ijtgislntiut asstwbly....questions [26 september, 1972.] on notice. hon. murray byrne (minister for...

Questions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] on Notice.

Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) , was read a first time.

ADJOURNMENT. Sir GILBERT CHANDLER (Mini

ster of Agriculture) .-By leave, I move-

That the Council, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, October 10.

The motion was agreed to. The House adjourned at 10.1 p.m.,

unbil Tuesday, October 10.

Ijtgislntiut AsstWbly. Tuesday, September 26, 1972.

. The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie) took the chair at 4.5 p.m., and read the prayer.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE.

The following answers to questions on notice were circulated:-

SPORT. GRANTS FOR SPORTING COMPLEXES

AND ORGANIZATIONS. (Question No. 35)

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister for Youth and Recreation-

1. Under what conditions municipalities can obtain grants for development of multipurpose sporting complexes, what grants are available, and what procedures should be followed to obtain grants?

2. Whether any grants have been made to cc Little League" football or cc Little Athletics" organizations in the Geelong area over the past three years?

3. Whether these organizations are entitled to grants from the proposed Sports Commission; if so, what procedure should be followed to obtain grants?

4. Under what conditions youth clubs can obtain financial grants and what grants have been made to clubs in the Geelong area over the past two years?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation).-The answer is-

1. Subsidies for this purpose are available to country municipalities and those fringing the metropolis on the main conditions-

(a) that the complex constitutes a centre catering for the sporting needs of a wide area and provides for several varied sports with a reasonable sharing of central facilities; .

(b) that the plans and .specifications are approved;

(c) that the proposal conforms with the aim of the Sporting Centres Fund; and

(d) that no other similar provision already exists in the same area.

Grants are allocated, as funds become available, on a $1 for $1 basis up to a limit of $30,000 per $100,000 of expenditure.

The procedure to be followed in future applications will be announced after the establishment of the Department qf Youth and Recreation.

2. All grants to little athletics organizations are currently made on the recommendation of the Victorian Little Athletics Association,· and are limited to centres affiliated with the association. In the years 1970-71 and 1971-72, grants of $184.04 and $77. 54 were provided through the association to the Corio centre, this being the only affiliated centre in the Geelong area. No governmental grant has been made to the little league organization.

3. The organizations will be entitled to consideration for grants subject to conditions and procedures which will be announced following the establishment of the Department of Youth and Recreation, and appointment of the Sports Commission.

4. Applications to the Youth Advisory Council are judged on merit and conformity with the following briefly summarized requirements :-

(a) that the club is capable of maintaining or developing a clearly defined and diversified youth programme;

(b) that the grant sought is to meet a genuine need and will be expended for the express purpose intended; and

(c) that the club has made adequate independent efforts to achieve its objective.

Grants made to clubs in the Geelong area over the past two years are indicated in the table which follows.

S24 Questions [ASSEMBLY.) on Notice.

SCHEDULE "A".

GRANTS TO 'YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GEEWNG AREA.

Organization

5th Geelong Girls Brigade (Newtown) Belmont Church of Christ Youth Groups Norlane Church of Christ Youth Groups

1970-71 Grant Category

$

1971-72 Grant

$ 40

Category

Norlane Church of Christ Youth Groups .. . . Thompson Church of Christ Young Peoples Group .. Ocean Grove Camp (Methodist) .. . . . . Toe H Holiday Camp Point Lonsdale

30 50 50 30

400 300 500 100 100 350 250

E E L E C C B E E E E E E

50

30 400

1,000

E&M

E& M

E& M C C

Toe H Holiday Camp Point Lonsadle 2nd Bell Park Scouts 3rd Geelong-Flinders Poineer Scouts Geelong Nauru Scout District lst Newcomb Scouts 2nd Norlane Scouts 1st Ocean Grove Scouts .. 2nd Belmont Bell Park Community Youth Club Bell Park Community Youth Club Belmont Community Youth Club .. Belmont Community Youth Club .. East Geelong Youth Club East Geelong Youth Club Little River Community Youth Club Little River Community Youth Club Little River Community Youth Club Norlane North Shore Youth Club .. Norlane North Shore Youth Club .. Norlane North Shore Youth Club ..

50 150

50 200 40 30 50 50 50

100 170

300

1,000 200

20 200

100

E&M

B E& M

L B

E & M

Ocean Grove and District Community Youth Club Ocean Grove and District Community Youth Club West Geelong Youth Club

50 100 100 200 120 50

250 200 100 100 500 350

E M E L E M E M B E M L M L E M L E M C E M L E M B

250 E&M West Geelong Youth Club West Geelong Youth Club .. Winchelsea Community Youth Club Winchelsea Community Youth Club Burnside Camp Anglesea (Presbyterian) Geelong Y.M.C.A. Geelong Y.M.C.A. Geelong Y.M.C.A. Geelong Y.W.C.A. Geelong Y.W.C.A. Geelong Y. W.C.A.

Abbreviations: E-Equipment; M-Maintenance; L-Leadership; B-Building; CYouth Camp.

ELDERLY CITIZENS' CLUBS. SUBSIDIES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF

CLUBROOMS.

(Question No. 57)

Mr. FELL (Greensborough) asked the Treasurer-

1. What State and Commonwealth subsidies are available to municipalities for the establishment of elderly citizens' clubrooms?

1,350 600

50 1,750 2,000

10,970

100

500 2,700

800

3,000

10,690

E&M

C E&M

L

E&M

2. What total subsidies were made :available by the State and ,the Commonwealth, respectively, in each of the past five finan· cial years and what :amounts will be available this financial year?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer).-The answer is-

1. The Commonwealth Government does not make a subsidy directly available to a municipal council for the establishment of elderly citizens' clubrooms.

Under ;the provisions of the States Grants (Home Care) Act 1969 of the Commonwealth Parliament the Commonwealth has

Questions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] on Notice.

the power to make grants to a participating State towards the capital cost of an elderly citizens' clubroom building project which has been approved by ,the Commonwealth Minister for Social Services.

The contribution by the Commonwealth is an amount equal to one-half of the amount expended by the State and the municipal council on the project but not exceeding one-third of the approved capi,taJ cost of the project. The State subsidy to the council is provided through -the Department of Health -and subject to prior Commonwealth approval of the project is as follows:-

Towards the establishment of a club: (a) Where the approved cost does not

exceed $22,500 the subsidy is sevenninths of the approved cost.

(b) Where the approved 'COst exceeds $22,500 but does not exceed $30,000 the subsidy is $10,000 plus an amount equal to one-third of the approved cost.

(c) Where the ,approved cost exceeds $30,000 the subsidy is $20,000 plus an amount equal to the direct contribution by :the council towards the cost of the project provided that the total amount of subsidy shall not exceed 'the aggregate of $10,000 and one~third of the approved cost.

Towards capital projects in existing clubs:

(i) Where the previous maximum State subsidy of $10,000 has been obtained a subsidy is available based on an amount equal Ito the direct 'Contribution by the council but not exceeding one-third of the approved cost of ,the project.

(ii) In cases where the maximum State subsidy has not previously been obtained, the amount of subsidy will be determined by the department having regard to the contribution available in the particular case from both State and Commonwealth sources.

2. The information sought is as follows:-

1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 ]971-72 .. .. 1972-73 (estimated) .,

State expenditure on

capital subsidies

$

100,000 ]00,000 100,000 120,000 54,736

500,000

Commonwealth payments to

State

$

Nil Nil Nil Nil ]1,184

315,000

Victoria gave notice to the Commonwealth on 16th September, 1971, that it intended to seek finandal assistance and to become a participating State as provided for by the Commonwealth States Grants (Home Care) Act.

MIGRANTS. ESTABLISHMENT OF INFORMATION

. CENTRES.

(Question No. 93) .

Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East) asked the Premier-

1. Whether notification has been received from the Commonwealth Government of its willingness to -co-operate with the State Government in the establishment of municipally-based migrant information offices; if so, when such notification was received?

2. Whether any reply ,to the above-mentioned offer has been made by the State Government; if so-(a) when; and (b) in what :terms?

Mr. HAMER I(Premier and Treas-l,lrer).-The answer is-

1. Yes; on 27th July, 1970. 2. Yes; on 15th October, 1970. The Victodan Government suggested that

the proposed centres should be available to provide information for all citizens and requested more details of the scheme. No details have yet been received.

HOME FINANCE TRUST. FUNDS: INSURANCE OF PROPERTIES.

(Question No. 97)

Mr. FELL (Greensborough) asked the Treasurer-

1. What funds have beeil made available to the Home Fin-ance Trust each year since its inception, what were 'the sources of these funds and what annual amounts were provided from each source?

2. Whether supply of funds to the trust by any source has been conditional upon borrowers from the trust being required to insure with specific companies; if so, which sources have imposed these conditions and whether the trust has agreed to them?

3. What conditions apply regarding insurance of properties upon which loans are provided with respect to-( a) the type of insurance; (b) the amount of insurance; and (c) the companies with which to insure?

4. Whether there have been any changes in these conditions since the inception of the trust; if so, what changes and when they were made?

5. Whether it is the policy of other home finance organizations to require borrowers to insure witb specific companies?

6. Whether borrowers from the trust are permitted to insure with companies of their own choice; if not, why, and what action has been taken against borrowers who have done so?

526 '" 'Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice ..

7. Whether he is aware that the trust has required borrowers to insure with specific companies and if he will take steps to allow freedom of choice of insurance by borrowers?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treas~ urer).-The answer is-

1. The following amounts have been borrowed by 'the Home Finance Trust pursuant to· the provisions of the Home Finance Act 1958:-

Sources of Borrowings Total Year Banks Insurance Other amount

companies lenders Borrowed

$ $ $ $

1956-57 1,500,000 200,000 1,700,000 1957-58 2,200,000 200,000 2,400,000 1958-59 1,400,000 200,000 1,600,000 1959-60 900,000 200,000 1,100,000 1960-61 700,000 500,000 1,200,000 1961-62 2,950,000 2,950,000 1962-63 1,350,000 1,350,000 1963-64 3,100,000 100,000 3,200,000 1964-65 2,800,000 100,000 2,900,000 1965-66 860,000 390,000 1,250,000 1966-67 1,850,000 150,000 2,000,000 1967-68 2,300,000 100,000 . 2,400,000 1968-69 1,000,000 100,000 1,100,000 1969-70 . . 1,550,000 200,000

250,000 1,750,000

1970-71 1,800,000 200,000 2,250,000 1971-72 1,450,000 50,000 100,000 1,600,000

Totals ,. 27,710,000 2,690,000 350,000 30,750,000

2. No. From the outset the trust adopted the policy Ithat fire in'surance cover over pr.operties financed by it be placed with c.ompanies which were members of the Fire and Accident Underwriters Assodation of Victoria. Within this policy the trust has directed insurances t.o member companies which have supported the ;trust by making loans to it.

3. The following conditions apply:-(a) Fire and other usual risks associated

with buildings 'and improvemen,ts erected on the property over which the trust holds a first mortgage;

(b) full insurable v.alue of the buildings and improvements;

(c) insurance is placed with .one of the companies which support the trust by making loans to it such company being a member of ,the Fire and Accident Underwriters Association of Victoria.

4. Since the inception of the trust :there has not been :any change in the conditi.ons relating to insurance. These conditions are formally embodied in the trust's schedule of condttions attaching to the offer of the loan and in the form of mortgage executed by' the borrower.

5. I am advised that a number of institutions lending for housing purposes require borrowers to effect insurance through either their own insurance fund or Ian insurance company nominated by the lending institution.

6. In respect of first mortgage loans made by the trust, borrowers are not permitted to insure with a company of their own choice unless the company is one· of those nominated by :the -trust. Gonsequently, it has not been necessary for the trust to have taken ,any action under the covenants of the mortgage in respect of matters related to insurance cover.

In respect of second mortgage loans made by the trust, borrowers are not required to effect insurance in addition to the cover already required by the first mortgagee.

7. I :am aware of the trust's requirement in respect of first mortgage borrowers to insure their properties with specific insurance companies and because the policy being followed is considered to be mutually beneficial to the interests of the Itrust, existing borrowers, and future prospective borrowers, it is not intended to direct any change in that policy.

POINT NEPEAN.

RELEASE OF LAND FOR MARINE NATIONAL PARK.

(Question No. 122)

Mr. EDMUNDS i{Moonee Ponds) asked the Minister for Conservation-

Whether the Government is aware Ithat the Commonwealth Government has released 550 acres of the foreshore land around Sydney Harbor t.o the New South Wales Government for recreation purposes; if so, whether he will make further representations t.o the Commonwealth Government regarding a similar release of land :at the Point Nepean area to enable a marine national park to be created?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Conservation).-The answer is-

Representations were so made to the Commonwealth Government earlier this year and are again being followed up.

COMMONWEALTH BUREAU OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS.

PUBLICATION OF STATISTICS ON REGIONAL BASIS.

(Question No. 158)

Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East) asked the Chief Secretary-

Whether he will request the Deputy Commonwealth Statistician to publish future statistics on a regional basis in addition to the existing statistical divisions; if not, why?

Questions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] on Notice. 527

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary). The answer is-

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. BUDGETARY PROVISION FOR STATE

SCHOOLS. (Question No. 181) It is not possible for the Bureau of Cen

sus and Statistics to collate all statistics on a regional basis as some statistics are not identified by local government area classification.

Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked the Treasurer-

However, the bureau has compiled statistics in the past in regional areas on request from the Department of State Development and Decentralization and this practice will continue whenever possible.

Whether he will supply an itemized state~ ment on the proposed expenditure of $411 million for State primary, technical and secondary schools as outlined in his Budget speech, in similar detail to table seven of the report of the Minister of Education for 1969-70?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Trea~urer) .-The answer is-

Budget Estimates 1972-73

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-

A. Salaries and payments in the nature of salaries-

Director-General of Education Assistant Directors-General of Education

Public Service-Administrative Division .. Technical and General Division Temporary assistance

Teaching Service-

Regional Directors of Education Director of Primary Education, Assistant Directors,

Staff Inspectors and Inspectors

Director of Secondary Education, Assistant Directors and Inspectors .. Director of Technical Education, Assistant Directors and Inspectors ..

Director of Special Services, Supervisors and Staff Director of Teacher Education, Assistant Director

and Assistants, principal and staff, teachers colleges ..

Other special services Teachers

Chairmen, Committee of Classifiers

Less: Amounts to be provided from other funds .. Estimated savings consequent upon resig

nations, &c.

Overtime and penalty rates Payments in lieu of long service leave, retiring

gratuities

$

1,561,595 2,366,018 2,302,339

43,590

829,219

470,983

272,005

565,758

5,724,245

38,806 242,800,000

925,000

14,437,558

$

23,450 53,100

6,229,952

250,744,606 '16,900

257,068,008

15,362,558 241,705,450

136,000

3,620,000

$

245,461,450

'528 Questions [ASSEMBLY. )

B. General expenses-TraVelling and subsistence .. Books and publications, other incidental expenses Postal and telephone. expenses . . . . Motor vehicles-purchase and running expenses 'Fuel, light, power and water . . . . School and office equipment and requisites, including

allowances to certain indigent children and equipment for registered schools (to be recouped), printing and stationery ..

Visual education Domestic arts .. Manual training Libraries Expenses in connection with examinations .. Refunds of school fees, rents, &C. Allowance to school cleaners .. Grants to schools Special grants to schools for the abolition of composite

fees

C. Other services-Technical schools-grants Students in training-allowances Bus services and pupils' travelling allowances

Fare concessions for students-(a) Payment to railway department (b) Payment to Melbourne and Metropolitan

Tramways Board (including payment towards cost of administration) ..

Scholarships and bursaries (fees and allowances) and allowances for maintenance and requisites

Hostels attached to teachers' colleges, training centres or special schools-expenses

Contribution towards organized athletics in State schools

Fellowship to University of London Minor repairs to inspectors' residences, buildings,

grounds and equipment where there is no school committee ..

Residential group activities of students in training and pupils at Somers and elsewhere

Speech therapy and psychology tests, &c.-travelling expenses of country children and parents ..

Students attending schools under reciprocal arrangements with other States-maintenance and allowances

Subsidies to holders of free places and senior scholarships (university and technical) ..

Subsidies to hostels established in connexion with country high and technical schools and special schools

Subsidies for fencing school endowment plantations Adult Education Fund-To supplement Annual app

ropriation Grants to municipalities towards cost of improving and

maintaining playgrounds used by State school child-ren ..

Australian Council for Educational Research-grant .. Melbourne Kindergarten Teachers College-grant .. State Schools Horticultural Society-grant .. Victorian Council of School Organizations-grant .. International teaching fellowships .. Towards expenses of conducting a school by the Vic

torian Committee for the Promotion of Oral Education of the Deaf

Victorian Federation of State Schools Mothers Clubsgrant

on Notice.

$ $ 1,148,000

689,000 289,000

38,000 2,434,000

1,759,000 240,000 645;700 180,000 275,000 129,000

8,000 9,241,900 1,450,000

1,600,000 20,126.600

5,762,400 26,400,000 11,400,000

670,000

1,044,000

3,665,000

1,142,350

1,000 650

500

92,460

5,000

17,000

10,000

12,000 1,500

213,000

183 19,320

340,000 16,500 7,500

980,000

22,000

1,500 51,823,86

Questions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.]

TEACHERS TRmUNAL-

A. Salaries and payments in the nature of salary Public Service-

Administrative Division Technical and General Division

Less: Estimated savings consequent upon resignations, &c.

Overtime and penalty rates

B. General expenses-Travelling and subsistence .. Office requisites and equipment, printing and stationery Books and publications, other incidental expenses Postal and telephone expenses Motor vehicles-purchase and running expenses

$

42,784 20,034

6,500

Other Departmental votes PREMJER-

Public Service Board Electronic Data Processing Service Bureau-service cost

ARTS-

National Gallery Art School-education services LABOUR AND INDUSTRY-

Subsidies to apprentices attending continuous courses of instruction remote from place of residence or work

TREASURER-

Subsidy towards cost of transport of handicapped children from Gippsland to specialized schools in metropolitan area

Council for Christian Education in Schools-grant .. Melbourne Medical Post-Graduate Committee-grant Pay-roll tax (portion) Workers compensation (portion)

PUBLIC WORKS-

Public offices and buildings maintenance Rents and allowances

VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS-

Cadetships, scholarships, bursaries, &c.

5,000 50,000 15,000

8,839,000 1,856,820

52,000 293,199

SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS

Debt Charges (portion) .. Teachers Tribunal, Salaries and Allowances .. Adult Education Fund

Pensions-Married Womens Superannuation Fund The Superannuation Fund

35,000 7,826,000

WORKS AND SERVICES ACCOUNT

State schools, teachers' colleges, &c.-purchase of sites and properties, erection and maintenance of buildings, furniture, &c ...

Total

on Notice.

$

62,818

1,318

61,500 1,700

1,000 3,500

2,300 500

206,280

5,000

100,000

10,765,820

345,199

229,005

24,225,413 98,000 50,000

7,861,000

529

$

63,200

13,800

11,651,304

32,234,413

49,979,000

411,353,630

530 Questions [ASSE~LY.] on Notice.

INNER-SUBURBAN SCHOOLS: USE OF SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH GRANTS.

(Question No. 255)

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) asked the Minister of Education-

Which inner-suburban State primary and secondary schools will receive assistance from the special Commonwealth grant provided to modernize these schools, detailing in respect of .each school, what works ·are proposed, what is the expected cost and when work will be commenced in each case?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The answer is-

Three inner-suburban schools are ,amongst those where funds made available as capital assistance grants up to 30th June, 1973, are being spent. They are-

P.S. 3146 Clifton Hill-new s'chool building of sixteen class-rooms, libr.ary, general purpose room, canteen and art/ craft room. Estimated total cost is $495,400, and the contract was let on 1st May last.

P.S. 2566 North Melbourne - new school building of sixteen class-rooms, library, general purpose room, canteen and art/craft room. Estimated total cost is $565,697, and the contract was let on 23rd June last.

P.S. 1213 Brunswick-new school building of 32 class-rooms, double library, two general purpose rooms, canteen, and two art/craft rooms. Estimated total cost is $980,700, and the contract was let on 11th May last. The programme of works to be undertaken

in the next triennium from funds available under the Commonwealth capital assistan'ce grant is currently being prepared.

PURCHASE OF SCHOOL SITES: EXPENDITURE: FUNDS ALLOCATED.

(Question No. 291) Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the

Minister of Education-1. How much money was spent by the

Education Department in the purchase of school sites in 1969-70, 1970-71 and 1971-72, respectively?

2. What proportion of this sum was spent in the purchase of school sites in the electoral district of Melbourne?

3. Whether, in view of the high price of land in the inner city areas, and the inability of the department to purchase additional land adjacent to the Boundary Road Primary School, North Melbourne, there will be a substantial increase in the allocation of funds for the purchase of extra school sites in the electoral district of Melbourne?


1. New Extensions Total

$ $ $

(a) 1969-70.. 943,162.61 1,071,344.65 2,014,507.26 (b) 1970-71 .. 1,434,824.24 930,424.56 2,365,248.80 (e) 1971-72.. 1,360,928.17 841,140.58 2,202,068.75

2.

$ S (a) 1969-70 G.H.S. Flemington 34,400.00

*Latrobe Street complex .. 98,200.00

4980 Carlton .. 33,695.01 2374 Kensington.. 18,300.00

----184,595.01 (b) 1970-71 .. G.H.S. Flemington 56,891.50

* Latrobe Street complex .. 58,500.00

4980 Carlton .. 99,793.19 2374 Kensington.. 12,750.00

----227,934.69 (e) 1971-72 .. G.H.S. Flemington 45,587.00

T.S. Melbourne .. 220,000.00 49110 Carlton .. 56,693.46 2374 Kensington .. 31,250.00

------ 353,530.4 Total . . 766.060. I

• Melbourne School of Hairdressing. Melbourne School of Painting, Decorat

ing and Sign Crafts. Melbourne School of Printing . and

Graphic Arts. 3. No. Each case for acquisition will be

considered on its merits.

ANCILLARY STAFF FOR STATE SCHOOLS.

(Question No. 297) Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked

the Minister' of Education-With regard to the recent Budget pro

posals for increases in ancillary staff in State schools-

1. What approximate numbers' of additional personnel will be provided in primary, secondary and technical schools, respectively?

