Senate
13 September 1977

30th Parliament · 2nd Session



The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Condor Laucke) took the chair at 3.25 p.m., and read prayers.

page 723

QUESTION

DEATH OF FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The PRESIDENT:

– Order! It is with deep regret that I inform the Senate of the death yesterday of Leslie Clement Haylen, a former member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Parkes, New South Wales, from 1943 to 1963.

Senator Douglas McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I should like to say a few words on the sad announcement that you have made to the Senate, Mr President. Not only was Mr Haylen a member of this Parliament for the Division of Parkes for 20 years from 1943 to 1963, but proudly I state that he, his wife Sylvia and his sons, Ron and Wayne, were close personal friends of mine and of my family. Les Haylen was a distinguished member of the Australian Parliament. He was a distinguished member of the Australian Authors Society. He was a distinguished member of the Australian Journalists Association. He always fought strongly in this Parliament for the things that he felt were deeply Australian. He always believed in this country. I regarded him not only as an outstanding Labor man but also as a very great Australian. He was a great man. I am personally pleased that for many years I was closely associated with him in his work in this Parliament, in the Labor movement, and in the Australian community generally. The world is worse off for the passing of Les Haylen.

Senator MULVIHILL:
New South Wales

-I should like to supplement the remarks of Senator Douglas McClelland. For many years there was a lack of Australian political novels. I commend to anybody the reading of the novel Blood Upon the Wattle ‘46, the author of which was Leslie Clement Haylen. It delved into the composition of people who aspired to the national Parliament. It was one of those novels whose characters had warts and all. Those who knew Les Haylen knew only too well that he could always debunk people if he thought they were too pompous. I know, as my colleague, Senator Douglas McClelland, said, that Les Haylen had a certain wit. He had another particular quality which I do not think too many people have. A person could be an adversary of Les Haylen ‘s at a political gathering. When he came out Les Haylen forgot it. He always wanted to be mates. I suppose that Henry Lawson’s concept of mateship always rated very high with Les Haylen.

Far too often when people leave this Parliament they become a little sullen and dispirited and do not involve themselves in political campaigns as they should. I think Senator Douglas McClelland would agree with me that in the vital national election campaigns in 1969, 1972, 1974 and 1975-I think this is the nicest comment that I can personally apply to Les Haylen- Les Haylen did not feel it infra dig to be out on the street corners in the electorate of Evans where his family lived putting a point of view to the people on the kerbside. That epitomises to me political democracy. I think that is the nicest tribute I can pay to Leslie Clement Haylen.

Senator O’BYRNE:
Tasmania

-I should like to associate myself with the expressions of sympathy and condolence to the wife and family of Leslie Haylen. During the years that Leslie Haylen was in this Parliament he always projected to me a picture of a man of great sincerity, an earthy man who knew the way the country should go. But of course, unfortunately, he did not remain in the Parliament long enough to participate while his party, our party, was in government. But in the advisory areas of our party Les Haylen was always highly respected. He was a man who had a great ability to express himself with humour and with earthiness. Perhaps I might recite to the Senate a very telling poem of his titled ‘Inflation’. It went this way:

There was movement on the station

When the word had passed around

That the colt from old Inflation got away,

And joined the city slickers worth a thousand million pound,

And all the cracks had gathered to the fray.

The colt was got by Wool Cheque,

Traced back to Mortgage Rate,

And Work and Drought and Worry were his mate.

He had broken down his fences

And had joined the Menzies mob,

And the boys had sworn to get him soon or late.

So they sent a wire to Fadden, who was up Queensland way,

Since Clancy of the Overflow was dead.

But Sir Arthur sent a message that he ‘d put his spurs away,

He was suffering from inflation of the head.

Then they sent a wire to Menzies saying: ‘Won’t you rally round?

Can ‘t you put some value in our quids?’

But Menzies couldn’t help to put value in the pound

He was very busy calling up the kids.

And the squatters lined the stockrail,

They were hot and bitter men

When they heard how these brumbies had got in.

Surely, said the old men, it’s history back to front,

The late Edward Patrick Kelly rides again.

It seems this colt Inflation,

Grand dam the station hack,

Is costing fifty smackers for every hundred we get back.

This tax to catch wild horses

Is indeed a heavy load;

Fadden ‘s made us waltz Matilda

Down a long and dusty road.

So once again it’s mount and ride the scarred and wicked hills,

The Liberal Party’s let us down.

Who’ll save us from our ills?

And the spirit of a man from Bathurst way was standing by the fence.

I mind the time, the old man said,

When you got your cheque in pence.

Now the wheel has turned around,

But please don ‘t take offence,

The lean old bloke removed his pipe,

He said just gather round,

I think you’ll all remember when

I kept the government pound,

And when I had inflation roped and hog-tied to the ground.

And if you must ride the range again

Remember this and grin,

It was you who let Inflation out

When you let Menzies in.

I put that on the record, Mr President, because it indicates the attitude Les Haylen had towards events. There are a lot of telling lines in that poem. He was a man who came to grips with reality. He was a man who was very much loved by the members of his party. I know of the respect and admiration in which he was held by the party in New South Wales. I grieve with his wife and his family, who were so close to him, in their tremendous loss. I offer them my very deepest sympathy in their very sad loss.

Senator GIETZELT:
New South Wales

-I should like to be associated with the expressions of condolence that have been offered by members on this side of the House at the very sad passing of Les Haylen. I, like my colleagues, had been associated with him for more than a generation- some 25 years or more. I cannot match the eloquence, although my personal files show many poems of the calibre and capacities, of the poem that has been so ably presented by Senator Justin O ‘Byrne. This is probably not the time to refer to those poems because they deal with some of the internal matters of the Parliament and of the party to which we belong, but they are rich in humour, they are rich in relevance and they are rich in the folklore of the development of the political and social movements of our country. Les Haylen, of course, epitomised the very rich experiences of the political life of our country. He was a journalist of great repute in the 1930s and 1940s before he came into this Parliament, and I think he brought into the Parliament a great sense of humour and wit as well as courage and conviction, which so often are lacking. I think that sometimes we forget the brighter side of life, the side of life that Les

Haylen was always able to bring to a political debate or to some of the internal matters which affect the party to which be belonged.

It is true that he served the people of Australia in this Parliament for a little more than 20 years, and they were difficult years from the Labor Party’s point of view. Les was an innovator, an initiator, a goer, if I may use that expression. He wanted to see things changed; he was about social change. Yet he lived in a period when there was not a great deal of movement for the things in which he believed. Nevertheless, he never lost his faith or his belief that changes would be made. I think it is probably true to say that he was a casualty of the Vietnam war in the sense that it was because of the struggles of the 1960s that Les lost his seat in one of those pendulum swings that are notorious in Australian politics. He then sought to come back through the Senate, but because of the activities of the extreme Right in Australian politics, he failed to gain a place in this august chamber. I have no doubt that if he had succeeded he would have enlivened the proceedings and he might well have been a member of this chamber when he died had he been elected on that occasion in the mid-1960s.

He was a prolific writer, as my colleagues have suggested. He was associated with the Australian Book Society because he believed in the principle that Australians should write about their experiences. He wrote many books, some of which were published by the Australian Book Society of which he was an honoured member. On one occasion I think my colleague Senator Douglas McClelland assisted in a function associated with that organisation, to which Les had given unstinting and unselfish service. It is getting to be something of a habit in this place in recent times to pay tribute to departed comrades of the Houses of Parliament, whether it be the House of Representatives or the Senate. I hope that we will not be required to speak of another of our late colleagues for a considerable period of time. The Parliament itself loses by the death of its distinguished members, and I am sure that we can put Les Haylen into the category of having been a distinguished member of the Opposition. In those circumstances, I am sure that we would want to pay our tribute to him. To his family, who lived with him in Summer Hill for a great number of years, I extend not only my own personal sympathies and condolences in their sad loss but also those of all members of the Parliament and certainly all members of my own party. I can only express the hope that the members of his family will draw some consolation from the fact that the prestige which Les enjoyed in the Parliament has been recorded today in the expressions of condolence.

The PRESIDENT:

– Order! I invite honourable senators to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr Haylen.

Honourable senators having stood in their places-

The PRESIDENT:

– I thank honourable senators.

page 725

PETITIONS

Rhodesia

Senator JESSOP:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I present the following petition from 53 citizens:

To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate, in the Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia 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.

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 of 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.

Since this petition exceeds 250 words in length I do not propose to ask that it be read.

Petition received.

Nursing Homes: Sutherland Shire

Senator Douglas McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I present the following petition from 196 citizens of Australia:

To the honourable the President and Members of the Senate, in Parliament assembled. We, the undersigned citizens of the Commonwealth do humbly pray that the Commonwealth Government:

Recognise that the present situation regarding the approval of nursing home accommodation for the aged in the Sutherland Shire Area is at present totally inadequate.

Take steps to alleviate this position and make finance available for the building of nursing home accommodation in the Shire to provide beds when the necessity for one arises.

Look into the situation of hardship caused by the cost to pensioners and their families who have to meet the difference between fees charged by some nursing homes and the pensions and subsidies available to offset these.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.

Petition received and read.

The Clerk:

– Petitions have been lodged for presentation as follows:

Estate Duty

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

That where whole or part of a deceased estate passes to the surviving spouse it should be free from Federal estate duty.

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

Petition received.

Education

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

That the decision of the Government to withdraw all forms of financial assistance to students of non-State tertiary institutions in the main, business colleges, is in total conflict with stated Government education policy.

The decision will result in a shortage of places for training secretarial and clerical students and an inordinate demand upon the State Government technical education systems.

At a time of severe economic disruption, this action must lead to an unnecessary worsening of the current employment situation for school leavers.

Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that the Commonwealth Government will act immediately to reverse its decision.

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

Petition received.

Pensioners

To the Honourable the President and Members of the Senate assembled, the petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth:

That many pensioners who are holders of the Pensioners Health Benefit Card, have suffered undue hardship as inmates of Private Nursing Homes, because the Federal Government subsidy was insufficient to meet the charges as laid down.

Many pensioners whose spouse was an inmate of the Private Nursing Homes suffered poverty in an endeavour to sustain their partner while in the nursing home.

Only in rare cases was the statutory minimum patient contribution as laid down adhered to.

That the telephone was a matter of life and death to many pensioners, but because of the cost of installation of the telephone many are unable to afford the installation.

That those pensioners who have only their pension and very little else to live on and are forced to pay high rents, are in many cases living in extreme poverty.

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

  1. . Make sure that subsidies paid to Private Nursing Homes are such that each pensioner holding a Pensioners Health Benefit Card will pay the Private Nursing Home no more than the statutory minimum patient contribution, which will allow six dollars per week to be retained by the pensioner patient for their personal use.
  2. That a pensioner holding a Pensioner Health Benefit Card shall have a telephone installed free of charge, or at a very nominal charge.
  3. That those pensioners who have only their pension and very little else to live on, shall receive a subsidy to assist them. Thesubsidy to be governed by a Means Test.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Senator Baume, Senator Bishop, Senator Georges and Senator Coleman.

Petitions received.

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.

page 726

QUESTION

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

page 726

QUESTION

OIL EXPLORATION IN ANTARCTICA

Senator WRIEDT:
TASMANIA

– My question is to the Minister for Science. I ask: Does the Minister recall on his return from the Antarctic earlier this year answering a question on 16 February from my colleague Senator Douglas McClelland to which the Minister replied:

I was told that there is a drilling program by a consortium which is taking place in off-shore waters, to the value of some $ 100m, which sounds a very big program. But that is in the waters just outside the Territory.

The Minister was referring to the Antarctic Territory. Is the Minister aware that in the mid-winter audition of Aurora, the magazine of the Antarctic Division of the Department of Science, the following statement appears on page 59:

It would appear that Senator Webster was either talking about exploratory drilling which has been going on off the coast of New Zealand for several years now, or that he did not fully understand the extensive drilling program carried out in the past decade as part of the Dry Valley drilling project.

I ask the Minister: Was he wrong in his statement to the Press; is the editor of Aurora wrong; or was the Minister’s answer to Senator Douglas McClelland wrong?

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

-The answer to the first part of the question is yes. In answer to the second part of the question; yes, I have read the article. The answer to the third part of the question is no.

page 726

QUESTION

CAMBODIA

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

-I certainly will pass that suggestion on to my colleague in the other place. I think most people throughout the world are horrified at the absolute slaughter which has happened in some parts of South East Asia in recent months. I have been asked a number of questions about this matter by honourable senators on both sides of the chamber. One of the problems in responding is the difficulty in getting any hard information out of those countries. What information has come out and has been authenticated has indicated that if not genocide certainly large-scale mass slaughter has taken place. I think the honourable senator’s suggestion is a most valuable one. As I said, I will pass it on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

page 726

QUESTION

SPECULATION ON RESOURCES TAX

Senator Douglas McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I ask my question of the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources. Is the Minister aware that there is considerable speculation within the Australian community whether the Government intends introducing what has been referred to commonly by some Ministers as a super tax’ or, in other terms, a resources tax? Can the Minister say when a determination will be made in this matter? If not, can he say what capacity there is within the Department of National Resources to be able to assess the damaging impact that continued speculation concerning the Government’s intentions for a resources tax is having and will continue to have on potential investment in resource extractive industries?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-The honourable senator is quite right when he speaks about the damaging effects that can result from speculation about possible taxation measures. Therefore, I do not intend to add to such speculation. The tradition in the Parliament has been that, when a government has a measure to announce, it announces that measure and it does not attempt to assist speculation about government taxation measures.

page 727

QUESTION

AUS TRAVEL SERVICE PTY LTD

Senator MISSEN:
VICTORIA

– My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Transport. I refer to the recent announcement that AUS Travel Service Pty Ltd is re-opening for trading. I ask: Will students and individuals who lodged sums of money with AUS Travel be fully reimbursed, and when? What role has Qantas Airways Ltd played in the scheme of arrangement and, in particular, is Qantas forgoing any debts? Are the accounts of AUS Travel for the year ending 31 March 1977 required to be lodged at the Victorian Corporate Affairs Office? Will the old management of AUS Travel be completely excluded from management of the future affairs of the company?

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

- Senator Missen asks four distinct questions with regard to the future of AUS Travel Service Pty Ltd and its ramifications. I have considerable information on the matter. The first question related to the reimbursement of students and individuals. I am informed that individuals who have lodged money with AUS Travel Service Pty Ltd will be reimbursed by either obtaining travel in accordance with their desires after the payment of a lawful surcharge or obtaining a refund in accordance with prescribed conditions and subject to the prescribed refund penalties. The second question was in regard to the role of Qantas Airways Ltd. I am advised that the role of Qantas in the scheme is no different from that of any other airline. Qantas agreed to participate in the scheme of arrangement on the same basis as all other airlines which were creditors of AUS Travel Service Pty Ltd. They were Thai Airways International, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, Singapore Airlines Ltd, Malasian Airline System,

Scandinavian Airlines System and TransAustralia Airlines. All airline creditors have placed a moritorium on their current AUS Travel debt which is to be paid for in 16 quarterly instalments over the next four years with the payment of 25 per cent of the original debt being made in quarterly instalments in the fifth year on account ofinterest.

