

It is difficult to offer any assistance for research into annual ryegrass. Research is continuing within the Division of Land Resources Management in Western Australia. The honourable senator will know that 3 former divisions- that is, the Division of Land Research, the Division of Plant Industry and the Division of Soils- were combined to form the Division of Land Resources Management in 1973. This has meant that that Division has concentrated more on matters related to the environmental management and the social implications of land resources policy and management, and the management of agricultural resources. There are certain scientists within CSIRO who are concentrating their work at the moment on annual ryegrass. There has been an endeavour to find an alternative grass to annual ryegrass but at present none has been found. In relation to the other aspect of the honourable senator’s question, I have been unable to make any variation to the staffing of

CSIRO but I will make this a point for discussion immediately.

page 961

QUESTION

INFLUENZA VACCINE

Senator BROWN:
VICTORIA · ALP

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and I refer to an article in the Pharmacy Gazette of April 1977 entitled ‘Another Major Australian Flu Epidemic’. In part the article states:

A major influenza epidemic is anticipated for Australia this coming winter.

But a significant number of people will be attacked, predominantly by the Victorian strain, and it is probable that quite a few deaths will take place.

What is more, no shortage of supplies are anticipated. This is because the CSL in Melbourne this year knew in plenty of time what to expect, and production was geared accordingly.

What concerns me is the anticipated supply. Will the Minister assure the Australian community that maximum support will be given to the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories in Melbourne to guarantee adequate supplies of vaccine to combat this anticipated epidemic?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I am not aware of what arrangements have been made for future supplies but I am aware that there was considerable activity by the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories at this time last year and when other epidemics were anticipated. I will obtain up to date information and find out what assurance I can give the senator on this matter.

page 961

QUESTION

INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Senator MESSNER:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

-My question is directed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Is he aware of the very great financial and other demands arising from Industries Assistance Commission reporting requirements which fall on very small firms engaged in relatively small scale activities which, by virtue of geographical location or the uniqueness of their products, are important to the economies of particular communities? Will the Minister give consideration to this matter with a view to devising a threshold test or some other method to relieve the burdens which the present system imposes?

Senator COTTON:
Minister for Industry and Commerce · NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

– I am aware of the problem which for many small firms is quite a serious problem. In some cases it stops them getting the necessary remedy for the problem they have. It adds very considerably to their difficulties and I think it is a wise suggestion that some method of testing what is required and of giving them some facility to present their information is desirable. One of the reasons I got the Industry Advisory Council working on draft reports was so that at that stage we could at least make life easier for people who do not have the resources to meet the tests. What the honourable senator suggests is something on which I have begun work. I will not say any more than that except that this work is in the direction of trying to get a ready reckoner arrangement to determine what is wanted, what will need to be done and to advise where these people can get help rather than that they should have to do it all for themselves.

page 962

QUESTION

ROYAL COMMISSION ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY

Senator GEORGES:
QUEENSLAND

-My question is directed to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. I refer to the completion of the Hope Royal Commission on Intelligence and Security. Has the Government made any decisions relating to the public release of all or part of the report? If the Government has decided to release it, when will it do so?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

– Whilst normally I have ministerial responsibility for royal commissions, that is not the case in relation to this one. It will report direct to the Prime Minister. I will therefore have to seek the information from him. As soon as I obtain it I will let the honourable senator know.

page 962

QUESTION

TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION MEMBERS: UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

Senator TOWNLEY:
TASMANIA

-Is the Minister for Social Security able to say how long a person must be out of work before being able to claim unemployment benefit? How many members of the Transport Workers Union who are at present on strike in Melbourne are receiving unemployment benefit? Will the Minister table a list of those persons receiving such unemployment benefit?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
VICTORIA · LP

– I am not able to say whether any members of the Transport Workers Union are obtaining unemployment benefit. It would be understood that a person is eligible for unemployment benefit 7 days after registering as unemployed, if he is seeking work and if he satisfies the Director-General of Social Security that he is willing to undertake work. It is provided that he must also satisfy the DirectorGeneral that his unemployment is not due to his being a direct participant in a strike. Apart from those matters which I have raised and the other provisions within the Act, I am unable to comment further on any members of the Transport Workers Union. I must say that I would not be prepared in any circumstances to table the names of persons who are receiving unemployment benefit, and I am afraid that I am unable to respond any further to the question.

page 962

QUESTION

OPERATION EMPLOYMENT: DARWIN

Senator ROBERTSON:
NORTHERN TERRITORY

– I direct my question to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. He will be aware that the Commonwealth Employment Service in Darwin has set up an Operation Employment scheme to run for 6 weeks. It has been running now for 4 weeks and has proved successful in finding employment for some of the many unemployed in Darwin. In view of the success of the scheme, will the Minister consider extending the period of operation of the scheme beyond the proposed 6 weeks?

Senator DURACK:
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

– I am very pleased and I am sure the Senate is pleased to hear of the success of the scheme. I will pass that information on to the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, whom I represent and who I imagine also will be most interested in the matter. I will ask him to give consideration to extending the scheme.

page 962

QUESTION

AYERS ROCK-MOUNT OLGA NATIONAL PARK

Senator KILGARIFF:
NORTHERN TERRITORY

– I address my question to the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory. The Fourth Report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation has recommended in relation to the Ayers Rock-Mount Olga National Park that:

  1. The Northern Territory Reserves Board commence essential interim work in the Park during the 1977-78 financial year;
  2. The Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service devise and implement quickly a comprehensive management plan for the Park;
  3. During the 1977-78 financial year construction of a new airstrip outside the Park boundaries be commenced; and
  4. During the 1977-78 financial year sealing the Erldunda-Ayers Rock road be commenced.

In view of the urgent necessity to upgrade facilities at Ayers Rock to ensure adequate health facilities, to give impetus to the tourist industry and to safeguard this unique area, what are the Government’s intentions concerning each of the 4 recommendations of the Committee?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

– A proposal concerning the funding of the essential interim work on the existing facilities at Ayers Rock is being developed for early consideration by the Government. I understand that the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service has commenced preparation of comprehensive management plans. My colleague the Minister for Environment, Housing and Community Development has the responsibility for this matter. I expect that the National Parks and Wildlife Service will liaise with the Northern Territory authorities in the preparation of the plan. Planning for the new airstrip which was mentioned and which is outside the national park, and the sealing of the Ayers Rock road are nearing completion and the proposal will shortly be presented to the Government. The road project will obviously be referred to the Joint Committee on Public Works in due course. If I did not deal with any matter raised by the honourable senator, I shall take it on notice.

page 963

QUESTION

INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE

Senator WALSH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Treasurer. I draw his attention to these facts: The 1976 Budget Papers estimated the cost to revenue of the 40 per cent investment allowance in 1 977-78 to be $600m. In the last couple of months the Treasurer and his deputy have stated that it will be $500m. And the official text of the Prime Minister’s address to a Liberal Party dinner in Sydney on 4 April last states that it will be $450m. I ask: Does the difference between the original estimate of $600m and the present estimate of $450m mean that the allowance has failed to stimulate investment as the Government expected? If not, what is the explanation?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-To the best of my knowledge, the activity that the investment allowance has stimulated has been greater than expected. I can get for the honourable senator the precise figure of increase in investment in plant in industry as the product, in many cases, of the investment allowance. The difference in the estimates of the amount that will be paid by the end of June this year is accounted for by the different points of time taken by people who have been making these estimates. In some cases they have made estimates of what will be the final position and in some cases they have made their estimates on the expenditure to date. The final result will not be known until the Budget Papers come out and show last year’s full expenditure. When that happens the honourable senator will know as much as I do.

page 963

QUESTION

PETROLEUM SUPPLIES: STRIKES

Senator YOUNG:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

-I ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate: With the continuing oil tanker drivers’ strike in Victoria and the continued seamen’s ban on oil tankers berthing at Port Stanvac in South Australia for the discharging of crude oil for the South Australian refinery, are reports correct that indicate that less than 14 days’ petrol supplies are held now in South Australia? If the strike or ban in South Australia continues and endangers the functioning of essential services as well as affecting adversely the jobs of innocent and conscientious workers, will the Government declare a state of emergency to make sure that crude oil will be delivered to the refinery so that the welfare of innocent people will not be placed in jeopardy by a few radicals who seem to have no concern for either the welfare of the community or the economy generally?