2. What positions these personnel will occupy?

3. How many of the new pOsitions will be filled by personnel transferred from other departments?

4. When and in what form the positions will be advertised?

5. Whether appointees, where' appropriate to the position, will be given the training required for contact with students; if so, what courses are proposed?


1 to 5. Senior officers of the Education Department are currently engaged in working out the' details for the appointment of the extra 900 ancillary staff mentioned in the . recent . Budg~t spe~ch made by the


Treasurer. As soon as a decision has been made the honorable member will be advised by letter.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS: COMMONWEALTH FINANCED LIBRARIES.

(Question No. 302) Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) asked

the Minister of Education-With regard to the provision of Common

wealth financed libraries in Victorian high and technical schools-( a) which schools have been provided with a library at 30th June, 1972; (b) which schools are to be provided with a library by 30th June, 1973; and (c) which schools will not have ,a library by 30th June, 1973?


(a) High schools

Albert Park, Brentwood, Burwood Heights, Camberwell, Camperdown, Doncaster, Fawkner, Ferntree Gully, Frankston, Glenroy, Glen Waverley, Greenwood, Hadfield, Hallam, Heatherhill, Kealba, Keilor Heights, Laverton, Lilydale, McKinnon, Maryvale, Mitcham, Montmorency, Mornington, Newcomb, Niddrie, Nunawading, Oak Park, Pembroke, Rosanna East, Sale, Seaford/ Carrum, Strathmore, Syndal. Templestowe, Thomastown, Watsonia and Waverley. Technical schools

Bell Park, Essendon, Fawkner, Glenroy, Irymple, Keon Park, Kingsbury, Lalor, Leongatha, Mitcham, Northcote, Oakleigh, Sou th Melbourne, Sunshine, Wangaratta, Warrnambool, White Hills and Whitehorse T.C.

(b) The Education Department has adopted a policy not to publish its building programme in advance, due to the fact that on occasions circumstances arise which prevent anticipated programmes being realized. On such occasions considerable concern results when a school's expectation is not realised. The situation is that the department establishes priorities on the basis of student enrolments and existing facilities, bearing in mind the total building programme, and Commonwealth libraries will continue to be provided at schools progressively on this basis.

(c) All post primary schools not listed under (01) nor covered under (b) above.

MARRIED WOMEN TEACHERS: PAYMENT FOR LONG SERVICE LEAVE.

(Question No. 303) Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked

the Minister of Education-1. Whether pro rata payment in lieu of

long service leave is being withheld from women teachers who have resigned to marry and who have such entitlement after five years of service; if so, why?

2. Whether 'he has issued any instructions that such payments should not be made?

3. Whether the Teachers Tribunal has sought clarification of this matter from him; if so, what was his reply?


1. Advice from the Crown Solicitor's Office indicates there is a doubt as to the legal powers of the Teachers Tribunal to grant payment in lieu of long service leave to women teachers with less than fifteen years of service who resigned on account of, or in anticipation of, marriage. However it is acknowledged that there is no doubt as to the tribunal's power to grant payment to those teachers with between ten and fifteen years completed years of service if satisfied that the resignation was on the grounds of dqmestic or other pressing necessity.

2. No. I have requested that payments should not be withheld.

3. The Teachers Tribunal has drawn attention to the possible need for amendments to the relevant section of the Act whereby payments in lieu of long service leave may be made to women teachers with at least five years of service who have resigned on account of, or in anticipation of, marriage. The need for amending legislation is currently being discussed with the Crown Law Department.

PUBLIC SERVICE. QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKERS.

(Question No. 201) Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East)

asked the Premier-1. How many professionally qualified

social workers are employed in the Public Service, specifying the number in each department?

2. How many are employed-( em) full time; (b) part time; and (~) on a temporary basis?

3. In which divisions or sections of departments, they are employed, speCifying the number in each case?

4. In which specific location they are employed, indicating the ~epartment,. divis~o~, the region and the partIcular hospItal, clImc or other institution in which each officer is working?

5. What is the establishment in each department for qualified social workers?

6. How many vacant positions for professionally qualified social workers currently exist in the Public Service, specifying the number of vacancies in each department?

7. In which divisions, or sections of departments these vacancies exist, specifying the relevant numbers in each case?

8. Whether consideration is being g!ven to the employment of additional qualIfied

532 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

social workers; if so, how many additional positions in each department, division and section?


1. Number employed-178 Departments - Ministry of-

Aboriginal Affairs 11 Health 2 Mental Hygiene 55 Social Welfare 110

2. Capacity in which employed-

Aboriginal Affairs Health .. Mental Hygiene Social Welfare

3. Division ployed

Aboriginal Affairs-

Health-

Mental Hygione-

(a) (b) (e) Full time Part time Temporary

basis

11 2

53 100

or section in

2 10

Head office (Melb.) Country Regions ..

which

Tuberculosis . . . . Maternal and Child Welfare

Head Office Hospitals and Ciinics

J 23 42

em-

4 7

11

2

2 53

55

S5

Social Welfare--Family Welfare- Allambie Reception Centre.

Burwood Baltara Reception Centre.

Parkville Head office

Country and suburban offices- Ballarat

. Bendigo Hamilton Bairnsdale Swan Hill Mildura Ringwood Footscray

Probation and Parole-Head office .. Children's Court, Batman

Avenue Chetwynd Street. North

Melbourne Suburban offices- Dandenong

Frankston Ringwood

Country offices- Mildura Bairnsdale Shepparton Morwell Bendigo .. "

Regional services- Barwon Centre (Geelong) North Eastern Centre

(Preston) Youth Welfare- Head Office

5. EstablishmentAboriginal Affairs Health .. Mental Hygiene Social Welfare

6. VacanciesAboriginal Affairs Health .. Mental Hygiene Social Welfare

5

2

40

7 8

8

1 1 I I I 1 1 J 4 7

13

15 2

62 137

4

7 14

Social Welfare- Family Welfare .. Probation and Parole Regional Services Youth Welfare

31 7. Divisions or sections where vacancies g exist-

110

4. Specific locations in which employed-Aboriginal Affairs- Metropolitan . . 4

HealthTuberculosis-

East Gippsland .. 2 West Gippsland.. 2 Western Wimmera J Murray Goulburn J Mallee .. 1

Hospital .. Clinical Domiciliary ..

Administration .. }

Maternal and Child Welfare-Administration J 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 J J

Mental Hygiene- Head Office .. Alexandra Parade Clinic Ballarat Hospital Bendigo Hospital Bouverie Clinic .. Children's Clinic .. Children's Cottages. Kew .. Clarendon Clinic Dandenong Hospital Ernest Jones Clinic .. Glenhuntly Rehabilitation

Centre Janefield Training Centre .. Kew Hospital .. Larundel Hospital Malvern Clinic .. Mont Park Hospital Observatory Clinic .. Parkville Psychiatric Unit .. Pleasant View Hospital Plenty Hospital .. Royal Park Hospital Shepparton Hospital St. Nicholas Hospital Sunbury Hospital Traralgon Hospital .. Travencore Development

Centre

J 3 4 2 2 2 2 1 2 S I 3 2 J 2

Aboriginal Affairs- Head Office . . . . 1 Country Regions (roving).. 3

Mental Hygiene- Bendigo Hospital 1 Clarendon Clinic 1 Geelong Hospital 2 Shepparton Hospital 1 Traralgon Hospital 1 Warrnambool Hospital J

Social Welfare- Family Welfare .. 4 Probation and Parole 6 Regional Services 3 Youth Welfare .. I

8. Proposed additional positions-Yes. TWo additional offices have so far

been approved in rthe Mental Hygiene Branch and eleven additional offices in the Social Welfare Department. Submissions from other departments are expected.

MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF

WORKS. W ATSONS CREEK RESERVOIR:

ACQUISITION OF LAND. (Question No. 239)

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

1. How much of the land required for the Watsons Creek reservoir has so far been acquired by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works?


2. Whether the board is willing to acquire additional land when requested to do so by the owners?

3. What has been the basis of compensation for the land so far acquired?

4. Whether owners whose land is not acquired immediately will receive the same compensation as those whose land is now in the hands of the board; if not, whether they will be compensated on the value at the date when acquisition ultimately occurs?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The answer supplied by the Minister for Local Government is-

1. The board has purchased 4,206 acres of the total 12,410 acres reserved under the interim development order for the proposed Watsons Creek reservoir. It is pointed out that no notices to treat have been served. but negotiations have been conducted following requests by the owners.

2. The board has used its limited finances to purchase in cases of hardship when requested by the owner 50 to do and the future rate of purchase will depend upon the amount made available each year by the Government as a loan quota to raise capital funds for this purpose.

3 and 4. All the land purchased so far has been purchased by agreement on the basis of current market value at the time of purchase and all future purchases will be at the market value current at the time of purchase.

EASTERN FREEWAY: CONSTRUCTION THROUGH YARRA BEND PARK: RESTORATION WORK: SPORTING OVALS.

(Question No. 246)

Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

1. What is the cost per mile of constructing the freeway through Yarra Bend national park?

2. What is the estimated cost of complete restoration to the satisfaction of the Yarra Bend Trust?

3. When it is estimated that construction in the park will be completed?


1. The approximate estimated cost per mile of constructing the section of freeway through Yarra Bend national park is $4' 75 million.

2. In consultation with the park trust the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has agreed to carry out work to a

value of $272,000 for restoration and improvement of the park as a result of the freeway project.

There are further proposals by the trust which are currently being examined but are no t yet agreed.

3. No date has been fixed for completion of restoration works, but these are being put in hand as soon as agreement is reached with the trust.

Completion of main freeway works IS expected by mid-1975.

(Question No. 248)


1. What provision has been made to plan for sewerage facilities to Yarra Bend national park in conjunction with the freeway construction?

2. What effect the freeway construction will have on the service road into Yarra Bend national park 18-hole golf course?

3. Whether it is the intention to build a by-pass road; if so, whether it will be an allweather road and afford the same reasonable safety to persons using the existing road?

4. Who will be responsible for the cost of the by-pass road and the reinstatement of the original road including the bridge?

5. What type of bridge construction will be used where the existing roadway will cross over the freeway and indicating whether it will be a 2-lane bridge

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The answer supplied by the Minister for Local Government is-·

1. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has been in consultation with the Yarra Bend Park Trust regarding alterations and improvements to the park, and is discussing the provision of new pavilion accommodation and public conveniences together with sewerage of these facilities. The board has agreed to the carrying ou t of improvemen t works in the park at a total estimated cost of $272,000.

2. The present road access into the park and golf course will be preserved and wi1l be 'carried across the freeway on a permanent overpass structure.

3. Pending construction of the permanent overpass, a safe, all-weather diversion road will be provided.

4. The board will be responsible for the cost of the diversion road and reinstatement of the original road including the bridge.

5. Pre-stressed concrete construction will be used. and width will be 28 feet between kerbs (2-lane), plus two footpaths.


(Question No. 249) Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked

the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

1. What is the length of the freeway through Yarra Bend national park?

2. What amount of material has been excavated to date? .

3. Where the material has been dumped or disposed of, and on what authority?

4. What total amount of material will be excavated and where it will be placed?


1. Length of freeway through Yarra Bend .national park is 6,100 feet.

2. The amount of material excavated from the park to date is approximately 535,000 cubic yards.

3. The material has been placed as follows:-

(a) Soil in temporary stockpiles for re-use;

(b) clay and rock in freeway embankments near Merri Creek and the Yarra River at the boulevard;

(c) rock in freeway embankments, the old river loops, and the new river banks in Kew between Chandler Highway and Willow Grove;

(d) crushed stone in stockpiles near the works area in the park (for future use in freeway 'construction);

(e) clay in areas of Yarra Bend Park filling up previously useless land for future recreational use;

(f) rock in the bottom of the old Camberwell garbage area.

This work was carried out by direction of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works under authority of the board's Acts and the Eastern Freeway Lands Act. All works affecting the park are being carried ou t in consultation with the Yarra Bend Park Trust.

4. The total amount of material to be excavated from the park is 933,000 cubic yards. It will be placed as set out in the answer to part 3 of the question.

(Question No. 250) Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked the

Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

1. What amount has been spent by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works In restoration work resulting from the Eastern Freeway construction?

2. What restoration work has been commenced and what has been completed?

3. What sporting ovals have been lost as a result of the freeway construction?

4. Whether it is intended to replace or re-site each of these ovals; if so, when?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Trans.; port) .-The answer supplied by'the Minister for Local Government is-

1. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has spent $315,000 on restoration works adjoining the project, and a further amount of approximately $1·4 million is being allocated for further work. ,

2. Work has commenced on some restoration works in Yarra Bend national park, Kew golf course and Camberwell golf course. The restoration of Latrobe golf course is completed.

3 and 4. Four oVials in Yarra Bend national park have been absorbed by the freeway. Replacement of all the ovals· in the Yarra Bend national park will be carried out in consultation with the Yarra Bend Park Trust during 1973.

The playing area at Willsmere Park is reduced in size, but replacement for Willsmere Park is being provided in a new playing area between the freeway and Newbury and Lister streets, Kew. The detailed layout of this area has not yet been finalized.

HIGHWAY AND FREEWAY PLANNING SECTION: STAFF: EXPENDITURE.



1. How many persons are employed by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works in the highway and freeway planning sections?

2. What amount of money was spent in each of the past three financial years on freeway and highway planning and construction, respectively?

3. What amount of money was spent in each of the past three financial years on plant and equipment for freeway and highway development?


1. Of a total of 174 persons employed in the Highways Division, which embraces investigation, planning, design, construction and maintenance of highways, 117 persons are engaged on the investigation, planning and design of highways.

2. 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

$ 12· 45 million 11·16 million 15·80 million

The above are total costs of design and construction, and a break-up of these amounts is not immediately available.


3. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works policy is that its highway works are constructed predominantly by contract, and no substantial items of plant have been purchased for this work. The board's day labour section has been also used bu t this section used equipment required for the board's other functions.

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND RAIL

Loop: ESTIMATED COST: EFFECT ON ROAD TRAFFIC.

(Question No. 241) Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North)

asked the Minister of Transport-1. What is the latest estimated cost of

the Melbourne underground rail loop? 2. What is the financial obligation of-( a)

the Melbourne City Council; (b) train travellers; (c) the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works; and (d) the Treasury, in relation to such estimate?

3. On the basis of the current financial arrangements of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, what share of the costs in 1971-72 and 1972-73, respectively, will be borne by each municipality in the Melbourne metropolitan area?

4. What proportion of the increased cost of the project is attributable to-(a) increased costs of materials and labour; (b) changes in design and construction techniques; and (c) other factors?

5. What is the estimated rate of cost inflation for the remaining period of construction, and what additional amount this will add to the original estimate?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The answer is-

1. The estimate of the construction cost of the Melbourne underground rail loop is $117· 23 million.

2. The financial obligations of the Treasury, the Melbourne City Council and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works are set out in the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Act 1970. No. 8023. In 1971-72 the amount payable by the council and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works was $20,000 each and the amount for 1972-73 is currently being determined.

The contribution by train travellers is a levy of 1 cent per suburban. journey. For the year ended 30th June, 1972, this amounted to $951,794.

3. The contribution by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works is payable out of the Metropolitan Improvement Fund.

4. During the period between the original and the above estimate labour costs increased by almost 50 per cent; these costs plus consequential increases in the cost of materials substantially account for the increase: .


asked the IYIinister of Transport-What is the estimated reduction in volume

of road traffic to be effected in the initial year of operation of the Melbourne underground rail loop and five years after commencement of operation, respectively?


The loop is the key to improving Melbourne public transport services.

Without this improvement, many more roads and freeways than those set out in the metropolitan transportation plan would be required-a frightening prospect.

ST. ALBANS LINE: PASSENGER TRAFFIC AND REVENUE.

(Question No. 275) Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked

the Minister of Transport-In respect of the St. Albans railway

station-1. What was the passenger traffic at this

station during each of the past five financial years?

2. What was the passenger revenue at this station during each of the past five financial years?


Based on the number of tickets sold at the station, the journeys made on tickets sold at St. Albans during the past five financial years and the revenue obtained were--

Number of Revenue journeys $

1966-67 2,247,597 364,313 1967-68 2,298,463 378,416 1968-69 2,372,087 401,590 1969-70 2,358,443 423,100 1970-71 2,338,261 431,197

COUNTRY ROADS BOARD. FREEWAYS PLANNING SECTION:

STAFF: EXPENDITURE.



1. How many persons are employed in the highways and freeways planning section of- the Country Roads Board?

2. What amounts of money were spent in each of the past three financial years on freeway and highway planning and construction?


3. What amount of money was spent on plant and equipment for each of the past three financial years for the purpose of highway and freeway construction and planning?


1. The Country Roads Board's Chief Engineer's Branch directly controls the road and bridge works undertaken by the board and co-ordinates and supervises technical aspects of those works undertaken by municipal councils to which the board contributes financially. The branch is divided into five specialist sub-branches namely works sub-branch, bridge subbranch, road design sub-branch, mechanical sub-branch and planning sub-branch.

In all, 1,185 officers are employed in the Chief Engineer's Branch. All these officers are engaged in some aspect of the construction and planning of State highways, main roads, tourist 'roads, forest roads and freeways declared or proclaimed under the provisions of the Country Roads Act.

The planning sub-branch is divided into the advance planning division and the freeway planning division. The advance planning division is responsible for inventories, needs surveys, development of long range plans for road systems, analysis of revenue sources to finance roadworks and the development of objectives and reliable criteria for establishing priorities. The freeway planning division is responsible for transportation studies, the investigation of detailed location and functional design for freeways, the preparation of long-term planning programmes within the limits of available funds and assists in the development of short-term works programmes.

The numbers of staff employed in the planning sub-branch are-

Chief Planning Engineer 1 Advance planning division 19 Freeway planning division 43

Total 63

2. Expenditure from funds available to the Country Roads Board-

1969-70 $64,960,000 1970-71 $71,031,000 1971-72 $72,756,000

The above figures include: (a) Expenditure on planning projects

approved under the Commonwealth Aid Roads Act 1969, excluding salaries.

(b) Salaries of all staff in the Chief Engineer's Branch.

(c) Expenditure, under both board and council supervision, on construction work, including land acquisition, on all classifications of roads; expenditure on special projects, level crossings and pedestrian overpasses is included.

3. Expenditure by the Country Roads Board on the purchase and maintenance of plant and equipment for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges-

1969-70 $5,522,000 1970-71 $5,858,000 1971-72 $6,372,000

CHILDREN'S CROSSING FOR BALLARAT ROAD, SUNSHINE.

(Question No. 290)

Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

What plans the Country Roads Board has for the construction of an overhead children's crossing in the vicinity of the Sunshine High School in Ballarat Road, Sunshine?


Funds made available under the State Government's scheme for pedestrian overpasses at schools are allocated according to priorities assessed periodically by the Country Roads Board and the Road Safety and Traffic Authority.

The priority for the construction of an overhead crossing at the Sunshine High School on the Western Highway is not as high as others for which applications have been received. The Country Roads Board has no plans for the construction of an overhead crossing at this location in the immediate future.

PRINCES HIGHWAY: MORWELLTRARALGON SECTION.

(Q~estion No. 294) Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the


1. Whether the Princes Highway between Morwell and Traralgon has reached maximum traffic capacity; if so, how long this situation has existed?

2. Why sufficient funds have not been made aV!ailable to enable the Country Roads Board to continue the oonstruction of the Prin'ces Highway by-pas's of Mo rwell , and when further funds will be made available?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport).-The answer supplied by the Minister for Local Government is-

1. No. 2. The Country Roads Board allocates its

funds :according to road needs. It is not expected that this work will commence before the 1974-75 financial year.


YARRA RIVER. EFFECT OF FREEWAY CONSTRUCTION.

(Question No. 247)


1. Whether an investigation has been made by the Government to ensure that the alteration of the course of the Yarra River for freeway purposes will not cause future flooding upstream?

2. Whether the dumping of spoil :at the location known as Deep Rock will have any detrimental effect on the flow of the river?

3. What supervision is carried out by the authorities to see that further dumping of spoil, altering the river bank, will not affect the ecology of the area?


1. Investigation by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has established that alteration of the course of the Yarra River for freeway purposes will not increase future flooding upstream.

2. Spoil is being placed at the location known as Deep Rock at the request of the Yarra Bend Park Trust to regul:arize the banks and enable the area to be developed as usable open space. Some material has been temporarily stockpiled for the purpose of drying it out. The completed works on the area which will be carried out to the satisfaction of the trust will have no detrimental effect on the flow of the river.

3. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works as the responsible authority for the river will continue to supervise all works along the river bank.

YARRA BEND PARK.

STONE CRUSHING PLANT.

(Question No. 251)


Whether a stone crushing plant has been erected in Y:arra Bend national park; if so(a) what area of the park it occupies including the material already at gross; (b) how it is proposed to restore the affected area; (c) why it was necessary to build the plant in ;the park; and (d) whether this plant will be used to produce material for the construction of the freeway other than for that section in the park?


A stone crushing plant has been erected in Yarra Bend national park Ito crush basalt material for use in the Eastern Freeway project.

(a) The area occupied by the plant and temporary material stockpiles is approximately 4! acres.

(b) After removal of the plant and stockpiles, the area will be restored by loaming and grassing.

(c) The plant was necessary-(i) to make best use of the large volume

of rock available from the cutting; (ii) to ensure continutty of supply of

cru'shed material for pavement construction and minimize project delays;

(iii) to reduce haulage of road-making materials on congested public roads;

(iv) Ito effect a 'considerable saving in the cost of the project.

(d) the plant is being used to produce material for all sections of the project.

CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY THROUGH PARK.

(Question No. 252) Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked

the Minister of Transport-1. When it is intended to commence work

on the construction of the railway through Yarra Bend national park?

2. When it is estimated that the work on the railway will be completed?

3. Whether the construction of the railway will in any way encroach on other areas of Ithe park apart from those set aside for the freeway?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport).-The answer is-

1 and 2. No funds have yet been allocated for ,the construction of this railway and no indication 'can be given at this stage as to when the construction will be commenced.

3. No.

ESTATE AGENTS. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEE:

SECURITY BONDS.