In regard to the third question, I am advised that AUS Travel is an exempt proprietary company incorporated in Victoria. Under the Victorian companies legislation, an exempt proprietary company whose accounts have been audited for the financial year covered by the annual return is not required to file copies of its financial statement with the annual return. I am also informed that in the past the accounts of AUS Travel have been audited.

As to the final question regarding the old management, I state that while the system of arrangement operates, the administrators appointed under the scheme are charged with the duty to manage the continuing operations of the company subject to the guidance of the committee of management appointed by the scheme creditors. The directors of the company have no powers of management during the operation of the scheme except as may be delegated to them by the administrators. When the scheme has been wholly effectuated, it will be terminated and the powers of management will revert to the directors of the company to be exercised in the normal manner in terms of the memorandum and articles of association.

page 727

QUESTION

AUS TRAVEL SERVICE PTY LTD

Senator GEORGES:
QUEENSLAND

– My question, which is directed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce, follows on that question which was just asked by Senator Missen of the Minister representing the Minister for Transport. Will the Minister on behalf of those people who raised some doubts as to the questions asked by members of the Government at the time, convey to the officers of his Department and to all other people who were involved in the discussions to assist AUS Travel Service Pty Ltd in coming to some arrangements with its creditors, the congratulations of honourable senators on this side of the Senate who sought to have such an arrangement achieved?

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

-I state very briefly: Yes, of course, I will. When this matter came to Senator Georges’ attention, he asked some questions. He came to see me and I had the officers of the tourist branch of the Department do what they could to look into this matter as carefully as they could and I asked that they be as helpful as they possibly could be. I felt at the time that the airline companies who had in effect sold tickets had some responsibility towards collecting the money for those tickets and carrying the people who paid for the tickets. Basically, it seems to me that the situation now looks a lot tidier. I will certainly say to the people concerned that the honourable senator appreciates what they did to try to help.

page 728

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH GRANTS FOR SCHOOLS

Senator STEELE HALL:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I direct a question to the Minister for Education. Recognising the Minister’s undoubted talents in enabling him to maintain a favourable allocation for what has obviously been a careful and somewhat difficult Budget for his most important portfolio of education, will he again use those talents in the reconsideration of his statement concerning Commonwealth grants for schools to obtain from the Treasurer additional funds to add to the most desirable program of assistance for private schools rather than reducing the amounts previously available for services and development for special projects and for other purposes?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

-I will draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the substance of Senator Steele Hall’s question. I think all honourable senators would like to see the level of funds maintained. In general terms, there has been a misunderstanding as to the overall picture of funding of education, the interpretation being related entirely to the money going directly to the States from the Schools Commission. When that is looked at there is a rigidity and there is some transfer of funds. If the honourable senator looks at the Schools Commission report, he will notice a very gratifying thing: In the last year the States have been able to increase the proportion that education receives from their total Budget from 28.4 per cent to 29.4 per cent. Education in that area will be largely for Government schools. I am happy to tell the honourable senator that the amount of one per cent above maintenance of effort means that through the tax sharing system predominantly, about an extra $75m will have gone to the States in the last year for primarily State Government schools. The idea that there is some cut back or rigidity is quite wrong. The honourable senator rightly draws attention to joint or shared programs. They are of concern because they contain innovations. They bring together the two streams of education. I will draw the attention of the Prime Minister to the question.

page 728

QUESTION

SPECULATION ON RESOURCES TAX

Senator BUTTON:
VICTORIA

– My question, which is addressed to Senator Withers as Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, follows a question asked by Senator Douglas McClelland to which the Minister gave an answer indicating that speculation about possible resource taxes was not, in his view, a profitable exercise. I refer the Minister to the statement made yesterday by the Chairman of the Uranium Producers Forum, Mr Mackay, that the present Government was drunk with power. That comment was made in relation to statements which have been made by Ministers of the Government concerning a proposed resources tax. My question is not related to speculation; it is related to current facts. I ask the Minister In view of the statement made by the Deputy Prime Minister expressing one view in relation to a resources tax and the statement made by the Premier of Queensland, Mr Bjelke-Petersen, expressing another view in relation to a resources tax, what is the present policy of the Government in relation to a resources tax? Which of those two people is expressing the Government’s policy? Is the Federal Minister or the Queensland Premier, in his interpretation of the views of the Prime Minister, expressing the correct view? To which resource commodities will the tax apply in accordance with present Government statements?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

– I can assure the honourable senator that the Government’s policy would be correctly stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and not by the Premier of any State in Australia. That is the first thing I ought to say. Any interpretation that a Premier of a particular State wishes to put on any ministerial statement is not necessarily a correct interpretation. The other matters raised by the honourable senator are matters of Government policy and they are not matters about which I am prepared to answer questions at Question Time.

page 728

QUESTION

UPGRADING OF BRISBANE AIRPORT

Senator MARTIN:
QUEENSLAND

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Transport whether he has seen a recent Press release which states:

Queensland Qantas director Sir John Egerton has been having top level talks in Canberra in an attempt to upgrade Brisbane international airport.

This Press release attributes to Transport Department officials a certain view of Sir John to the effect that he was keen to have the terminal upgraded before the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Perhaps the Minister could tell me, as one who is interested in the future of this airport, whether I ought to be talking to the Minister or to

Transport Department officials. Could he tell me also when we can expect the statement from the Minister which was promised in answer to a question I asked in the Senate 12 months ago when it was said that shortly we would have a statement from the Government on its intentions in relation to Brisbane Airport?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– In response to Senator Martin’s question, I have a very extensive brief regarding Brisbane Airport. My understanding is that my colleague -

Senator Cavanagh:

– It should be long. It took 12 months to prepare it.

Senator CARRICK:

– I remember very well, because as caretaker Minister I had to do some clearing up after the Whitlam Government, that this was a matter which for 3 years the Whitlam Government had looked at and done nothing about. That is heavily upon my mind. May I remind the Senate that the report of the Bureau of Transport Economics was brought down last year and made available to the public for public comment. Senator Martin will agree that this is important. From recollection, in fact it put forward a scheme of development different from the one that had been foreshadowed previously. I understand that the Minister will be in a position very soon- I hope within immediate weeks -to make a statement. My brief has a notification regarding the Commonwealth Games. It says that the new international terminal complex is coping with current traffic; that it could readily handle additional traffic; and that subject to appropriate scheduling it would cope with increased passenger activity likely to result from the 1982 Commonwealth Games. I will pass the question of the honourable senator to my colleague, the Minister. If Senator Martin has any further questions I will be happy to pass them on also.

page 729

QUESTION

PERSONAL INCOME TAX SHARING

Senator O’BYRNE:

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Prime Minister. In view of the decision taken at the Premiers’ Conference about establishing machinery for reviewing the States’ share of personal income tax, can the Minister advise what steps are being taken to set up this machinery and in what respect would such a body involve an alteration in the status and membership of the Grants Commission?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I would think that before this Budget Session is out there will be legislation before the Parliament concerning the Grants Commission. All will be disclosed then.

page 729

QUESTION

COCAINE

Senator JESSOP:

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Health. The Minister will recall that last week I asked whether she was aware of a shortage of cocaine in Australia’s major hospitals. Is she aware that this was confirmed in a statement at the weekend by the Medical Superintendent of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, who said that unless the hospital received supplies within the next few days surgeons would have to resort to general anaesthetics, of course, with consequent added risk to the patient, for certain surgical procedures that are normally carried out by local anaesthetic using cocaine? The Superintendent also confirmed, as I have stated, that although this drug was not obtainable through government sources it appeared to be readily available on the illicit market, which in my view is an appalling state of affairs. Has the Minister discussed this with her colleague? If so, what is the Government doing to ensure that hospitals are provided with supplies of this important drug?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
Minister for Social Security · VICTORIA · LP

– I did discuss the matter with the Minister for Health following the previous question. I am not aware of the particuars as stated with regard to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and its problems, but I am able to say that the Minister for Health is aware that there is a shortage of cocaine at major hospitals. His department has issued licensed importers with permits to import a total of 21.6 kilograms during the calendar year 1977. However, to date only 5.5 kilograms have been imported because of the unavailability of supplies in Europe and the United Kingdom. As at 13 August stocks of cocaine held by wholesalers throughout Australia totalled less than 200 grams. There is a worldwide decrease in the manufacture of cocaine. The International Narcotics Control Board has reported that manufacture in the United States of America fell from 980 kilograms in 1974 to 702 kilograms in 1975, the latest year for which data are available. However, it is understood that this trend is continuing. Exports from Peru, a traditional exporter of crude cocaine for further refining, have fallen from 343 kilograms in 1971 to 57 kilograms in 1975. The United Kingdom, which obtains its material from the United States of America, is Australia’s usual supplier, but is unable to fill orders at this stage. Inquiries are also being made in Europe with little success. Further efforts are being made by the Government and by industry to locate supplies both overseas and from Australian importers.

With regard to the availability of cocaine from the Australian illicit market, seizures have not been very substantial. Substances imported illegally and alleged to be cocaine have been found to have been adulterated with other drugs which preclude legitimate medical use. The Minister for Health has this matter under active consideration. If there is any further information that I can give with regard to the relief of the problem in the major hospitals I will see that the honourable senator is supplied with it.

page 730

QUESTION

EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE ON DEATH OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Senator CAVANAGH:

– I ask a question of the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Does he know of a time in the history of the Senate when all the representative political parties have not vocally joined in an expression of condolence on the death of a former member of Parliament? Was the reason that the coalition parties never associated themselves with that expression today- their silence- a lack of respect for the late Leslie Haylen or does it indicate a new approach by the Government or supporters of the Government in the Senate?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I should have thought that the honourable senator would have been in this place long enough to know the normal procedures that are followed when this happens. I am calling on memory as to the exact procedures, but the honourable senator would know that, upon the death of a sitting honourable senator or honourable member, the Leader of the Government in the Senate, no matter from which party he comes, formally moves a motion of condolence in this place. It is supported initially by the Leader of the Opposition and then the leaders of the other parties and any honourable senator who desires to join in the expression of condolence. The honourable senator would also know that certain persons do not have a motion moved on their behalf because they do not fall within the agreed categories. Their names are but mentioned by Mr President. It has become a custom for any honourable senator who wishes to stand and make a personal contribution- I emphasise the word ‘personal’- to do so. In fact, I would suspect that strictly speaking under the Standing Orders they ought to ask for leave to do so but that is generally waived in these circumstances.

There is a difference with regard to the formal motion of condolence which is moved by the Leader of the Government in the Senate. That is done upon the death of certain heads of state, Governors-General, members of the Royal Family, former Prime Ministers, whom I think fall within this category, and sitting honourable senators and honourable members. I think former Ministers also fall within that category. The normal formality is gone through. The honourable senator may recall that the custom at one stage was for the death of members of the other place not to be mentioned at all in this place and that occasionally honourable senators took the opportunity in the adjourment debate to read into Hansard their personal views of deceased colleagues.

As to today’s incident, Mr Haylen was not a serving member of the Parliament. He was a member of the other place. Mr President, as a matter of courtesy, informed the Parliament of his death and a number of his colleagues- I note that they were all New South Welshmen, apart from Senator O ‘Byrne, who had worked very closely with him- added very much their own personal condolences. I think that is a good practice and one which ought to be continued. If the honourable senator believes that the present procedures for dealing with the announcement of the death of members or former members of this Parliament ought to be broadened and made more formal, I would suggest that he should, if he is not still a member of the Standing Orders Committee, seek out one of his colleagues who is and perhaps have it raised there and have a discussion in that area.

page 730

QUESTION

HOBART BRIDGE

Senator TOWNLEY:
TASMANIA

– I ask a question of the Minister representing the Minister for Transport. I preface it by saying that no doubt the Minister is aware that the Hobart Bridge is almost ready for use again after having been out of use for some 32 months. In fact, when I was flying over it in a light aircraft on Friday at least six cars were using it to travel from west to east and a Channel 6 television crew also used it on that day to travel from east to west. I would expect that the Minister is also aware that the honourable member for Franklin and I, amongst the 100,000-pius people who live in Hobart, want a no-nonsense opening of that bridge as soon as possible. Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Transport in Tasmania has said that the holdup of the opening of the bridge is not caused by the associated roadworks and that the apparent delay is only that due to the required sealing of five lanes wide by about a block in area on the new section of the bridge? I have been told that this would be done in two days if the spare bridge fell down tonight. Is the Minister also aware that the Tasman Bridge Reconstruction Commission has announced that the bridge is to be inspected this coming Friday and that the actual date of opening is to be announced after that inspection? The date presently envisaged is 8 October, which is almost another month away. Will the Minister take up with the Minister for Transport the possibility of sending top level department officers to Hobart so that they can accompany the Restoration Committee, which is a joint State and Federal body, on the inspection of the bridge on Friday to ensure that the bridge is opened as soon as possible and is not the subject of bureaucratic delay, particularly as it is Federal money that has financed the project? If it is not possible to open the bridge fully, will the Minister ensure that at least a couple of lanes are open well before 8 October?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

-Senator Townley asked me a question which is, I think, in five parts. At the outset I say that I share his view that, consistent with full safety, the bridge should be opened as soon as possible because of the enormous inconvenience and cost that the people of Hobart have been experiencing. I am aware that the Hobart bridge is approaching completion after some 32 months. I am very much aware of the keen interest that Senator Townley and the honourable member for Franklin in another place have taken in attempting to expedite the matter and to get the bridge opened without undue ritual. I cannot adjudicate in terms of whether or not the associated road works are delaying completion of the bridge. I have read a Press comment that they are not. I am aware that there is to be an inspection by the Tasman Bridge Reconstruction Commission next Friday. I will certainly ask my colleague in another place to look at the prospect of having Federal officers attend to make the inspection. I will certainly ask my colleague in another place to see whether, consistent with full safety and full facilities, the bridge can be opened before 8 October.

page 731

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN ARMY HELICOPTER CRASH IN IRIAN JAYA

Senator PRIMMER:
VICTORIA

– I direct my question to the Minister representing the Prime Minister. I remind him of a question I asked four weeks ago relating to the crash of an Australian Army helicopter in Irian Jaya. Is the Minister aware of reports both in Papua New Guinea and Australia claiming that this Australian Army helicopter which crashed in Irian Jaya was shot down by independent forces? Will the Minister investigate this matter urgently and provide the

Senate with all known facts relating to this most serious claim?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I will ask my colleague in another place whether he can provide this information so that I can inform Senator Primmer and other honourable senators.

page 731

QUESTION

TAX AVERAGING PROVISIONS

Senator THOMAS:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

-Will the Minister representing the Treasurer explain to the Senate the details of the recently announced changes to the tax averaging provisions?