Senator McLaren:

– I do not want him to advocate bringing in the Army.

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I am not advocating anything. I simply point out that the essential services within a State are a matter for the respective State government. As I understand it, a number of State governments have legislative power to declare a state of emergency. This is a power which the Commonwealth Government does not possess. Therefore, these are matters which must be resolved at Premier-State government level. Naturally, they are matters which concern the Commonwealth Government in the overall aspect. It naturally concerns the Commonwealth Government that quite innocent people are thrown out of work needlessly; that the community is disrupted; that, due to lack of petroleum products, there could be serious problems in our hospitals, our ambulance services and our fire services; and that life could becould be, I say- exposed to risk. Therefore, because we have a continuing interest in the wellbeing of the Australian community, naturally we are desirous that the Premiers and State governments take these matters in hand. But I repeat that the provision of essential services is primarily a matter for State Premiers and State governments. They and they alone have the constitutional legislative power to implement legislation as to essential services.

page 963

QUESTION

PRICES AND WAGES FREEZE

Senator PRIMMER:
VICTORIA

-Does the Minister representing the Prime Minister agree that the proposed wage-price freeze discriminates against workers in this country due to the fact that wages have not been adjusted for price rises in the March quarter of this year? Does the Minister agree that a wage freeze instituted for 3 months would mean an effective wage pause of 7 months, whereas price increases would be frozen, in many instances, for only 3 months? Will the Minister agree that such a prolonged wage pause will lead to greatly diminished living standards of workers, especially in the context of decisions on less than full indexation taken over the past year?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I do not agree with anything that the honourable senator said because obviously he is out of touch with community demand, which is that there ought to be a wageprice pause for at least 3 months. Whilst, as the honourable senator says, wages have not been adjusted for a certain period, by the same token within this pause a number of prices will not be adjusted within the same area. There were price rises, both governmental and in the private sector, in the pipeline and they were frozen off immediately on 13 April, I think it was, and I thought that the whole purpose of having a national conference was to work out the anomalies which would arise from that. The Government is still anxious to have all parties agree to a wage-price pause and then to have a conference to sort out the details of the implementation of the pause and the anomalies which may arise thereunder. That has been a constant stand of the Government ever since the Prime Minister and the 6 Premiers made their call. Therefore I do not agree with any of the propositions put forward by the honourable senator.

page 964

QUESTION

PRITCHARD STEAM CAR

Senator MISSEN:

– My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Productivity. I refer to the report in the Age of 7 April 1977 which states that the Pritchard steam car project has run out of funds and that approaches made to the Government for support have yet to be resolved. Can the Minister give an assurance that a decision will shortly be made for federal support into research on the Pritchard steam car?

Senator DURACK:
LP

– I have not seen the report to which the honourable senator refers. I shall pass on the question to the Minister for Productivity whom I represent in this chamber.

page 964

QUESTION

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS: PRINTING CONTRACTS

Senator Douglas McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

-My question is addressed to the Minister for Administrative Services. I ask the Minister whether it is a fact that the Publishing Branch of the Australian Government Publishing Service has let 2 contracts for the printing of booklets entitled

Referendum 1977 to 2 printers, one to Wilke and Co. Ltd of Clayton, Victoria, for the sum of $280,450 and the second to John Sands Pty Ltd of Artarmon, New South Wales, for the sum of $274,755? I ask: Why is this printing being carried out by private contractors and not by the Australian Government Printer? Is it also a fact that the second Fox report has been with the Government Printer for some time and that the printing of that publication has now been let to private contractors? If so, who are the contractors and when is it expected that the document will be available for distribution?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-As to the first 2 parts of the question, I am not aware of the position but I shall obtain the information. The honourable senator asks why the contracts were let to private contractors. As he would know from his own experience, the Australian Government Publishing Service attempts to get the best deal in respect of price and the time of delivery, and I should imagine that is why it let the contracts to private contractors. As to the second Fox report, there has been a rumour- it is no higher than thatcurrent for some time that the report is with the Government Printer. The last information I received on this matter, which was, I think, on Friday of last week, was that that was not true. Mr Justice Fox and his colleagues, as I understood it then, had not finished their editing of their report and the AGPS does not have the full text of the report. His Honour did indicate to the AGPS when the full text might be delivered. The AGPS is under instructions to have that report printed and distributed as early as possible. It has looked both within the public sector and the private sector to see how soon the report can be produced. I shall most likely make a decision that the sector which can produce the report at the earliest will get the contract irrespective of cost because I know that many people in the community are anxious to receive it. I do not give that as a firm undertaking, but it is a matter at which I am looking. I hope that once the text of the report is with the AGPS the report will be in the hands of the public as soon as we are able to print it. Some of the quotations which we received from the private sector are, we believe, far too long as to time of delivery. The Government Printer has been asked whether he will look, as a special effort, at the whole of his operation to see whether he can give us a short time frame in which to produce the report after the full text is delivered. That is what we are looking at at the moment. I repeat: The Government’s desire is to get that report into the hands of the community as soon as we are able to print it. We do not care overmuch whether it is printed in the private sector or the public sector, as long as the people at large can obtain the report as quickly as possible.

page 965

QUESTION

PRICES JUSTIFICATION TRIBUNAL

Senator BISHOP:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Prime Minister. I refer to the general statements of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs about what might be called an enlivened role for the Prices Justification Tribunal so that it might serve a stronger purpose. I ask the Minister: Does he recall that during last year the Chairman of the Tribunal reported that the Tribunal was embarrassed because the Government had not appointed a number of members or a deputy chairman and, in addition, that the staff establishment was much below that required because of staff ceilings? Since that time, the honourable senator will recall that during the sittings of the Estimates Committees, questions relating to that subject were asked. I now ask the Minister: Can he state what is the position at the present time with the Tribunal? Is it still being embarrassed by lack of staff or appointments? How can it perform a stronger role if the situation remains as it was last year?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I am aware of the fact that my colleague, the Honourable John Howard, the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, has made some statements about this matter. Whilst I am not aware of what the Chairman of the Prices Justification Tribunal said last year, I can assure the honourable senator that the Government will ensure that the Prices Justification Tribual has all the resources it needs to carry out government policy.

page 965

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: ABORTION CLINIC

Senator HARRADINE:
TASMANIA

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Health. The Minister will be aware that an organisation known as Population Services International (Australasia) Ltd which is run by a Dr Geoffrey L. R. Davis, from Sydney, is attempting to establish a private abortion clinic in the Australian Capital Territory. The Minister will also be aware that I made a speech concerning Dr Davis and PSI in the Senate on 17 March and that I detailed the large amounts of money involved in his activities. I ask Senator Guilfoyle 3 specific questions regarding the activities of Dr Davis while he was in England. Did Dr Geoffrey L. R. Davis, while he was in England, conduct a private clinic at Milford-on-Sea in southern England? Was this clinic substantially engaged in terminations of pregnancies? Was this clinic closed down by the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Security?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– Inquiries confirm that the answers to each of those 3 questions is yes.

page 965

QUESTION

TERTIARY EDUCATION FEES

Senator CAVANAGH:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I ask the Minister for Education: Is it the intention of the Government to reintroduce tertiary education fees? Has any consideration been given to the reintroduction of tertiary education fees?