(Question No. 256) Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds)

asked the Treasurer-1. Who are the members of the Estate

Agents Committee? 2. Whether complaints have been received

by the committee or the Registrar of Estate Agents regarding the withholding or misuse

538 Questions [ASSEMBLY.J on Notice.

of security bonds held by agents or subagents of rented or leased premises; if so(a) how many; (b) what action has been taken to investigate these complaints; and (c) what recommendations, if any, have been made in resoect of the use and control of security bonds?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The answer is -

1. The members or the Estate Agents Committee are as follows :-

Mr. N. Boothby, Mr. J. D. Balmford, Mr. G. G. Morley, Mr. K. L. Dowling, Mr. G. White, and Mr. M. A. R. Synnot.

2. (a) and (b) Yes. The Registrar of Estate Agents has received complaints concerning the withholding or misuse of se~urity deposits held by estate agents, but as many of these have been dealt with by telephone there is no record of the total number of complaints received.

All complaints are investigated by investigating officers of the registry and in the majority of cases it has been found that the estate agents, in withholding all or portion of the security deposit, have acted at the direction of the landlord on whose behalf the estate agent has been engaged to act. In these circumstances the estate agent cannot be said to be guilty of any offence against the Estate Agents Act. In those cases where the estate agent has misused the security deposit, reimbursement has been made to the person entitled to receive the deposit from the Estate Agents Guarantee Fund. In other cases where investigation has found that the estate agent has incorrectly accounted for the security deposit, adjustments have been made by the estate agent at the direction of the landlord.

(c) The Registrar of Estate Agents has had the question of the use and control of security deposits under examination but no recommendation has as yet been made to the Government.


asked the Attorney-General-How many complaints the Metropolitan

Fair Rents Board and the Rental Investigation Bureau have received regarding the withholding or misuse of security bonds held by agents, sub-agents or owners of rented or leased premises and what action has been tal{en to investigate these complaints?

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-The answer is-

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1958 does not deal with the matter of security bonds and the Metropolitan Fair Rents Board and the Rental Investigation Bureau do not have the function of investigating complaints in respect of the withholding or misuse of such

bonds. Accordingly, a record is not kept of the number of complaints addressed to the staff of the board and the bureau. However, it is estimated that the staff receive approximately six complaints in each week. If the complainants suggest that a real estate agent is involved, they are referred to the Registrar of Real Estate Agents. Otherwise, it is suggested that the complainants give consideration to legal action.

METROPOLITAN FAIR RENTS BOARD.

ApPLICATIONS FOR RENTAL REVIEWS.


asked the Attomey-General-1. How many applications under section

107A of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1958 have been received by the Metropolitan Fair Rents Board?

2. How many of such applications were granted and refused, respectively?

3. How many applications indicated that the .lessee is in receipt of a Commonwealth social services or repatriation pension?


1. Eighty-seven such applications have been received.

2. Twelve applications have been granted, 32 have been refused and 43 are pending.

3. In relation to the applications dealt with, 26 lessees were in receipt of Commonwealth social service payments or Repatriation pensions.

RURAL EMPLOYMENT SCHEME. GRANTS TO SHIRE OF BET BET.

(Question No. 264) Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked

the Treasurer-Whether fourteen men were employed un

til recently on rural employment grants in the Shire of Bet Bet; if so, whether the shire has been now limited to a gang of ten men and, in that event, as there are no other employment opportunities in the shire, whether he will consider making further rural employment grants available to enable the four retrenched men to be re-employed? .

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The answer is-

The Shire of Bet Bet has been given allocations of money under the rural employment scheme. to employ ten men, the first allocation being made on 23rd December, 1971. If the shire has elected to employ more than ten men at any time then on the basis


of present approvals this would have to be offset by the employment of fewer men at some future time.

As the honorable member is aware funds available under the Commonwealth scheme are allocated by the Government on the recommendation of an inter-<iepartmental committee" which is working in close touch with the Commonwealth Employment Service. The position with the Shire of Bet Bet, as with other employing bodies, will be kept under review by the committee to ensure that the funds available are used to the maximum advantage.

STATE RIVERS AND WATER " SUPPLY COM"MISSION. WATER SUPPLY FOR MERINO.

(Question No. 266) Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked

the Minister of Water Supply-What progress, if any, has been made to

wards implementation of a water supply for Merino?

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Water Supply) .-The answer is-

Following the submission of a report by the Glenelg Shire Council on a proposed water supply to serve Merino from bores, the Mines Department carried out tests of the underground water potential in the area. It is understood that these tests have been completed and are at present being evaluated by the Mines Department. On receipt of a report from that department, the Water Commission will be in a position to complete its investigations and will then advise the Glenelg Shire Council of the outcome.

APPRENTICESHIP COMMISSION. ApPRENTICESHIPS ApPROVED, REJEC

TED AND CANCELLED.

(Question No. 269) Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked

the Minister of Labour and Industry-

In respect of apprenticeship applications rejected or not approved during the period covered by the report of the Apprenticeship Commission for the year 1971-72-(a) how many were specifically rejected or not approved on the grounds of inadequate training facilities available from the prospective employer; and (b) what trades were most affected in this respect?

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry).-The answer is-

Applications for apprenticeship are made by intending apprentices and are approved by the Apprenticeship Commission if the applicant is at least fifteen years of age and

possesses the preparatory educational qualifications prescribed. An employer does not "apply for apprenticeship, but must, within fourteen days from the commencement of employment by him of an apprentice, give notice in writing to the Apprenticeship Commission of the employment. The suitability of an employer's facilities for training are assessed when an employer is employing an apprentice in a particular trade for the first time and thereafter from time to time as may be required. No separate figures are kept of cases in which the employer's facilities are considered to be inadequate but these would be a very small number.

(Question No. 281)

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Labour and Industry-

Further to the answer to question No." 45 asked on 6th September, 1972-

1. Whether the Apprenticeship Commission records approvals of apprenticeship on a monthly basis; if not, whether he will introduce such a system to enable monthly statements to be compiled, giving-( a) the number of applicants; (b) the number of approvals; reasons for rejection; and (c) the incidence of rejection on the grounds of insufficient training facilities provided by the employer?

2. Of those 108 apprenticeships cancelled due to "training problems" as recorded in the report of the Apprenticeship Commission for the year 1971-72 how many and in what general nature these cancellations were due to lack of adequate training facilities with the employer?

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minis ter of Labour and Industry).-The answer is-

1. The Apprenticeship Commission does record some statistics on a monthly basis, but not under the headings mentioned in the question. It is considered that the present system adequately meets the needs of the commission.

2. This information is not available from the commission's records.

TRANSPORT. HAULAGE OF GOODS BETWEEN TRARALGON AND MELBOURNE.

(Question No. 271)

Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the Minister of Transport-

In respect of each of the past five years-1. How many goods train journeys were

made between Melbourne and Traralgon? 2. What was the truck traffic density on

the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Melbourne?

S40 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice ..

3. When it is expected that the above section of the highway will reach maximum traffic capacity on week days and during week-end and holiday periods, respectively?


1. The Railways Commissioners inform me that the numbers of scheduled goods trains between Melbourne metropolitan area and Traralgon and places beyond Traralgon, together with special goods trains, were-

1967-68 2,420 1968-69 2,240 1969-70 2,460 1970-71 2,520 1971-72 2,550

2. From information supplied by the Country Roads Board, following one-day traffic counts, the truck traffic density on the Princes Highway between Melbourne and Traralgon for the past five years was-

1968 1969 1970 1971 1972

Daily number of trucks (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) at

Year West of Healesville West of Koo-Wee-Rup Road Yarragon

957 982 897 915

1057

612 629 640 701 654

3. Information supplied by the Country Roads Board is-

(a) On week-days and at the present rate of growth the highway will reach maximum traffic capacity in approximately ten years.

(b) During week-ends and holidays, parts of the 2-lane sections of the highway have now reached capacity during the peak hours.

POLICE DEPARTMENT. INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN MORWELL

POLICE DISTRICT.

(Question No. 272)

Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. How many crimes were reported to the Criminal Investigation Branch attached to the Morwell Police District since 19th March, 1972?

2. What crimes were reported and what was the number for each offence?

3. How many convictions for these offences have been recorded and how this cc clear up" rate compares with other areas of the State?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary). -The answer is-

1. 871 between 19th March and 2nd September, 1972.

2.

Nature of crimes

Arson.. .. Assaulting police .. Assaulting police by kicking Assaulting police with weapon .. Assault occasioning grevious bodily

harm Assaulting civilian .. Assaulting civilian by kicking Assaulting civilian with weapon Armed with felonious intent Abduction .. Cattle stealing .. Carnal knowledge . . . . Counting house breaking and stealing Escape . . . . Factory breaking and stealing False pretence .. Forgery .. False report to police Fraudulent conversion .. Garage breaking and stealing House breaking and stealing Illegal use of motor car Insufficient means .. Indecent assault (female) .. lndecent assault (male) ., Larceny .. Larceny in dwelling Larceny of motor car Larceny from motor car Larceny as servant Larceny from a person Larceny of bicycle Loitering with intent Malicious damage Maliciously killing cattle Manslaughter . . . . Office breaking and stealing Obscene exposure Pavilion breaking and stealing Protection application . . . . Possession of house breaking imple-

ments .. Pistol unregistered Receiving .. .. Shop breaking and stealing Shop stealing . . . . Store breaking and stealing School breaking and stealing Tamper with motor vehicles Unlawful possession .. Unlawfully on premises .. Uttering of cheques .. Other miscellaneous offences

Total

Number reported

5 20

1 I

7 9

12 4 I I 8

13 I 5 2 8 3 3 I

10 85 69 10 5 2

222 15 21 55 6 I

14 3

36 11 2 8 8

19 10

1 4 8

50 4

14 15 12 7 7 2

31

871

Number cleared

5 20

1 I

7 4

12 4 I I 3

13 I 6

7 2 3 I 5

43 15 10 5 2

84 5

15 9 5 I 4 3

22 8 2 1 5

14 10

1 4 8

22 3 4 7

II 7 6 2

31

466

3. Records are not available at this stage to show the number of convictions for each offence, particularly as many of the offences are indictable matters not yet finally disposed of by the courts. However, the " clear-up" rate, as shown by the figures furnished in answer to part 2 was 54 per cent, whilst the "clear-up" rate for the whole State was 43·58 per cent. In the metropolitan area the "clear-up" rate was 41·12 per cent and! in country areas it was 55· 70 per cent.

(An offence is regarded as " cleared" jf(a) there was no offence disclosed; or (b) a person has been charged with the

offence: or


( c) a person, against whom proceedings are being taken on some other matter, admits to committmg the offence.)

COMMONWEALTH STATES GRANTS (HOME CARE) ACT.

ELDERLY CITIZENS' CLUBS: SUBSIDIES FOR WELFARE OFFICERS.


asked the Minister of Health-1. How many municipalities have applied

for the subsidy for welfare officers employed in conjunction with elderly citizens' clubs, in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth States Grants (Home Care) Act 1969, specifying-(a) the municipalities concerned; (b) the date of 'application for subsidy; and (c) the outcome of such applications, in each case?

2. Which municipalities have indicated a desire to avail themselves of the subsidy, but have not yet compl!eted 'a formal application?

3. When municipalities were informed of their entitlement to apply for the subsidy?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health) .-The answer is-

1. A total of sixteen which have been, or are being dealt with as stated-

Municipality Date of application Outcome

Oakleigh .. 20th March, 1972 Still being investigated Fitzroy .. 29th March, 1972 Under consideration Horsham .. 6th April: 1972 .. Withdrawn application Caulfield .. 24th April. 1972 .. A recommendation being

prepared Springvale .. 24th April, 1972 .. Recommendation being

prepared Maffra .. 1st, May, 1972 .. Appointment not within

terms of subsidy Echuca .. 3rd, May, 1972 .. Still being investigated Ararat City .. 12th May, 1972 .. Appointment not within

terms of subsidy Camberwell .. 20th June. 1972 .. Still being investigated Prahran .. 28th June, 1972 .. Appointment not within

terms of subsidy Bendigo .. 24th July. 1972 •• Now receiving depart-

. mental consideration Nunawadmg 10th July, 1972 .. Appointment not within

. terms of subsidy Heldelt-erg .. 19th July, 1972 .. Under consideration. _ Altona .. 24th July, 1972 .. Now receiving depart

mental consideration Knox .. 25th July, 1972 .. Under consideration Sunshine .. 17th August, 1972 Recommendation being

prepared

2. The following eleven municipalities hav~ a~ked for, and been supplied with, applIcation forms, but have not yet submitted them:-

Shire of Buln Buln, City of Castlemaine, City 'Of Collingwood, City of Ballarat, Shire of Eltham, Kerang Borough,

City of Nortlhcote, CUy of St. Kilda, City of Sandringham, City of Warrnambool, Shire of Wodonga.

3. All municipalities were informed in February, 1972.

HOSPITALS. PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS BY INSURANCE

COMPANIES.

(Question No. 282) Mr. LIND (Dandenong) asked the

Minister of Health-Whether insurance companies which are

interested parties in hospitalization charges, make only "all in-clusive" payments in respect of hospital accounts; if so, why?


The fees raised by public hospitals for accommodation and care of patients are cc all inclusive" or cc comprehensive". The hospital benefits insurance organizations refund patients the amount of insurance cover or of the hospital account whichever is less. There are three levels of hospital benefits insurance, each for a fixed daily sum.

In cases where special equipment or appliances, such as artificial limbs or crutches, are necessary, the hospital may make additional charges that are not covered by hospital benefits insurance.

This Government has no control over private hospital charges, but I am informed that private hospitals make additional charges, e.g. theatre, birthroom fees. These are outside the hospital benefits insurance coverage and no refund is made specifically towards these charges. I understand the insurance organizations and the Commonwealth authorities are discussing this aspect.

For motor car accident and workers compensation cases, insurance companies meet the hospitals' "all inclusive" charges. There is a special negotiated reduction in the case of motor car accident cases and the fees are paid dire'ct to the hospitals with a minimum delay.

RADIOLOGISTS AND PATHOLOGISTS: FEES.


Minister of Health-1. Which Victorian public hospitals

engage the services of radiologists and pathologists, respectively, under the scale of fees recommended in the cc Dillon report"?

2. What amount was recovered in fees for each of these services during each of the past three financial years by each hos-

542 . Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice ..

pital concerned, and what proportion of these fees was paid to each radiologist and pathologist, respectively?


1. The Victorian. public hospitals listed hereunder engaged the services of radiologists and/or pathologists under arrangements pursuant to the "Dillon report ".

The" Dillon report" did not recommend any scale of f.ees.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Alfred Hospital. Prince Henry's Hospital.· Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital. Royal Children's Hospital. Royal Women's Hospital. Austin Hospital. Box Hill and District Hospital. Dandenong and District Hospital. Footscray and District Hospital. Preston and Northcote Community Hos-

pital. Southern Memorial Hospital. St. Vincent's Hospital. Ballarat and District Base Hospital. Bendigo and Northern District Base Hos-

pital. The Geelong Hospital. The Gippsland Base Hospital. Mooroopna and District Base Hospital. Wangaratta District Base Hospital. Wimmera Base Hospital. Central Gippsland Hospital. Latrobe Valley Community Hospital

(Moe) . West Gippsland Hospital (Warragul). Bairnsdale District Hospital. Woorayl District Memorial Hospital

(Leongatha) . Colac District Hospital. Glenelg Base Hospital. Stawell District Hospital. Swan Hill District Hospital. Yarram and District Hospital. Korumburra District Hospital. Mercy Maternity Hospital. 2. Hospitals do not submit figures to the

Hospitals and Charities Commission recording the amount recovered in fees from each of these services.

If the honorable member will give me details of the particular hospital or hospitals he is interested in, I shall be glad to request the Hospitals and Charities Commission to obtain further information for him.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT. DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES.


the Minister of Labour and Industry-Further to the answer to question No. 135

asked on 19th September instant, what controls existed in respect of door-to-door sales between 1st July and 13th July, 1972?


During the period mentioned, the statutory controls in force would have been those under the Hawkers and Pedlers -Act.

MUNICIPALITIES. PAYMENT OF RATES BY PENSIONERS.

(Question No. 285)

Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

Further to the answer to question No. 171 asked on 19th September instant, whether the City of Coburg defers or remits, partly or wholly, rates on properties owned by pensioners; if so, whether interest is charged on the deferred rates?


The Coburg City Council will defer rates on application with interest at 6 per cent.

It is regretted that an error in collation caused the omission of this information from the answer to question No. 171.

LAW DEPARTMENT. SPORTING COMPLEXES AND HALLS:

TRANSFER TO CROWN.

(Question No. 286) Mr.· W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked

the Attorney-General-How many applications have been re

ceived by the Crown Law Department requesting transfer of sporting complexes and halls Ito the Crown?


Approximately 60 applications to surrender land to the Crown, pursuant to sections 22c and 220 of the Land Act 1958, or general inquiries in relation· to such surrender, are at present on hand. The applications and inquiries relate to land used for the purposes of racing clubs, trotting clubs and other sporting bodies and to the sites of mechanics institutes and public halls.

Because of legal difficulties which have arisen in dealing with applications, it is proposed to introduce legislation in the present session of Parliament providing for the repeal of sections 22c and 220 and the inclusion in the Land Act of simplified procedures for the surrender of land to the Crown. The amending legislation will facilitate the processing of :a number of the applications on hand.


MORWELL COURT HOUSE: ACCOMMODATION. (Question No. 293)

Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the Attorney-General-

Wirth respect to his reply to recent representations from him (the member for Morwell) requesting extra accommodation at the Morwell court house-

1. What discussions have taken place between his office and the Treasury regarding the allocation of funds for this purpose?

2. Whether, as a matter of urgency, he will take further steps to ensure that the necessary funds will be made available?


1. No discussions have taken place. 2. As I advised the honorable member by

letter dated 14th September, 1972, a scheme has been prepared by the Public Works Department for the extension of the Morwell court house to provide an ;additional court room and other facilities. The scheme was approved on 9th September, 1972. A request is being made for an allocation of funds to enable work to be commenced in this financial year. However, this is only one of a number of projects of an urgent nature for which funds are required and I am not ,able to forecast whether the application will be successful. As I assured the honorable member in my letter, the matter is being kept under close review.

PET SHOPS. CERTIFICATES OF HEALTH FOR

DoMESTIC PETS. (Question No. 292)

Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked the Minister of Health-

Whether consideration will be given to introducing legislation to require proprietors of pet shops to issue certificates of good health in respect of domestic pets offered for sale?


It is the function of the Department of Health to maintain as far as possible the health of all persons in the community and to that extent it would be concerned with animals suffering from diseases transferable to human beings and particularly those which are slaughtered for human consumption.

The purchaser of any domestic pet from a pet shop should ensure that it has a clean bill of health at the time of purchase for it should be remembered that any certificate of good health would only refer to the pet at the time the examination was made and would not preclude the possibility of subsequent infection.

HOUSING COMMISSION. HOUSING NEEDS OF CITY OF

HAMILTON.

(Question No. 296)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Chief Secretary, for the Minister of Housing-

Whether the Minister is aware that the Housing Commission received a deputation from Hamilton City Council on the 18th September, 1972; if so, whether he will arrange for immediate steps to be taken to meet the housing needs which have been created by industrial development of the city; if not, why?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary). -The answer supplied by the Minister of Housing is-

I am aware that the Housing Commission received a deputation from the Hamilton council on 18th September, 1972.

At the time that the Housing Commission's 1972-73 building programme was determined the demand for housing at Hamilton was such that an allocation of houses was not warranted. However, the building programme will be reviewed in December-January next and special consideration will be given to housing requirements created by industrial development.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE.

ABSENCE OF MINISTER. The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon

Christie).-I have been informed of the unavoidable absence from the House of the Minister of Health.

TEACHERS TRIBUNAL. Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park).

I ask the Minister of Education whether the Teachers Tribunal has considered any charges against a teacher named Barry Johnston; if so, what was the result?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The Teachers Tribunal is an independent body which deals with discipline cases. I am aware of newspaper reports of the decision that the tribunal took concerning a recent well-known character but I have received no official report from the tribunal which gives me any further information.

S44 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

SPRING RACING FUND. Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of

the Country Party) .-Concerning the spring racing fund, which I understand comprises $750,000, I ask the Minister for Youth and Recreation whether it has been decided how the fund will be distributed among the racing clubs, and, if so, whether newspaper reports stating that 80 per cent will be distributed to Melbourne clubs and 20 per cent to country racing clubs are correct?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Is this a matter for the Minister for Youth and Recreation?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-So that you may be clear on this matter, Mr. Speaker, I should like to say that until Parliament enacts legislation establishing the new department, for the purposes of administration I am Acting Chief Secretary responsible for racing. Therefore, this matter comes under my administration.

Last autumn Parliament passed legislation which emanated from the Victoria Racing Club. That club requested the establishment of a special fund by means of an additional deduction from Totalizator Agency Board turnover to provide increased stake money on classic raCing events during the spring racing season so that racing in Victoria would remain supreme in Australia. I have no doubt that the Victoria Racing Club was upset at the challenges being thrown out by Sydney and Perth in increa1sing the stake money on classic races and that the VIctorian interests wished to maintain the supremacy of Victorian racing.

The Government looked at the submission and, following discussions, decided that the request was fair. Parliament agreed that an additional one-quarter per cent deduction from the Totalizator Agency Board turnover should be placed in a special fund for this purpose. In making a recommendation on how the fund should be expended, the Victoria Racing Club consulted the Victoria

Amateur Turf Club and the Victorian Country RaCing Council. It was decided that the distribution should be 80 per cent for city clubs for the classic races and 20 per cent to be divided amongst country clubs to go towards stake money.

There was some disagreement amongst the country clubs whose Inembers had wrongly thought that this additional money was to be placed in the ordinary fund which is financed by deductions from Totalizator Agency Board turnover and which is distributed in the proportions of approximately 60 per cent and 40 per cent. This misunderstanding of the intention of the special fund led to a conference between iVictorian Country Racing Council representatives, the Victoria Racing Club, the Totalizator Agency Board and myself.