Senator COTTON:
LP

– There is a detailed statement by the Treasurer with some accompanying figures. I will be as brief as I can and not use all the material that has come to me because if I were to do that honourable senators would be much older by the time I had finished. The features of the changes, first of all, will be, I think, to establish the lifting of the $16,000 limit and the modification to the averaging system that has been announced. The effect really is to allow farmers to put funds aside when they have particularly good years to help in a system when they have particularly bad years. Let us look at the overall position of the system of income tax introduced in the Budget. There are tax reductions for taxpayers generally and a simplified system that improves everybody’s position across the board. One or two areas of slight anomaly have been discovered. The intention of the averaging system is to provide for no greater tax liability for the primary producer than for any other taxpayer in receipt of the same average income. There have been, as I said, some isolated cases which needed to be rectified. The main features of the system as it will now be will mean that taxable income will be taxed at average rates when taxable income is higher than average income, that when average income is higher than taxable income the taxable income will be taxed at scale rates, that in calculating the average rate the zero rate on the first $3,750 of taxable income will be taken into account and that the $16,000 income limit for the application of averaging is to be abolished. I have some figures illustrating the examples. I believe they would be useful. I cannot read them out because it would be impossible to follow through the lines that are here. So I seek leave to incorporate the table in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

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

The table read as follows-

Senator COTTON:

-I hope that will satisfy the honourable senator’s curiosity on this matter.

page 732

QUESTION

TAX AVERAGING PROVISIONS

Senator WRIEDT:

– My question, which is directed to the Minister representing the Treasurer, follows on the the one that has just been asked. I ask the Minister Is it a fact that the Treasurer, in his Budget Speech, claimed that all taxpayers would benefit by the new tax system and that the Minister for Primary Industry, Mr Sinclair, described the Opposition as ‘incredibly deceptive in attempting to mislead primary producers as to the benefits which would now from a flat rate of tax”? In view of the Minister’s previous answer, are we now to understand that the Government concedes that the original taxation proposals in the Budget would in fact have disadvantaged primary producers? I further ask the Minister: Was it in fact a case of incredible deception on the part of the Government or a case of the Government not having properly thought through the consequences of the new tax scale?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-It is quite possible that in a system where a very revolutionary taxation change is made for the first time in many generations to simplify the system, to improve the scales to try to benefit all people, there will be discovered, in the final figuring and analysis, one or two areas needing rectification. It is true that basically the whole position has improved for everybody. As I said, there were areas where adjustment was necessary. But would not Senator Wriedt prefer a government that made that adjustment, to a government which refused to make any adjustment when it found adjustments were needed. If Senator Wriedt does not like the new system I ask him please to recommend against it in favour of the old one.

page 732

QUESTION

WHALING

Senator CHANEY:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Transport: Has a complaint been made to the Marine Operations Centre of the Department of Transport relating to the obstruction of whalers by anti-whaling demonstrators in rubber rafts off the coast of Western Australia, near Albany? If a complaint has been made, what action has been taken by the Department with respect to the complaint?

Senator CARRICK:
LP

– I have some information on this matter. The Marine Operations Centre did receive a message on this matter from, I think, the whale spotting aircraft. The Department and the Minister are aware that certain incidents took place off Albany last week which involved a whale chaser and people in a motorised rubber dinghy. My understanding is that local police investigated the matter. They were reported in the Press as having concluded their investigation of the incidents. Although the protesters left the area shortly after the incident, the Department of Transport is obtaining material from the police which it will examine, in conjunction with the Attorney-General’s Department, to see whether there has been a breach of any Commonwealth requirement such as the collision regulations. Prima facie, there could have been breaches of the Navigation Act which, depending on the circumstances, could involve quite severe penalties to either of the parties involved. However, the question whether a successful prosecution could be launched cannot be assessed until after a full investigation has been completed.

I think all honourable senators are aware that the question of whale harvesting- its nature and its extent-has been a matter of considerable discussion and controversy throughout the world, including Australia. It is natural that there should be some protest, and one respects the right to protest. But of course the essential thing is that the protest should be carried out within the law and should not in any way impede the due processes of lawful pursuits or of the law itself.

page 733

QUESTION

WOOMERA ROCKET RANGE

Senator BISHOP:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– My question, which is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, refers to previous questions I have asked the Minister about the proposal that trials be held at Woomera to see to what extent the range might be suitable for the Services in relation to their particular trials and the facilities available to them at that place. I understand that the trials are proceeding and I ask the Minister whether he is in a position to give the Senate any indication that the Woomera range will be activated as a result of the trials. Have the trials been successful and will we see a new interest in the area? I mention the concern of the staff presently in the area about the future of the range, and the Minister is aware of that concern.

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I think all honourable senators are aware of Senator Bishop’s continuing interest in the problems at Woomera. The last brief I had from my colleague was in August and I will see whether it can be updated. The best information I have at the moment deals with 3 things- the staff reductions, the future of the Woomera village, and the use of the area by the armed Services. The information I have may be of help to the honourable senator, but if it is insufficient he can let me know and I will obtain further and more up to date information for him. Concerning the staff, I am advised that surplus personnel at Salisbury and Woomera have now been identified and advised, using criteria agreed between the Department of Defence, the Public Service Board and the peak councils of the unions concerned. The Department of Defence, with the local Public Service inspector and the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, are providing help to these people in their search for new employment. I repeat that compulsory re-deployment or retrenchment is not being considered.

As to the future of the Woomera village, I am advised that the village and supporting facilities will continue for the foreseeable future to provide facilities primarily for the joint defence space communication station and also to the employees of the joint project during the run-down process and at the care and maintenance level. As to the other question, I am advised that investigations are continuing into the possible uses of Woomera by the Australian Services. An Army exercise using ground troops, aircraft and armoured vehicles is being conducted on the range in September 1977 to assess the financial, logistic and environmental implications of military operations in the area.

page 733

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

Senator ARCHER:
TASMANIA

– I ask a question of the Minister representing the Minister for Overseas Trade. In the publication Foodweek of 23 August 1977 the chief executive of Edgells, a Petersville company, was reported as saying:

Well be supplying our Australian needs mainly from our new Petersville International Plant at Blenheim.

He went on to say:

Our new plant will be ready in November- it has to be. We’ve already planted the crops, mainly peas, corn and mixed vegetables for Australia.

In view of the New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement arrangements for orderly trade, can the Minister advise whether he has taken steps to prevent the Australian industry being undermined by these highly padded imports? Can the Australian vegetable industry be assured of such necessary government action as would give reasonable long term security against these practices?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-I am very glad to learn of Petersville ‘s initiatives to expand production on the northern coast of Tasmania. I believe it is one of the optimum vegetable growing areas of Australia and I am pleased to see further progress being made. New Zealand, of course, like Australia, has a vegetable production program and it has been the subject of discussions in NAFTA talks in which Mr Anthony and I have been involved. I think that the matter is under control, but if it is not I shall certainly have it checked out. My understanding is that a joint committee operates to ensure that the program functions fairly satisfactorily for both countries.

However, I gather from what the honourable senator has said that he or somebody else has some concern, and therefore I will run a further check.

page 734

QUESTION

FORGED AUSTRALIAN PASSPORTS

Senator MULVIHILL:

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In view of the increasing use by white collar criminals of forged Australian passports, based largely on the technique used in the Forsyth novel The Jackal and epitomised in the recent case of Gold Coast property tycoon William James Flynn, what overdue counter measures are contemplated by the Minister? I add a postcript to that question at the behest of Australian Railways Union organiser Maguire asking that the good Mr Flynn- the train conductor who has been impersonated- be sent a letter by the passport people indicating that when he applies for a passport he will not be given the sort of run-around that genuine people often get in both Sydney and Brisbane. I think that Senator McAuliffe agrees on this matter.

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-I will certainly pass on the honourable senator’s suggestion. He was kind enough to advise me that he was going to ask the question. Consequently I have the following information from my colleague in the other place. The Minister says: My attention has been drawn to Press reports which allege that a Queensland businessman, Walter James Flynn, travelled abroad on a passport falsely obtained in another person’s name. Passport offices are checking to see whether such a passport was issued. The forging of an Australian passport or obtaining such a document by false pretenses is a breach of the law. It would be the responsibility of the Attorney-General’s Department to decide whether legal action should be initiated where there is evidence of forgery or false pretences. The Australian Government takes measures comparable to most other governments to prevent the forgery of Australian passports or their being obtained through the provision of false information. An Australian passport may only be issued to an applicant on production of photographs, documentary evidence of citizenship and a signed statement by a person of standing that the applicant is the person he claims to be. Maximum attention is given to maintaining the integrity of a passport against forgery. Measures to secure the issue of passports are continuously under review. As to the last part of the question about the genuine Mr Flynn, I will certainly ask my colleague to give proper notice of that in his own Department.

page 734

QUESTION

MIGRANT SERVICES: STATEMENT BY MR E. G. WHITLAM

Senator MESSNER:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

-My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. Is the Minister aware of the scurrilous attack by Mr E. G. Whitlam on the Government’s lack of concern for the plight of recently arrived migrants in this country? Is the Minister also aware that among this number there are many thousands of recently arrived refugees including some 12,000 Lebanese? Is the statement by Mr E. G. Whitlam an indication that the Australian Labor Party Opposition is opposed to the Fraser Government’s humanitarian policy of settling in Australia thousands of homeless refugees from many parts of the world?

The PRESIDENT:

– The Minister will reply to the question only in so far as it concerns her ministerial responsibilities.

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– One of the questions which I answer as the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs relates to whether I was aware of Mr Whitlam ‘s statement with regard to services for migrants. I did read Press reports of the statement. I think I was also asked with regard to the intake of refugees. I confirm that 12,000 Lebanese refugees arrived in this country between June 1976 and May 1977. I believe that some of the matters that were raised by Mr Whitlam in his statement were with regard to unemployment amongst migrants. It should be pointed out that people who have come here as refugees have found it very difficult to obtain employment readily and they have also had many other difficulties in settling in this country.

As far as the general statement that was issued by the Leader of the Opposition is concerned, I believe that migrant groups and migrants themselves in this country are aware of the Government’s attempts through the Department and in other ways to assist them in settling. I believe that they would evaluate the statement with all the inaccuracies that were in it- inaccuracies which related to the funds that were available for migrant services and the claim that these had been cut in the Budget- and the other matters that I read in the Press release and which I know to be incorrect. I am sure that many migrant groups also know them to be incorrect.

page 734

QUESTION

FARM INCOMES

Senator GIETZELT:

– My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Primary Industry. I ask: To what does the

Government attribute the disastrous drop in percentage terms of gross farm product which has occurred in the first full year of the FraserAnthony Administration? Is it not a fact that during the three years of the Labor Government the percentage increases of gross farm product at 1966-67 constant prices were 4.9 per cent, 9.7 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively? I ask the Minister. Do these figures not contrast to the mammoth minus 1 1.4 per cent under the McMahon Government and the measley 2.4 per cent in the first year of the conservative Fraser Government? In addition to the tax steps which he suggested in reply to questions by honourable senators, what steps are proposed by the Government to redress this disastrous rural picture in terms of gross farm production?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-The farmers’ problems today are very much the product of the Administration of the Government which was supported by the honourable senator who asked the question. If he looks at the inflation rate when that Government took office and at the inflation rate when it left office he can then see where the farmers’ problems came from. Secondly, as to interest rates, honourable senators who now sit in Opposition are the people who put them up. We are the people who are now trying to get them down. Farmers have the third problem that is caused by low prices and droughts, and no government has been able to rectify that.

page 735

QUESTION

SMALL BUSINESSES

Senator McINTOSH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

-I ask the Minister representing the Treasurer Is it a fact that many small businesses in rural and urban areas have suffered greatly from fluctuations in their incomes, particularly when consumer demand is depressed as a result of the Government’s economic policies? Is it a fact that the Industries Assistance Commission’s report that recommended the introduction of an income equalisation deposit scheme and the retention of tax averaging provisions for rural producers recommended also that these proposals should be extended to all taxpayers? Will the Government give consideration to implementing this IAC recommendation in the near future, particularly to protect small businesses from bankruptcy in the present recession?

Senator COTTON:
LP

-I am most concerned about the problems of small businesses, their capacity to finance their expansion and in some cases even their capacity for survival. My Department has been working for quite a long time on this matter. We have at the moment a very careful study of the investment programs and what can be done to help. The suggestion that the honourable senator makes is one which I will have investigated.

page 735

QUESTION

ABORIGINAL UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Senator KILGARIFF:
NORTHERN TERRITORY

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and perhaps in part has reference to the responsibilities of the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. Reflecting on the unemployment figures as at 2 September, released by the Commonwealth Employment Service, which indicated that 9.76 per cent of the work force in the Northern Territory was unemployed, I ask whether the Minister can advise whether it is correct to assume that one person in every three unemployed is an Aboriginal person? Would the greater number of these unemployed Aboriginal people be traditional people from isolated areas, et cetera? Is it the intention of the Government in the future actively to increase funds for work projects rather than pay unemployment benefits or ‘sit down money’ as the Aborigines refer to it to enable the people to work within their communities on necessary projects rather than live on unemployment benefits? Finally, as it is a matter of concern that the economic reality of the situation in assessing overall unemployment in the Northern Territory is achieved, why is it that Aboriginal people in isolated settlements in the north of South Australia are included in the unemployment figures for the Northern Territory?

Senator GUILFOYLE:
LP

– I have some information on the matters that have been raised. I am able to say that the number of persons registered for employment with the Commonwealth Employment Service in the Northern Territory as at 2 September was approximately 4,000 and that approximately one-third of those registered were Aboriginals. The majority of Aboriginals registered for employment are not traditionaloriented people from isolated areas but are mainly from the urban areas of Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine, and former employees of cattle station owners. Many unemployed Aboriginals in isolated communities do not or are unable to register for unemployment. The report of the interdepartmental working party on Aboriginal employment which was tabled by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the House of Representatives on 26 May referred to this problem.

The Government has introduced a number of community development employment projects for Aboriginal communities, initially on a pilot basis. One community development employment project is operating at Bamyili near Katherine, and planning is advanced for another at Elcho Island. The effectiveness of these projects will be reviewed by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs with assistance from the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and also my own Department. If the review confirms that the projects are successful, additional moneys will be sought to expand the program. Employment services are provided to people in the far north of South Australia by the Alice Springs office of the Commonwealth Employment Service. Consequently, these figures are reflected in the unemployment figures for the Northern Territory. I think it would be understood that this is because this is dealt with on a regional basis and not because they relate to the Territory as a distict entity. If there are any other questions in the matters raised, I will see that they are answered by the Ministers concerned.

page 736

QUESTION

SPECULATION ON RESOURCES TAX

Senator McAULIFFE:
QUEENSLAND

– My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources and follows upon the answer the Minister gave earlier to Senator Douglas McClelland. The Minister said that he thought speculation on a resources tax policy, prior to the announcement to any decision, was armful. My question refers also to the answer he gave to Senator Button in which he said that he would rather accept a statement on a resources tax policy from the Deputy Prime Minister than any State Premier. Is the Minister aware that the source of information given by the Premier of Queensland when he assured the Queensland Parliament on Thursday evening last that a resources tax would not be imposed on any mining project in that State was not the Deputy Prime Minister but, in fact, the Prime Minister himself? Will the Minister advise the Senate whether the Premier’s statement is correct and that therefore a resources tax policy decision apparently has been made.