Senator CARRICK:
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister in Federal Affairs · NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

– The Government’s intention has been stated. It was stated last October and there has been no change either in discussions or policies since then.

page 965

QUESTION

REGIONAL COUNCILS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Senator BAUME:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– I direct a question to the Minister for Social Security. Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to expressions of concern by the ACCESS Regional Council for Social Development in Melbourne that funds which were made available to it in last year’s Budget might be withdrawn, due to certain minor project changes? Is the Minister able to give any assurance that that is not the case and that all moneys allocated will be made available to the Regional Council?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– This question is similar to one which was asked by Senator Melzer last week. In answer to Senator Melzer, I assured her that the funds which had been made available to the Council of Social Development in Victoria, under the name of ACCESS, were able to be dealt with by that Council and that the matter had been resolved satisfactorily between the Council and the Department.

page 965

QUESTION

TANKER FIRES

Senator MULVIHILL:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– My question, which is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Transport, refers to a fire on a tanker at Gore Cove in Sydney Harbour in which 2 crewmen lost their lives. What action has been taken to ensure the implementation of the findings of a marine court of inquiry, under the control of Justice Evatt, which recommended a new code in regard to fighting fires which involved petroleum products? Will we issue an ultimatum to the offending oil companies to modernise their tankers and introduce crew tuition to combat petroleum fires? If any company operating oil tankers is reluctant to introduce a new code, will we use the Navigation Act and ban its operations on the Australian coastline?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– I have no specific and immediate information on this. I suggest the honourable senator put his question on the notice paper so that I can get the information for him.

page 966

QUESTION

POSTAGE RATES

Senator WALTERS:
TASMANIA

-Can the Minister representing the Minister for Post and Telecommunications explain to the chamber the reasons that residents of Hobart and Perth pay more for parcel post between capital cities than do residents of other capital cities? I point out that parcels of one kilogram sent between Melbourne and Sydney, Sydney and Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, Sydney and Adelaide, Adelaide and Canberra and Melbourne and Canberra cost $ 1 .70 to send while the same parcel sent between Hobart and Melbourne costs $2.00 to send?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– Speaking personally, no, I cannot explain. So, I will ask the person who can, my colleague in another place.

page 966

QUESTION

SALE OF BEEF TO JAPAN

Senator GIETZELT:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Can the Minister representing the Minister for Primary Industry inform the Senate the state of negotiations with Japanese representatives regarding the sale of Australian beef to Japan? Is it a fact that at best the Japanese will maintain existing quotas or at worst will succumb to domestic pressures of their own cattlemen and reduce the quota of beef imports from Australia?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-The last information I had on this was received on Friday. My understanding is that the matter ought to be finalised and an announcement made towards the end of this month. That is about the situation.

page 966

QUESTION

AUSTRALIA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM: REPORT

Senator COLSTON:
QUEENSLAND

– I direct my question to the Minister for Education. Is the Government currently studying an appraisal of Australia’s education system by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development? If so, what form does the Government’s study of the report take? When will the study be completed? Is it intended to make the OECD report public?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– Yes, it is true that the Government is currently studying such a report. The honourable senator will know that it was at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government that representatives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development came to Australia and undertook a study of the transition from school to work. It was at the invitation of the OECD that my departmental head,

Mr Jones, went to Paris last December; I being unable to do so- and participated in what was called the unveiling of the actual report. This report primarily consisted of a series of further questions that the OECD had worked out following its investigations. During the tour of the OECD representatives I had the privilege of having two discussions with them. The report was given in a very preliminary way at first. There was to be a second and more detailed report. I think this is either just to hand or about to come to hand. A study of the preliminary findings is being undertaken by a policy group- a senior group- of my Department. I will look at the question whether the report should be made public. If it is at all possible to have it published I see no reason why that should not be done. It is a matter of very great concern to all people and I will certainly have it published.

page 966

QUESTION

ENERGY RESOURCES

Senator YOUNG:

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources. In view of the decline in Australia ‘s self sufficiency in crude oil and the eventual need for greater dependence on imported crude, is Australia eligible to become a member of the International Energy Agency of which 17 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany are already members? If Australia is unable to become a member, will it work closely with this agency which is concerned with developing alternative economic energy supplies and instituting a concerted program of energy conservation which could give leadership to the world in overcoming the frightening consequences of a widening energy gap which is closer than many people realise?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

– I have no information on that subject. I shall pass on the question for the honourable senator.

page 966

URANIUM REPORT: PRINTING CONTRACTS

Senator WITHERS:
LP

– In relation to an answer I gave a short while ago to Senator Douglas McClelland concerning the printing of government publications, including the Fox report, I have an information paper of today’s date which is a bit more up to date. As a result of a lot of work that the Australian Government Publishing Service has done, it can get a private firm, Wilke & Company of Melbourne, to produce the Fox report faster than the Government Printer can deliver it. That being the case, we shall be using Wilke & Company to produce the report.

page 967

QUESTION

PRE-SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE FUNDING

Senator RYAN:
ACT

– My question is directed to the Minister for Social Security. On 10 December last the Minister, in answer to a question on notice from me, informed the Senate that the Prime Minister wrote to Premiers on 3 November regarding new funding arrangements for pre-school and child care and seeking their thoughts on the form of consultative arrangements that could operate between the Commonwealth and the States on these matters. Have the Premiers replied to the Prime Minister’s letter of 3 November? If so, what were the dates and the nature of their replies?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I have no information as to the dates of replies from Premiers to the Prime Minister. Several meetings have been held with officers of the various State departments involved in pre-school and child care matters by officers of my Department. These have been continuing for some months but I am not yet in a position to make any statement with regard to them.

page 967

QUESTION

LUDEKE INQUIRY

Senator MELZER:
VICTORIA

– I ask the Leader of the Government in the Senate: In line with the Government’s policy on a wages and prices freeze for 3 months, has the Government suspended the Ludeke inquiry into medical fees?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-No, I think the inquiry is continuing. In any event there is a freeze on medical fees until 1 January 1978. Therefore, the question does not arise. As I understand it- I am calling on memory here- the Australian Medical Association at least has agreed that there will be no fee increases during the calendar year 1977. Therefore, the wage pause of 3 months does not apply to this operation.

page 967

QUESTION

JOY REPORT

Senator DEVITT:
TASMANIA

– I address a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Transport. The Minister will recollect, I am sure, that two or three weeks ago I raised with him the possibility of the tabling of the Joy report on the Tasmanian railway system. He undertook to discuss the matter with the Minister for Transport with a view to having that report tabled. Has he anything to add on that question?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

-Regretfully, I have not but I shall certainly hurry up the answer.

page 967

QUESTION

DEFENCE SERVICES PAY INCREASES

Senator CAVANAGH:

– I direct a question to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. I am concerned with his answer to Senator Primmer on 13 April to the effect that some Government wage rises had been in the pipeline and that they were immediately cancelled. Is there a defence ordinance which gives big pay increases to the academics of the defence Services retrospective to June of last year? If the 1 5 days for disallowance has not expired, does the Government intend to move on the disallowance of that ordinance? Was there tabled in the Senate last week a decision of a salaries tribunal to increase the salary of the chairman of a committee, and is it the Government’s intention to disallow that increase?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-There is a defence ordinance?