Under the Act, if there is not agreement, I have the right and power to make a determination. I am happy to say that this was not necessary, that in their wisdom the parties agreed that it was fair to distribute the money 80 per cent to classic races in Melbourne and 20 per cent to country clubs. In fact, the intent of the legislation was not to give 20 per cent to country clubs; this is a bonus.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE. Mr. WILKES I(Northcote).-As the

Minister for Youth and Recreation has said that he has power to determine the distribution of racing funds, has he or the Government given consideration to the distribution of additional Totalizator Agency Board funds to local government authorities as recommended by the Board of Inquiry into Local Government Finance?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-1 am sorry if the Deputy Leader of the Opposition was misled; perhaps I should have made it clear that, if there is a disagreement between the parties receiving benefits from the Totalizator Agency Board funds, I have the

Questions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] without Notice. 545

power to adjudicate. If there is not a disagreement, it comes to me as a matter of course and the agreement is ratified. The other matter referred to by the honorable member is a question of policy for the Premier.

MINISTRY OF THE ARTS. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).

Can the Minister of the Arts advise the House whether legislation will be introduced in this sessional period to outline the administration of the Ministry of the Arts or will a White Paper be presented which will perform the same function?

Mr. HAMER (Minister of the Arts). -Legislation will be required simply to establish a small Ministry of the Arts. I will take the opportunity when that is introduced of outlining what the Government has in mind for the development of the arts in Victoria.

FLAT DEVELOPMENT IN PRAHRAN.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Is the Minister who represents the Minister for Local Government in this House prepared to lay on the table the file relating to the recent controversy over flat development in Prahran?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 will consult the Minister for Local Government and put the request of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to him.

TRACTORS. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East).

-Can the Minister of Labour and Industry inform me whether regulations providing for exemptions from the fitting of roll bars or safety cabins to tractors, as envisaged under the Act, have yet been promulgated? If not, can the honorable gentleman advise me whether it is likely that the regulations will be amended to provide for exemptions?

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry) .-1 think the honorable member has a copy of the first regulations which have in fact

been promulgated. The regulations relating to exemptions have not yet been promulgated. They are presently in the process of being worked out, and I should think they would be available within the next fortnight or so so that everybody in the various areas of the State will know precisely what is required of them under the regulations.

FREEWAY WORKS AT YARRA BEND PARK.

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds).Will the Minister for Conservation explain to the House how Yarra Bend national park will ever be the same as it was or will ever be improved by the Government's freeway works which are at present in progress?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Conservation) .-A freeway is being built through a park which is incorrectly referred to as Yarra Bend national park. It is not a national park. National parks are listed in the schedule to the National Parks Act. This park has not been proclaimed as a national park.

The subject raised by the honorable member for Moonee Ponds is the construction of the freeway, which was authorized by this Parliament. Of course, the honorable member would not realize that in fact the freeway concept through that park formed part of the Borrie plan of 1954, which was accepted by the Honorable Samuel Merrifield, who was a Labor Party Minister at the time.

As the Government has negotiated with the Board of Works for the reinstatement of the park area and the board is required to spend approximately $272,000 under the agreement to reinstate sections of the park, it should also be placed on record that the board has spent approximately $1· 6 million or $1· 7 million for the purchase of additional land to replace that which was taken in the total freeway project. In fact the board will employ landscape architects and

546 Questions [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

gardeners right th~ough that area, as was announced after the recent frustrated appearance at the park of the Leader of the Opposition.

Honorable members interjecting.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie ).-Order ! I have pointed out to the House before that question time cannot go on correctly if political questions or political answers are given.

TRACTORS. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East).

-I address a further question to the Minister of Labour and Industry: In view of the undertaking given by the honorable gentleman about twelve months ago that he would discuss the proposed regulations for the fitting of roll bars on tractors and that honorable members who had made representations to him before they were promulgated would be notified, and further, in view of the fact that that undertaking was not carried out, will the Minister now give an undertaking to discuss the regulations referred to in his last answer with those honorable members who are interested before the regulations are promulgated?

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry).-The undertaking I gave on a previous occasion was that all responsible bodies and individuals in the community would have an opportunity of putting their views to me and to the department. That in fact was carried out. The regulations were promulgated and a copy was sent to the honorable member. I only hope that he has cleared his letter box.

The method by which exemptions will be obtained is at present being considered by the Government, and when the regulations are available they will be promulgated in the normal way. It is possible that a further amendment to the Act may be needed, and that situation is being presently examined. If the Act does need amendment, an appropriate Bill will, of course, be brought into this House.

DROUGHT RELIEF' FUNDS.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Has the attention of the Treasurer been drawn to allegations made to Treasury officials that a certain farm produce store in Gippsland has been misusing drought relief funds? If so, has an investigation been made into these allegations, and with what result?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie}.-Is this a matter for the Treasurer or the Minister of Lands?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-1 have no knowledge of the matter referred to by the honorable member, but if he will give me details I shall certainly have it investigated.

PRISON STAFF. Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East).

-Will the Premier and Treasurer explain why he misled the House during the Budget debate when he stated that provision would be made for an improvement in the staffing position and facilities at prisons, when in fact an examination of the details contained in the Budget Estimates for the coming year show that no provision has been made for any increase in prison staff?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie}.-Order! I invite the honorable member to reconsider the question, which is in fact a statement of argument and is therefore out of order, but the subject of it may be rephrased if the honorable member will think it out in terms of a direct question. I will call him later.

Mr. BORNSTE'IN.-Mr. Speaker, I raise a point of order. Are you, Sir, ruling my question out of order because I said the Premier misled the House?

The SPEAKER.--Order! There is no point of order but I will be glad to discuss the whole quesHon of how to handle questions with the honorable member for Brunswick East. I invite him to reconsider the matter and ask the question in a proper form later.


,Mr. BORNSTBIN.---Mr. Speaker, I raise "a further point. of order. I believe that members have rights in asking questions during question time. If I am at fault in addressing ·a question to the Premier, I believe it is your duty, 'Mr. Speaker, to point out how the question should be phrased, or why it is out of order.

The SPEAKER.-Order!11 shall be glad to discuss the matter with the honorable member in chambers.

HOUSES FOR WESTERNPORT. Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas).

I address a question to the IMinister representing the Minister of Housing. Is it a fact that a large number of houses will be built in the Westernport area to assist in the development of Lysaght's? If this is so, will those houses represent the extra houses which are to be built in rural areas, or will that area be considered as part of the metropolitan area?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) .-1 suggest that the houses built in the 'Hastings area will be built not to help Lysaght's but to help the people who will be working at ILysaght's and who will require accommodation. On whether the area will be classified as part of the metropolitan area, I point out that the metropolitan area is that area which is within the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works planning area and that anything outside it is counted as country. lIn those circumstances I imagine that the Hastings area WOUld, at this stage, be regarded ,as country.

RAILWAY WORK AT YARRA BEND PARK.

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).I ask the ,Minister of Transport whether it is a fact that proposals for railway construction at Yarra Bend Park are now in doubt? If so, what is the reason?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 hope there is nothing political in this question, because if there is ~ shall not be able to answer

it. However, "1 take it that there is not. Any suggestion that there is some doubt about railway construction combined with the' Eastern Freeway is news to me. I am not ,able to say when the railway construction will take place, but I am able to say that, at. the same time as the freeway is being constructed, considerable preparatory work for the railway is being done. Whatever the talk is about the railway work being cancelled, I am at a loss to understand it.

CAR ENGINE FACTORY. Mr. W. J. LEWIS (PortI.and).

I address a question to the Premier. There is an announcement in today's press that a $20 million car engine factory is likely to be built in -Victoria. Has the Government had any negotiations with the firm concerned? U so, will the Government seriously consider having that car engine factory situated in the country, preferably at Portland?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-In fact, there have been no discussions directly with me or with the Treasury, so far as I am aware. I take it to be a Japanese car manufacturer to which the honorable member is referring. If it is possible to have such a plant located in a country area, the Government will do its utmost to see that that happens. Whether it would be at Portland or at some other competing location, one cannot tell. I had no knowledge of this matter until 'I read it in the press, as the honorable member did. I understand that it is a tentative proposal at present and is only in the early stages of investigat'ion.

POLICE PROMOTION. Mr. SHILTON (Midlands).-Has

the Chief Secretary received approaches from the Police Association to al ter the existing or the new method of selection for promotion and, if so, is he aware that at present promotional boards have authorized some inspectors to be

548 QuestiohS [ASSEMBLY.] without Notice.

promoted to the rank of superintendent whereas they have reclassified such officers as unsuitable for promotion to the lower rank of chief inspector?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) .-Some representations have been made, and they are currently being examined.

PROPOSED MOUNT ELIZA SEWERAGE OVERFLOW

PIPELINE. Mr. FELL (Greensborough).-Has

the Minister for Conservation or his department investigated the proposal of the Morn'ington Shire Council that a sewerage overflow pipeline should be constructed at Mount Eliza beach; if so, what action is proposed to prevent it?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister .for Conservation) .-1 remind the House that at present there is no legal Ministry of Conservation ·and that there will not be one until appropriate legislation is passed by Parliament later in the session. The matter has not been drawn to my attention, but 1 will discuss it with the Environment Protection Authority to see whether it is aware of the proposal.

USE OF FIREARMS BY POLICE AND PRIVATE AGENTS.

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds).Can the Chief Secretary 'inform the House of the new rules covering police use of firearms and the method of firing warning shots if thev wish to apprehend individuals, and has any consideration been given to the imposition of similar rules upon private agents 'or private watching services or their registration authorizing them to use firearms and to fire warning shots if they wish to detain anybody?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) .-It would be tedious to go through all the regulations covering the use of firearms by police officers, but 1 shall see that the honorable member receives a copy of the regulations. Generally speaking, firearms

are to be used .only in the direst emergency and only when there appears to be no other way of apprehending a felon other than by firing warning shots, and then those shots are to be fired in such a way they do not hit the person unless it is absolutely essential.

Mr. HOLDING.-That is comforting.

Mr. ·MEAGHER.-That is comforting to the policeman who is being shot at, too. As regards private watching services, 1 have asked for ·more details of how they operate and 1 propose to investigate that situation with a view to tightening regulations, if that course appears to be necessary.

LAKE TYERS ABORIGINAL TRUST. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland

~ast) .-1 ask the Minister representmg the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs: Following the answer received to a question on notice recently that four members of the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust had offered their shares to the Government, can the honorable gentleman inform me whether the Government will purchase those shares and hold them in trust for the Aboriginal people?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secre~ tary) .-1 am not familiar with the latest developments in this situation, but 1 should say that, as a general principle, the Government will purchase those shares if it appears to be in the interests of the people in the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust to do so.

SCHOOL COMPOSITE FEES. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).

Can the Minister of Education inform me whether the moneys to be made available to secondary schools to replace the composite fees will be granted on the basis of a per capita grant; if so, how much, and will it be on the basis of need?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-Details of the expenditure of the $1'6 million set aside in this


year's Budget to replace composite fees are now being discussed by senior officers of the department. The particular aspects raised by the honorable member in his question are the points being examined at the moment and a detailed statement will be made at an early date covering those aspects.

METROPOLITAN RACE MEETINGS.

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).Can the IMinister .for Youth and Recreation inform me whether he supports the granting of extra racing dates .for metr.opolitan dubs during the present season and, if so, for what reason? Can he also inform me approximate'ly when the dates will operate? If he opposes such a contention, can he give the reasons why?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Mjnister for Youth and Recreation) .--lFrom time to time this suggestion has been made, particularly by racing interests. Since I have been the IMinister responsible for these matters, no consideration has been given to racing dates for metropolitan race meetings during the week. il doubt whether it will eventuate.

APPRENTICES' SUBSIDY SCHEME. Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Is the

Minister of Labour and Industry aware that payments under the new Commonwealth subsidy scheme for apprentices are to be made to employers of apprentices in this State on a different criterion from that used by State authorities in determining the apprentices - journeymen ratio? If so, will the honorable gentleman make representations to the Commonwealth Minister for Labour and National Service to correct this anomaly?

Mr. RAFFERTY ,(Minister of Labour and 'Industry) .--.;1 am not quite certain what the honorable member for MorweH has asked me. I dO' not know 'whether or not there is a discrepancy in the method. The

Session 1972.-21

amount that is being made available by the Commonwealth Government is to endeavour to assist apprentices throughout the Commonwealth. Representations are c.ontinuing from aU State Governments to the Commonwealth Government for continued assistance. The answer to the second part of the 'question is that it is already being done. There is no chance of the grants presently being made being altered during 'this fiscal year.

FREE KINDERGARTEN UNION. Mr. FELL (Greensborough).-Is

the Premier and Treasurer in a position to inform me whether any investigation has been made into the financial situation o'f the IFree Kindergarten Union and is it proposed to make a financial contribution to that body?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie ).-Order! I rule that that should be a question to the Minister of Health.

,Mr. ,FELL.--lJt is a financial problem.

The SlP-EAKER.-Every 'matter is a financial problem.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .--ll rise to a point of order. I raised the financial plight of the !Free Kindergarten Union with the f.ormer Premier and Treasurer and he gave me certain undertakings. In those circumstances the question may well be properly directed to the Premier and Treasurer.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-I uphold the point of order in those special circumstances.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The Leader of the Opposition is well aware that the IMinister of Health has appointed a consultative committee to consider preschool education. The position of the Free Kindergarten Union is one of the factors being investigated. Representations have been made that the .free Kindergarten Union is in a


financial position which requires independent and prior consideration. That is now being given through the Treasury.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Can

the Chief Secretary inform ,me when his department will be in a position to answer question No. 12 on the Notice Paper, in view of the fact that 303 questions have been listed?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) .---1 apologize to the honorable member for N orthcote. iI did not notice that the question had not been answered. ,I win take steps to expedite it.

PORNOGRAPHY. Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the

Opposition) .-In view of his ,statement about pornography in this State, can the Chief ISecretary inform the ,House whether the Government is adopting different standards in its view of what constitutes pornographic material from that adopted by the tFederal (Minister for 'Customs and Excise?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) .---'The answer is, " No, II do not think so. "

FILMS ON SAFETY. Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).

Can the Minister of Labour and Industry advise the House of the reasons for the failure of the Industrial Safety Bureau of the Department of Labour and Industry to provide films from its library service? I understand that this library, which deals with safety films, h~s virtually been closed for the past few months.

Mr. RAFFERTY . (Minister of Labour and Industry) .-No, I am unable to advise· the honorable member. I will have the matter investigated and advise him accordingly.

QUESTIONS ON NOTICE. Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-Can the

Minister for Social Welfare advise me when he will be in a position to supply answers to questions No. 60 and 61, which I might pOint out were questions already raised by way of letter long before they were placed on notice?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Social Welfare) .-1 made an assessment of the questions on notice, and of 137 remaining approximately 27 were directed to the Social Welfare Department. The ·majority of them were from the honorable member for Brunswick East. Although I appreciate the urgent need for members to have answers to their questions, there are a limited number of people in my department who can be made available to answer questions. It might be said that these people could be taken off another job, but the pers'on assigned to this duty must possess a certain competence to give the right and proper answer which members deserve. If the Notice Paper is swamped by questions from the honorable member for Brunswick East, the answers to which usually he could find in the Estimates or in some other way, then I apologize to the honorable member for Melbourne. His questions should have been answered before this, and I will do my best to expedite the matter.

PETITION.

FEMALE WAGES AND SALARIES.

Mr. JONA (Hawthorn) presented a petition from certain citizens of Victoria praying that the House will take such action as it may to institute an all-party inquiry into inequalities existing in female wage and salary provisions. He stated that the petition was respectfully worded, in order, and bore 81 signatures.

It was ordered that the petition be laid on the .. table. .

Coal Mines (Pensions [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Increase) Bill. 551

PAPERS. The following papers, pursuant to

the directions of several Acts of Parliament, were laid upon the table by the Clerk:-Milk Board Act 1958-Statement of Ac

counts for the year 1970-71 Public Service Act 1958-Public Service

(Public Service Board) Regulations, Regulations amended, No. 292.

State Development Committee-Report on the Provision of Water and Sewerage Services to new subdivisions-Ordered to be printed.

Statutory Rules under the following Acts:Dentists Act 1972 No. 256. Fisheries Act 1968 No. 258. Nurses Act 1958 No. 259. Police Regulation Act 1958 No. 257.

Town and Country Planning Act 1961-Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme 1958, Amendment No. 76, 1972.

COAL MINES (PENSIONS INCREASE) BILL.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister of Mines) presented a message from His Excellency the Governor recommending that an appropriation be made from the Oonsolidated Fund for the purposes of a Bill to amend Part III. of the Coal Mines Act 1958.

The House went into Committee to consider the message.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister of Mines) .-1 move-

That it is expedient that an appropriation be made from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes of a Bill to amend Part III. of the Coal Mines Act 1958.

Mr. WILTON (BrO'admeadows).Will the Minister indicate what is involved in this recommendation, and how far the Government intends to go in this matter?

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister of Mines) .-This is the normal Bill which is introduced to Parliament from time to time when the Commonwealth Government increases social service payments. On this 'Occasion the Commonwealth Government is increasing pensions to single persons and widows by $1.75 a week, and to m'arried couples by $2.50 a week. This Bill will increase the' pensions of single miners

and of widows by $1.75 a week. The pension to the married miner will be increased by $1.75 a week and the allowance for the wife by 76 cents. That is the purpose of the proposed legislation.

Mr. WILTON (Bro·admeadows).It appears that the Government is overlooking the eligibility of dependants, particularly student dependants, ,and the relationship between Victorian retired miners and those in New South Wales. This is a contentious point, with which the Minister is familiar because it has been raised with him on several occasions. I again put to the Minister, as I have done in the past, that I consider 'it is not asking too much of the Government to increase the rates payable to Victorian retired miners to at least the level of those enjoyed by retired miners in New South Wales. In the past the Minister, on behalf of the Government, has argued the point that the New South Wales Miners Fund--.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister of Mines) .-On a point of order, this matter ought to be debated when the Bill comes into the' House. I was explaining its purpose for the benefit of honorable members. I realize that the honorable member for Broadmeadows is very interested in this proposed legislation, but I remind the honorable member that the Bill makes an additional pension avaHable to the miners as from 6th October. If the Government decides to make an additional payment I do not think provision for it would need be included in this measure. The honorable member should canvass this subject during the second-reading debate.

Mr. WILTON (BrO'admeadows).I rise to a further point of order, Mr. Chairman. The Committee is being asked to agree to an appropria tion being made to enable the Government to bring forward legislation. Having regard to past practice, it is likely that the Bill is in

552 Mental Health [ASSEMBLY.] (Admissions) Bill.

the process of being drafted-indeed, it might already have been drafted-and I am making my submissions so tha t, if the Minister agrees with them, the Bill can be amended now. This would avoid delays when the proposed legislation is debated.

The CHAIRMAN (Sir Edgar Tanner).-The question is-

That this motion be agreed to.

Mr. WILTON (BrO'admeadows).What is the ruling on my point of order?

The CHAIRMAN.-The Committee will proceed with the motion.

The motion was agreed to, and the resolution was reported to the House and adopted.

On the motion of Mr. BALFOUR (Minister of Mines), the Bill was brought in and read a first time.

MENTAL HEALTH (ADMISSIONS) BILL.

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Water Supply) .-1 move-

That this Bill be now read a second time.

This Bill is introduced to overcome a deficiency in the Mental Health Act 1959 which was brought to light as a result of an action in the High Court of Australia. The action was taken by a person who had been admitted to the psychiatric hospital at Royal Park, and was brought against the policeman who conveyed him from his home for admission to that hospital. Papers for the admission of the person concerned were prepared in proper form under section 42 of the Mental Health Act 1959, and his admission and retention at the Royal Park Psychiatric Hospital were considered justified. Nevertheless, Mr. Justice Stephen, of the High Court 'Of Australia, in delivering judgment after considering an appeal, stated that the Mental Health Act-confers no express authority upon anyone to take any action for Ithe physical conveyance to the hospital of the person whose admission has been recommended.

He went on to say-Granted that there seemed to be lacking

in the legislation powers which it might be thought the legislation would have done well to include, it is no power of the judidal function to fill gaps disclosed in legislation. as Lord Simonds said in Magor and St. Mellons R.D.C. v. Newport Corporation (1952) A.C. 198 at page 191 "If a gap is disclosed the remedy lies in ·an ·amending Act" and not in a "usurpation of the legislative function under :the thin disguise of interpretation".

He concluded that the Mental Health Act did not confer-by implication a power to remove a person to hospital merely because the documents specified in section 42 ( 1) has been duly completed.

So far as admission to a mental hospital or training centre is concerned, adequate and detailed provision is ·made under section 45 'Of the Mental Health Act for the apprehension and medical examination of any person appearing to be mentally ill or intellectually defective and not under proper care and control and, if considered appropriate by the justices before whom he is brought, for the conveyance of such a person to a mental hospital or training centre where he can be held without any time limit on the period of detention.

Consequently, the deficiency in the law appears to be only in regard to admission for observation in a psychiatric hospital, and it is this aspect of admission to a mental institution with which the amendment is concerned. 1 remind honorable members that psychiatric hospitals were previously called "receiving houses".

Patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital are admitted for observation. Admissions are made 'On the recommendation of a legally qualified medical practitioner and at the request of another person. On admission the patient must be examined without delay by the superintendent of the psychiatric hospital who must either (a) discharge the patient forthwith; or (b) direct, by an appropriate endorsement on his admission papers, that he be detained for up to 21 days. Before the expiration of the 21 days' period, if

Opticians Registration [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] (Amendment) Bill. S53

the patient has not already been discharged, he must be again examined by the superintendent who, after report to the Chief Medical Officer of the Mental Health Authority, will either, (a) order the patient's retention in the psychiatric hospital for a period not exceeding six months in all; or (b) arrange for further medical examination and committal without time limit to a mental institution.

The amendment prop'Osed will merely ensure that a person who is recommended for admission to a psychiatric hospital by a legally qualified medical practitioner goes there for further observation. The safeguard against such a person being kept improperly at the psychiatric hospital is the requirement that any person admitted to such a hospital shall be examined without delay by the superintendent. That officer is always a qualified and experienced psychiatrist whose main concern would be to discharge his patients as soon as practicable.

Following the action in the High C'Ourt which I have mentioned and which led to damages of $200 being awarded against the policeman who took the patient to a psychiatric hospital, there have been difficulties at times in dealing with those occasionally occurring patients who, largely because of their mental state, cann'Ot be persuaded to go to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.