Senator WITHERS:
LP

– There is only one way this can be cleaned up. I will ask the Prime Minister himself whether what the Premier of Queensland said is correct or incorrect.

Senator Button:

– Will you tell us?

Senator WITHERS:

-I will even tell the honourable senator.

page 736

QUESTION

INDUSTRIAL DISRUPTION IN BUILDING INDUSTRY

Senator WALTERS:
TASMANIA

– I direct a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Construction. Can the Minister say whether it is true that a $30m Commonwealth building project in Victoria has had to be closed down due to industrial disruption in that industry and that the closure has meant the loss of up to 150 jobs on that work site alone?

Senator WEBSTER:
NCP/NP

-Speaking on my own behalf and not on behalf of the Minister for Construction, I noted in the Press the reduction of certain works in Victoria which is likely to have quite a disastrous effect on building workers in that State. I have noted also that the Minister for Construction in a document which he had circulated on Sunday, 1 1 September 1977, said:

The public and the economy are losing the stimulation provided by a $500m investment including the loss of jobs on a grand scale.

The Minister went on to say:

One contractor for one Commonwealth project in Victoria worth more than $39m has given up and has closed down the building site. The closure meant the loss of up to150 jobs on site work alone.

I would say this to the honourable senator who asked the question: The Building Workers Industrial Union and those who are involved in this matter in Victoria have been carrying out extraordinary techniques in their attempts to bring the building industry in the State of Victoria to a halt. It is far beyond the realm of anybody to understand the enormous harm that is being created by those individuals who would seek to reduce the number of jobs available by their guerrilla tactics. I think that type of work is not only destructive to our society -

Senator Wriedt:

- Mr President, I rise to order. When Senator Webster commenced his answer to this obvious Dorothy Dix question he said that he was speaking personally- that he was not speaking on behalf of the Minister for Construction. It is accepted in the Senate that a question should not ask for an expression of opinion. Senator Webster is obviously giving a personal opinion and his own views about some industrial dispute in Victoria. He is not speaking in his capacity as a Minister or as a Minister representing any other Minister. We know that the only way in which he and senators like Senator Wright can get across their sad little stories against certain trade unions is to use this sort of tactic. I suggest to you, Mr President, that he is not in order and that you should ask him to answer the question in his capacity as Minister representing the Minister for Construction and not simply to express an opinion.

Senator Withers:

- Mr President, 1 rise to speak on the point of order. I suppose it is regrettable that the Leader of the Opposition should be so embarrassed by my colleague’s reply to the question. As I recall my colleague’s reply, he expressed a personal view as a result of what he had seen in newspapers. He then quoted from a document issued by the Minister whom he represents and was continuing to answer the question in that capacity. Therefore, I suggest that there is no point of order and all that the Leader of the Opposition did was attempt to remove any embarrassment which Senator Webster is causing to the Leader of the Opposition and his colleagues.

Senator Wriedt:

– He would be the biggest embarrassment you have and you know it.

The PRESIDENT:

– Order! There is no point of order. I call Senator Webster.

Senator WEBSTER:

– I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his interruption and I thank the Leader of the Government for his comments on the situation. I also appreciate the comment that came from behind me that the interruption of the Leader of the Opposition was an attempt to protect the corns of this country. I think that is a very appropriate comment. It came from a Tasmanian senator.

Senator Wriedt:

– You are pathetic. Why do you not sit down and stop making a fool of yourself?

Senator WEBSTER:

-The Leader of the Opposition suggests that one is making a fool of oneself. The fact is that the Labor Party- certainly in the Senate- is attempting to bring disaster to the employees of this country by the ruination of jobs not only in the building industry but also in the very industries that are dependent upon the building industry. The other day I saw one particular contract for a large building in Melbourne in which 3,000 jobs are threatened by the actions of Mr Norm Gallagher and those people who would bring the industry to a halt. I think that is against the national interest and that something should be done to curtail the activities of these communists who are bent only on ruining our society. The media release that was put out by the Minister for Construction commenced with the words:

Building projects costing $469m are being halted or substantially disrupted around Australia by constant trade union industrial action.

They are the comments of Mr John McLeay. I find it most inappropriate that the Leader of the

Opposition should lend his hand to try to support those people who would attempt to bring this whole industry into disrepute.

page 737

QUESTION

BUSHFIRES IN QUEENSLAND

Senator KEEFFE:
QUEENSLAND

– I ask the Minister representing the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Kilcoy area of Queensland has been severely damaged, resulting in serious stock losses, by disastrous bushfires during the past 48 hours? Is the Minister aware also that the Premier of Queensland, whilst expressing sympathy for the plight of the farmers who have lost heavily as a result of the bushfires, has failed to take any action to declare a state of emergency? I ask the Minister whether he will discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of financial assistance for those who have suffered serious losses and perhaps encourage the Premier of Queensland to take appropriate action to obtain Australian Government financial assistance?

Senator WITHERS:
LP

-As the honourable senator would know, these matters are conducted on a Premier to Prime Minister basis. I have no personal knowledge as to whether or not the Prime Minister has received any message from the Premier of Queensland regarding this matter. I will ask the Prime Minister whether the Premier of Queensland has been in touch with him. If so, I will inquire as to what requests the Premier of Queensland has made and what the Commonwealth Government’s response to them will be. As the honourable senator would know, there is a formula between Commonwealth and State governments for the alleviation of disaster whereby in any one financial year a State must provide a certain amount and the Commonwealth provides the rest. It varies between various arms of government, whether for State, local or public works. As the honourable senator is interested in this matter, I will attempt to obtain the information at the earliest possible time.

Senator KEEFFE:

– I wish to ask a brief supplementary question. My question was not a case of political point scoring. The difficulty is to get the Premier of Queensland to take the initiative. He has failed to declare a state of emergency. I am hoping that as a result of this question something will be done. Perhaps the Minister can use his offices to do something.

Senator WITHERS:

-I will take that question on board.

page 737

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following Bills reported:

Diesel Fuel Tax (No. 1 ) Amendment Bill 1977. Diesel Fuel Tax ( No. 2 ) Amendment Bill 1 977.

Liquefied Gas (Road Vehicle Use) Tax Amendment Bill 1977.

International Fund for Agricultural Development Bill 1977.

Air Navigation Amendment Bill 1977.

Wool Industry Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1977.

page 738

AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT

The PRESIDENT:

-Pursuant to the provisions of the Audit Act 1901,I present the report of the Auditor-General upon the Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Expenditure and upon other accounts for the year ended 30 June 1977.

page 738

JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AND PERMANENT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The PRESIDENT:

– I bring up a report from the Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House relating to the proposed construction of an electrical sub-station at the rear of the provisional Parliament House. Copies of the plan referred to in the report are available in the Senate Records Office for perusal by honourable senators.

Ordered that the report be printed.

page 738

AUSTRALIAN CHICKEN MEAT RESEARCH COMMITTEE

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

– Pursuant to section 16 of the Australian Chicken Meat Research Act 1969, I present the report of the Australian Chicken Meat Research Committee for the year ended 30 June 1975 and also the interim report of that Committee for the year ended 30 June 1977.

Senator GEORGES:
Queensland

-by leave- I move:

In doing so I indicate my objection to the fact that we have had to wait a whole year for the report. It is only a report concerning a not so important section of our responsibilities. Nevertheless I believe that such a delay should be the subject of comment. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

page 738

QUEENSLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS COMMISSION

Senator CARRICK:
New South WalesMinister for Education · LP

– For the information of honourable senators, I present the first report of the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission on financial assistance for local government. Because of the limited number available, copies of this report have been placed in the

Senate Records Office and the Parliamentary Library. The recommendations made in this report have already been made available to honourable senators from Queensland.

Senator GEORGES:
Queensland

-by leave- I move:

I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

page 738

ABORIGINAL LAND FUND COMMISSION

Senator GUILFOYLE:
Minister for Social Security · Victoria · LP

-Pursuant to section 29 of the Aboriginal Land Fund Act 1974, I present the report of the Aboriginal Loan Fund Commission for the year ended 30 June 1976.

page 738

REPATRIATION COMMISSION

Senator DURACK (Western AustraliaAttorneyGeneral) Pursuant to section 122 of the Repatriation Act 1920,I present the annual report of the Repatriation Commission for the year ended 30 June 1977.

page 738

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

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

– In accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Act 1974,I lay on the table a proposal to construct an electrical substation at the rear of the provisional Parliament House, together with plans in connection with the proposal.

Motion (by Senator Webster)- by leaveagreed to :

That consideration of the proposal be made an order of the day for the next day of sitting.

page 738

JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE: JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AND PERMANENT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The PRESIDENT:

– I inform the Senate that I have received letters from the Prime Minister nominating Mr J. R. Martyr to fill the vacancy on the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence and nominating Mr B. D. Simon to fill the vacancy on the Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House caused by the resignation of the Hon. R. V. Garland from both committees.

page 739

BUSINESS OF THE SENATE

Estimates Committees

Motion (by Senator Withers) agreed to:

That the sitting of the Senate be suspended until 10.15 p.m. or such other time as the President may take the chair to enable Estimates Committees B, E and F to meet.

The PRESIDENT:

– The sitting of the Senate is suspended until 10.15 p.m. or such other time as the President may take the chair to allow Estimates committees to meet. Estimates Committee B will meet in the Senate chamber, Estimates Committee E will meet in Senate Committee Room No. 1 and Estimates Committee F will meet in Senate Committee Room No. 5. The bells will be rung for 3 minutes prior to the meeting of the Estimates committees.

Sitting suspended from 4.54 to 10.15 p.m.

page 739

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PERSONAL INCOME TAX SHARING) 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 Carrick) read a first time.

Second Reading

Senator CARRICK:
New South WalesMinister for Education · LP

– I move-

That the Bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have my 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 this Bill is to implement the recommendations of the Commonwealth Grants Commission concerning the distribution between States of the local government tax sharing entitlements provided under the Local Government (Personal Income Tax Sharing) Act 1976. The act provides that in 1977-78 and each subsequent year, the amount of general purpose assistance provided to local government authorities will be 1.52 per cent of the previous year’s net personal income tax collections. Since the local government tax sharing entitlement is expressed as a percentage of the previous year’s tax collections the level of general purpose assistance provided to local government in any year is known with certainty early in that year. Honourable senators will be aware that the earlier Commonwealth suggestion that the States’ tax sharing entitlements also be related to the preceding year’s personal income tax collections was again raised at the Premiers Conference on 1 July.

The Local Government (Personal Income Tax Sharing) Act also sets out the percentage distribution of the funds between the States. The percentage distribution in the Act is that recommended by the Commonwealth Grants Commission in its report of May 1976. Following representations from Tasmania the matter of the percentage distribution was again referred early in 1977 to the Commonwealth Grants Commission for inquiry and report.

The Commission recommended a new and marginally different distribution in its ‘Special Report on Financial Assistance for Local Government 1977 ‘, tabled in the Parliament last May. That distribution was agreed to by all the Premiers at the 1 July Premiers Conference and has been incorporated into this Bill.

The new distribution means that some States will receive a slightly larger percentage share and some States a slightly smaller percentage share; this is the inevitable result of the arithmetic.

I point out, however, that the effect of increased net personal income tax collections in 1976- 77 compared with the previous year will swamp the effect of the small reductions for some States arising from the redistribution, and each State will receive substantially more in 1977-78 than it received in 1976-77. On the existing basis of 1.52 per cent of net personal income tax collections being distributed to local government, the amounts payable to local government under this Act will be 18 per cent greater, overall, in 1977- 78 than in 1976-77. The Government considered the matter of the 1.52 percentage share when framing the Budget but decided that it would not see its way to increasing it in the present economic circumstances.

Last May during the debate in the House of Representatives the honourable member for Sturt (Mr Wilson) suggested that consideration by given to making specific provision in legislation that the Commonwealth Grants Commission should follow equalisation principles in future reviews of local government relativities. I am pleased to inform the Senate that the Government is in consultation with the States on the matter of prescribing guidelines in the Act. We shall be examining the matter further when all the States have made their view known.

Further legislation may be necessary then. In the meantime, the Government has decided to proceed with this Bill so as not to delay the payment to local government authorities of their tax sharing entitlements for 1977-78.

This Bill is a short one but it is important, nevertheless. Changes of the kind proposed in this Bill may well be required in the future from time to time. Under this Government’s approach to federalism, this change is being proposed after proper process of independent inquiry, as will be any such changes in the future. The Bill continues the arrangements which have been instituted by this Government and which I believe have been of singular benefit to local government in this country.

Local government received $140m in 1976- 77, an increase of 75 per cent over the level of general purpose assistance provided to it by the Commonwealth in 1975-76. The level of assistance will increase still further to $ 165.3m in 1977- 78. Furthermore, the level of assistance is known very early in each new financial year, and this will assist local authorities with their budgeting. Very importantly, the funds will be untied. This will allow local government authorities to allocate funds in accordance with their own priorities. The inclusion of local government in the tax sharing arrangements has accorded it the status of a genuine partner in our federal system. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Wriedt) adjourned.

page 740

ADJOURNMENT

Aborigines

Motion (by Senator Carrick) proposed:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Senator COLEMAN:
Western Australia

– I want to speak very briefly tonight about a group of people who are about to undertake a journey across the Nullarbor. They left Perth on Sunday morning to go to Quairading and were to go to Merridan on Monday night. Tonight they will be camping in Kalgoorlie. They will be starting their journey across the Nullarbor on about Thursday of this week. It may not seem very unusual to have people travelling across the Nullarbor in this day and age, but there is a uniqueness about the people of this group in that they are Aboriginals. They have only two cars to transport some 20 people and they do not have a great deal of money but they have found it necessary to travel to Canberra particularly to see the Minister for Aboriginal

Affairs (Senator Viner), the Minsiter who is responsible for their welfare. I think it is rather unfortunate that whilst Mr Viner released a Press statement at the weekend saying that he is quite happy to meet them, they have found that he has not been available when they have wanted to meet him on their own ground. They have found it necessary to come to Canberra to meet him on his ground.

Senator Devitt:

– Is he not from Western Australia?

Senator COLEMAN:

-The Minister is from Western Australia. He unfortunately is apparently not available to the Perth Aboriginal fringe dwellers.

Senator Rae:

– He is the best Minister for Aboriginal Affairs ever.

Senator COLEMAN:

– He may be in your opinion. I doubt whether the Aboriginals in Western Australia and particularly those from Lockridge would consider him to be the best. In fact, they would consider him to be a long way from the best. The Perth Aboriginal fringe dwellers have quite a long history of suppression in our society, which is supposed to assist those under privileged, as Mr Malcolm Fraser said some time ago and Mr Lynch repeated when he brought down his Budget. I would like to read into the record the point of view of the Perth Aboriginal fringe dwellers, why they are coming here and what are their aims in making this rather horrendous trip across the Nullarbor without sufficient vehicles to transport them. They say this in a publication entitled ‘Perth Aboriginal Fringe Dwellers’:

The point of the Lockridge people going to Canberra to see Mr Viner, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, is to protest against being pushed into night shelters and hostels which is only a temporary basis.