Senator Cavanagh:

– Yes.

Senator WITHERS:

-I shall look at the papers, the ordinance and the determination mentioned by the honourable senator, and advise him of the Government’s policy.

page 967

QUESTION

QUEEN’S JUBILEE MEDAL

Senator YOUNG:

– I address my question to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence. With the striking of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, will all personnel within the Australian armed Services receive such a medal? If not, what sections of the Services will receive such a medal?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I do not think there would be enough medals to give one to everybody in the Services. As I recall it, 8000 medals are to be distributed and I think our armed Services are a bit bigger than that. By the time the civilian community gets its fair proportion of the medals there will not be enough to give one to everybody in the Services. The Government at present is considering who ought to be recipients and it will make an announcement about the matter in due course.

page 967

QUESTION

MR CHRIS SANTOS

Senator McINTOSH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– My question, addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, refers to the application by Mr Chris Santos for permanent residence. Will the Government grant permanent residence to Mr Santos? Is the Minister aware that due to her not having permanent residence Mrs Santos has been barred from receiving a tertiary education assistance scholarship to enter Prahran College of Advanced Education? When will permanent residence be granted to the Santos family so that it will be able to receive the same rights as other East Timorese refugees now residing in Australia?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I shall refer the matters raised in the question to the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and obtain an answer as soon as possible.

page 968

QUESTION

NOXIOUS WEEDS: RAGWORT

Senator ARCHER:
TASMANIA

– I address my question to the Minister for Science. I understand that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has reduced the research into the elimination or control of ragwort which is one of the worst noxious weeds in parts of Tasmania and Victoria. If the States were to contribute on a dollar for dollar basis would the CSIRO be prepared to consider increasing the research again, and if so would the Minister put the proposition to those States concerned?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

-The question is somewhat similar to other questions raised relating to the control of weeds within the Commonwealth. The proposition put forward by the honourable senator will receive my attention. Ragwort is one of the weeds which persist in various parts of the Commonwealth. As indicated on previous occasions, it has not been possible for the CSIRO to take up every project associated with the elimination of a particular weed. It is concentrating its work in other areas which I have mentioned previously. If there were a request from a State government, and certainly if that government offered financial support for a particular line of science, I can assure the honourable senator that the matter would be taken up and an attempt would be made to meet that government’s wishes.

page 968

QUESTION

AMALGAMATION OF UNIONS

Senator MULVIHILL:

– My question, addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, stems from a plea I made to him at about 2300 hours on Wednesday night of last week in relation to expediting the merger of the Hospital Employees Federation, New South Wales No. 1 Branch, and the Health and Research Employees Association of Australia. As the Minister in this chamber represents the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, is he now in a position to tell me whether the road blocks have been removed to effect this merger of 2 unions?

Senator DURACK:
LP

-I understand that the remarks by Senator Mulvihill, at 2305 hours or 2310 hours or whatever the time was last Wednesday night, have been referred to the Minister whom I represent. I have no further information from him as yet. I shall endeavour to inquire about what has happened in this matter and perhaps I shall be in a better position tomorrow or later in the week to provide an answer.

page 968

QUESTION

TRANSFER OF POWERS TO THE NORTHERN TERRITORY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Senator KEEFFE:

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory. What further powers does the Federal Government envisage transferring to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in the period 1977-78?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

-That is a question which I will address directly to the Minister for the Northern Territory, whom I represent. I will seek an early response for the honourable senator.

page 968

QUESTION

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Senator GIETZELT:

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Has the Government decided to continue to fund non-government agencies concerned with community aid overseas? Further, is it a fact that the Government simultaneously decided to reduce substantially government financial assistance to underdeveloped countries?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I suppose that between now and the day on which the Treasurer puts down his Budget we will have a lot of fishing expeditions. I suggest that everybody wait for official announcements by the Treasurer on government financial policy.

page 968

QUESTION

DUPLICATION OF PAYMENTS TO PENSIONERS

Senator McLAREN:

-Can the Minister for Social Security explain the reason for the breakdown in communications between her Department and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in respect of persons who have been in receipt of either sickness benefit or invalid pension and who have subsequently been granted a Service pension? Is the Minister aware that this breakdown has resulted in recipients receiving 2 cheques each fortnight which, in turn, means that pensioners in some cases are receiving embarrassing requests to refund overpayments? In view of these facts, can the Minister give an assurance that the staff ceiling operating in her Department will be lifted to ease the work load on staff and so expedite the working of her Department?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I am unaware of any duplication in payments by my Department and the Department of Immigration and Ethnic

Affairs to any persons resident in this country. I will have investigated the matters raised and will advise the honourable senator accordingly. If he has specific information which would assist in these inquiries, I would be grateful to receive it.

Senator McLAREN:

– I wish to ask a supplementary question on a point of clarification. I did not mention the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. I mentioned the Department of Veterans ‘ Affairs.

Senator GUILFOYLE:

– I thought the department to which the honourable senator referred was the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. I wondered how it would come into a duplication of payment. If it is a matter of my Department and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I will certainly have the matter investigated. Equally, if there is specific information that the honourable senator is able to provide to facilitate that investigation, I would be grateful to receive it.

page 969

QUESTION

SALE OF GOVERNMENT HOMES IN DARWIN

Senator ROBERTSON:

-Will the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory indicate when the sale of government homes scheme will be resumed in Darwin? Will the Minister also indicate whether the conditions associated with the scheme will be the same as those which pertained previously?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

– I have in mind that a question similar to this was asked during question time last week. I will check to see what the information was. I am unable to give to the honourable senator the exact date which he seeks. I will refer the matter to the Minister for the Northern Territory, whom I represent, and get an early response for the honourable senator.

page 969

QUESTION

SOCIAL SECURITY APPEALS TRIBUNALS

Senator COLSTON:

– I direct a question to the Minister for Social Security. I refer to a comment in the Bulletin of 9 April which suggested that appeals tribunals may be abolished. Is the Government examining, or has it examined, proposals to abolish the Social Security Appeals Tribunals? If so, what stage has the Government’s examination of this proposal reached? What form of review of Social Security Department decisions would be available to citizens if the Appeals Tribunals were abolished?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– The items canvassed in the Bulletin of the date mentioned by the honourable senator were pure speculation. I think probably 3 items were mentioned in the article to which he referred. None of those had any basis in fact. As far as the Social Security Appeals Tribunal are concerned, I have been enlarging the number who serve on these tribunals to expedite the hearing of appeals of social security pensioners and beneficiaries. I believe it is very important that we have an adequate system of appeal in respect of matters under the Social Security Act. I have decided and have announced that when we implement fully the Administrative Appeals Tribunals we will take those decisions with which the Director-General does not agree and which emanate from the Social Security Appeals Tribunals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunals, to give a full system of appeal under the Social Security Act. So I can give to the honourable senator the assurance that I favour the operation of a social security appeals tribunal system. I have been enlarging the system to facilitate its operations. Any matters which have been written on or about which there has been speculation to the contrary are without foundation.