The Police Department has sought an appropriate amendment to the Mental Health Act to give to members of the Victoria Police the legislative authority to carry out duties which, in fact, they carried out until the High C'Ourt case referred to. Although it might be argued that the proposed provision interferes to some extent with the liberty of individuals from time to time, such a provisi'On in mental health legislation is necessary to meet the occasional case where it is desirable in the public interest that the person concerned be taken to

a psychiatric hospital for observation. I commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of 'Mr. LIND (Dandenong), the debate was adjourned.

It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Tuesday, October 10.

OPTICIANS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL.

Mr. DUNSTAN (M'inister of Water Supply) .-1 move-


An Act to provide for the registration and supervision of the practice of the work 'Of 'Opticians first came into operation in 1935. The fees fixed by that Act for various services to opticians and persons seeking registration as such have, with one exception, remained unchanged ever since.

The greatest source of inc'Ome of the Opticians Registration Board is the annual re-registration fee. In 1935 this fee was $6.30, but by an amendment of the legislation passed in 1953 it was increased to $12.60 on condition that one half of the sum collected from this s'Ource be paid to the Australian College of Opt'Ometry. This portion to be paid to the college was reduced in 1964 to one-third, and in 1966 the condition was removed altogether. Nevertheless, the board has c'Ontinued to support the c'Ollege although the amounts made available year by year have decreased because of rising administration costs.

The Board has asked that an increase be made in the annual fee paid by each registered optician so that a w'Orth-while sum may be provided each year towards the costs 'Of training opticians. In addition, there are a number of other fees which may be fixed by regulation up to the maximum amounts set by sub-section (2) of section 14 of the Opticians Registration Act 1958.

554 Sandringham (Beach Oval) [ASSEMBLY.] . Land Bill.

The increases proposed in these maximum amounts are: :For initial registration from $4.20 to $5; for restoration to register 'Otherwise than for default in paying annual fee from $2.10 to $2.50; ·for any certificate from $0.50 to $1.50.

The income of the Opticians Registration Board for the past six year·s has been around the $3,000 mark while the board's contributions towards the cost of opticians' education have dropped ffoom more than $1,000 a year to about $700. The amount available this year would be negligible. There are almost 40 opticians who were registered in 1935 on the basis that they had been practis'ing optometry for at least five years prior to that date and it cannot be expected that these will continue to practise for a great deal longer. In addition there would be a number of older opticians qualified in England whose names are on the register. These also may retire soon.

Consequently, during the ~ext few years there could be quite a drop in the number of opticians registered, particularly as the output of quaHfied 'Opticians from the Australian College of Optometry who take up practice in . Victoria is not great. Last year there were only twelve graduates who did.

. IMembers of the profession, through their professional· association, have been active in 'supporting the development of the Australian College of Optometry and should be given every support in their continued desire to do so.

The Bill now introduced will do two things-

1. By sub-clause (l) of clause 2 it will increase the maximum rates of ce~ain fees which may be ·fixed by regulation under the .opticians Registration !Act 1958. The purpose and amount of these increases has already been stated; and

Mr. Dunstan.

2. By sub-clause (2) of clause 2 it will enable an increase up to a maximum of $25 - from the existing $12.60 - in the annual re registration 'fee to be paid by opticians whose names are on the Certified Opticians Register.

iIn regard to the provision in paragraph (b) of sub-clause (2) of clause 2, there will need to be an altera tion to the general wording of sub-section (3) of section 14 of the Opticians Registration Act as previously the fee for renewal of registration as an optician has been fixed by the 'Act. The amendment 'contained in paragraph (b) will bring the provision for fixing fees for re registration into line with the provision for fixing other fees under the Act.

An increase from $12.60 to, say, $17 in the first year should yield the Opticians Registration Board about $1,000 extra which would be sufficient to enable it to carry on as previously. When the number of opticians on the register is further increased it should be possible to adjust the fee as necessary to keep the board solvent without recourse to further legisla Hon. 'I commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of :Mr. LIND (nandenong), the debate was adjourned.

It was ordered that the debate be adjourned till Tuesday, October 10.

SANDRINGHAM (BEACH OVAL) LAND BILL.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) .-1 move -

That this Bill be now read a second time. The reserve referred to in the Bill is the reservation for a public park along Beach Road at Sandringham. [t has been placed under the control of the .municipality of the City of Sandringham ·as a committee of management. A recreation ground, today known as Beach Oval, has existed on the reserve for a period of more than 60 years. It was enclosed with a low .fence about 1916

State Electricity Commission [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill. 555

when the Sandringham Cricket Club, which uses the ground, proposed to take part in pennant cricket.

In 1929 the Sandringham ,Football Club was formed from junior clubs in the district and the club joined the Victorian Football Association with Beach Oval as its home ground. At that juncture the committee of management enclosed the ground with a security fence in like manner to other grounds used for Victorian Football League or association fixtures. The recreation ground was extended in 1938, when the Sandringham City Council provided grandstand and clubrooms accommodation. The facilities are now sub-standard and inadequate, particularly those for public spectators.

The city council and the football club are prepared to effeot the necessary improvements but consider that the occupation ought to be put on a proper basis by empowering the municipality as the c.ommittee of management to grant leases of the ground. This is the purpose 'Of the Bill.

Its provisions follow in similar form those which have been enacted over recent years in respect of grounds on other reserves used for league or 'association football. Clause 1 cites the short title. Clause 2 gives the interpretations 'Of cc Beach Oval" and cc Corporation".

Clause 3 provides -1. that the corporation may grant leases of Beach IOval for the purposes of sport or recreation .or social activities; 2. the usual conditions of leasing for such purposes; 3. that any lease rentals shall be applied towards the maintenance and improvement of the balance of the reserve and 4. the usual provision that no IiabiHty shall attach to the Crown. The schedule shows the area presently enclosed by a concrete fence. ;1 commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows), the debate was adjourned.

IJt was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Tuesday, 'October 10.

STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION (BORROWING

POWERS) BILL. The debate (adjourned from

September 12) on the moti.on o'f Mr. Balfour (,Minister for Fuel and Power) for the second reading of this Bill was resumed.

Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).I regard this Bill as of great importance to this Parliament and to the people of Victoria, 'On two main grounds. Firstly, it enables a debate in ·Parliament on the largest of the State's undertakings -a debate which is all too infrequently held in Parliament. In ·fact, over the years, other than when similar legislation has been introduced, the State Electricity Commission has not been under the sort of scrutiny which a public utility of its size should be under. Honorable members will have this opportunity today as Parliament has had in some other years since early in this century.

The second feature of the measure is that it provides some sort of control - although it is slim and illusory - by the \Parliament over the activities of the State Electricity Commission. I regard this as an important principle, especially taking intO' ,account the limited control which the ,Minister for ,Fuel and Power and the Government have over the commission.

For these reasons, and also when one takes into account the proposal in the Bill to increase the borrowing powers of the commission to the enormous sum of $1,125 million, one starts to appreciate how important this measure is to the P.arliament and to the people of Victoria. The size of the State 'ElectriCity CommISSIOn may be illustrated in a number of ways. It is considerably

556 State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBLY.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill.

larger than any other Victorian undertaking, including the railways. Its income is certainly the 'largest of any public utility in Victoria and larger than any of the various criteria of State Government income, other than funds received from the Commonwealth Government.

The State Electricity Commission is generally recognized as one of the great success stories in the history of this State and one of the great initiatives of the Victorian Parliament. Members of the Opposition are doubly proud of it as a public enterprise because it is an indica tion and a measure of what can be effected by the State and the benefits that could be brought to the people of 'Victoria under Socialism. The interesting, torrid and fascinating story of the State Electricity Commission has been documented in the volume Brown Power by Cecil !Edwards, which was commissioned on the occasion of the jubilee of the State Electricity Commission in 1968-69.

If one examines the background of electricity generation in Victoria and the measures which preceded this legislation, one realizes what an interesting story the State Electricity Commission makes -and its impact over the years. Earlier this century, the importance of electriCity to the future development of Victoria was recognized and particularly the need for Victoria to be independent of the coal resources of New South Wales if it was to flourish as an independent commercial and industrial centre. All authorities realized the potential of Victoria's brown coal resources and their potential for electricity generation. The result of the realization of that potential and that idea brought the State Electricity Commission into existence.

In 1917 the Brown Coal Advisory Committee was appointed by the Government of the day under Sir Alexander Peacock and it inquired into this matter. The members of that committee had well and truly

Mr. Fordham.

made up their minds before they were appointed, because only a few weeks later they presented their report, which led in 1918 to the enactment of legislatiDn by the Government. Sir 'Harry Lawson established the Electricity Commission to allow for the development of the brown coal resources of the Latrobe Valley. In 1920 the first great step was taken when work commenced at the Yallourn open cut.

This work, continued and extended during the 1<920s, was the groundwork for the development of the State Electricity Commission, but the problem of finance and loan borrowings was even greater then than it is now because the commission was working under the encumbrance that its only finances could come from its own resources Dr from Treasury advances; it was not able to' go to the public at large or to other authorities for borrowings. However, under this system the Yallourn township, the Yallourn A power station and the YaHourn briquette factory were established, and work was commenced on the RubiconRoyston system for hydro-electric power.

The first measure introduced into this P.arliament relating to the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Commission was in 1932. Interestingly enough, its object was not to' increase the borrowings for capital works, which is so much a feature of the legislation today. It was very much a product of the economic and social issues in that turbulent period of Victorian and Australian history, with the -aftermath of the depression and the sorts of quack economic theories which were prevalent, particularly in Victoria, at that time.

The State Elect·rioity Commission during this period took over the Melbourne Electric Supply Co. and the Electric Supply Co. of Victoria. In doing that, the commission took over certain liabilities, and it had difficulty in

State Electricity Commission [26 SEPTEMBER. 1972.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill. 557

meeting them. particularly in view of their international financing. The commission had to pay a London rate of interest of 7! per cent. and the Americans. not to be outdone. were charging 14 per cent. It was decided by the Government and the State Electricity Commission commissioners of the day that Parliament should give the commission authority to raise funds to meet obligations of that sort. But the Government of the day was adamant that the money raised was not to be used for capital works. I quote from page 3791 of Hansard of 20th December. 1932. M·r. Macfarlan. the Chief Secretary. said-

The contemplated borrowings definitely have no relation to .the construction of capital works of the commission. but ·are concerned with liabilities which the State has incurred. mainly abroad.

Later the honorable gentleman reiterated-

Not one penny of the sum borrowed will be used for capital expenditure by the commission.

That was in accordance with the prevaHing economic climate and with the economic thinking of the Victorian Government of that time. We look back on those sorts of economics and the rel'ation they had to the 1927 Commonwealth-State financial agreement with quizzical amusement. At that time. the limit of borrowing by the State Electricity Commission was set at 2'250 million pounds. a very small sum compared with that authorized by the current measure. In the 1930s, 'as economic theory developed, people began to realize that there were other avenues which could be ~ollowed.

During the 1930s the commission undertook a detailed study of the need for expansion of electricity generation in Victoria. This particularly related to the Kiewa project, and the Newport B project. There was a breakthrough on the use of eapital funds for these capital works, following the measures taken by New South Wales some years previously.

Legisla tion was enacted by the Parliament in 1937 to increase the sum which could be borrowed to 10·5 million pounds. In 1947 the amount was increased to 15·5 million pounds.

In the immediate post-war years it became evident that :f'ar greater expansion was needed in Victoria's generating capacity to meet the needs of the time and the future needs of the State. In 1948 it was announced that the Morwell briquetting project would be commenced, that the Kiewa scheme would be considerably expanded, and that the Newport A station would be purchased from the Victorian Railways. At that time legislation increased the comm:ission's borrowing powers to 65'5 m·illion pounds. The report of the debates show that the same sort o.f issues which are now current cropped up then. I quote briefly f'rom two speeches. The first is at page 1029 of Hansard of 8th June, 1948. Mr. Dawnay-Mould, the honorable member for Dandenong, said-

lam not detracting in any way from the value of the legislative proposal now before the House. I am of opinion that it is quite vital to the solid fuel needs of the State. The briquetting project should go ahead, but parallel with it should go research and investigation along lines that will provide a possibility of producing such a valuable commodity as oil at a price that will show handsome profits instead of inevitable losses.

The second speech is at page 1068 of Hansard of 9th June, 1948. Mr. Whately, the honorable member for Camberwell, said-

The Bill gives one justification for suggesting that the ·time is now ripe to set up another body, the purpose of which would be to induce industry to make use of one of the finest sources of power that exist anywhere in the world-Victorian brown coal.

In that debate, and probably in earl'ier debates, honorable members raised two important issues. One was whether the brown coal reserves could be used for a whole host of purposes in the chemoical industry and in the development of oil and oil products. The second was whether the State Electricity Commission should be split up so that, instead

558 State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBLY.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill ..

of one organization dealing with a vast number of matters, the commission would be confined to generating electricity and another authority used for other purposes. At the same time, the Government announced the intention to use brown coal for the production of town gas.

In 1950 there was a continuing expansion of the Morwell project, which necessitated increasing the sum which the commission could borrow to 115'5 minion pounds. This expansion was continuing in 1952, with the enormous problems O'f that time, the shortage of power and the shortage of loan funds. One matter which was becoming increasingly import'ant was the problems of country areas and the need for the rapid electrification of country districts to provide for the nOormal needs of families living in the country and for expans-ion there.

In 1952 the maximum sum which could be borrowed was 'increased to 165'5 million pounds. The need for more funds continued into 1954. At that time the self-help scheme, on which there was S'O much comment later in this P.arliament, was introduced. The maximum sum which could be borrowed was increased by legislation to 215'5 million pounds, and in 1957 it was 'increased to 265'5 million pounds. One can see the rapid development of the State Electricity Commiss'ion ·and of its activities during that period. Following the announcement Oof the Hazelw'Ood project -in 1959, the 1960 legislation increased the sum which could be borrowed to 325 million pOounds. The limit was again raised in 1963, and with the conversion to decimal currency, the maximum was raised to $750 milliOon.

The rapid growth pattern continued, .and in 1966 there was a long and important debate in this House on the activities which would be undertaken by the State Electricity Commission with the increased sums of money it could borrow. At that time the Hmit was 'increased to $850

Mr. Fordham.

million. The Government was then able to say that the commission was catching up with the needs, not only of the metropolis, but also of the country, and was able to plan ahead more and more. The Government gave some consideration to longterm planning, and the expansion of the Yallourn W power station, which is now a reality, was first announced.

To indicate the Government's view of long-term planning in 1966, which impinges on issues which concern the State Electricity Commission today, I quote from a speech by Sir George Reid, then Mr. Reid, Minister for Fuel and Power, at page 3307 of Hansard of 6th AprH, 1966-

I feel that it is appropriate for me to give this House an idea of the work which is going on in planning the development of the generating system.

Sir George went on to speak about peak load development-

Unlike the base load plant, which is best located close to the source of fuel, peak load thermal plant may be located close to the load centre. The commission is therefore investigating possible sites for power stations on the outskirts of the metropolitan area and is also investigating the possibility of making further use of the Newport power station site as existing plant there reaches the end of its economic life. The main fuels being examined for this purpose are briquettes, oil and natural gas.

In speaking of base load plant, at page 3308, the honorable gentleman said-

The selection of base load plant developments is even more complex. Because of the tremendous ·amount of energy to be produced, fuel costs are especially critical. The alternative fuels being examined come under four headings-brown coal, nuclear energy, natural gas and oil.

On the subject of brown coal, the Minister said-

Besides developments based on the existing open cuts at Yalloum and Morwell, there ar,e three new open cut ,sites under investigation. One of these is already well known to honorable members. This is on the Loy Yang field to the -south-east of Traralgon. The second is to the east of the Yallourn open cut, north of the town of Morwell, and the other to the west of Morwell open cut, across ,the Morwell river.


In 1966 the Government had already given an indication that it was starting long-term planning in these areas, and the ramifications of that planning are being felt in the community today, particularly in the Latrobe Valley. At that time fears were already be-ing expressed in the Latrobe Valley about the future of the State Electricity Commission and of the brown coal deposits. In that debate Mr. Stoneham, the Leader of the Opposition, expressed ,fears which, I suggest, are still very much with us. In 1969 the maX'imum amount which the State Electricity Commission could borro·w was increased to $975 million. The Government indicated that the planning which was announced in 1966 was continuing, for both peak load and base loading, so obviously there was tQ bea long-term project. At the same time an announcement was made of the infamous char project with Elder's and 'a Japanese consortium, when the Government decided that the State Electricity Commission was not to be the sole authority in that industry.

So I come to Ithe increased borrowing power which is authorized by this measure, to a limit of $1,125 million. In his second-reading speech, the Minister for Fuel and Power outlined the way in which the increased funds would be used. I quote from page 191 of Hansard of 12th September, 1972-

The main headings under which capital expenditure was incurred in .the .past three years were:-

$ million 103 Power stations construction ..

Coal-winning plant and open-cut development .. 11

Transmission lines and terminal stations .. 70

Expansion of the distribution system 71 General equipment, stores, work

shops, offices, motor vehicles, con-struction plant, and so on .. 23

278

It· can be seen that a large proportion of this money will be used for power station construction, and. notice has

been given of the sort of stations which will be constructed. The Yallourn W station is well under way :and it is hoped that it will be completed in 1974. An extension to the Yallourn W station was foreshadowed in a press statement by the Minister for Fuel and Power. A Bill is to be introduced into Parliament on that subject. There is also the planned peak-load development at Newport. These plans are important and they bring the needs in State ElectriCity Commission planning up to the end of the 1970s. The supply system in Victoria is virtually completed. There are only a few farms in outlying areas still to be connected to the system. The last independent undertaking, that at Mallacoota, was brought into the system in July this year.

I direct :attention to statistics for the years 1930, 1950, and 1970, taken from . annual reports of the State Electricity Commission, which show the tremendous growth of the commission over the period. The figures are:-

Consumers ., .. Brown coal production ..

Generating capacity ..

1930

44,000 1·8m.

tons 103

mw

1950

391,000 '·2m. tons 504

mw

1970

1,014.000 22·8m.

tons 3,545 mw

Those figures indicate the common pattern of growth of the State Electricity Commission. The commission has done a wonderful job in providing this commodity which is a basic need for the development of Victoria.

Another common feature in this development which I found from my 'reading of the debates of the past 40 years is that at no stage has any Opposition party opposed increased borrowing power for the State Electricity Commission. It is very much 'a matter on which all pa·rties have reached agreement. Certainly, the Opposition does not oppose this measure.


However, there are a number of matters of increasing concern to the Victorian community, which are related to the borrowing powers Q1f :the State Electricity Commission. The first is the size of the enterprise. It is difficult for an undertaking of this immensity, which conducts a vast volume of business that has many ramifications, to be managed by one authority. The generation of power, the production of briquettes and the whole range of potential activities in which the State Electricity Commission is involved under its present charter are matters in which the Government has been involved over past years and will be in the future. Serious consideration should be given to a break-up 'Of the activities of the commission into two sections, one body to be responsible for the production of electricity and 'One for the other matters of concern to which I have referred. This is not a new thought over the past 30 or 40 years, it has been raised in Parliament, interestingly enough, by all parties when in Opposition. When in Government they have had the opportunity of implementing it but nothing has been done. I hope this suggestion will receive consideration.

I mention the future of the Latrobe Valley. It cannot be disputed that the future of the valley is linked with the future of the enormous brown coal deposits-reputedly the largest in the world. I frequently visit the Latrobe Valley and I have found that although it is one of the five chosen centres for development, the every-day outlook is not good. The feeling is not 'One of a spirit of enterprise and that the place is on the go. Unemployment is at a record level and the fear of redundancy is in the thoughts 'Of many workers. Many children must complete their tertiary education outside the valley, and to find empl'Oyment other children must leave the area where their families are and where they have grown up. This is tragic. It is not good enough,

Mr. Fordham.

particularly when one considers the potential of industry. On 27th November, 1957, in speaking tD the State Electricity Commission (Borrowing) Bill, Mr. Balfour, the then member for Morwell and now the Minister for Fuel and Power, as reported at page 3226 'Of volume 254 of Hansard, stated-

Since 1948. the combined population of ,the towns of Moe and Morwell has increased from ,approximatly 2,000 to about 15,000. Further, whereas formerly the population was largely transitory over the last two or three years it has become stabilized. Many people are making their homes in the district and, what is particularly important, numbers of immigrants have settled there and are becoming good citizens. Accordingly, it is particularly important that nothing should happen to slow down these works and thus bring about a disruption in the lives of ,these folk.

Those needs and requirements still exist today but they are not being met. In the minds of the people there is fear for the future of the area. One notes from press announcements the Government's programmes envisaged for the Latrobe Valley for the period until the 1980s. Earlier this year the Government announced an extension of the Yallourn W complex to commence in 1975. As reported in the Latrobe VaHey Express of 30th August of this year, the Premier and Treasurer said-

The plans .for the e~tension of Yallourn W complex are in harmony with the Government's policy of decentralization.

The Latrobe Valley region is one of the five chosen by my Government some years ago to promote decentralization in Victoria.

The new project by the State Electricity Commission gives impetus to the plans to provide further opportunities for employment in country areas.

That decision is indicative of the bankruptcy of the 'Government's planning. Inevitably a gap will be left which will needlessly and badly disrupt the lives of 1,000 men and their families. In 1973, the construction force mentioned by the former honorable member for Morwell to whom I referred earlier, which has been working in the Latrobe Valley since the late 1940s and the early


1950s, will be left withaut emplayment. The men concerned have been working on State Electricity Commission prajects, and naw they will be uproated fram the area which needs them and in which they desire to stay. If the Government had the foresight to take all these factors into account in its future planning this would not be necessary. I hape the planning and design af this extension af the Yallaurn W camplex can be brought farward So' that the lives of these men will not be disrupted.

In 1966, the Government began a consideration of lang-term planning to' the 1980s and of whether the development would. involve brown coal and the Latrabe Valley. I t is af concern tha t these plans have nat been announced. The people af Lay Yang have waited since 1966 for some firm indication whether their area will be required by Victoria as a whale far the development af brawn caal. These peaple have been on tenterhooks for too lang. The Government must soon indicate its plans for the Lay Yang development. The Gavernment must also take into account the needs for regianal development af the Latrobe Valley.