We want a permanent foundation put down and land set aside so that we can build decent homes on this land. It’s the Aboriginals ‘ desire. It ‘s what they want.

Mr Viner is neglecting us.

That does not sound to me as if they think he is the most appropriate or best Minister they have had. The publication continues:

He’s giving us the run around. We’ve experienced the promises in the past and we feel it’s time we united together and marched across the continent to Parliament House, Canberra. We feel the Aboriginal people have been neglected too long. We’ve suffered too long under these conditions, living under bridges. The time has come when all Aboriginal people must be master of their own destinies and not like it’s been in the past where the whites have been masters of their own destiny and ours.

I speak of the fringe dweller who has come from the past, who is lingering in the present moment, in misery and in discomfort -

Senator Lewis:

– What university did the Aboriginal who wrote that go to?

Senator COLEMAN:

– Obviously the honourable senator does not talk very much to Aboriginals or he would know that a lot of them are highly intelligent people.

Senator Lewis:

– I am not objecting to that, but are they educated at universities like that fellow obviously has been?

Senator COLEMAN:

-I would not say that the writer of this has been educated at a university. The publication continues:

  1. . and I look upon the future fringe dwellers who are around me now and I am wondering if there is any future, and I am asking Mr Viner- does he see any future for the Aboriginal children of today?

Mr Robert Bropho who is leading the Lockridge fringe dwellers on the journey to Canberra and who is travelling with his wife and eight children, said to me when I spoke to him at the Lockridge Reserve on Saturday: ‘It is all very well for the Minister to come along and put us on a block of land and give us ablution blocks where we can shower and go to the toilet, but when we come out of those showers and toilets we have to sleep in a tent because the Minister has not allocated funds for us to have housing’. It is housing that they want to design for themselves in conformity with the way in which they live in the extended family situation. This is what Bob Bropho wrote:

I’d like to go back to that dirty word ‘reserve’. These reserves were set down by the early explorers for this purpose only, for Aboriginal people to live on, and they more or less said, squat on this piece of land and well take the rest. Why do the whites want this piece of land they call the reserves? Why do they want it now?

Shut down the reserves, then naturally the Aboriginal people are going to migrate to the fringes of town. What happens then? You bring them in from the wide open spaces, they’re living on the fringes of town, they’re suffering, they’ve got nowhere to go. There’s overcrowding in state houses, overcrowding in any private house that’s rented by Aboriginals. There’s no answer to it. So the Aboriginals pick an open block of land because that block represents the wide open spaces where they come from. If there’s no vacant block, they’ll pick a bridge and band up together for comfort and understanding, because the black way is to help one another.

It’s wrong for the whites to create a problem that they’ve got no answer to. If you’re going to force the people from the bush and into the fringes of town and give them false hopes, and say you’re going to get a state house within the next 5 or 10 years, they’re going to be hanging around the fringes of town.

But what happens when they are evicted from their first trial out into the white community in state housing or a private home? Where do they go? There is no turning-back point to where these people can go. The first thought that comes into their minds is Dad down the road, or Mum, or Uncle or Aunty. This causes overcrowding; these families are in turn evicted.

If you break up the reserve then you’ve got to replace that piece of land. That land’s got to be on the fringes of town where they know they belong- listen to our desire and you’ll get your answer to the problem the whites have created.

We have seen a situation arise in Western Australia where the State Government returned to the Treasury in 1974-75 a sum of $4.556m which was appropriated by the Federal Government specifically for Aboriginal housing. It was not used. Not one penny of it was used. I am not saying that that would have gone a long way towards housing the people at Lockridge, Saunders Street, Millers Dam or any of the other places in Western Australia, but it would have gone part of the way towards providing land and accommodation for the people who recognise that they do not have the capabilities and the capacity to live in the white man’s housing. It would seem that some of these Aborigines are condemned to living under sheets of tin and under the Swan River Bridge, as they did at Guildford for many months before the police and the Shire of Midland eventually moved them forcibly onto a block of land in Saunders Street from which they have now been evicted. Subsequently they camped in a church yard. An interesting article on this subject appeared in the Australian on 1 9 August of this year. It was written by Jan Maymann and was headed ‘Archbishop helped blacks- $95 fine’. The article stated:

The Anglican Archbishop of Perth appeared in court yesterday when his archdiocese was fined $95 for helping homeless Aboriginals.

The Penh Diocesan Trustees were sued by the Swan Shire Council for allowing the Aboriginals to camp on the lawns of the Church for 42 days in May and June, in breach of the Health and Town Planning Acts.

They were fined $30 on the Health Act charge and $ 1 5 on the Town Planning Development Act charge. Costs of $25 were imposed in each matter.

We broke the law to keep the peace’. Archbishop Geoffrey Sambell told the magistrate at the Midlands Court of Petty Sessions, Mr J. B. Anton.

Outside, he said: ‘Well break the law again if need be. Australia is a racist country. We must fight racism wherever it appears, in Midlands, in Canberra or anywhere else.

We must continue fighting until the whole country cares about the Aboriginals. People lose their lives fighting for justice. This is not too high a price to pay.

The Aboriginals had great difficulty in communicating with white society and the tent village has become a symbolic means of protest ‘, Archbishop Sambell said.

They have put up their tents in Canberra and on the Cathedral lawns in Perth, with no legal action against them. ‘

The Archbishop said he was unperturbed about the court hearing because it had highlighted the plight of the Aboriginal families.

The Anglican Church would continue working with the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Viner, to secure Aboriginals the right to the kind of accommodation they wanted, from fully serviced camp sites to conventional houses.

About 100 men, women and children have traditionally camped out under the bridges of Guildford, 20 km from Perth, until this winter when the church grounds were made available and white supporters gave them tents.

Their leader, Mr Bob Bropho was in court to see the archbishop and the trustees pay their lines yesterday.

Everyone else is boundary riding round the paddock, he’s riding in the middle ‘, Mr Bropho said.

As I said, there is a long history. I want to relate some of the history of the Perth fringe dwellers group. In 1975 and 1976 at Saunders Street, which I mentioned earlier and which is an Aboriginal Lands Trust site, the Aboriginals decided that this was to be their turning back point and that they were going to squat on this piece of land. They applied to have eight houses built by themselves, designed to suit their needs and their extended family lifestyle. But three times plans were submitted to and rejected by the Shire of Swan. Only after a demonstration at the Shire of Swan offices on 14 March of this year by 1 50 Aboriginals and whites were four houses conceded. Even now, despite persistent complaints on health grounds and that of normal human decency, governmental red tape has delayed the provision of an elementary ablution block.

In April 1977 when their open air camp was burnt out and following constant police pressures a group of fringe dwellers met in Guildford’s Stirling Square which is a traditional meeting place in Guildford not only for blacks but also for whites. The fringe dwellers subsequently erected a tent village on Anglican church grounds. Later, as I have already reported, the church was fined for assisting the Aboriginals. Dean Cornish said the church would complain to the United Nations. Mr Viner, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, visited the village and promised the people superior facilities and their own land, and consultation in all decisions affecting their future. That fact was reported in the West Australian on 21 May 1977.

Bob Bropho erected a tent in the Roman Catholic cathedral grounds to further public awareness of the plight of the Aboriginal. At Guildford in May the winter rains came and still no promises had been met, and so the people raised their tents and marched on to crown land at Lockridge. Their efforts continued to be frustrated so they marched to Parliament House in Perth, having informed the Premier that they were coming to consult with him. Neither the Premier nor any member of his Government chose to see them. They were in actual fact addressed by the Honourable Lyla Elliott, M.L.C. and the Honourable Jack Skidmore,

M.L.C., who represent the area. The Western Australian Minister for Community Welfare, Mr Ridge, claimed in the Western Australian Parliament that a task force had been consulting with the Lockridge people -

Senator Keeffe:

– This is the member for Kimberley who is in a little trouble.

Senator COLEMAN:

-This is the member who is in a little trouble, yes. Mr Ridge claimed that a task force had been consulting with the Lockridge people on a schedule of developments for their community and a permanent land site. No such consultations have taken place. I spoke with the people at Lockridge on Saturday. They have not seen any of the people who were supposed to be consulting with them. They have certainly not seen Mr Ridge at Lockridge. As a result of talking around their campfires the Lockridge people decided to go to see Mr Viner in Canberra and demand that his promises be carried out. As stated in an article in the Sunday Times on 4 September 1977 they said:

If we cannot get a bus then we will go in cars . . . and if we cannot get enough cars we will walk. But whatever happens we are going.

This determination is shared by all the fringe dwellers of the Swan Valley. The people of Saunders Street, Widgee Road, the Midland Abattoirs and Miller s Cave have seen no improvement in their situation. As Ruth Kickett of Saunders Street said: ‘We are living off the crumbs of the table but even crumbs go mouldy and stink’. Some 30 people left the cathedral in Perth on Sunday morning at about 10.30 and made their way to Quarading, a place noted perhaps for the racist attitude of the shire. Perhaps it was significant that this should be their first stopping point. They stopped in Merredin on Monday night and on Tuesday night, as I said earlier, they wil be stopping in Kalgoorlie. But then the mammoth task of getting them all across the Nullarbor Plain starts. They have only two cars which are able to make the entire journey. Bob Bropho is travelling with his wife and eight children. I think about another three children are involved. Some four families are travelling.

They are, of course, looking for assistance from the people they will meet on the way. They will need food, shelter and places where they can meet and talk not only to Aboriginal people but also to white people. They will need money for accommodation. They will need places where they can simply shower and freshen up. They will, most of all perhaps, need understanding. They will need to have people talk to them so that we can get a true appreciation of the problems that the Aboriginals face in Australia today. They will need such simple things as blankets and wood for their fires. When they arrive here in Canberra, which we hope will be in about nine days time, they will need understanding, support from members of Parliament and most of all a sympathetic hearing from the Minister.

Senator KEEFFE:
Queensland

– I want briefly to support what Senator Coleman has said. The safari being organised by this group of people who have become known as the Guildford fringe dwellers highlights the great problems that are faced by fringe dwellers in every major town and city in this countrypeople with no home whose culture has been bruised and battered by white society. Frequently they have no tribe to which they can relate. These days, with the continuing unemployment problems and the cutbacks in housing, obviously they are being treated worse than they were prior to 1967. Bob Bropho, the man who leads this group, is a very quiet sort of fellow. He is most conscious of what is happening to his people. In July this year when the Labor Party eld its national conference in Perth he led a delegation which was met by several of us. He had hoped that the publicity on that occasion would bring some sort of shelter to him and the people associated with him.

I think that this pilgrimage raises for the people of Australia the sad things that have happened over the last two years in the field of Aboriginal affairs. Mr Ellicott, when he was shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in 1975, spent many thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money in sending telegrams to black communities throughout this country advising them to vote for the Liberal-Country Party because he claimed, they would be better off, not worse off under a new government. He sent other telegrams criticising the Labor Party for indicating that funding for Aboriginal welfare would be grievously reduced. In February 1976 we saw the first cutbacks. It was significant that the first cutbacks were in the field of Aboriginal housing. These are the people who are suffering as a result of what happened.

I suppose when one looks back over the events of the last week or two, there was no suggestion that Mr Ellicott, who made all these grandiose promises as the shadow Minister, was likely to resign when the cutbacks in Aboriginal welfare took place. It was not until his political nose was put of joint over a matter of law that he decided that the principle was so great that he had to resign from the Cabinet. Perhaps if he had resigned when the cutbacks took place in aboriginal spending he may then have raised the point, so far as the Australian public and the Government were concerned, that those cutbacks should not have taken place. But apparently principles are expendable in many areas.

Today we had a group of people from Benelong’s Haven waiting here for many hours to see the Minister. Apparently the Minister makes all sorts of appointments which he does not keep. All they want is a few things to make life happier for the people who are trying to escape from alcoholism. On the settlement they are running a bus which was bought by the Labor Government in the days when Gordon Bryant was the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. That bus has 400,000 miles on the speedometer. They are running a car with something like 300,000 miles on the speedometer because this Government will not provide the sort of transport that is necessary to run this health centre which is very badly wanted in their community.

Alcohol is a very great problem, and many of these people are volunteers for cures. A large number who come from the far north of Australia have had to travel long distances to Sydney to seek a cure for their problem. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs has refused even to pay their fares for medical treatment. The people associated with the Nadoc organisation, to a lesser degree last year but certainly to a very great degree this year, in almost every area were refused funds. I suppose that if a lot of black people get together it is just possible that they may agitate against the Government. Obviously the Government was not going to take that risk.

I heard an interjection, from a man who has since left the chamber, that Mr Viner is the best Minister for Aboriginal Affairs he has ever known. He is not, of course. There were 3 Labor Ministers for Aboriginal Affairs, including my colleague, Senator Cavanagh, who really knew what they were doing and really tried to do something and who had a sympathetic government behind them.

Senator Messner:

– You have not read the Committee’s report.

Senator KEEFFE:

– You can make all sorts of inane comments.

Senator Messner:

– Inane?

Senator KEEFFE:

-Of course it is inane. You know that you are doing the wrong thing, not only in the area of Aboriginal Affairs but right across the whole field of social welfare so far as your Government is concerned, and you do not care. You are not unemployed; you are not on the dole. You are not unable to receive medical treatment when you need it. So it is a case of ‘I’m all right Jack’ and you do not care what happens outside this chamber. You only care about what happens amongst the friends you help in this community. Senator Messner should not start running off with all sorts of babblings. The people on his side of the chamber appear to be totally immune to the terrible social catastrophe that is happening in this community.

Senator Lewis:

– Nonsense!

Senator KEEFFE:

– It is not a case of nonsense. Senator Lewis made an interjection a while ago and said that there were three-syllable words in the statement that Senator Coleman was reading. He objected to them. In other words, Senator Lewis believes that Aborigines ought to be kept illiterate- unable to read or write.

Senator Lewis:

– You are diverging from the point.

Senator KEEFFE:

-Because of Senator Lewis’s racist attitude he does not believe that Aborigines have the same right to education as everybody else. He has had his education but he would deprive underprivileged people from receiving an education or the other social benefits which ought to be the right of every person in this community. He is all right because he has four incomes and can cope. His parliamentary salary is merely his petty cash. So people who want to do this sort of thing, who want to get carried away and use this place as a forum for their own racist attitudes ought to go outside in the streets and declare how well off they are. The answer is for this Government to adopt a more humane attitude. Up to $20m of last year’s budget for aboriginal affairs was not spent. When we deal with the estimates for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs later this session there will be a whole lot of areas which I and others will expose publicly. I hope that Senator Lewis and people who think like him, people with the same sort of racist attitude, will read the Hansard reports covering these things and see what they are doing to our own ethnic minority who are not getting a fair go. The same group of people, who sit on that side of the chamber, are determined that the members of that minority are not going to get a fair go.