page 969

QUESTION

OIL DRILLING: GREAT BARRIER REEF

Senator GEORGES:

-My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Environment, Housing and Community Development. Recently there has been renewed speculation about oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef. Will the Minister assure the Senate that such speculators will not be supported or encouraged?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– I know nothing of recent speculation in this regard. It has not come to my notice. My clear understanding is that the policy of the Government remains as in the past. If there is any need for further clarification I shall refer the honourable senator’s question to my colleague in another place and invite him to clarify the matter.

page 969

QUESTION

SIR DAVID BRAND CENTRE: MATCHING GRANT

Senator WALSH:

– I ask the Minister for Social Security: Will the sum, which I understand to be about $688,000, which was raised and placed in trust by the Spastic Welfare Association of Western Australia for the proposed Sir David Brand centre for handicapped children, be matched by a $4 for $1 government contribution in 1977-78 or in subsequent years? If not, what government contribution, if any, is or will be available?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– We have a 3-year program under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act and a certain amount was set aside for the Spastic Welfare Association of Western Australia. Negotiations are at present being conducted between my Department and the Association to reach agreement on some of the proposals of the Association for which there will be funding. Under the Act there is a subsidy of $4 for every $ 1 spent by any voluntary association where the project has been approved by my Department. As I understand it, the Spastic Welfare Association has a large project in view, some of which will involve other departments such as the Department of Education. It is a matter of negotiating with the Association as to what use it will make of the funds which have been allocated under the 3-year program. The subsidy is $4 for $ 1 but on the amount which is approved by the Department and not necessarily on the total amount raised by any association. Such commitment cannot be made because many associations have more than $ 1 m which they may have raised by telethons, for example. It may not be possible in any one Budget or in any one program to match the amount fully by a $4 for $ 1 subsidy but that part of the program to which we can give approval is subsidised at the rate of $4 for $ 1 .

page 970

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: ABORTION CLINIC

Senator HARRADINE:

– My question which is directed to .the Minister representing the Minister for Health follows the question I asked previously. Will the Minister give consideration to providing to the New South Wales Government the information which this Government has available concerning Dr Geoffrey L. R. Davis? Presumably the New South Wales Government did not have the information when Dr Davis was registered in that State and when the clinic was established in that State?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– Following my answer to the honourable senator’s earlier question, the information which I have given is now public. If there is further information which the New South Wales Government may wish to have about Dr Geoffrey Davis, I am sure that the Federal Department of Health will be able to supply that information upon request.

page 970

QUESTION

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY: STAFF SHORTAGES

Senator CAVANAGH:

– I ask the Minister for Social Security: Has there been a request from officers of her Department in Adelaide for an additional 1 16 personnel to meet staff shortages? Is there a delay of up to 6 weeks in processing applications for pensions, particularly in the Alice Springs area? Has the number of mistakes in processing documents doubled over the last few months and has this increased the over-payment of social security benefits?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I am unaware of any doubling of mistakes in South Australia or in my Department generally and I am not aware of the specific number of weeks for which there is delay in processing applications in Alice Springs. However, as I stated earlier in the Senate in answer to questions, I am aware that there has been a longer delay in Alice Springs than there has been in general but I cannot confirm the specific number of weeks that has been mentioned. There have been some difficulties in South Australia and Western Australia with regard to members of the Department who are members of the Administrative and Clerical Officers’ Association and discussions are to be held tomorrow in Canberra with the First Assistant Commissioner of the Public Service Board concerned with employment conditions, and others with regard to some of the difficulties which are being experienced by the Department. There have been difficulties in filling available positions and there have been delays in some areas. I have some information with regard to this but perhaps it might be appropriate to make a more definitive statement on the matters that have been canvassed after the discussions have been completed tomorrow.

Looking at full-time staff figures for the Department as a whole, in December 1976 there were 8934 members, in January 1977 there were 9038 and in February 1977 there were 9203. So although there has been some delay in finding suitable persons to fill positions we have had that somewhat steady increase in staff numbers, but this does not overcome some of the difficulties which are noticed in South Australia and Western Australia in particular. I regret the sort of situation that is occurring in some offices of the Department where decisions are being taken by officers not to handle certain matters, correspondence or inquiries. I have had an inquiry from the member for Collie in Western Australia today who regrets that he has been advised that the Department would not be able to handle his correspondence. There has been a decision that inquiries from members of Parliament and Ministers will not be handled but, as Mr Jones, M.L.A., the member for Collie, points out and as we would all be aware, there are disabled pensioners and people generally in every electorate who are unable to write due to frailty and other causes and a decision by the staff of the Department of Social Security not to handle inquiries from members of Parliament will create difficulties for those people who are reliant upon the Department’s work for their entitlements and the assistance they wish to receive. However, having said that, in view of the discussions which are to be held tomorrow, it may be appropriate that I defer giving any further information until after those discussions held.

page 971

QUESTION

DALY RIVER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Senator KEEFFE:

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory. Has any action been taken against the persons who were directed to shoot cattle in the Daly River Wildlife Sanctuary? If so, what was the action taken, by whom was it taken, and what was the outcome of such action?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

– I am not aware of the outcome of that action. This question has been raised on two previous occasions and I shall seek the information for the honourable senator.

page 971

QUESTION

SCIENCE POLICY

Senator McLAREN:

– My question is directed to the Minister for Science and I preface it by reminding the Minister of the science platform of the Liberal and National Country Parties which states:

Science should be working towards social goals.

Will the Minister enlarge on this statement and advise the Parliament just how science under his Government is and will be working towards social goals and what sort of social goals his Government has in mind?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

– I am delighted that the honourable senator has been studying the Liberal and National Country Parties’ platform. It is perhaps a sign of some speck of intelligence within the Opposition and I congratulate Senator McLaren.

However, the Leader of the Government has specifically asked me not to speak for more than an hour at question time. To give the honourable senator adequate information about the advances that this Government has made in science and to outline a proper answer to the question raised would take a considerable amount of time. I will take the question on notice and I will consider presenting a paper so that the honourable senator may be aware of the great achievements in science that have been made by this Government,

page 971

AUSTRALIAN FORESTRY COUNCIL

Senator COTTON:
New South WalesMinister for Industry and Commerce · LP

– For the information of honourable senators I present the summary of resolutions and recommendations of the fifteenth meeting of the Australian Forestry Council in Adelaide on 10 September 1976.

page 971

DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION

Senator WEBSTER:
Minister for Science · Victoria · NCP/NP

– For the information of honourable senators I present the first annual report, 1 975-76, of the Department of Construction.

page 971

CRIMES (FOREIGN INCURSIONS AND RECRUITMENT) LEGISLATION

Senator MISSEN:
Victoria

-I present the report on the clauses of the Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Bill 1977 by the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.

Ordered that the report be printed.

Senator MISSEN:

– I seek leave to move that the Senate take note of the report.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted.

Senator MISSEN:

-I move:

This matter was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs on 31 March 1977. Within the following week the Committee invited the members of the Senate who had spoken on the Bill to make submissions to the Committee by 1 8 April 1 977. In the event, by 19 April the Committee had received only 2 submissions, from Senator Sir Magnus Cormack and Senator Tehan. After the Committee had completed its report on Thursday, 21 April, it received a submission, on the following day, from Senator Wright. Most members of the Committee have this day had the opportunity individually to see Senator Wright’s comments but they do not believe that they call for any alteration to the recommendations now made. Some of the matters raised by Senator Wright have already been dealt with in the report. Specifically, we do not see any inconsistency or conflict with the provisions of the Crimes Act to which he refers.