There is a need for a separate autharity to' be cancerned with the development af the brown coal resources of the Latrabe Valley, the praductian and use af briquettes and the production of char. Most importantly, there is a need for a research function. Insufficient research has been undertaken intO' the immense uses to which brown coal can be used in Victaria. Sectian 20 af the State Electricity Cammissian Act gives the commission this power but it has not been used sufficiently. There 'is alsO' an abviaus need for far greater co-ordination of the fuel resources of Victoria. The only pattern that has emerged is Gavernment taxatian on the State Electricity Commission and the Gas and Fuel Corporation, which, in the case of the cammissian, has amaunted to

almost $10 million for this financial year, to the advantage af the ail companies and the producers of other campetitive fuels. The prinCiple earlier put forward by Governments and Oppasitians that the State should control the fuel resaurces of Victoria, including natural gas and oil deposits, should be continued.

Esso-B.H.P. should not be given the opportunity of exploiting the people of Victoria. There should be co-ordination between the State Electricity Commission and the Gas and Fuel Corporation in relation to fuels and the control of these resources should rest with the Ministry of Fuel and Power, to ensure that this exploitation cannot continue. The Bill is designed to cover the capital development 'of the State Electricity Commission for the next three years. They will be important years for the commission, which must announce its planning for the 1980s. They will be important years for those who are concerned with the future of the Latrobe Valley and they will be important years for those who are concerned with the relationship between brown coal and other fuels in Victoria. In those circumstances there must be and will be greater Parliamentary involvement in those issues.

The State Electricity Commission has a proud record of achievement which all parties and all individuals readily accept. In many ways, it is partly responsible for the wonderful position of Victorian industry today. At all times the cooperation of the commission is evident to members of Parliament. The future holds a wonderful potential. I am sure that the commission can meet that potential and I am confident that Parliament will become more and more involved in the succeeding years.

Mr. TREWIN (Benalla).-Members of the Cauntry Party suppart this impartant Bill. They have nated the progress of the State Electricity Commission over the years and have seen the benefits that have extended


to all sections of the community. The commission's activities affect the lives of all Victorians. Victoria is more fortunate than most States. It comprises a small area and it has the raw materials for developing heating and energy. Brown coal as a fuel has been developed to such an extent that it is now recognized all over the world. Before the development of this fuel people relied for their heating requirements on wood which has been growing on the land for thousands of years. Now Victorians are fortunate because success has been achieved in the development of oil and natural gas, which can be won and utilized at reasonable cost.

The provisions of this Bill extend the borrowing powers of the commission to enable it further to develop over the next three or four years. Sir Willis Connolly, who recently retired as chairman of the commission, 'Occupied an important position and he can be .proud of the way in which he followed in the footsteps of other prominent Victorians in assisting in the great development of the commission, and the progress of the State. For far too long, particularly in the 1920s, the 1930s and the 1940s, Victoria was depend en t on black coal from other parts of the Commonwealth for the generation of power. In the late 1940s, Victoria was held to ransom by the coal miners in other areas of Australia. This led the Governments of the 1940s and the early 1950s to develop Victoria's resources so that this State would not be dependent on fuel from other States. Consequently brown coal was developed to the stage that, in the generation of power for industry and lighting, Victoria is now independent.

During that period two hydroelectric generating plants were developed, one at Eildon and the other on the Kiewa River. This has demonstrated to the public that if adequate water is available-during the past few years the waters 'Of several rivers have been harnessed-more 'power

Mr. Trewin.

can be generated at ·a lower cost. Victoria is for-tun ate that the Snowy Mountains scheme was developed, because this State is able to receive electricity f.rom that source to level out the gaps in its supply. The State Electricity Commission, by obtaining its share of electricity from the Snowy Mountains. scheme, has been able to serve the community adequately.

The raw m·aterial used by the commiss'ion is l'Ocated in rural areas and this means that the commission has carried out an effective decentralization policy. In the 1920s it established regional centres. Noone can deny that these centres, which have withstood m·any years of trial, have not served an excellent purpose in the community. Many other Government departments could take a leaf out of the book of the State Electricity Commission and regionalize their activities to the benefit of Victoria.

During the 1950s in particular and during the 1960s electricity supply was extended to more country areas. I have been headened by knowing that farmers have received electricity supplies to their homes, thereby giving them the opportunity of enjoying some of the amenities of modern life to the same degree that they are av.ailable to residents of cities. Anyone living in a rural town or on ,a farm can now enjoy facilities and amenities equal to those available in the metropolitan area. There'fore I often wonder why people congregate in the metropolis. Of course, much of this is brought about by the inactivity of the Government, which does not encourage peoole to live in country areas.

The State Electricity Commission proposes to increase its generating facilities by building additional power stations. It is ironical that one source of power is to be used to generate another. Until now brown coal has been the main source of power but it is now proposed that gas and. oil shall be burned t'O generate electr-icity. The commiss'ion has done an excellent job in its planning, and the


developments it proposes should not be hindered. Therefore, the Country Party supports the Bill and hopes that the desire of the commission to extend its operations in the next few years will be fulfilled and that Parliament will continue to support the energet-ic group of people who administer the commission.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Some honorable members may reg,ard the Bill as a small one because all of its provisions are oontained on one page, but I assure honorable members that it is a significant measure. Its purpose is to increase the borrowing powers of the State Electr.icity Commission by $150 million, and few Bills :introduced in this House have such far-reaching implications.

The State Electricity CoOmmission has a higher income and larger assets than any other instrumentality in Victoria. All honorable members would be aware of the history of the State Electricity Commission, but possibly they obtained a good deal of inf.ormation from a recently-published book entitled Brown Power which outlined the achievements of the pioneers of electricity generating undertakings in Victoria. The activities of the State Electridty Comm-ission are of considerable significance to -the people of· Victoria because the supply 'Of electricity has led to the rapid development of the State. The Victorian community owes a debt not only to the pioneers of the State Electricity CommissionSir J.ohn Monash and others-but also to the pioneers of the Latrobe Valley because 80 to 85 ~er c~nt ?f the electr-icity generated 'In VIctona is produced from brown coal won in the Latrobe Valley.

There are one or two points which ought to be brought to attention during the debate and which I should like the M'inister for Fuel and Power to note. The State Electricity Commission has been instrumental in developing the Latr-obe Valley region generally and not only the brown coal fields there. By the same token, the commission has been the Achilles

heel of the Latrobe Valley for far too long. The people of the Latrobe Valley have depended on the commission for employment, and in many ways Governments have depended on the commission as the major employing industry in the region.

Much of the moOney which the commission will be permitted to borrow when this Bill is passed will be used for further electricity generation. The Premier and the Minister for Fuel and Power have already outlined plans for the next development by -the comm'ission in the Latrobe Valley. For years people in the Latrobe Valley have been awaiting an announcement on the next undertaking by the commission. They have been waiting to learn where the next base load power stat,ion will be built. Conjecture within the Latrobe Valley was that perhaps the power station would be built as a further extension to the Yallourn W power station or that the Loy Yang coalfields would be developed. Other conjecture was that the Hazelwood power station would be extended. It is now known that the commission plans to extend the Yallourn West complex, but this has not necessarily allayed the fears of the residents of the Latrobe Valley. It is now clear to everyone· that the new power station will not be started until long after the Yallourn W power station is completed. There will be a twelve months' to two years' delay between the completion of one complex and the starting of the other. If this were to occur in Melbourne it would not be of much significance, but in a region which for far too long has depended on the State Electricity Comm-ission as the maJor empJoyer it is catastrophic. It means that the work force at present employed on the construction of State Electricity Commission undertakings in the Latrobe Valley will be deprived of employment on the completion of the YaUourn W power station unless other employment opportuniNes are provided for them.


Since the mid-1950s there has been practically continual power house const'ruction in the Lat~obe Valley and now for the first time construction workers face the prospect that within the next twelve to eighteen months there will be no further employment opportunities foor them in that area. The construotion workers in the Latrobe Valley, unlike normal construction workers who live an 'itinerant life going from one large propect to another, have become domiciled in the area. They came there in the mlid-1950s and worked on the power stations at Yallourn, Morwell and Hazelwood. They stayed in the area. They acquired homes, married a'nd sent their children' t'O the local schools. The announcement by the commission that the new power station will not be sta-r.ted for twelve months or two years after the completion of the Yallaurn W power station is akin to a doctor telling a patient that he has only eighteen months or two years to live.

The State Electricity Commoission is not only a large industry and the major employing industry within the Latrobe Valley but also the only industry in Victoria with such a record of achievement. Its production record is yet to be matched by any other industry that I know of. It is one of the few industries that can boast that although its production has increased it is employing fewer people. As a result of advanced technology and by the development of further brown coal resources for the generation of electricity the State Electricity Commission has brought untold wealth to Victoria and benefited the State. In doing this the commission has provided the major employment opportunities within the Latrobe Valley. Therefore, the State Electrioity Commission, the Ministry for Fuel and Power and the Government owe the Latrobe Valley more than just the taking of brown coal for electricity generation. The Government ought to give serious consideration to reducing the time gap between the completion of the

Mr. Amos.

Yallourn W power station and the construction of a new complex. The commission ought to give serious consideration to providing other work for those men who will be without employment in the near future.

Whilst Victorians have been waiting for an announcement from the Government or from the State Electricity Commission on the siting of the next base load power station, a small group of people in the Latrobe Valley have been waiting for the commission to decide whether they can remain on their land or whether it will be used so that the State may continue with its progress. I refer to the proposed development of the Loy Yang coalfields which cover a far larger area than the Yallourn and Morwell open cuts. The commission has yet to make a firm decision on whether to explore the area and to start a major open cut. Naturally, the comm'ission is being wary because of the considerable cost involved. I realize that the commission cannot make a decision lightly but the landowners in the area, although appreciating the commission's position, do not appreciate the blanket order which has been placed over their land for quite a long time and which restricts them in selling their properties.

Discussions have taken place between them and the Minister for Fuel and Power and the former Minister for Local Government, now the Premier and Treasurer, on the payment of adequate compensation. The landowners do not know whether to move to adjoining areas which are not covered by the blanket order of the State Electricity Commission. There seems to be considerable doubt whether the Government has the legislative power to provide relief for the farmers concerned.

One man has advised me by letter that the landowners are experiencing difficulty in appealing to the Land Valuaition Board of Review. The Minister for Fuel and Power met some


farmers on their properties in the Latrobe Valley and told them that they would be entitled to fair market value as compensation. The difficulty in appealing to the Land Valuation Board of Review is that the State Electricity Commission has not yet served notices to treat. I should have thought that the assurances given by the previous Minister for Local Government would remain in force. In a letter to the secretary of the Landowners Protection Association dated 31st July, 1969, the Minister for Local Government stated, inter alia-

The ,assurance by the Minister for Fuel and Power that the S.E.C. will enter into negotiations for the purchase of any land in the zone if the landowner has a bona fide reason to vacate his land and cannot sell on the open market at a reasonable price, coupled with the arrangements which I have made with him that if necessary a fair and reasonable price can be determined by an independent expert Land Valuation Board of Review, seem to me to give full protection to landowners in ,this area, ·and to meet the very problem which you now raise again.

On 18th November, 1969, the Minister for Local Government wrote to the Landowners Protection Association in similar terms. On that occasion, the Minister stated, inter alia-

This assurance, coupled with the ,arrangements which I made to have a fair and reasonable price determined, if necessary, by an independent and expert Land Valuation Board of Review, was designed to meet the problems you originally raised. I believe that landowners can now plan ahead and develop their properties with the assurance that full and fair compensation would be paid if their land had to be acquired at ,some future time for coal-winning purposes, or if in the meantime they needed to sell.

I emphasize the word cc now" in that passage.

The matter was again raised in 1970 and 1971, and is now being raised today in this Chamber because every effort by the landowners to appeal to the Land Valuation Board of Review has met with no success. They have been informed that the board cannot hear a claim until the commission issues a notice to treat. I should like an

assurance from the Minister about the rights of the landowners to appeal.

The Bill has significance for the State Electricity Commission as a Government instrumentality and for Victoria because the increased borrowing powers will permit certain expenditure to be incurred by the commission; it is also significant to residents of the Latrobe Valley who recognize the commission as the major employing industry within the region. I trust that the Minister for Fuel and Power will give thought to the work force which has made the commission's undertakings what they are today and in fact has been responsible for the progress in power generation in Victoria.

Mr. McLAREN (Bennettswood).Over the years it has been considered necessary to pass the responsibility for power operations to statutory corporations. Victoria has the State Eleotricity Commission and the Gas and Fuel Corporation, both of which are administered by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, which also has further responsibilities concerning natural gas.

In looking at the results of the State Electricity Commission for 1971, which is the latest year for which a report is available, one recognizes ,the degree of competition between the Gas and Fuel Corporation and the commission. At page 6 of the report, the commissioners indicate that the commission has faced intense competition from other fuels as well as the problem of rising costs, and that these things have made all the more necessary a continuing effort to increase efficiency of operation. Victoria is clearly indebted to the commissioners of both authorities for the high degree of efficiency in their respective operations. The fact that the State Electricity Commission caters for 1'077 million consumers indica tes the widespread nature of its operations throughout the State.

566 \ State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBLY.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to increase the borrowing powers of the commission by $150 million from $975 million to $1,125 ·million. The Minister has given a clear indication of the areas of capital expenditure of $293 million for the next triennium. A major item of the proposed expend.iture relates to power ,station construction, which accounts for $105. million. Coal-winning plant and open-cut development will cost $26 million, transmission lines and terminal stations $44 million, expansion of the distribution system $88 million, and general equipment, stores, and so on $30 million.

Although a certain proportion will be met from internal funds of the commission, an expenditure of this magnitude should be the subject of a more intense investigation than this Parliament is able to give it. Before. a Bill of this nature is brought before the House, it would be useful if . an economic, technical· and financial assessment were made of the fuel needs of the State and of the expenditure that is to be incurred in meeting the objectives of the commission, because the commission is responsible to Parliament.

Mr. GINIFER.-Municipal responsibility is also involved.

Mr. McLAREN.-I agree that it should also include the operations of. the eleven municipalities which still operate in the field of electricity distribution. This Parliament -and other Australian Parliaments should follow the procedures of the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament whereby a Select Committee is appOinted to inquire into nationalized industries. If this procedure were followed in Victoria, the committee would investigate the need for finance of this kind and report to Parliament. Further information should be provided to. honorable members on the increase in borrowing powers by an amount as large as ,$150 million. The same principle should apply to the Bill relating to the Gas and Fuel Corporation. This Parliament has certain committees

which inquire into expenditure that has been incurred, but very little is done about looking into proposed investments of statutory corporations.

Finally, I wish to mention the need for a national fuel policy. The Ministry of Fuel and Power undertakes much of the investigation into matters of this kind but a need exists w-ithin the Commonwealth for a national fuel policy so that Governments may assess how best to use available fuels. Such a policy would embrace the extensive brown coal deposits which are being used to advantage in Victoria by both the corporation and the commission, as well as hydro-electric power generation and the recently-developed natural gas fields.

Mr. KIRKWOoD.-That is a Socialist principle.

Mr. McLAREN.-I do not agree with the honorable member. Parliament has already used the same process to establish corporations to undertake these tremendous responsibilities. That is why I suggest that the Parliament should vest a committee with investigatory powers to enable it to look into the amounts expended in this way so that the public may be satisfied of the correctness of the expenditure of considerable sums.

We should all congra tula te :the State Electricity Commission on the work that it has done and the plans tha t it has prepared for the future. However, I suggest these matters as subjects for later consideration by the Minister and by the Parliament.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).The provision of funds for the State Electricity Commission is significant to the employment situation in Victoria. A previous speaker stressed the need to utilize our natural resources in the most economic manner. Recent events have indicated that natural gas will be an important factor in the utilization· of available fuels. The proposed new power station


at Newport will use natural gas, but I suggest that, on a correct analysis of the use of fuels, natural gas may be very low in the priorities because other fuels may be used more economically in the production of electrical energy in other locations.

The question raised by the honorable member for Bennettswood about the rationalization of our resources is important. When confronted with the economics of the manufacture of pipelines one would imagine that the ability of Victorian industries to handle this work would be of importance.

The honorable member for ,Morwell referred to the Latrobe Valley and the policies of the State Electricity Commission when dealing with its emp'loyees. Tn the Latrobe Valley the commission's rates of pay for its employees set standards which are so low that contractors performing work in the area expect people to work for over-award rates up to 85 per cent less than they would receive when working on similar contracts in other parts of the State.

!Mr. BALFOUR.-That is not true. Mr. SIIMMONDS.~It is a fact that

for employment in the type of work being carried out at W power station workers are being offered over-award rates of pay up to 85 per cent less than the rates for similar work being undertaken at Westernport and in the metropolitan area.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-I take it this is on building construction and capital works?

IMr. SI'MMONDS.-This is construction work at the State Electricity Commission's power station at Yallourn for contracts on capital works and expenditure by the commission on the work force carrying out this type of work in various fields in the State. In its role in .the Latrobe Valley the State Electricity Commission sets wage rates which are relatively lower than the classifications in the same type of employment elsewhere. :It naturally follows that in the depressed type

of employment situation existing in the Latrobe Valley, which is virtually without a future, the whole of the work force is in a position where there is a limited market in which it can sell its labour. There is little or no opportunity of moving from the area because of people's total commitment to the accumulated capital they have invested in their homes, and there is no market for the resale of these homes.

Redunda'ncy, followed by reclassification of workers in lower classifications, is costing these workers up to $60 a month. 'If an employee is put in the position of accepting a downgrading in his classification, or of being forced to leave his employment with the State Electricity Commission, he is confronted with the problem of 'leaving his home and the locality.

The SPE'AKER.-I do suggest that the discussion of the economics of the operations of the State Electricity Commission is not appropriate.

Mr. SIMMONDS.-Capital works expenditure is important in terms of the commission's capacity to increase its productivity. To give an indication of the expenditure and the increase in productivity in the industry, I point out that since the opening of Hazelwood power station, whereas previously it took two men to produce 1 megawatt of power, it is now in the reverse ratio and one man produces 2 megawatts. This is the type of increased productivity that has taken place.

It is rational and logical that the people employed in this industry, because of its special nature and its special role in providing services to the community, need special consideration. That special considera tion is not being, given, and if the State Electricity Commission is to develop as an effective organization, to meet' the needs not only of its consumers but also of persons who produte the goods which keep the indus-

568 State Electricity Commission LASSEMBLY.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill.

try of this State operating, expenditure on capital equipment as well as the expenditure of those people who are likely to be displaced by that capital equipment must be taken into consideration. There is a wide field to be canvassed.

The SPEAK!ER.---:U would be out of order to canvass it now.

IMr. SI'MMONDS.--JIf money is to be expended as provided for in the Bill it must be done in such a way that due provision for the employees of the State Electricity Commission will be made.

The motion was agreed to. The Bill was read a second time

and committed. Clause 1 was agreed to. The sitting was suspended at 6.22

p.m. until 7.55 p.m. Clause 2 (Borrowing powers). Mr. BALFOUR (Minister f.or Fuel

and Power).-I thank honorable members who to'Ok part in the second-reading debate on this important Bill, and I congratulate the h~norable member for Footscray on hIS research into State Electricity Commission undertakings over the years. Quite a number 'Of matters which have been raised by honorable members will, I hope, be dealt with tomorr'Ow when I intr.oduce a Bill to provide for the duplic.ation of the Yallourn W power station.

However, it would be appropriate for me t'O comment now on some remarks. The honorable member for Footscray spoke of brown coal research. Over many years, a number of people have made statements on what could be d'One with the brown coal of the Latrobe VaUey, other than burning it to produce eleotricity. Certainly, it is technically possible to derive many products from the coal, but 'in all these matters economics plays an important part. In the late 1930s 'and early 1940s, some of us who lived 'in the area were intrigued to hear of the gasification 'Of brown coal. That came about and the Lurgi plant was built in the

Latrobe Valley. It began to operate in 1956. That plant was responsible for making Viotoria independent of New South Wales black coal for the production of gas. There was then a turn of the wheel, and with the introduction of natural gas, which was much cheaper, the Lurgi plant went out of production.

Other processes have been menHoned, such as the production of petrol from brown coal. This has been tded in a number of countries. However, today on the international market petrol is available in large quantities at about 15 cents or 16 cents a gallon, whereas in South Africa where an endeavour has been made to produce petrol from coal, the cost is between 65 c~nts and $1 a gallon. Under those circumstances, even though people in Victoria are working on the problem, it appears to be quite uneconomical to produce petrol from brown coal.

Nevertheless, for the 'information of the honorable member, I point out tha t in 1969 the Ministry for Fuel and Power est'ablished the Brown Coal Research C'Ommittee. Admittedlyit is a small committee; its annual budget is $20,000. However, over a number of years, the State Electricity Comm-ission has been expending $500,000 a year on experimentation, mainly into the combustion of brown coal but also into the winning of brown coal. Currently, some 45 professional officers are dealing with these matters. Research has been carried out in conjunction with the University of Melbourne and other organizations. Research into the agricultural use of brown coal was undertaken with the University of Melbourne. Research into the use of brown coal as an absorbent 'Of effluents of the dairying industry was also undertaken by the University of Melbourne. There has also been research into the use of brown coal to absorb polluted organisms in river water, and into the use of brown coal for the collection of oil slicks.


Research has also been carried out into the use of brown coal in the production of structural materia:ls and, most importantly, in the production of filter aids for either water supply or other purposes. Certainly the committee has not been able to carry these !investigations past the initial laboratory experimental stage, but that stage having been reached the information and results have been passed over to industrial firms to ,examine the knowledge already gained in the hope that other uses can be found ·for what I believe to be a valuable material. I assure the honorable member for Footscray that rather than having done nothing, the Government has interested itself in these matters. I hope these experiments will continue and that some day further economic uses for brown coal will be found, instead of just burning it in the power stations. At present this appears to be the most economic use and the fact that Victoria has vast reserves in the Latrobe Valley area makes this State independent and has given Victoria an excellent supply of electricity.