Senator CARRICK:
New South WalesMinister for Education · LP

– On 6 September the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Viner, made a statement relating to the matter raised by Senator Coleman. For the purpose of the record, I draw attention to the substance of the statement, the report of which reads:

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr Ian Viner, today replied to statements by Mr Robert Bropho on behalf of the Aboriginal community living in tents at Lockridge that efforts had been made to persuade him to visit the Lockridge camps to talk to the Aboriginals but he had declined.

The fact of the matter’, Mr Viner said, ‘is that no approach had been made by Mr Bropho or anyone at the Lockridge camp to talk to them. If they wish to talk to me, they can contact my office in Perth and I shall be happy to make an appointment to discuss their situation. There is absolutely no need for the group to travel to Canberra to see me’.

Mr Viner said that although the provision of housing was a matter for the State Government through the State Housing Commission and the Department for Community Welfare, he had been particularly concerned to follow developments amongst homeless Aboriginals in the Guildford/Lockridge area. ‘Contrary to reports, I personally visited all campsites, including the then unoccupied Lockridge site and Saunders Street housing then being built, in the area on 20 May this year and since that time have been urging State and local authorities to continue their efforts to find a solution to the present unsatisfactory situation’. Mr Viner said that if Aboriginals living in the Lockridge and nearby camps disagreed with proposals for night shelter and other facilities currently being considered, then they should convey their opinion as quickly as possible to the relevant State and local authorities.

I think that indicates, first of all, that the Minister concerned has visited these sites and has made himself available. He is available without the need for a journey by these people to Canberra to see him. He had indicated clearly that he would be available to be seen in Perth or elsewhere. Those who know the Minister and know of his very busy life know that he makes himself available to Aboriginal people throughout Australia. I just make the point that practical concern and solicitude for Aboriginal people is not the monopoly of any one person or any one party in this chamber; nor in fact is it demonstrated by the decibels of the voice of the person expounding it. After all, the problems remained in its intensity, and indeed was exacerbated during the period 1972-1975.

Senator Keeffe:

– That is utter rot. You have deserted everybody.

Senator CARRICK:

-I say that without wishing to be provocative. What I was trying to say is that we have a profound human problem that has existed for some 200 years. It has existed despite governments of various political persuasions and despite the genuine efforts of governments as such. It is not to be thought that simply invoking strong words against a particular government and railing against that government will solve the problem. It does not. I am privileged in my portfolio to see something of the nature of this intractable problem, and to have the challenge of trying to better the conditions of

Aboriginal people, to walk between the very great difficulty of ensuring that they keep the traditions they wish to keep and at the same time helping them in their journey in the European field.

I am not aware of specifics regarding the matter of alcoholism and health centres that Senator Keeffe raised. If Senator Keeffe has some particular matters on that point that he would like me to transmit to Mr Viner, I shall certainly do so. I have no doubt at all that when these good people arrive in Canberra, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs will be willing and eager to see them. So too will I and any of my colleagues, such as the Minister for Health, who have any related matters. All of us are aware of the enormous problem of the fringe dweller. All of us understand the tremendous difficulties. I will be happy to convey the text of this adjournment debate to my colleague.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 10.45 p.m.

page 746

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were circulated:

Aboriginal Employment Assistants (Question No. 3)

Senator Colston:
QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

With respect to the Minister’s reply to Question No. 1 189 (Senate Hansard, 11 November 1976) (a) when were each of the 19 positions listed in ( 1 ) created and (b) what are the details of the ‘restraints’ on departmental staffing referred to in parts (2) and (3) of the Minister’s reply.

Senator Durack:
Attorney-General · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. The 19 positions were created on the following dates:

Principal Employment Officer, Darwin- 24.9.75

Senior Vocational Officer, Darwin-22. 1 1 . 73

Vocational Officers

Melbourne, Port Augusta, Port Hedland- 16.2.70

Alice Springs-2 1.6.73

Renmark-9. 10.73

Maningrida, Papunya, Tennant Creek, Warabri, Yuen- dumu-22. 11.73

Kalgoorlie, Wyndham- 13.6.75

Port Lincoln-30.6.75

Shepparton-14.10.75

Darwin (2 positions)-3. 1 1 . 75

Darwin- 14.4.75

  1. The restraints were ceilings and other staffing restraints imposed on Departments in 1974 and reimposed in early 1975.

Aborigines Unemployed (Question No. 42)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

  1. What percentage of Australia’s Aboriginal work force is currently unemployed.
  2. What special assistance is the Minister’s Department providing to unemployed Aboriginals at the present time.
Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. 1 ) At the end of July 1977, there were 1 1,929 Aboriginals registered as unemployed with the CES. As to the size of the Aboriginal labour force the honourable senator is referred to the reply to his question No. 564.
  2. In addition to the continuing assistance provided by Vocational Officers and Assistant Vocational Officers of the CES, the Aboriginal Employment Section of myDepartment is engaged in implementing the new National Employment Strategy for Aboriginals which was outlined in a statement to the House by my colleague, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, on 26 May 1977.

Solar Energy (Question No. 201)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) Will the Federal Government provide finance to the Flinders University to establish a solar energy institute of research for training of personnel and research and development in this scientific field.
  2. Would this be in line with recommendations in the Ranger Uranium Environmental Report and the Government ‘s enunciated policy to increase research in this field.
  3. Is the Minister aware that the cost of this Institute is estimated to be $ 1 38,000 with an annual budget of $ 1 5,000.
  4. Does the Minister agree that this is a very low figure and warrants immediate attention and action.
Senator Withers:
LP

-The Minister for National Resources has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. and (2) While it is the Government’s stated policy to encourage the development of solar energy, the Government has not felt able, in the current budgetary situation, to do more than provide the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation with a level of funding which would enable it to continue its existing solar energy research program.

Also the Federal Government, acting through the Tertiary Education Commission, is of course very heavily involved in the provision of general purpose research funds to each of the Australian universities. In this way, the authorities of each university are enabled to determine the allocation of funds to the individual research groups within the university on the basis of the university’s own priorities and their assessment of claims of these groups. I do not think that it would be appropriate for the Commonwealth to make ad hoc decisions to provide additional funds for specific research projects in individual universities.

  1. The estimates cited had not previously been brought to my attention.
  2. See(l)and(2)above.

Boiler-Turbine Generated Electricity (Question No. 202)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 8 March 1977:

  1. What research is presently under way in (a) Australia, and (b) other countries, to increase the efficiency of boiler/ turbine generated electricity.
  2. At present, is 662/3 per cent of the heat produced by combustion in electricity generation through the use of boilers and turbines wasted.
  3. Are the research programs aimed at solving this problem having any success; if so, what.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. (a) I am advised that all State authorities have research programs directed to improving the efficiency of their electricity generating stations. Related research is carried out by CSIRO, Australian Coal Industry Research Laboratories Ltd and University research groups.

    1. some new conversion systems and improved versions of existing systems are under intensive investigation in other countries with the overall aim of improving generating efficiency. One of the most promising is the combined cycle gas and steam turbine system. Prospects for the application of these systems in Australia are at present uncertain.
  2. and (3) I am advised that about two-thirds of the heat content of black coal used in existing electricity generating plant is discharged as waste heat, mostly in the cooling water discharged from the condenser and in hot flue gases exhausted from the stack. The only currently available method of substantially increasing the thermal efficiency of utilisation of power station fuel is to combine electricity generation with the production of steam or hot water for industrial or household purposes. In some parts of Europe, district heating schemes are operated in conjunction with electricity generation. This method has little attraction under Australian conditions, however, because of the favourable climate and low-density residential development.

There has also been a continual improvement in the thermal efficiency of electricity generation over the years as a result of technological improvements in association with the growth of unit sizes and some further limited gains can still be expected. For example, the average thermal efficiency of electricity generation in New South wales over the last 20 years has risen from 22.4 per cent in 1 95S-S6 to 33.3 per cent in 1975-76.

Significant additional gains in generating efficiency will be dependent on the successful commercial development of improved and advanced conversion systems outlined in 1 (b) above, and their subsequent application, with any necessary adaptation, in Austrafia.

Energy Resources (Question No 275)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 March 1977:

  1. Would the Minister indicate if any research and development programs of the following energy resources are being carried out in Australia: (a) liquefaction of coal, (b) electricity from wind energy, (c) electricity from solar energy, (d) electricity from tidal energy, (e) hydrogen from solar energy, (0 oil from plant cellulose, (g) oil from algae, (h) substitutes for petroleum derived lubricants, and (i) energy conservation; if so, where.
  2. Would the Minister consider bringing people involved in these research areas, and perhaps other experts, together to form a national energy policy formulation body to develop a national co-ordinated energy policy for Australia as recommended by the’ Fox Inquiry’.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) See the answer to Question No. 449.
  2. See the answer to Question No. 135, Hansard, page 852, 20 April 1977.

Uranium Testing Plant in Western Australia (Question No. 424)

Senator Walsh:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 29 March 1977:

  1. 1 ) Does the Minister have any knowledge of the alleged $13 million Western Mining Corporation’s uranium ‘testing plant’ announced in The West Australian of ‘26 March 1977.
  2. If the answer to ( 1) is in the affirmative, what is the specific purpose of the proposed plant and does it encompass uranium enrichment.
  3. If the answer to ( 1) is in the negative, will the Minister take action under Section 37(c), and possibly under other sections, of the Atomic Energy Act 1953-1 973, so as to ensure that the Act is being complied with.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. 1 understand that the Western Australian Government has had discussions with Western Mining Corporation regarding the possible construction in the KalgoorlieBoulder area of a pilot plant for processing ore from the company’s Yeelirrie uranium project.
  2. I understand that the pilot plant would simulate the ore treatment proposed to be used in any commercial Yeelirrie treatment plant. The pilot plant does not encompass uranium enrichment.
  3. See(l) above.

Energy Resources (Question No. 445)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 20 April 1977:

In the light of widespread public interest and concern in Australia regarding the energy crisis, will the Minister consider reporting frequently to Parliament outlining the nature of research, level of funding, level of energy research, and degree of success of this research in all fields associated with the research and development of alternative energy sources in Australia; if not, would the Minister indicate why he would be reluctant to undertake such a worthwhile task.

Senator Withers:
LP

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

See the answer to Question No. 449.

Energy Research (Question No. 449)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 20 April 1 977:

  1. 1 ) Is the Department of National Resources and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation undertaking a comprehensive survey of energy related research and development activity and expenditure in Australia; if so, have any pilot studies been completed, and if so, by whom and what are the results.
  2. Will the Minister undertake to publish these documents and information as soon as they become available, in view of the public interest in the energy crisis.
  3. Will the Minister also provide the Senate with a detailed breakdown of this survey as soon as it becomes available.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The Department of National Resources is currently undertaking a national survey of energy research and development in Australia. The survey of Commonwealth Government departments has commenced and State governments, universities and private companies will be approached in due course. A pilot study covering the energy research and development activities within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has been completed. It was used to develop the methodology for the national survey.
  2. and (3) The data from the pilot survey will, where appropriate, be incorporated into the national study, the results of which I propose to release after they have been compiled and analysed.

Commonwealth Employment Service: Aboriginal Employment Sections (Question No. 562)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 20 April 1977:

What was the staffing structure of the Aboriginal Employment section of the Commonwealth Employment Service in each month since November 1975.

Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Information on the staffing structure of the Aboriginal Employment Sections is not readily available in the detail requested by the honourable senator. At the end of June 1976 there were 132 positions of which 90 were manned; in June 1977 the corresponding figures were 132 and 112. Those positions which were not staffed in June 1977 were in process of being filled and it is expected that virtually all will be staffed by the end of this month. The Public Service Board is at present examining the Department’s additional staff requirements for the implementation of the National Employment Strategy for Aboriginals announced by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs during the previous Session of Parliament.

Aboriginal Unemployment (Question No. 564)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 20 April 1977:

  1. How many Aboriginals were registered for employment with the Commonwealth Employment Service in each State and Territory, and for Australia as a whole, for each month since November 1975.
  2. What was the estimated Aboriginal work force in each State and Territory, and for Australia as a whole, for each month since November 1975.
  3. From the figures listed in parts (1) and (2), what percentage of the Aboriginal work force was registered for employment with the Commonwealth Employment Service in each State and Territory, and for Australia as a whole, for each month since November 1975.
Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. 1 ) Aboriginals registered with CES as unemployed.
  2. and (3) The terms ‘workforce’ or ‘labour force’ by international definition comprehend persons who are in employment plus those who are unemployed and actively seeking work, in a specific reference period.

Any estimates of the Aboriginal labour force raise questions about the validity of traditional concepts when applied to Aboriginal employment patterns and of the methodology (involving population data and labour force participation rates). In addition any estimates have to be based on the 1971 population census data which are now out of date. Probably the most accurate statement that can be made is that the Aboriginal labour force is not less than 35,000.

Energy Research (Question No. 672)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 27 April 1977:

  1. Has the Minister seen the answer to Senate Question No. 134 where it stated that the most complete information available on energy research and development is afforded by answers to earlier Senate Questions Nos. 741 and 910 in 1976.
  2. Is this information not detailed enough for a country that has been recognised in the past as a leader in certain aspects of energy research.
  3. Will the Minister undertake to ensure that a far more detailed record is kept on energy research and development in Australia.
  4. Will the Minister also undertake to ensure that information on energy research and development in other countries is readily available.
  5. If the Minister’s Department is not capable of doing this, will the Minister refer the matter to the newly established National Energy Advisory Committee for its consideration.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. and (3) See my answer to Question No. 449.
  3. and (5) Information on overseas energy research and development programs is already available through publications obtainable in Australia. In addition, Australian research workers communicate with their overseas counterparts both informally and under the aegis of various bilateral and agency to agency scientific agreements and arrangements.

Income Tax Investment Allowance (Question No. 687)

Senator THOMAS:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice:

  1. Was it the Government’s intention to include trucks with a load capacity of one tonne in provisions of the 40 per cent investment allowance; if so, is the Treasurer aware that most of the popular tray top trucks with a load capacity of one tonne do not qualify for the 40 per cent investment allowance, unless they are fitted with aluminium bodies.
  2. Is the Treasurer aware that aluminium bodies are not manufactured in Western Australia.
  3. Is aluminium unsuitable for some purposes.
  4. Did many vehicle dealers sell trucks on the mistaken expectation that they would qualify for the 40 per cent investment allowance.
Senator Cotton:
LP

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

The Government is aware that certain vehicles sold in the trade as ‘one tonners’ are treated by the Commissioner of Taxation as ineligible for the income tax investment allowance. The relevant provisions of the income tax law exclude from the investment allowance a ‘road vehicle designed to carry loads of less than 1 tonne or fewer than 9 passengers’.

In determining the load that a vehicle is designed to carry, the Commissioner has taken the view that the maximum load for any particular vehicle should be regarded as the gross weight of the vehicle, as specified by the manufacturer, reduced by its unladen weight measured with its fuel tank filled, the weight of oil, coolant, spare wheel, jack, installed options, etc., and, where passenger seating is provided as standard equipment, the weight of a driver and one passenger. For the latter purpose, consistently, I understand, with Australian Design Rules, the weight allowance for each person is taken at 68kg.