In the course of its inquiry the Committee considered the matters raised in the other submissions before it and also the matters raised in debate in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Briefly, the principal recommendations of the Committee are, first, that the word government’ appearing in clause 6 should be defined. The Committee was aware that it would not be possible, however, to cover all situations by this definition but believed nevertheless that an attempt should be made to define ‘government’. The Committee also considered inconsistencies in the Bill which were brought to light in debate in this chamber and in the House of Representatives. The Committee recommends that clause 6 should be amended to provide that persons serving with the armed forces of a government or persons serving with a force approved by the Minister pursuant to clause 9 (2) of the Bill should not be liable for penalties for acts done during the course of their services with that force. In the report the Committee has stated that it believes that the Government should determine which, if any, of the acts specified in clause 7 should be permitted in Australia by persons fighting abroad in forces approved by the Minister pursuant to clause 9 (2). As the report is quite short, the body of the report being only 6 pages, I do not feel it necessary for me at this stage to detail the other recommendations of the Committee.

Debate (on motion by Senator Devitt) adjourned.

page 972

QUESTION

PLACING OF BUSINESS

The PRESIDENT:

-Is it desired to postpone or re-arrange the business?

Senator WITHERS:
Western AustraliaLeader of the Government in the Senate · LP

– Yes. I move:

May I take this opportunity to inform honourable senators that I am well aware that under the program 3 Estimates Committees are due to sit next Friday. I am also well aware that there could be certain industrial trouble on that Friday which, if the Committees sat, would prevent honourable senators returning home for the weekend.

I will be having discussions about this matter with the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Wriedt) and the Whips to ascertain whether we can -

Senator Cavanagh:

– Talk with Bob Hawke.

Senator WITHERS:

-It is of no use having discussions with him. He had better earn his money and get the men back to work. I will be having discussions with the Leader of the Opposition to see what arrangements can be made so that honourable senators are not inconvenienced.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 972

ESTIMATES COMMITTEES

The PRESIDENT:

– The sitting of the Senate is suspended until approximately 10.15 p.m. to enable Estimates Committees A, B and C to meet. The Committees will meet at 4 p.m. Committee A will meet in the Senate Chamber, Committee B in Senate Committee Room No. 1 and Committee C in Senate Committee Room No. 5. The bells will be rung for 5 minutes prior to the meeting of the Estimates Committees.

Sitting suspended from 3.41 p.m. to 10.15 p.m.

page 972

AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT BOUNTY BILL 1977

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Ordered that the Bill may be taken through all its stages without delay.

Bill (on motion by Senator Durack) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator Durack:
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs · Western Australia · LP

( 10.15)- I move:

Mr President, I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted.

The speech read as follows-

The purpose of the Bill now before the Senate is to give effect to the Government’s decision to accord increased assistance to the automatic data processing equipment industry in Australia by way of a scheme for payment of bounty on the production of specified equipment and parts. The Bill provides, with several exceptions with which I will deal later, for implementation of the recommendations made by the Industries Assistance Commission in its report No. 96 of 18 August 1976 on ADP equipment and parts. The Commission’s recommendation that the manufacture in Australia of ADP equipment and parts which, if imported, fall to item 84.53 and subitem 92.12.1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Customs Tariff Act 1966 be further assisted by bounty has been accepted by the Government, except as it relates to cathode ray tube display terminals. Production in Australia of cathode ray tube display terminals is an area of high technology which has continued to develop under the existing tariff of 24 per cent and Australian producers have demonstrated their ability in the fields of manufacture and design by supplying the market with terminals specially suited to

Australian requirements. Accordingly, the Government has decided to maintain the present tariff protection in regard to these display terminals rather than bring such manufacture within the bounty scheme on the same footing as for other ADP equipment as the Commission recommended.

This Bill provides for the manufacture of eligible ADP equipment and parts, which are at present dutiable at 6 per cent, to be further assisted by bounty for 7 years on a decreasing scale which provides for each of the first 3 years of the scheme bounty equivalent to 20 per cent of the value added in Australia by ADP equipment manufacturers; for the next 2 years- 15 per cent of the value added and for the remaining 2 years- 7.5 per cent of value added. The production of ADP equipment is a high technology industry. Local production is currently confined to cathode ray tube display terminals and a limited range of certain other peripherals. Future production will probably continue to centre on peripheral equipment and small systems. The Government has decided that the industry should have the opportunity to develop further in these areas where it can operate with moderate levels of assistance. By proposing the bounty assistance I have outlined, the Government has accepted the view expressed by the Industries Assistance Commission that duly augmented by bounty assistance for these goods is preferable to a uniform tariff alone. This form of assistance should help maximise the use of computers in Australia, give local manufacturers the time and opportunity to identify and establish low cost production capabilities and obtain acceptance of their products. Because the ADP industry is subject to rapid technological change the Government has decided that the assistance accorded the industry be reviewed in 5 years, rather than in 7 years as recommended by the Commission, and that consideration be given to including the software sector in the review.

The action proposed by the Bill should provide assistance to the industry in planning for the future and will allow users access to the latest and best computer technology at, or near, world prices to the benefit of both Australian industry and the community as a whole. Clause 22 of the Bill continues the Government’s policy of expanding, wherever possible, the jurisdiction of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in relation to administrative decisions which affect rights or entitlements of persons under Commonwealth legislation. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Douglas McClelland) adjourned.

page 973

BED SHEETING BOUNTY BILL 1977

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Ordered that the Bill may be taken through all its stages without delay.

Bill (on motion by Senator Durack) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator DURACK:
Western AustraliaMinister for Veterans’ Affairs · LP

– I move:

Mr President, I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted.

The speech read as follows-

The purpose of the Bill now before the Senate is to give effect to the Government’s decision to provide assistance to the manufacture in Australia of printed polyester- cotton bed sheeting. Following advice received from the Textiles Authority in its report No. 89 of 1 8 June 1 976 on sheets, curtains, etc., and the Industries Assistance Commission in its interim report No. 97 of 27 August 1976 on fabrics for use as bed sheeting, pillow casing or bolster casing, it has been decided to accord assistance by means of a bounty scheme providing for payment to the manufacturer of a bounty of 20 cents per square metre on sheeting of cotton admixture with not less than 20 per cent of man-made fibres which such manufacturer weaves, prints and makes up into bed linen in his own manufacturing establishment in Australia during a period within which the bounty scheme is in effect.

The bounty which this Bill proposes is seen by the Government as according short-term assistance only. The question of long-term assistance for the manufacture of sheeting and a wide range of other textile and apparel items is currently under review by the Industries Assistance Commission. It is anticipated that the Commission’s report in that regard will be made towards the end of this year. Because of the short-term nature of the bounty proposal, provision has been made for the scheme to operate on a year-by year basis, for the amount available for payment as bounty not to exceed $500,000 in any yearly period and for the bounty scheme to be able to be quickly wound up, as provided for in subclause 4 (2) of the Bill, by the publishing by the Minister of a notice in the Gazette fixing the date after which no further bounty becomes payable. Clause 2 1 of the Bill continues the Government’s policy of expanding, wherever possible, the jurisdiction of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in relation to administrative decisions which affect rights or entitlements of persons under Commonwealth legislation. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Georges) adjourned.

page 974

AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS BOUNTY AMENDMENT BILL 1977

Bill received from the House of Representatives.

Ordered that the Bill may be taken through all its stages without delay.