Much has been said about the future of the Latrobe Valley. I am pleased that the honDrable member for FDotscray quoted frDm Hansard a statement I made in 1957. I assure the honDrable member that I still hold those views. For the past three or four years one of the problems in the Latrobe Valley has been that some people, to the detriment of the area, endeavoured to mount a campaign of fear about What was gDing to happen to the area. Over the past twenty years the State Electricity Commission, with the sUPPDrt of the Government, has developed the area to a stage where today there is a sufficient supply of electricity fDr Victoria with some spare capacity. Perhaps that position has been reached tDD quickly, but the Latrobe Valley has been either fortunate, inasmuch as there has been more than twenty years of full emplDyment because of construction of new power stations,

or unfDrtunate - I say this after having seen what the State Electricity Commission has achieved over that period - that there may now appear to' be some gaps between the various stages of construction.

HonDrable members will agree that in cDnstruction work the normal practice is that a project is contemplated, the cDnstructiDn takes place, it is cDmpleted and the workers move off to anDther jDb. The peDple in the Latrobe Valley have been fDrtunate because that has nDt happened. Although 1,000 people have been wDrking there over these past number of years, they are not the same people because on each prDject there have been many changes. There has been a floating pDpulatiDn but I will agree that there is a hard CDre of workers who moved to the area in the early 1950s and have been employed Dn constructiDn jobs since.

,I believe in the Latrobe Valley and the YallDurn W power statiDn which will be dealt with in a Bill I hDpe to introduce tomorrow. The present planning is for the pDssible dupHcatiDn of Yallourn W, the constructiDn of which has been brDught forward SDme twelve mDnths. If a decisiDn had been made to erect this pDwer statiDn in another area, the gap between the completiDn of Y.allDurn W stages 1 and 2 and the start Df a new power statio'n might have been longer. Both the State Electricity CDmmissiDn and the Government are aware of the situation which exists in the LatrDbe Valley and II assure honorable members that if anything can be done to move this new pn'ject fDrward, it will be done.

The honorable member for ·Morwell mentiDned the landowners at Loy Yang, fDr whom I have had a great deal of sympathy for many years. In the mid-1940s the State Electricity Commission had a special regiDnal plan for the Latrobe Valley which was deliberately brought in by the Government of the day to safeguard the known areas of brown coal so that when the coal was needed

570 State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBL Y.] (Borrowing Powers) Bill.

for the generation of electricity for the Satte, the deposits could be acquired without anything having happened to them. The planning of Latrobe Valley has been a good job. The towns have all been well p'lanned and areas kept for future use. I realize tha t the owners of the land in Loy Yang have had some disadvantages because they have not known when this land would be required for coal winning. My advice to these people has always been to keep operating on their farms until such time as they receive a notice to treat. I still believe that is good advice.

;However, some time ago the Government decided that if a landowner wished to sell his property for health or other reasons, the State Electricity Commission would purchase it. In fact, the Government amended the legislation to enable that to happen ·and under those circumstances several properties have been bought. I know there are other cases where the landowners have not been happy with the valuations offered, but ,I have always been under the impression that when such a position arose, if the landowner was unable to agree to the valuation or was dissatisfied with the valuation or the price offered for his property, he would be able to go to a board of review. In fact, the honorable member for 'Morwell quoted letters in which those statements were made. If that cannot be done, I am sure that the State Electricity Commission, provided tha t the persons wanted to get rid of their land, would be quite happy to issue the notice to treat. The State Electricity Commission has not been asked to do that yet and I do not know of a case where a person has said that he wanted to go to a board of review but, as he could not ·go there, has asked the State Electricity Commission to make these facilities available or issue the notice to treat. As I have said, I am very sympathetic to them and 1 understand their problems. If the State Electricity

Mr. Balfour.

Commission can help them I can assure the honorable member for Morwell that it will.

The honorable member for Bennettswood said that there should be a national fuel policy. I advise the honorable member that the State 'Mines 'Ministers and the Federal Minister for National .Development, at a meeting of the Minerals Council of Australia, discussed this proposition and agreed to have a minerals and energy council. It has bee'n agreed that there should be an energy policy, particularly today as firms are speaking of selling some of our reserves of natural gas to America and Japan. I believe there should be a full assessment of Australia's various forms of energy and we should make sure that we have at least 40 to 50 years' supply ahead of us. We should then know whether we are in a position to sell these resources to other countries.

Mr. 'McLAREN .-Is this committee already operating?

'Mr. BA:LFOUR.---IIt has started to operate and the honorable member might be interested to know that the necessary' steps have been taken to include the word "energy" into the title of the committee, and this will take effect very soon.

The honorable member for Reservoir spoke about the Latrobe Valley and suggested that the State Electricity Commission had kept its rates of pay low so that the rates paid by contractors in the area were also low. Over many years the State Electricity Commission has been blamed by other Government departments and other employing organizations for leading the field in the wages paid to its employees. I am not suggesting for one moment that they receive anything less than they are entitled to - in fact, I believe that in the conditions that some of them are working under they are only getting a fair deal. The honorable member also suggested that the contractors in the Latrobe Valley took advantage of the low ra tes of


pay, and underpaid their employees. I am not sure whether he said that the wages paid by contractors to their employees in the Latrobe Valley were 85 per cent less or whether they were 85 per cent of the rates paid by the contractors in other localities. I would rather give him the benefit of the doubt that they were 85 per cent of the rates paid by other contractors. I do not know whether the honorable member has some special knowledge of this or has gathered this information from a statement which I read in one of the morning newspapers some time ago where a spokesman made a similiar statement. For the sake of the record, I inform the committee of the amounts which are paid. The rate I shall quote is for a fitter, which is usually the norm used for assessing wages for other classifications.

The base rate paid at Yallourn W power station is $67.80 a week. At Westernport it is $67.80; at Carrum it is $67.80 ; at Altona it is $67.80; and at Longford it is also $67.80. So that it is the same award rate right through.

'Mr. GINIFER.-Have not those figures just been adjusted?

·Mr. BALFOUR.-No. It is the same right through. The special over-award payment at YaUourn W power station is $5.40 and no special over-award payment is made in other areas.

'Mr. SIMMONDs.-What does the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works pay at Carrum?

'Mr. BALFOUR.-These are the payments that I am giving to honorable members. At Carrum the base rate is $67.80 and the're is no special over-award payment. The general over-award payment which was operating at Yallourn W was $25.20 and if the men were working now they would be receiving $31.20 and in twelve months' time this would increase to $33.20. At Westernport the payment is $33 and in twelve

months it will rise to $35. At Carrum it is $31; at Altona it is currently $31.25 and in October, 1972, it will rise to $33.50. ·At Longford it is now $33 and in twelve months' time it will be $35. There is also at Carrum a special industry allowance of $4.50.

'Mr. WILKEs.-Does this come out of loan money?

Mr. BAL'FOUR.-H comes out of revenue and loan money but these are wages paid by contractors to their employees. I now give the total payments received by the men working on the various projects. If the men were working at Yallourn W, at present they would be receiving $104.40 a week and in twelve months' time they would be receiving $106.40. At Westernport they would be receiving $100.80, and in twelve months' time $102.80; at Carrum, $103.30; at Altona, $99.05, and in October, 1972, $101.30; and at Longford $100.80, and in twelve months' time, $102.80. It will be seen from those figures that employees at Yallourn W, if working now, would be receiving more than the· employees at the other places rather than either 85 per cent less or 85 per cent of the amounts received by them.

'Mr. LOVEGROVE.-That is on construction.

Mr. BALFOUR.-I am referring to the fitters working on construction.

Mr. CURNOW.-How about overaward payments?

Mr. BALFOUR.-I have included over-award payments. The last figures I quoted were the total takehome pay with the exception that at Yallourn there is a differential of 70 cents.

Mr. WILKES.-It was the total wage, not the take-home pay.

Mr. BALFOUR.-Tax is deducted from the total amount, but I do not think the employees at Yallourn Ware taxed higher than the people at Westernport. '.


,Mr. WILKES.---I did not say they were, but you referred to take-home pay.

Mr. BALFOUR.-I stand corrected. Travelling time at Westernport is $12.20. To receive that amount, an employee would need to travel quite a distance.

Mr. WILTON.-How far?

Mr. BALFOUR.-I am not sure of the distance, but I understand that one would need to travel some distance, probably from Frankston to Long Island, to receive the $12 a week travelling allowance. That is the only difference in the payments between employees at Yallourn W and Westernport. It is extremely wrong for an honorable member to say that the employees in the Latrobe Valley are on depressed wages. It is also wrong to say that they are receiving either 85 per cent less or 85 per cent of the wages paid on other construction sites.

Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).-The Minister has attempted to blame the problems of the Latrobe Valley on a fear campaign allegedly waged by persons going to the Latrobe Valley. The faot is that the people in the Latrobe Valley are fearful for their lives simply because their employment is not guaranteed, nor is the education of their children or the future of their families. To blame this state of affairs on the trade union movement or on the Labor movement cannot be justified, and it is most unfortunate that the Minister has adopted this attitude. The honorable gentleman referred to a hard core in the Latrobe Valley as being the only persons deserving of concern. I suggest that the Government, which claims to support a policy of decentralization and en· couragement to peopl~ to move outside the metropolis, should be thankful that people have taken the opportunity of moving with their families to the Latrobe Valley where they have been working for twenty years, or maybe only five years, on the construction site. To say that these

people should regard themselves as being fortunate to have some cotninuity of employme'nt is a slur on them.

The Government should be taking every possible step to ensure continuity of employment in this area. Instead of the programme envisaged in the Bill which will be followed by other measures, there will be a gap of a year or two during which the lives of construction workers and the future of their families will be at stake simply because of the lack of planning of the Government. The explanations put forward by the Government on this matter are unacceptable to the Opposition. To speak of the salary rates in the terms used by the Minister will not solve the real problems and needs of people in the area.

I should also like to refer to the future of brown coal resources. I am pleased that the Minister has taken some interest in the matter and that the Victorian Brown Coal Research Comm'rttee has been established. How can a budget of some $20,000 deal with a resource, the largest of its type in the world? What efforts have been made by the Government or the State Electricity Commission to ensure that the basic resources are being used for the development of the Latrobe Valley? There is certainly insufficient finance with which to develop the resources as they should be developed. It is obvious that the State Electricity Commission cannot, within its resources and within the finance made available by the research committee, undertake the necessary research to enable the brown coal resources to be used to the extent to which they should be used. Earlier, it was emphasized that industries should be established in the Latrobe Valley and that certain aspects of the chemical and oil industries should be investigated to a much greater degree than has been evident in the past to ensure the development of this region of Victoria.


The Opposition again emphasises the need for a national policy to en:sure that the national fuel resources 'Of Australia are used in the most ,equitable and sensible fashion. There is no indication that a policy of this type exists. The Labor Party is firmly wedded to this view. It questions the use of natural gas for generating electricity and whether the reserves are sufficient for this purpose. For many years the attitude of the Parliament has been that the people of Victoria should control the State's natural resources, but the Government has sold out its resources to Esso-B.H.P. Instead of retaining control of the resources within Government authorities they have been sold lout to private enterprise. A fair slice of them has been given to America and to the capitalists behind private enterprise instead of to the people of Victoria. The Opposition is opposed to thits policy and it has resolved that when it forms the Government it will change the situation.

The State Electricity Commission has a great future. Despite the strictures placed on it by the Government, the commission provides a good example of Socialist enterprise. It is the type of enterprise of which a Labor Government would be proud and would attempt to amplify in the future. In fact, under a Labor regime the activities undertaken by public authorities would be amplified. The State Electricity Commission is to be congratulated for its programmes in the past in the development of resources in Victoria. There is a need for greater State involvement in the resources of the Latrobe Valley in the interests of the people of that district and the people of

. Victoria. We hope Parliament will continue to play an active., role in considering the programmes that ·are to be undertaken.

Mr. LOVEGROVE (Sunshine).The Minister for Fuel and Power made a statement regarding the wages paid on the construction site .at Morwell and some of the other construction sites governed by the

State Electricity Commission. I understand that my colleague, the hO'norable member for Reservoir, proposes to raise a query concerning the Minister's remarks. Pending that, I could perhaps throw a little light on the subject by a comparison of the rates in the Latrobe Valley with those on construction sites in Melbourne. In Melbourne the minimum wage of a builder's labourer is $90 a week. The going rate-by the going rate I mean the average rate -paid to building tradesmen of any description in Melbourne is not less than $100 a week.

Mr. B. J. EVANS.-Cow cockies ought to knock off and become builders' labourers.

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-What the State instrumentalities pay these workers is only chicken feed, and this .is where the trouble lies. I do not propose to comment on what is happening at Morwell. The honorable member for Morwell and the Minister can handle that matter because they apparently know the locality. When it is considered that the rates in the metropolitan area where at present there is an acute shortage of labour, particularly skilled labour, in the building industry, are anywhere from 20 per cent to 30 per cent higher than the rates quoted by the Minister, one can understand the na'ture of the comparisons made by the men on the job. I emphasize that I have had nothing to do with the argument in Morwell. I know nothing about it but I know that the rates that are quoted by the Minister are considerably less than the rates paid to everyone in the building industry in Melhourne.

The trade in which I take the most interest participates with other building trades in Victoria in a site award as the result of an industry agreement recently made with the master builders and with which I understand the Minister is familiar. These rates, which follow the norm in industry today by mutual agreement between private

574 State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBLY.] (Borrowing Po.wers) Bill. .

enterprise on the one hand and the trade union movement on the other, completely ignore not only the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission's rates, but deliberately ignore the rates paid by the Government departments in Victoria because they know they are inadequate. I shall quote some of the rates which range from $100 to $150 a week. In Melbourne there is an abundance of ·employment available within a reasonable distance of a person's place of abode. Who would want to leave his family and go to work in Morwell? If the rates in question were not paid, no one would work there. The Government has these people working for chicken feed and tries to make out that they are receiving big money. I do not pretend that my trade is well paid but men on piecework can earn up to $150 a week.

Mr. SUGGETT.-What is your trade? Mr. LOVEGROVE.---iFibrous plas

terer. Mr. SUGGETT.-You should knock

off and do some work.

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-The honorable member for Bentleigh has never done an honest day's work. He should do some pick and shovel work, join the blue collar workers and find out what it is all about.


The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-Order! I remind honorable members that the Committee is, debating clause 2. In accordance with traditional practice the Mini'ster was entitled to a certain amount of latitude in replying to the various matters which were raised during the second-reading debate. The Committee should now return to the subject-matter of the Bill which is, in fact, the proposal to increase the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Comm'is·sion. I should like the honorable member for Sunshine and subsequent speakers to return to the clause.

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-I seek leave to refute the Minister's comparison. I hope you, Mr. Acting Chairman, will not deny me that opportunity.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-I rise to a point of order. Before you occupied the chair, Mr. Acting Chairman, the honorable member for Reservoir, in accordance with the spirit of the debate, quoted certain figures, which he was entitled to quote, to' illustrate what the Government was not doing. During the consideration of clause 2, the Minister for Fuel and Power not Dnly answered the matters ra,ised during the second-reading debate-and you, Sir. agreed that this was his prerogative -but, by the very nature of his reply~ broadened the scope of the debate. The honorable member for Sunshine is refuting the Minister's figures.

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-I do not uphold the point .Q1f order. I listened carefully to the M'mister and I understood him to be replying to remarks which were made by the honorable member for Reservoir and other honorable members. In answering interjections he extended his remarks slightly beyond the direct remarks of those honorable members, and I do not believe the debate should continue on that basis. I ask the honorable member for Sunshine to continue speaking to' clause 2 of the Bill and to restrict his remarks to the increased borrowing powers.

Mr. LOVEGROVE (Sunshine).I direct the Minister's attention to' the classified advertisements which appear on page 26 of today's issue Df the Age. There the honorable gentlem'an will see numerous advertisements for building tradesmen at wages of $100, $110, and $120 a week. One advertisement reads-

Bricklayers wanted for job at Latrobe University. $120 a week, $25 for Saturday.

Mr STEPHEN.-Where is the unempl~yment that the Opposition speaks about so often?

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-I am not responsible for what is said about that subject; indeed, I am careful


about what I say about it, because I know something of it. I do not question the Minister's statement concerning what these people are being paid, but I point 'Out that much higher wages are being paid to men who are skilled in the building industry. In addition, they have security and continuity of employment; and, in fair competition in the open market, which has never been eulogized by members of the Liberal Party more than it is today, a' building tradesman can earn 50 per cent more than the Minister is paying them. The Minister is well aware of that.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power).-I rise to a point of order, Mr. Acting Chairman. The honorable member for Sunshine 'should realize that I was n'Ot quoting State Electricity Commission figures. I was quoting figures which were referred to by the honorable member for Reservoir and which related to contractors.

The ACTING CHAI~MAN (Mr. Jona).-There is no point of order. The Minister has made a further explanation.

Mr. LOVEGROVE (Sunshine).I know that the Minister was quoting contract figures, ,and I in no way impugn the honorable gentleman's integrity, but everybody knows that every big department and every big business in Australia, and, indeed, every Government agency in this State directly or indirectly 'actively oppose wage increases. In the eyes of inqustry and business in the State the reputation and credit rating of this Government are deplorable.

Mr. A. T. EVANs.-To what is the honorable member referring?

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-Government contracts let by the Victorian Railways, the Housing Comm'ission and the St'ate Electricity Commission.

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-Order! I remind the Com.mittee that passing reference even at this stage to a wage structure

which is an inbuilt factDr 'Of borrowing powers is in order, but there should not be a full-scale debate on general wage structures within the community. The honorable member for Sunshine is going too far.

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-I pose this question: Why is it necessary in Victoria to pay such enormous sums for increased generation of electrical power? Is it because this is a lucky State? Is it because this Government has some prescience or genius for anticipating the needs of this State? The fact is that the rough measuring rod which is used to determine future needs of electric power is that power generation must double every eight years.

The real need for rapid generation of electrical power arises from the fact that Victor.ia has become an EI Dorado for every multi-national corporation that desires to exploit the natural wealth and resources of this State and of the Commonwealth. The Government and its instrumentality are nothing more than puppets for every big foreign corporation which establishes itself in Victoria and, as well as dissipating our ,resources, fights every desire for an increase in the wages 'and salaries of workers.

I listened with astonishment to the Premier during the period of questions without notice in the House today. The honorable member for Portland asked whether the Premier knew that a Japanese company was coming here to make motor cars 'Or motor parts and if the honorable gentleman did know, would he persuade this company to establish itself in a rural centre, tin the name of decentralization. I wals astounded when the Premier said that he knew nothing about ,it. The honorable gentleman had to read it in a newspaper, although I do not think the Premier was unduly worried about the matter.

Mr. BIRRELL.-This is not a Socialist Government.


Mr. LOVEGROVE.-Why does not the hono~able member for Geelong go out and do a day's work? I suggest that he should get the feel of a pick and shovel. If the honorable member uses his hands for a change, he will know what it is all ·about.

The increased generation of electric power in this State has brought no more benefit to the people than have the discoveries of oil and natural gas. The people were told that those products would be cheaper, but they are dearer. The increased generation of electricity serves only to assist the Government's masters, the multinational corporations. The Government gives them cheaper power, and, if possible, cheaper labour.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).The Minister indicated that rates paid to construction workers of this State were "in acC'o,rdance with the figures that he quoted. The Minister's figures in relation to the Yallourn W power station were not the amounts paid to workers. They related to offers which were made, one of which was $4 now and $2 in twelve months. I also point out that if a worker lost one hour of working time, he forfeited $16.20.

If conditions attached to the agreement wer.e to be accepted, 'it would mean a reduction in working conditions. The Minister indicated that the rate at Carrum was $67.80, plus $31, plus $4.50.

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-Order! I rem-ind the Committee of a ruHng I gave earlier. When the Minister delivered his speech, he explained a statement which was raised during the secondreading debate and which had wider ramifications than one would normally expect to meet in the Committee stage of a Bill. I ask the Committee now to restrict the debate to clause 2 of this measure and not to engage in a full-scale debate on wage structures and other wage matters.

Mr. SIMMONDS.-It is im-portant that the figures should be stated, Mr. Acting Chairman. The honorable member for Sunshine pointed out to the Committee that~ more and more, power in this State was being placed in the hands of those who control the means of pro-· duction, distribution and exchange; 'and I add that more - and more the· question of who controls those means is related to the ownership of our industries by overseas companies. The question of providing electric power to enable these industries to make profits is one which should be considered by the Committee; and if the Committee decides to subsidize the making of profit, surely it is pertinent to study the way in which that profit is being distributed. A recent -report of the Commonwealth Department of Trade and Industry stated that 83 per cent of manufactured goods in this country are produced by companies which are controlled from out- -side Australia.

Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North).-I rise to a point of order, Mr. Acting Cha'irman, and ask how the honorable member for Reservoir can relate his remarks to the Bill which is now before the Committee. I suggest that his remarks are entirely out of order.

Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).-I am: pleas-ed to hear the honorable member for Ballaarat North mak·ing a comment in this Chamber. I suggest that the amount of funds which are available from the State Electricity Commission's own resources determines the amount to be required by way of borrowing powers, and that therefore the remarks of the honorable member for Reservoir are quitein o~der.

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr .. Jona).-I was about to suggest to the honorable member for Reservoir that he was wandering beyond the scope of Standing Order 78A, which states, inter aUa-

No member shall digress from the subjectmatter of any question under discussion,


I ask the honorable member to discuss the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Commission.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).It would be remiss of me if I did not indicate to the Committee that the utHization of the power industry of this State and its capitalization achieve certain objectives, and I believe I have made the point that those objectives merely subsidize the controllers of a major section of production in V'ictoria. I further suggest that if the State Electricity Commission is to fulfil the role for which it was established-that of providing cheaper power to the public of Victoria-the ownership of industries in this State needs to be examined. A re-assessment of the way in which power is being used needs to be made. It is possible that natural gas should be used in the generation of electricity, or perhaps it could be used mOore economically in other areas.

Private profit is closely related to this question because obviously, if cheap power is available to manufacturing industries, their capacity for making profit out of that power is so much greater. The utilization of electrical energy should be based on the conservation of the resources of the State, not on a sheer profit motive which allows industry to take the cheapest and most accessible source of power to meet its immediate needs. The resources of this State should be used in such a way as to provide not only for this generation but for future generations. If the resources for generating electrical energy are used quickly by the present generation, future generations will be denied those resources.