The Commissioner has indicated that this view of the requirments of the law was settled after detailed discussions with the vehicle industry, but that, in the exercise of the rights conferred on them by the income tax law, some taxpayers dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s ruling are contesting it before a Taxation Board of Review.

Energy Research (Question No. 715)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 28 April 1 977:

Are there any research and development projects being currently undertaken in Australia in (a) coal, gasification, (b) in situ coal gasification, (c) high temperature solar heating, (d) low temperature solar heating, (e) use of plants for the production of alcohols and oils, (f) use of algae for the production of alcohols and oil, (g) use of wastes for the production of alcohols and oils, (fi) wave energy, (i) tidal energy, (j) ocean thermal currents and gradients, (k) wind energy, (1) energy conservation, (m) photobiological generation of hydrogen, (n) photochemical generation of hydrogen, and (o) hydro-electric energy; if so, where is this research being carried out, who is involved, and what level of funding have they received for each of the past 5 years.

Senator Withers:
LP

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

The most comprehensive information on research and development expenditure related to alternative sources of energy which is available to the Government at the present time is set out in the answers to Question 74 1 on page 265 of Hansard for 24 August 1976 and Question 9 10 on page 2009 of Hansard tot 16 November 1976.

See also the answer to Question 449.

Coal Research (Question No. 717)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 28 April 1977:

Are any research and development projects being currently undertaken in Australia in coal liquefaction, if so, where is this research being carried out, who is involved, and what level of funding have they received for each of the past 5 years.

Senator Withers:
LP

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

Details of coal research carried out in Australia are contained in the document, Coal Research in Australia 1976, prepared under the auspices of the National Coal Research Advisory Committee on behalf of the Australian Steering Committee for the Third International Conference on Coal Research held in Sydney in October 1976.

Information regarding Commonwealth Government funding of coal research is contained in the Annual Reports of the National Coal Research Advisory Committee.

See also the answer to Question No. 449.

Energy Research (Question No. 722)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 28 April 1977:

  1. 1 ) Did a joint Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Department of National Resources Mission visit the United States Energy Research and Development Agency and other United States energy centres last year.
  2. How long was the visit for and who were the members of the Australian delegation.
  3. 3 ) What was the purpose of this visit.
  4. What organisational and financial aspects of United States energy research were investigated and recorded.
  5. What degree of collaboration and co-operation was discussed and/or agreed to between the Australian mission and the United States energy groups.
  6. Will the Minister make available the report of the delegation to persons involved in or interested in energy research.
  7. What is the type, nature, and level of energy research being carried out in the United States, and any other country that Australia co-operates with on these matters.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

An answer to a question in identical terms, No. 721, has been provided by the Minister for Science on page 336 of Hansard.

Statutory Authorities Responsible to Minister for National Resources (Question No. 872)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 25 May 1977:

Are there any statutory authorities responsible to the Minister; if so, (a) what are they, (b) who are the bankers for each authority and (c) which, if any, of the authorities may be termed ‘statutory authorities of a business nature’.

Senator Withers:
LP

-The Minister for National Resources has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. As at 31 May 1977, the statutory authorities responsible to me are:

Australian Atomic Energy Commission

The Pipeline Authority

Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority

Joint Coal Board

River Murray Commission.

  1. b ) The bankers for each authority are:

Australian Atomic Energy Commission-Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney

The Pipeline Authority-Commonwealth Trading Bank of Australia, Canberra

Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority- Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney

Joint Coal Board-Commonwealth Trading Bank, Sydney

River Murray Commission-Reserve Bank of Australia, Canberra.

  1. On the basis that ‘statutory authorities of a business nature ‘ are those which earn or aim to earn revenue sufficient to cover a substantial proportion of their costs, of the above five authorities only the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority and The Pipeline Authority can be considered statutory authorities of a business nature.

Mapping Work in Rockhampton- Yeppoon Area (Question No. 938)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 25 May 1977:

Has any Department or agency of the Commonwealth Government engaged the firm of Capricorn Aerial Mapping to undertake survey or mapping work in the RockhamptonYeppoon area in the past twelve months: if so, (a) what are the details and (b) has this matter any connection with the proposal by Iwasaki Sangyo (Australia) Pty Ltd to finance a tourist development project at Yeppoon.

Senator Withers:
LP

-The Minister for National Resources has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

I am advised that neither the Department of National Resources nor any agency of the Commonwealth Government responsible to me in my capacity as Minister for National Resources has engaged the firm of Capricorn Aerial Mapping in the period to which the honourable senator’s question relates.

Mineral Exploration: Incentives (Question No. 1054)

Senator Kilgariff:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 1 June 1977:

In view of the Government’s stated aim to encourage and boost mineral exploration and mining development, what assistance does the Government give to small Australian mineral exploration companies by way of subsidies, taxation relief and other incentives.

Senator Withers:
LP

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

Since coming to office the Government has set about creating the climate necessary to restore the mineral industry to its proper role in the nation’s economic development. The restoration of an appropriate climate must, of course, have an impact on all companies in the industry, irrespective of their size.

Some small companies engaged exclusively in exploration have made representations to the Government seeking the re-introduction of an income taxation scheme of shareholder deductions. This matter was considered by the IAC in its 1976 report on the Petroleum and Mining Industries. The IAC had divided views on this matter, the majority view did not favour shareholder deductions whereas the minority view recommended their re-introduction. In the event, the Government decided not to go beyond the quite considerable measures announced in the 1976-77 Budget concerning the pricing policy for new oil and the deductibility for taxation purposes of expenditure incurred in exploration for and development of petroleum resources.

The Government again gave very careful consideration to these matters in its deliberations on the current year’s Budget. As the honourable senator will know, I announced in Parliament on 24 August 1977 the Government’s decision to introduce a scheme which provides for taxation rebates of 30 cents per dollar subscribed for off-shore petroleum exploration and development operations by companies with valid permits and licences under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act, or registered interests in licences on permits under the Act. The Government believes that this measure will provide a most significant incentive to those engaged in exploration for and development of Australia’s petroleum resources.

Referrals to Medical Specialists (Question No. 1069)

Senator Ryan:
ACT

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 3 1 May 1977:

Will the Minister consider recommending to-

medical specialists that the charge for a first visit under Item 88 not be repeated for each routine, or yearly, visit as in the case of eye specialists and others, and

altering existing legislation to allow referral to be sufficient for a course of treatment by a specialist, for how ever long that course may take, instead of having the patient obtain referrals from a General Practitioner at the present necessary intervals.

Senator Guilfoyle:
LP

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

  1. The question of whether a ‘first visit’ or initial consultation fee is charged by a specialist after the expiry of a twelve months referral period or when presented with a new Notice of Referral is a matter over which the Government has no control. This matter can only be determined by the specialist having regard to the facts of each individual case and based on medical considerations. From the Government’s point of view, the issue of a new Notice of Referral should not necessarily be regarded for benefit purposes as indicating the commencement of a new course of treatment where the referral relates to the specific complaint which was the reason for the first referral. In the final analysis, the responsibility rests with the specialist to determine whether a new course of treatment is being commenced or the earlier treatment is being continued. The Government’s involvement in the question of referrals is limited to the establishment of conditions of eligibility for the payment of medical benefits at the appropriate rates. Within this limited context, the referral procedures basically constitute no more than a system for providing written evidence that a referral has taken place. Beyond these simple requirements, laid down solely for medical benefit purposes, the solutions to any problems such as whether a doctor should charge an initial consultation fee each twelve months are to be found primarily in the proper application of medical ethics.
  2. Because of the wide and to some extent unpredictable variations in circumstances which may arise in relation to medical treatment, there were obvious difficulties in developing referral procedures to meet all cases. Experience has shown that the existing system which has been m operation since 1970 and which necessitates the issue of a Notice of Referral only once every twelve months in cases where a patient is referred for ‘continuing management of present condition’, constitutes the most satisfactory method of meeting the great majority of cases involving specialist treatment. The Medibank Review Committee which carried out a comprehensive review of the operation of Medibank in 1976 considered the operation of the current system but did not propose any changes to the existing arrangements. It is realised that there are cases of chronic or continuing illnesses such as glaucoma where there may be little need for consulting a general practitioner each twelve months solely to obtain a referral form. This is one of the more common complaints levelled at the referral system by patients and has for some time been noted for consideration m any review of the present system. In this regard, I have recently requested an urgent review of the referral system by my Department to ascertain whether any changes need to be made. However, until such time as the review has been undertaken and any modifications implemented, the present arrangements which are in accordance with the current legislation must continue to operate.

Long Term Employment Planning (Question No. 1086)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 2 June 1977:

Has the Victorian Minister for Labor and Industry, Mr McLellan, had discussions with the Minister on a proposal that the Federal Government establish a commission of inquiry into long-term employment planning; if so, (a) when did the discussions take place, (b) what are the terms of the Victorian Government’s proposal, (c) has the Victorian Government made a formal submission on this matter to the Federal Government; if so, when, and (d) what is the Minister’s reaction to this proposal.

Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Although the Victorian Government has not made a formal submission to the Commonwealth Government suggesting the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into longterm employment planning, this matter will be canvassed at the forthcoming 1 8th Meeting of the Conference of Ministers of Labour to be held in Perth on 1 and 2 September 1977, when consideration will be given, inter alia, to the whole question of manpower planning.

Air Pollution by Anaesthetic Agents (Question No. 1102)

Senator Baume:
NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 16 August 1977:

  1. 1 ) Does air pollution by anaesthetic agents pose potential health risks for people who work on operating theatres and who thus attract continuing exposure to these gases day after day.
  2. What action is being taken by the Occupational Health Group to assess the risks involved and the people threatened by anaesthetic pollution.
  3. What action is being taken by his Department to disseminate information about this issue.
Senator Guilfoyle:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) There is growing concern that potential hazards exist for staff exposed to anaesthetic agents in the fields of surgical, dental and veterinary practice. It appears that all inhalational anaesthetic agents may be potentially hazardous.
  2. The Hospital and Allied Services Advisory Council, at its eleventh meeting held on 28-29 October 1976, gave consideration to the question of ‘Potential Hazards to Staff Exposed to Anaesthetic Agents’. Council accepted an invitation from the National Health and Medical Research Council to participate in a joint working party to discuss this topic.

The working party was established in December 1976 with the following terms of reference:

To investigate and advise HASAC and the NH & MRC through the Medicine Advisory Committee, on:

  1. the hazards to staff working in operating theatres and other areas subject to atmospheric pollution by anaesthetic gases; and
  2. action which should be taken to safeguard such staff from these hazards.’

The Report is now nearing completion and is expected to be available shortly.

  1. Appropriate publicity will be given to Councils’ recommendations.

Warfarin: Foetal Abnormalities (Question No. 1103)

Senator Baume:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice on 16 August 1977:

  1. Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to an article in ‘Current Therapeutics’ of May 1977 showing evidence of foetal abnormalities associated with Warfarin therapy during early pregnancy.
  2. What action, if any, has been taken by his Department to disseminate this information to appropriate authorities; and what restrictions are or will be, placed upon the use or availability of Warfarin.
Senator Guilfoyle:
LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Followng advice from the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee, based on earlier reports of foetal abnormalities associated with warfarin therapy and reports that treatment with warfarin during pregnancy may cause bleeding in the foetus at any stage of the pregnancy, my Department requires companies marketing warfarin products in Australia to include an appropriate warning in their product literature. This requirement has been complied with by one of the two companies marketing warfarin in Australia and is in the process of implementation by the other. No restrictions on the availability of warfarin are contemplated at this time.

The whole question of possible adverse effects on the foetus through use of coumarin-like anti-coagulants during pregnancy is being pursued.

Australia Day Guest Lists (Question No. 1106)

Senator Baume:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice on 17 August 1977:

  1. Does the guest list to functions at Australian Consulates and Embassies on Australia Day usually include at least some of the Australian citizens known to be resident in the city in which the functions are to be held?
  2. How many Australians are known to be resident in Noumea?
  3. How many Australians from the list of known residents in Noumea received invitations to the last two years’ celebrations of Australia Day?
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The primary purpose of Australia Day functions overseas is to entertain members of the host Government, senior officials, persons of high standing in the community and representatives of other countries. They are not held primarily to entertain Australian citizens. However, some Australian citizens resident in the city where the function is held are usually invited. Their numbers are limited by the funds made available for the function. A specific allocation of money is made each year for Australia Day celebrations to Australian diplomatic missions abroad. The Head of Mission at each post decides on the type of function(s) that would be suitable in the country in which he is resident and, likewise draws up a suitable guest list;
  2. There are approximately 180 Australian residents in Noumea;
  3. In 1976 IS Australian residents were invited to the Australia Day reception, and in 1977, 30 were invited. Financial stringency has led to a contraction in the size of Australia Day receptions in Noumea and other posts in recent years. In the case of Noumea, after inclusion of senior officials of the French High Commission, of the New Caledonian Territorial Administration and of the South Pacific Commission (SPC) on the guest list, there was little room or financial provision for many other guests. Australians who were invited were included because of positions they held (e.g. at the SPC) rather than because of their nationality.

Fraser Island Sand Mining Employees (Question No. 1122)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 16 August 1977:

How many former employees of sandmining operations on Fraser Island are currently registered for employment with the Commonwealth Employment Service: (a) in Maryborough; and (b) elsewhere.

Senator Durack:
LP

– The Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

As at 23-8-77 19 former employees of sandmining operations on Fraser Island were registered for employment with the Commonwealth Employment Service at Maryborough and 6 at Gympie.

Some could be registered with other offices of the CES but there is no way of identifying these.

Department of Productivity -Staffing (Question No. 1126)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Productivity, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

What functions of the Department of Productivity have been adversely affected because of inadequate staffing within the Department, referred to by the Minister in his speech to the New South Wales Productivity Group Advisory Council on 15 July 1977.

Senator Durack:
LP

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

The words used in my speech to the Productivity Groups Advisory Council referred to Public Service Ceilings as having ‘had their most severe effect in areas where the functions had not been a major focus of attention when in other departments. As a result, staff numbers are inadequate to perform with maximum effect the tasks which the new department is expected to perform’.

The imposition of ceilings at present (which incidentally I fully support) has meant for all departments a critical reexamination of priorities. In my Department it has been necessary to undertake a wide range of studies in areas not previously given attention- in particular relating to productivity improvement. I have accepted the fact that with staff limitations it is necessary at times to extend the timescale for completion of tasks and that maximum effect must be sometimes sacrificed in the interests of containment of the size of the Public Service. At the same time I believe much greater efficiency is being achieved, to an extent which will eventually more than counteract some temporary difficulties.

I am sure most who heard my speech, or subsequently read it, will realise that my purpose was to remind members of productivity groups that much support for their activities must come from industry itself.