Bill (on motion by Senator Durack) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator DURACK:
Western AustraliaMinister for Veterans ‘ Affairs · LP

– I move:

Mr President, I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no objection, leave is granted.

The speech read as follows-

The purpose of the Bill now before the Senate is to give effect to the Government’s decision to continue to assist the manufacture in Australia of wheeled agricultural tractors and their derivatives but under a completely revised structure recommended by the Industries Assistance Commission in its report No. 8 1 of 1 9 February 1 976. This revised structure provides for the phasing in, over 5 years, of a bounty scale which, except in respect of tractors in the high engine output category, represents a substantially reduced bounty level to operate for a further 2 years by which time, it is proposed, a further review of the industry will have been completed. The Bill proposes amendments to the Agricultural Tractors Bounty Act 1966, retrospective to 1 January 1977, to extend the terminating date from 31 December 1976 to 31 December 1984 or such later date as may be fixed by proclamation. Provision is made by clause 14 of the Bill whereby a tractor, the manufacture of which was completed on or before 3 1 December 1 976 but which is sold on or after 1 January 1977, will be eligible for bounty under the old scheme as if the tractor was manufactured and sold not later than 31 December 1976.

The Schedule of amounts of bounty payable under the existing Act in respect of tractors from 15 kW engine output up to 67 kW output and over is, by sub-clause 6 ( 1 ) of the Bill, replaced by a new schedule which provides for the ascending order of bounty entitlements to extend beyond the existing ceiling to take account of manufacture of tractors up to 105 kW engine output. The effect of the substituted bounty scale over the initial period of 3 years, as compared with the old scheme, will be as follows:

Lower bounty for tractors at the low end of the power scale- 1 5 k W to 34 k W;

Higher bounty for tractors with engine output of 35 kW and higher;

Substantially higher bounty for tractors with engine output above 67 kW because of extension of the progressive ascending scale beyond 67 kW up to 105 kW.

The proposed scheme provides, after that initial period of 3 years to which I have just referred, for the phasing in, in 2 steps, of scale which specifies reduced levels of bounty, as compared with the old scheme, except for tractors with engine output of 67 kW and higher. The phased-in reduction of bounty at the low power end of the scale is substantial.

In order to preserve relativity between the amounts prescribed as bounty entitlements and import price levels, provision is made in clause 6 of the Bill for the scales of amounts of bounty to be indexed to take account of movement in import prices levels. It is proposed that indexation be achieved by prescribing by regulation, from time to time, an appropriate factor by the application of which amounts shown in the bounty scales are to be modified. Administratively, the factor to be prescribed initially will be ascertained by reference to the Reserve Bank of Australia Import Price Index ‘Machinery Except Electric’ Group. The amounts shown in the proposed scales in the Schedule in clause 12 of the Bill are those recommended by the Industries Assistance Commission as based on March 1 976 price levels updated to first quarter 1 977 values by application of that index. Provision is made by paragraph (b) of clause 6 of the Bill for bounty to be reduced by one per cent for each one per cent by which local content of factory cost of a tractor is below 100 per cent. A reactivated provision in sub-section 6 (4) of the 1966 Act provides that no bounty is payable where the local content of factory cost of a tractor is less than 55 percent.

The proposed revised bounty structure, by providing a more uniform level of assistance in respect of tractor size and level of local content and by providing increased incentive to the production of heavier tractors should ensure the viability of the industry in Australia. It is anticipated that bounty payments under the scheme proposed by this Bill will amount to approximately $5m per annum for the first 3 years of operation of the scheme. This is substantially similar to the amount that would be payable if operation of the previous scheme had been continued. The effect of clause 11 together with clause 13 of the Bill is to continue the Government’s policy of expanding, wherever possible, the jurisdiction of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in relation to administrative decisions which affect rights or entitlements of persons under Commonwealth legislation. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Keeffe) adjourned.

Senate adjourned at 10.20 p.m.

page 976

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were circulated:

Prime Minister’s Staff (Question No. 86)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

With respect to the position for a secretary on the Prime Minister’s personal staff advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald dated 1 9 February 1 977, what was the reason for the departure of the former incumbent of that position.

Senator Withers:
LP

– The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

It is not the practice to give reasons for staff changes in answer to parliamentary questions.

Canine Drug Detection Squads (Question No. 352)

Senator Mulvihill:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 22 March 1 977:

In view of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s reports endorsing the high intelligence of dingoes, does the Minister propose to use this breed in the canine drug detection squads.

Senator Durack:
LP

– The following information is provided in answer to the honourable senator’s question:

In 1975 the Department conducted a review of its experience with detector dogs, including consideration of the value and feasibility of developing and expanding this resource. Resulting from this review which included a study carried out by an Army dog expert, a detector dog development program was commenced.

German shepherd was the breed selected as most suitable for the purpose. The decision to use this breed was based mainly on a consensus of expert advice that the german shepherd would be best for this type of work in Australian conditions. Also, Customs organisations in other countries had been using this breed for drug detection work successfully and had found it to be more adaptable than others.

Although the use of detector dogs is still in the development stage, experience has shown the german shepherd to be eminently suitable for the purpose. It is not proposed, at this time, to change the breed of dog used.

Mareeba Mining No Liability

Senator Withers:
LP

-On 8 December 1976 (Hansard, page 2185) Senator Sibraa asked me, as Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, a question, without notice, concerning Mareeba Mining No Liability. The Acting Minister for National Resources has supplied the following information for answer to the honourable senator’s question:

On 1 2 April 1 977 the Company was advised that the Commonwealth would defer repayment of the Commonwealth’s secured loan of $3 1 6,000 to 1 July 1 980.

Mareeba Mining No Liability

Senator Withers:
LP

-On 10 December 1976 (Hansard, page 3003) Senator Keeffe asked me, as Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, a question, without notice, concerning Mareeba Mining No Liability. The Acting Minister for National Resources has supplied the following information for answer to the honourable senator’s question:

The Commonwealth agreed on 9 December 1976 to release from legal charge the company’s house in Mareeba for purposes of sale or mortgage. On 1 2 April1 977 the Commonwealth also advised the company that the Commonwealth will release from legal charge other surplus assets and will defer repayment of the Commonwealth’s secured loan of $3 16,000 to 1 July 1980.

Cost of Setting Up New State (Question No. 16)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

Have any estimates in the past been made of the costs of setting up a new State in Queensland or elsewhere. If so, what are the details.

Senator Withers:
LP

– The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

I am not aware of any estimates which have been made in the past of the cost of setting up a new State in Queensland or in any other State.

The honourable senator will be aware that it is the Government’s policy to confer statehood on the Northern Territory. The Government has established an interdepartmental committee to advise it on, among other things, the long term financial arrangements for the Northern Territory.

Canberra Telephone Directory: Aboriginal Embassy (Question No. 34)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

Did Telecom Australia refuse to insert the words ‘Aboriginal Embassy’ in the Canberra Telephone Directory, in the listing for what is known as the Aboriginal Embassy in Mugga Way, Canberra. If so, why.

Senator Carrick:
LP

– The Minister for Post and Telecommunications has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Yes, on official advice that the word ‘Embassy’ in that context may only be used by the diplomatic mission of a sovereign foreign Government with which the Australian Government has established diplomatic relations.