Divisions of Lowe and Evans: Ethnic Groups (Question No. 1132)

Senator Mulvihill:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

How many persons in each of the 10 largest ethnic groups, as indicated by birthplace, were shown by the 1966, 1971 and 1976 Censuses to reside in the Electoral Divisions of Lowe and Evans.

Senator Guilfoyle:
LP

– The Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Unfortunately, detailed statistics, from the 1976 Census, of individual electorates are not expected to become available until the latter half of 1978. Statistics showing limited birthplace characteristics are, however, available on present electoral boundaries. Included is the following information in respect of the electoral divisions of Lowe and Evans:

In respect of the years 1966 and 1971, the following information is supplied. All data relates to the 1968 electoral boundaries. Some of the apparent discrepancies between the two Censuses are due simply to the different classifications employed in the available tabulations. For example, in the case of Lowe, ‘China’ was not shown separately in the 1971 tabulation from which these statistics were supplied.

Methane from Urban Waste (Question No. 1166)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 1 7 August 1 977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘The production of methane for local use from urban wastes be investigated by the Energy Commission’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when; (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1181.

Energy Research: Production of Ethanol, Methane or Oil (Question No. 1167)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘The production of ethanol, methane or oil by the conversion of organic materials, … be encouraged by the Energy Commission’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when; (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1 1 8 1 .

Energy Research: Alternatives to Liquid Fuels (Question No. 1168)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 1 7 August 1 977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing

Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘Support should be given to research aimed at finding alternatives for liquid fuels’.

  1. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when; (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1181.

Energy Resources (Question No. 1169)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘The Commonwealth Government establish a statutory body to be called the Australian Energy Commission, to have an overall responsibility for developing and co-ordinating a long term Australian energy policy’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when; (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1 1 8 1 .

Energy Resources (Question No. 1170)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘Direct promotional activities to encourage the conservation of energy and the use of alternative energy resources’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when; (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1 1 8 1 .

Solar Energy (Question No. 1172)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘There is a need to maintain spending in real terms on solar energy research’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when, (b) if not, why not
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1 1 8 1 .

Solar Energy (Question No. 1173)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. Have the Minister and the Government seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy in Australia, which states: ‘Commonwealth and State construction authorities encourage demonstration and proof of concept solar and energy conservation projects as part of their building programs . . .’.
  2. Is the Government likely to implement this very important recommendation; (a) if so, when, (b) if not, why not.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1181.

Energy Policy (Question No. 1178)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. 1 ) Have the Minister and Cabinet seen and deliberated on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources in its report on solar energy, calling for the establishment of an energy policy for Australia as a high priority.
  2. 2 ) When is the Government likely to implement this most vitally important recommendation.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

See my answer to Question No. 1 1 8 1 .

Solar Energy (Question No. 1181)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for National Resources, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

  1. 1 ) Has the Government studied the recently tabled report from the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources inquiry into solar energy in Australia.
  2. When is the Government likely to implement all or any of the major recommendations of this inquiry.
  3. Will the Minister make a statement immediately on this very important and publicly interesting research area.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. and (2) The Government is giving careful consideration to the report on solar energy from the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources, which I regard as a valuable contribution to the debate in Australia on prospects for solar energy, and its decisions on the Committee’s recommendations will be announced in due course.

As I announced on 25 August 1977, the Government has decided that as resources flow from the further development of uranium, additional funds will be provided to increase substantially our national effort on solar energy research.

Energy research and development is a matter to which I have asked the National Energy Advisory Committee to pay particular attention, and I expect to receive advice on this matter from the Committee in the near future. At the request of the Prime Minister, the Australian Science and Technology Council is also preparing advice for the Government on energy research and development in Australia.

The formulation of an energy research and development policy which will make the most effective use of the nation’s research resources cannot take place without detailed knowledge of the existing research effort. Accordingly, the Department of National Resources is currently undertaking a national survey of energy research and development in Australia. The survey of commonwealth Government departments and instrumentalities has commenced, and State Governments, universities and private companies will be approached in due course.

  1. The need for an expanded energy research and development effort has been recognised by Ministers with energy responsibilities from each of the major Australian political parties. At the 19 August 1977 meeting of the Australian Minerals and Energy Council, the Council expressed the unanimous view that there is a need for an active and coordinated national energy research and development effort. The Council is to consider at its next meeting a report from officials on the establishment of a National Energy Research and Development Program, and the means by which such a Program might appropriately be organised and financed. This will enable the Commonwealth to frame a National Energy Research and Development Policy which takes full account of the advice of the National Energy Advisory Committee and the Australian Science and Technology Council, the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on National Resources and the activities and priorities of the State Governments.

Exchange of Intelligence and Security Information with other Countries (Question No. 1201)

Senator Cavanagh:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 17 August 1977:

With which countries, other than the United States, does Australia have arrangements for exchanging information and views with intelligence and security agencies?

Senator Withers:
LP

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

It is not the Government’s policy to provide details of Australia ‘s security and intelligence arrangements with other countries.

Ocean Island (Question No. 1217)

Senator Walsh:

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 17 August, 1977:

  1. Is $A 10,000,000 to be paid to the original inhabitants of Ocean Island from the British Phosphate Commission’s reserves.
  2. What amount is now held in these reserves.
Senator Withers:
LP

– The answer to the honourable senator’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) As announced in a press statement by the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs on 27 May 1977, the partner Governments of the British Phosphate Commissioners- Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom- have agreed to make an ex-gratia payment totalling $A 10,000,000 to set up a trust fund for the Banaban people, the original inhabitants of Ocean Island. The payment would be conditional on the Banabans not proceeding with further litigation apart from the two cases against the British Phosphate Commissioners already before the United Kingdom High Court. The money will come from funds held on behalf of the member governments by the British Phosphate Commissioners which would otherwise have been paid into the consolidated revenues of the respective Governments.

It is not yet known whether the offer to this effect will be accepted.

  1. Approximately $A22,000,000.

Geneva Protocol of 1925: Tear Gas and Herbicides (Question No. 1232)

Senator Button:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 19 August 1977:

  1. Was Australia one of three member nations of the United Nations to vote against the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2603 A(XXIV) of 16 December 1969, which extended the Geneva protocol to tear gas and herbicides; if so, why.
  2. Does the Australian Government still maintain this attitude; if so, why, and under what circumstances would the Government change this attitude.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. Yes. Australia took the position (with the United States and the United Kingdom) that the use of non-lethal harrassing agents, herbicides and defoliants did not contravene the Geneva Protocol. Australia believed that the resolution formulated an interpretation of the Protocol not shared by all parries to it; and that it was for parties to the Protocol to interpret its scope and application, not the General Assembly. Australia, Portugal and the United States voted against the resolution; the NATO countries, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, among others abstained.
  2. Since 1969 no further draft resolutions on this point of interpretation have been placed before the United Nations General Assembly, nor have successive Australian Governments since then reviewed the position reflected in our vote at the 24th General Assembly. The issue is not under consideration at present. The Government would review the question if circumstances arose in which it considered that appropriate.

Movement of Troops from Lavarack Barracks (Question No. 1237)

Senator Keeffe:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 23 August 1977:

  1. How many troops have been moved south from the Lavarack complex during the past two weeks.
  2. Where have the troops been moved.
  3. Is the deployment of troops unusually large.
  4. What is the purpose of the deployment.
Senator Withers:
LP

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

  1. Approximately 450 troops were moved south from Lavarack Barracks in the two weeks to 23 August 1977.
  2. The troops were moved to Canberra and to the Wide Bay training area.
  3. 3 ) No. The deployment was not unusually large.
  4. The purpose of the deployment was as follows:

    1. approximately 95 performed a variety of administrative tasks for the Chief of Defence Force Staff conference and the Chief of the General Staff annual exercise, conducted in Canberra.
    2. the balance participated in a military exercise in the Wide Bay training area.

Special Broadcasting Service: Ethnic and Access Radio (Question No. 1246)

Senator Button:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post and Telecommunications upon notice, on 24 August 1977:

  1. 1 ) What are to be the precise functions of the proposed Special Broadcasting Service.
  2. Has the Minister received a report from a committee comprised of officers of his Department and of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs relating to enthnic radio and access radio for ethnic minorities.
  3. Does the report recommend that there be a prohibition of political discussion on ethnic radio.
  4. Does the report recommend a virtual abandonment of access radio for ethnic communities.
  5. 5 ) Is it the Government ‘s intention to act on this report.
  6. Will the report be tabled in the Parliament; if not, why not.
Senator Carrick:
LP

-The Minister for Post and Telecommunications has provided the following answers to the honourable senator’s questions:

  1. The functions of the proposed Special Broadcasting Service will be to provide multilingual radio and television services and similar services for such special purposes as are prescribed.
  2. Yes.
  3. No.
  4. No.
  5. 5 ) The Government has already acted on the Report.
  6. No. The Report is a confidential report to the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and myself and is not written for publication.

Brisbane Airport: Upgrading (Question No. 1258)

Senator Colston:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 24 August 1977:

Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to the column ‘As I See It’ which appeared in The Courier Mail dated 22 August 1977, in which the Deputy Premier of Queensland, Mr Knox, stated when referring to the need to upgrade Brisbane Airport that the Queensland Coalition Government is ready to play its part in co-operation with the Commonwealth to proceed with this most important development without delay’; if so, what financial or other assistance is the Queensland Government required to provide before the Commonwealth Government will agree to undertake the realignment of the runways at Brisbane Airport

Senator Carrick:
LP

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

Yes, the article to which the honourable senator referred has been drawn to my attention.

Current Commonwealth Government policy on the provision of facilities on major capital city airports does not require a State Government to provide financial assistance. This applies to Brisbane Airport. However, the State Government’s co-operation is sought in such matters as the continued provision of adequate surface access and utility services to the airport as well as the compatible zoning of land in the airport environs.

In regard to the future development of Brisbane Airport, I propose in the near future to seek Government consideration of a longer term airport development strategy and Senator Colston can be assured that the Queensland Government’s views will be taken into account before any final decisions are taken.

Henderson Poverty Inquiry (Question No. 1306)

Senator Grimes:
NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Social Security upon notice, on 7 September 1977:

  1. 1 ) Does the Government propose to implement the second main report of the Henderson Poverty Inquiry relating to law and poverty.
  2. What discussions have taken place with (a) the AttorneyGeneral’s Department and (b) the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs concerning the implementation of the report.
Senator Guilfoyle:
LP

– The answer to the honourable senator’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) My colleague, the Attorney-General, is responsible for co-ordinating the Government s handling of the Second Main Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Poverty, Law ana Poverty in Australia’. The question should accordingly be addressed to the Attorney-General.
  2. See ( 1)above

Income Equalisation Deposit Scheme

Senator Carrick:
LP

-On 31 March 1977, (Hansard, page 686) in the absence of Senator Cotton,

Senator Thomas directed a question without notice to me concerning the possibilities of extending eligibility for the Government’s Income Equalisation Deposits Scheme to all taxpayers and of having interest on these deposits calculated in a different way. I indicated at the time that I would refer the question to the Treasurer, who has now provided the following answer:

Both of these possibilities received careful consideration by the Government when the form of the Income Equalisation Deposits Scheme was being developed. As regards extending eligibility for participation to all taxpayers, the Income Equalisation Deposits Scheme was introduced to assist in offsetting adverse taxation effects suffered by primary producers, whose incomes fluctuate from year to year to a greater extent than incomes of other classes of taxpayers. The concern of the Government at Budget time last year was to bring into early operation a scheme that would provide benefits in what it regarded as being clearly the area of real need. With the coming into force on 1 February 1978 of the new simplified rate scale, 90 per cent of individual taxpayers will pay tax at no more than the standard rate of 32 per cent applicable to taxable incomes up to $16,000. That being so, any practical case that might have been seen for extending the Income Equalisation Scheme to all taxpayers has become much weaker.

The decision to pay a low rate of interest on the full amount of an income equalisation deposit rather than a higher rate on the investment component only was made in the interests of simplicity. The view was taken that the additional difficulties that would have been involved in excluding the tax-deferral component from interest entitlements would have put a high cost on such improvement in equity as might have resulted from the adoption of that course. The advent of the new rate scale will, of course, reduce differences between the effective rates of interest on the investment component of deposits as between high-income and low-income depositors.

Roadside Telephones

Senator Townley:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Post and Telecommunications the following question without notice on 27 May 1977:

In view of the profit made by Telecom Australia could it be requested to examine the installation of emergency telephones along the highway between Hobart and Kingston and the establishment of a committee to develop a policy on the installation of telephones in some area even though there is no prospect of commercial revenue sufficient to pay for such installations.

Senator Carrick:
LP

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

Telecom Australia recognises its community obligations by providing public telephones on a less than economic basis in some cases. Indeed, a loss in excess of $ 10m was incurred on the public telephone service in 1975-76. There is however a need to obtain a certain usage from each public telephone installation to partially offset the high costs of provision and maintenance.

The value of a telephone in the event of an emergency is recognised but it would be impracticable for Telecom to provide ‘emergency’ or ‘trouble telephones at strategic locations along the many thousands of kilometres of roadways in Australia where accidents or break-downs are likely to occur. The cost would be prohibitive and would divert resources from the provision of public telephones in locations where there is a constant need for calls from the community.

In regard to the roadway between Hobart and Kingston, I understand that Telecom Australia has advised the Kingsborough Municipal Council that, because there is no prospect of even minor revenues, there is no reasonable basis upon which the Commission could undertake the installation of standard public telephone facilities in such a locality at its own cost. At the same time Telecom offered to undertake the installation of alternative emergency facilities provided the cost of installation and subsequent operation and maintenance was borne by an appropriate authority responsible for the highway system as is the normal practice elsewhere in Australia.

Proposed National Gas Pipeline

Senator Mcintosh:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Transport the following question, without notice, on 31 May 1977, relating to the economics of the proposed natural gas pipeline from the North West Shelf to the eastern seaboard:

Is the Minister aware that at this year’s annual general meeting of Woodside-Burmah Oil NL, the Chairman stated that the transporting of gas from the North West Shelf to Sydney would cost $ 1 .70 and perhaps $2 per thousand cubic feet and would not be acceptable to industry in the eastern States? Is the Minister aware also that the U.S. Federal Power Commission has recommended that a planned ipeline to carry natural gas from Alaska’s north slope be uilt across Canada and that the Commission’s economic study indicated that the cost per thousand cubic feet delivered to Chicago would be 80c? That information is from the ‘Financial Times’ of 4 May 1977. As the distance from the north slope of Alaska to Chicago is far greater than the distance from the North West Shelf to Sydney and the terrain much more difficult, would the Minister care to investigate or have investigated the trustworthiness of the Chairman’s economics? If the Chairman’s figures are proved to be wrong, this question in some way may be able to help preserve a great Australian asset from being shipped overseas, along with all the other energy sources that this Government is hellbent on getting rid of at giveaway prices.

Senator Withers:
LP

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

See the statement the Minister for National Resources made in the House of Respresentatives on 24 August on Development of the North West Shelf gas fields’- Hansard, pages 574-8.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 13 September 1977, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1977/19770913_senate_30_s74/>.