Public Service: Retirement (Question No. 121)

Senator Douglas McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister representing the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister in Public Service Matters, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) How many officers of the Commonwealth Public Service in each of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Divisions have voluntarily retired since amendments were made last year to the Commonwealth Superannuation Act.
  2. How many officers of the Commonwealth Public Service in each of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Divisions have been retired on the ground of ill health since amendments were made last year to the Commonwealth Superannuation Act.
  3. ) What has been the number of people newly appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service to occupy positions previously held by those officers referred toin(1)and (2).
Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister in Public Service Matters has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. 1 ) and (2 ) The Public Service Board has advised that between the time that amendments were made last year to the Commonwealth Superannuation Act and 31 December 1976:

    1. the following numbers of permanent officers in each Division voluntarily retired from the Commonwealth Public Service-

First Division- none

Second Division- 34

Third Division- 336

Fourth Division- 1 69

  1. b) the following numbers ofpermanent officers in each Division retired from the Commonwealth Public Service on the grounds of ill health-

First Division- 2

Second Division- 14

Third Division- 402

Fourth Division- 322

The Public Service Board has advised that consolidated figures beyond 3 1 December 1 976 are not yet available.

  1. Statistics on the information sought are not kept, and to obtain this information would require considerable effort and man-hours whichI am not prepared to authorise. In any case, I would expect that the numbers involved would prove to be small because the positions in question would normally be above the base grade level and therefore normally filled by internal promotion.

Floral Arrangements for the Queen’s Visit (Question No. 190)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

Why was it decided that a Melbourne florist be engaged to provide floral arrangements for The Lodge and Parliament

House, for receptions for Her Majesty the Queen, rather than utilise the services of Canberra florists.

Senator Withers:
LP

– The Prime Minister has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

It was the aim of the Commonwealth Government that its arrangements for the visit to Australia last month by the Queen should befit the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne.

It was additionally important that the arrangements in Canberra at the outset of Her Majesty’s visit should leave no room for improvement.

Accordingly, it was decided to engage the services of a Melbourne florist who on a previous occasion had established a reputation for the excellence of his work and who had an assured supply of his own flowers.

Alice Springs Emergency Home Help Association (Question No. 223)

Senator Robertson:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory, upon notice, on 9 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) Is the Minister aware that funds for the Alice Springs Emergency Home Help Association have been reduced from $4,500 to $2,500.
  2. ) Has the Association, at present, only sufficient funds to remain operative till May.
  3. Will the Minister take positive action to ensure that this most worthwhile organisation is granted sufficient funds to enable it to carry on its good work.
Senator Webster:
NCP/NP

– The Minister for the Northern Territory has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. Yes. There has been correspondence between the Alice Springs Emergency Home Help Association pointing out that the method of funding was to provide a basic amount of $2,500 for normal expenses and, in addition, a fee for services would be paid to the Association in the case of families who were unable to meet the cost of the home help from their own resources.
  2. I am aware of statements by the Association to this effect. However the Government has provided a subsidy to the Association to cover operations for a full year.
  3. See above.

Northern Territory: Arrest of Aboriginals (Question No. 238)

Senator Georges:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory, upon notice, on 10 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) How many arrests of persons of Aboriginal descent have been made in the Northern Territory in each year 1970-76.
  2. What are the major charges laid against Aboriginals for each of the above years.
  3. What are the numbers of charges dismissed or not proceeded with.
  4. How many convictions for each year have been made.
  5. What sentences have been carried out on average for each of the years.
  6. What is the percentage of total arrests constituted by persons of Aboriginal descent for each of the years 1 970-76.
  7. What is the number of Aboriginal women arrested in each of these years.
  8. What is the number of Aboriginals under and over 1 8 years of age arrested.
  9. What is the total number of persons under and over 18 years of age arrested in the Northern Territory.
Senator Webster:
NCP/NP

– The Minister for the Northern Territory has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Separate statistics are not kept in relation to persons of Aboriginal descent. Certain figures have been compiled in respect of full-blood Aborigines and this is indicated in the rely to each question:

(1)-

  1. Drunkenness up to 21 October 1974 when drunkenness was decriminalised; indecent, disorderly behaviour; larceny, unlawful possession and receiving; illegal use of motor vehicle; break, enter and steal; escape lawful custody, assault police and resist arrest; assault; common, aggravated, etc.

N.B.- Common to all years- full blood Aborigines only.

  1. –
  1. 1970-74, 8 weeks for each year; 1975,10weeks; 1976, 10 weeks.

N.B.- Full blood Aborigines only.

  1. –
  1. See(l), above.
  2. These figures are not kept.
  3. –

Darwin Port Facilities (Question No. 410)

Senator Kilgariff:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territory, upon notice, on29 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) Is the Darwin wharf antiquated, inefficient, in poor condition, possibly unsafe for present-day use and not able to cope with the future development of Darwin, the mining and pastoral industries, and the development of the north generally.
  2. What is the present position with regard to upgrading the Darwin Harbour, taking into consideration the necessity to provide not only for the victualling and maintenance of small ships, but the servicing of naval patrol craft.
Senator Webster:
NCP/NP

– The Minister for the Northern Territory has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. 1 ) The outline of the existing facilities at the Port of Darwin is provided in the Bureau of Transport Economics report on the Provision of General Cargo Facilities, which was tabled in Parliament in May 1 976 by my colleague, the Minister for Transport.

The main berth for general cargo vessels, Stokes Hill Wharf, is in sound condition and can accommodate two vessels at the one time. However, it is not suitable for modern cargo handling equipment and techniques.

Fort Hill Wharf, also used for general cargo, is due for replacement.

While the port can handle existing and future non-bulk cargoes, provision of new facilities for general cargo will improve the efficiency of goods handling and assist in stabilising costs.

  1. My Department is currently considering proposals for a new land-backed facility, able to handle large side loading fork lift trucks and other equipment. This facility will also have the necessary operating space and appropriate sized transit shed required for efficient operation of new equipment.

A submission to the Government is being finalised to enable an early decision on this matter.

Separate consideration is being given to the need for and provision of both small ships facilities and facilities for naval craft.

Northern Territory Primary Producers Board (Question No. 418)

Senator Robertson:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Northern Territary, upon notice, on 29 March 1977:

Will the Minister table the report into the organisation and role of the Northern Territory Primary Producers Board, which was completed last year.

Senator Webster:
NCP/NP

– The Minister for the Northern Territory has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

The executive responsibility for the Northern Territory Primary Producers Board was transferred to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly with effect from 1 January 1977 and the report was tabled in that body on 7 December 1976. Copies of the report have been presented to the Parliamentary Library.

Commonwealth Public Service: Staff Ceilings

Senator Durack:
LP

-On 31 March 1977 (Hansard, pages 690-691) Senator Douglas McClelland asked me a question without notice concerning the publication of staff ceilings set for the various departments of the Commonwealth Public Service. The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister in Public Service Matters has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

As stated in the answer to Question No. 2 1 8, on 1 8 August 1976 (House of Representatives Hansard pages 331-336), it is not the practice to publish the individual staff ceilings set for each department.

The honourable senator will be aware that staff ceilings are subject to continuing review and may be varied from time to time to take account of changes in Government priorities or in administrative arrangements. For these reasons staff ceiling figures can only be interpreted in the context of circumstances prevailing at the time they are set and valid comparisons over time or between individual staff ceilings would be possible only after a complicated process of adjustment to take account of variations such as those mentioned above.

The Government can see no reason, therefore, to depart from established practice by publishing individual staff ceilings.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 26 April 1977, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1977/19770426_senate_30_s72/>.

View PDF View XML View in Voyant