Not only in the metropolitan area but throughout the country areas the ownership of industries is passing more and more into the hands of people who are maximizing their profits. They can continue to do so only by the acquiescence of Governments which will not interfere with their operations to obtain private

profit and which are content to service industries which not only maximize profits but also grind down the people who produce those profits by providing minimum wages and working conditions. If further evidence 'Of this is required, I remind the Minister of Labour and Industry of a classic example in Ballarat. I direct the Minister's attention to the Franklin caravan industry which operates in that area.

Mr. SCANLAN (Minister w-ithout Portfolio) .-1 raise a point of order. Clause 2 replaces an expression in the Act with another expression relating to the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Commission. I cannot for the life of me relate the honorable member's remarks to that provision. His remarks are an invasion and a trespass.

The ACTING CHAffiMAN (Mr. Jona).-I uphold the point of order. I treated the honorable member's remarks as a passing reference, and I trust that it has now passed.

Mr. LOVEGROVE (Sunshine).Mr. Acting Chairman, I take a further point of order. With the greatest respect to your ruling, I submit that the Bill introduces the subject of the expenditure of money by the State Electricity Commission on labour as well as on other resources.

Mr. SUGGETT.-Borrowing powers. Mr. LOVEGROVE.-The Bill relates

to borrowing power for projected expenditure which has been recited in detail by the Minister. I submit, Mr. Acting Chairman, tha t you cannot prevent some discussion of the nature of that expenditure.

Mr. SCANLAN .-On the Franklin caravan company?

Mr. LOVEGROVE.-On any 'Of the resources necessary to generate power, one of which is labour. Some of the money which the State Electricity Commission is to borrow will be spent on wages to generate power. I submit, Mr. Acting Chairman, that you cannot, with justice, curtail the remarks of the honorable member for Reservoir.


The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-My ruling stands on the basis not that the honorable member for Reservoir was going wide of the point mentioned by the honorable member for Sunshine but that he was discussing the activities of another company whose activities are not related to the Bill.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).I think I can relate my remarks clearly to the Bill, Mr. Acting Chairman, because the State Electricity Commission made an agreement with C'Omalco of Australia and subsidized its use of electricity for a period of three years on the basis that it was necessary to provide this sort of incentive to attract to the State an industry which would utilize a large quantity of electrical energy.

Mr. RAFFERTY.-And employ a l'Ot of labour.

Mr. SI,MMONDS.-I agree. When 'One speaks of the Alcoa company one must consider its ramifications. An aluminium firm which took over Franklin Industries received a great deal of assistance. The latter company is currently employing workers in the Ballarat area and has committed many breaches of the Labour and Industry Act.

Mr. RAFFERTY.-What are they? Mr. SIMMONDS.-Although the

company empl'Oys 450 workers, it provides a lunch room which has accommodation for 'Only 25 persons. This lunch room w~s previously used to house Alsatian dogs.

Mr. SCANLAN (Minister w·ithout Portfolio) .-Mr. Acting Chairman, on a point of order, how can a lunch room which was formerly used for dogs be related to clause 2 of the Bill which relates only to loan borrowings of the State Electricity Commission?

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-I again uphold the point of order. I am finding it extremely difficult to relate the remarks of the honorable member ab'Out employees of this company, which is associated with Comalco, with the borrowing

powers of the State Electricity Commission. I ask the honorable member if he proposes to indicate, briefly, how there is some relati'Onship. Certainly, I believe he was going too far.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir).I Was simply answering an interjection by the Minister of Labour and Industry to make the point that an industry, which received a great deal of financial assistance from the State Government for electricity supplies, is prepared to treat its employees on a lower level than the dogs which guarded the premises. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that electrical power is available to meet the needs of the State. These needs do not necessarily c'Oincide with those of the owners of industries.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-I am drawn back into this debate by one or two remarks made by the Minister on clause 2 in answer to some of the points raised by honorable members in the second-reading debate. I shall be brief because I intend to canvass what I have to say more fully in the debate on an'Other Bill at another time. However, I cannot let the opportunity pass without replying to some of the more pertinent points as they rela te to the generation of power in the Latrobe Valley.

As I indicated in my second-reading speech, from 80 per cent to 85 per cent of Victoria's power resources are generated in the Latrobe Valley area. The State has an obligation to the Latrobe Valley as a region and to its work f'Orce in the same way as the Latrobe Valley work force has an obligation to the State to produce power which is required for the State's development. I should have accepted the Minister's assurances regarding the future of the Latrobe Valley work force but for their luke-warm nature and for some of the glaring examples of bad planning by the State Electricity Commission in the past.

State Electricity Commission [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] (Borrowfng Powers) Bill. 579

I am not unduly critical of the present or past administration of the State Electricity Commission. What I am saying is that it is about time the Govemme'nt displayed more responsibility to the people of Victoria by ensuring that long-term and proper planning is carried out. This Committe is debating a provision which will increase the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Commission by $150 million, which is no mean sum of money. It is being provided to meet the future power generation needs of the State. However, if honorable members cast their minds back to some of the mistakes which have been made in the past, they will understand why residents of the Latrobe Valley, particularly those who depend on the State Electricity Commission for their livelihood, are a little apprehensive about what the future may hold for them.

One does not have to go back many years or to dig deeply in any library to find some of the mistakes which have been made. One example is the flooding of the Yallourn open cut in its early days. Overburden was allowed to block the Morwell River causing it to overflow into the Yalloum open-cut. A further example is the fire which occurred in the open cut, again through lack of foresight and planning by the persons responsible. They allowed bush country to grow on the edge of the open cut and when the bushes became laden with dust, they constituted a grave fire risk. In later years, a more glaring mistake was the opening of the Morwell open cut which proved to be completely useless for the production of briquettes in the factories which were built on the site. '

I am speaking of the Latrobe Valley area which produces about 85 per cent of the State's base load electricity. The new township of Churchill, which is not a tenancy area but a home-purchase area, has had a 33 per cent turnover of residents; in other words, 33. per cent of the residents have departed from the town. My remarks about Churchill

as an example of bad planning or lack of foresight by the State Electricity Commission are related in this way, that it was on the recommendation of the State Electricity Commission-which overrode the recommendation of the Morwell office of the Housing Commission-that the Housing Commission went ahead and built Churchill in the first place. The Minister for Fuel and Power is well aware that the State Electricity Commission bears the responsibility for the condition of Churchill as it is today.

I have proven to honorable members that the State Electricity Commission, whilst producing power for Victoria and perhaps being the greatest and best electricity-producing organization in Australia, is just as likely to make mistakes through bad planning as is any other organization. This Parliament must ensure that long-term and proper planning is undertaken and that regions such as the Latrobe Valley, if they are to be used as pawns in the development of Victoria, will not suffer as a result of the development of the rest of the State.

The constituents in the Latrobe Valley-in the electorate of Narracan, represen ted by the Minister for Fuel and Power, and in the electorate of 'Morwell which 1 represent-are looking forward to some measure of confidence and relief and to the State Eleotricity Commission for once embarking upon proper planning to ensure their livelihood.

Mr. A. T . EVANS (Ballaarat North) .-1 join in this debate to refute some of the irresponsible and deliberately misleading statements of the honorable member for Reser-, voir. He immediately retired from the Chamber after making his statements, and so he should. 1 can only come to the conclusion that his remarks were to substantiate his belief-and I gather from this debate the belief of many members of the Opposition-in total nationalization of industry in Victoria. Throughout the debate members of the Opposition have decried private enterprise.


Their true intentions were revealed on the question of Socialism. Despite the pleas of Dr. Cairns and Mr. Whitlam in the past few weeks, attempting prior to the Federal election to spread a veneer over Labor's true policy on decentralization, in the heat of debate members of the Opposition could not suppress their natural feelings.

Tonight the honorable member for Reservoir made two statements which I must refute. They demonstrate how he and his colleagues have not done any homework on this subject and have been carried away by their 'emotions. The honorable member stated that the Government had made an agreement with Comalco. That organization, I presume, is an aluminium manufacturing company.

Mr. WILKES.-The honorable member meant Alcoa.

Mr. A. T. EVANS.-This is a typical example of the honorable member's own colleague condemning him for his inaccuracy and irresponsibility. He also made the statement that Franklin Caravans Pty. Ltd. had been taken over by Comalco. Franklin Caravans Pty. Ltd. has been absorbed as part of the industrial setup of Eastralian Securities Ltd.

The ACTING CHAIRMAN (Mr. Jona).-Order! I remind the honorable member for Ballaarat North that when the honorable member for Reservoir was referring to this subject I upheld 'a point of order that he was going into too much detail that was not within the scope of clause 2. Therefore, I rule that in pursuing the same subject, the honorable member for Balla'arat North is out of order.

Mr. A.T. EV ANS.-I bow to your ruling, Mr. Acting Chairman, and agree with you. I shall borrow some of the technique of members of the Opposition-not much of it, I hope -and repeat that Franklin Caravans Pty. Ltd. is not a subsidiary of Comalco. I remind the Opposition of the important part played by the State Electricity Commission

in developing expanding industries in country areas. The Government played a major part in providing uniform tariffs. I remind the honorable member for Reservoir that when a strike in Gippsland blacked out the whole of Victoria Mr. Robertson, of Franklin Caravans Pty. Ltd., installed his own electricity plant to keep 500 employees in work. This action apparently rankled the honorable member.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).The remarks of the honorable member for Ballaarat North were not relevant to the clause. He at'tempted to vent his spleen on some of the Socialistic methods which seem to occupy his thoughts 'and those of his colleagues. The Minister of Labour and Industry is not only not in power but not in orbit. Industry in Victoria would be pleased if he would get into orbit for a short time. The honorable member for Ballaarat North congratulated the State Electricity Commission for doing a wonderful job. Members of the Opposition have not disputed the importance of the role of the commission in developing Victoria. I remind the honorable member for BaUaarat North that many industries would have gone to country areas but for the exorbitant demands of the commission as a result of the Government's policy on the installation of transformers. If the Government treated the small industrialists who were prepared to go to country towns in the same way as it treated Alcoa, m'any industries would be established in country areas today. The township of Woodend is without an industry because of the commission's policy under the direction of this Government of demanding from a small industry the full price of the installation of transformers needed for the supply of power in the quantity that was needed.

'Mr. A. T. EVANs.-Are you opposed to Alcoa?

Mr. WILTON.-I have never heard anything so stupid. The small industrialists ask only that they be treated


in the same way as industrialists of the size of Alcoa. Is :that asking too much? The purpose of this Bill is to authorize an increase of $150 million in the borrowing powers of the State Electricity Commission. Would the Minister for Fuel and Power explain to the Committee the effect that the removal of the turnover tax would have on the finances of' the commission?

When the commission plans ahead it generally does so on the basis of a decade, on the demands that will be made by consumers of power. It is reasonable to assume that these demands will double in eight to ten years. It must borrow funds to provide the generating equipment that is necessary. At page 8 of its recent annual report, the commission states that provision is made for statutory transfers-which is the turnover tax -of $9·7 million to the Consolidated Fund of Victoria. In a decade or even in five years, this is a significant amount of money. What influence does this have on the planning of the State Electricity Commission?

Mr. BALFOUR.-It does not affect it at all.

Mr. WILTON.-What does the Minister for Fuel and Power mean? If the turnover tax were removed, would there be a substantial reduction in tariffs?

Mr. BALFOUR.-Not necessarily.

Mr. WILTON.-Where would the $9'7 million go?

Mr. BALFOUR.-Much less would be required from loan fU'nds.

Mr. WILTON.-Obviously there would be a saving in interest charges which 'the commission must pay to service its loans. The commission would pay 7 per cent on the $150 million. If the $9·7 million in turnover tax were removed from the allocation was reduced by that amount a substantial saving would be effected. The $150 million is to cover a decade.

Mr. BALFOUR.-Three years. Session 1972.-22

Mr. WILTON.-It would mean a saving of $30 million. Therefore, the $150 million could be reduced to $120 million which would be a significant amount of money. On what grounds does the Government justify the implementation of the turnover tax? It must affect the commission's finances to the extent that its borrowings must increase to discharge its responsibilities to :the State. After all, that is the only motivating force of the State Electricity Commission. It must have the generating equipment to meet the demands made upon it.

The Government is implementing a policy of taxing its own instrumentality to :the extent of $10 million a year. This is a tax on gross earnings. Naturally, it will increase as the demand for power increases. The sum of $150 million will enable a substantial increase to be made in the generating capacity of the commission, which in turn must substantially increase the turnover. In three years, the figure will be nearer $15 million and at the end of a decade it will be closer to $20 million. Obviously, it must have a significant effect on the over-all financial structure of the commission. By interjection, the Minister for Fuel and Power said that if the turnover tax were removed the loan money would be reduced accordingly. The State Electricity Commission would be happy to accept that deal because the saving in interest would be significant. I should like the honorable gentleman to inform the Committee of the attitude of the Government on that aspect.

Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park).-I compliment the honorable member for Morwell on the excellent contribution he made to the debate. Honor· able members are indebted to him for bringing to their attention the anomalies that have 'Occurred as a result of the inefficient administration of the Government. The Minister for Fuel and Power should be held responsible for the present delay in construction work on the Yallourn W power station. It will be three weeks


Dn Thursday since any substantial work has been dDne on the p~oject on which millions of dollars have been spent. Honorable members may ask how I can refer to this subject during this debate, but I point 'Out that the Minister for Fuel and Power and the State Electricity Commission are respDnsible fDr the expenditur-e of loan funds on this project.

Because the contractors are attempting to impose penalties on the employees and because the Government and the State Elect'ricity Comm'ission appear tD be callously uninterested in the project, no work is being done on it. During this time large sums of interest, probably at 6! per cent, are being paid on the capital -investment. It is incumbent on the Minister when he ,is seeking an increase in the borrowing p'Owers of the State Electricity Comm'ission t'O show some responsibility and initiative. He should be trying to get the contractors and the employees hack to work S'O that the power station can be finished.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power).-Clause 2 relates to the amount to which the borrowing po:w~rs Q1f the State Electricity Commlss:ton are to be increased. During the debate the honorable member f,or Broadmeadows asked some questions to which he has already been given answers. The Government introduced the turnover tax system to help pay the wages of school teachers and nurses. That ,is nothing new. It is better to pay wages out 'Of revenue than out of loan funds. By this means construction work can be financed from loan funds instead of from revenue. The turnover tax has made 0'0' difference to the amount of money available to the State Electricity C'Ommission because either it uses revenue for capital works or it obtains loan funds tor this purpDse. Since the commissinn has been paying the turnover tax out of revenue, its loan funds have increased accordingly. Because the Government has been supplying the c'Ommission with finance for some years, it is only right that the

Government should get something in return. I do not think the Opposition would oppose that principle if it was in Government. In fact, I should not be surprised jof it increased the rate of the turn'Over tax.

The honorable member for Footscray suggested that the State Electflicity Oommission should be divided into various sections and that each section should be given special duties. When the Labor Party was in office it did not get around to doing that. When the honorable member was in the Latrobe Valley recently he did not say that a Labor Party Government would relieve the State Electricity Commission of the $10 million that it pays in turnover tax. On the contrary, he said that a Labor Party Government would still impose the tax but would spend the revenue in other directions. Perhaps some 'Of the things 'On which the Labor Party would spend the mDney wDuld be appropriate, but I point out that since 1955 the Government has supported the commission financially in everything it has done. The gODdwill that has been built up between the Government and the commissin'D has put the commission in the favourable position which it is in tDday. It would be in nD different position 'if the turnDver tax was abolished except that its interest paym'ents wDuld not be quite as high as they are. I do not agree with the suggestion that the making 'Of these payments by the commission to the Government is detrimental to the commission.

The honDrable member tor Deer Park said it was the responsibility of the Government and the Minister to do something about the delay in construction work at the Yallourn W power station. Recently on the motion for the adjournment of the sitting the Leader of the Opposition asked me about this project and I have endeavoured to keep myself informed on what is happening there. The dispute is a matter entirely between the contractors, the'ir employees and the unions which are acting on behalf of the employees. A day or two after the Leader of the


Opposition asked me about the dispute I learned that the dispute had been taken beifore M'r. Commissioner Watson who heard both parties. He referred them to Mr. Justice Aird who on his own motion brought both parties before him. He had a conference with them and adjourned it. Both parties had another conference last Thursday. It has been said that a penalty of $16.20 a day which the contractors intended t'O impose if employees were absent from work for 1 hour out of 40 hours or for 2 hours out of 80 hours for industflial purposies was unjust. lemphas'ize that this penalty would not have been imposed if an employee was late for work or was absent for other than industrial reas'Ons. That proposal has now been changed and an offer of an attenda'nce bonus has been put to the employees. I understand that the offer is being considered and the unions are at liberty to approach Mr. Justice Aird. I hope he will call the parties before him to ascertain the pr'Ogress that has been made.

The Government is being kept informed on what is happening and as the dispute is now within the arbitration process there is nothing the commission, the Government or I can do about it. I hope good sense will prevail and work will be resumed. I am sure that if it were left in the hands of the local people rather than in the hands 'Of people from Melbourne who go down to the Latrobe Valley, the dispute could be settled amicably. I should like the employees to go back to work on reasonable terms and c'Onditions and get the project completed.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-In referring t'O what the increased borrowing powers will mean to the State Electricity Commission, particularly to the Yall'Ourn W power station and the new power station at Newp'Ort, the Minister said nothing about municipal electrical undertakings. These undertakings have been a thorn in the side of the com'mission for many years. Meetings have been held between the commission and the municipalities which retail power

after buying it in bulk from the commission in an attempt to reach some sort of agreement, but thes·e municipal undertakings have progressed to such an extent that the c'Ommission could not afford to buy them out. Instead, the commission is attempting to restrict the growth of these municipal undertakings by adhering to a bulk tariff formula which has been in existence since 1958. This is to the detriment of the municipal resellerls of electricity but they are doing just as good a job as the State Electricity Commission. In fact, most 'Of them provide a better service than the commission. The conditions of employment in some of the municipal undertakings are better than those that apply in the commission. This is achieved by good management and by sound planning for capital works and the distribution of power.

Mr. WHEELER.-The municipal fund is subsidized by the profits of the electricity undertaking.

Mr. WILKES.-It is competent for municipalities to subsidize the municipal fund from the p·rofits of the electricity undertaking but before doing so the municipalities must make provision for capital works to be financed from loan funds. There is nothing in the Bill to indicate that the State Electricity Commission will be beneficent to the municipal elect'ricity undertakings in the future. The commission has tded to take them over but has failed. It has not the economic resources or the technical knowledge to do this. If the commission took over the municipal undertakings it could not provide the same s'Ort 'Of s'ervice as that supplied by the municipalities.

When the Government is giving considerati'on to increasing the borrowing powers of the commission it ought also to consider the excellent service that is provided by these municipal undertakings which buy electricity in bulk from the commission. Instead of trying to harass the

584 State Electricity Commission [ASSEMBLY] (Borrowing Powers) Bill.

municipalities and tying them to an out-of-date formula under which it is almost impossible for them to make a profit from their undertakings, the commission should be trying to assist them. The commission has made no attempt to update this formula and any attempt to improve it would probably be resisted by the Minister and the Government. I strongly support the activities of the munidpalities and compliment them on the service they give to their ratepayers.

In 1918 when the municipalities first undertook to purchase electricity in bulk from the commission, the co'mmission was not in a position to supply power to these areas. If the municipalities had not pioneered this scheme, the commission would be much further behind with its capital works programme than it is at present. No one takes any credit from the commission for the work it is doing or denigrates its ability to supply electricity throughout the State, but if one examined the commission's activities one would have to come to the conclusion that its planning had not been as forward looking as it should have been. No one could suggest that the Kiewa scheme has been a huge success. It was out of date almost as soon as it was completed and it could not supply the power that it was desig'ned to supply.

Eight or ten years ago, the State Electricity Com'mission was able to purchase electricity in bulk from New South Wales and feed it into the grid more cheaply than it could produce electricity in its own generators despite the fact that electrical industry workers in New South Wales were paid more than their counterparts in Victoria. I do not know whether the commission still purchases electricity from New South Wales to meet peak demands.

;If the commission had been permitted to plan as it should have, the situation would be different. Without doubt it has been inhibited by the Government, and it is amazing that

Mr. Wilkes.

tonight the ,Minister should state that the taking of $10 million in turnover tax from the State Electricity Commission makes no difference to the commission. The Minister knows better than anyone else that this is absolute rubbish. This old-fashioned Government has a new Premier, but the Minister for Fuel and Power holds n'O more influence in attempting to sway the new Premier than he had in trying to sway the old Premier.

,Mr. RAFFERTY.-The honorable member should say the former Premier.

'Mr. WILKES.----;When somebody gets as old as the Minister of Labour and Industry, the adjective becomes annoying. In deference to the Minister, I shall say that the Minister for Fuel and Power has no more influence over the new Premier than he had over the former Premier. In contending that the $10 million which the new Treasurer is fleecing from the commission and from the Gas and Fuel Corporation ·makes no difference to the authorities in their planning or their progress, the ,Minister is talking absolute rubbish. The honorable gentleman suggests that if the deduction is not made the authorities will be given less loan money. However, the two principal public undertakings in the State are subsidizing the Government merely because the Government cannot manage its own affairs. In actual fact, the consumers of electricity in this State are subsidizing the Government.

Curiously, whenever electricity charges are increased, the domestic consumer meets the major part of the increase. The Government and the commission take the view that the domestic consumers use less electricity than bulk users in industry ·and that industrial organizations which have to be encouraged to use more power should be granted tariff concessions. Similar concessions are not extended to domestic consumers. The Government adopted that policy long before natural gas


IDDmed Dn the hDrizDn and befDre it was thDUght that it cDuld becDme a seriDus cDmpetitDr with electricity.

Despite what the IMinister says, the OppDsitiDn claims that the cDllectiDn of $'10 miniDn .from the State Electricity CDmmission makes a vast difference because the mDney cDuld be used in a multiplicity Df ways. The cDmmissiDn cDuld reduce the burden Dn the dDmestic CDnsumer. The mDney cDuld alsO' be used to' relieve the municipal undertakings Df the iniquitDus and antiquated formula under which they are CDmpelled to' purchase and sell electricity. These municipalities wDuld welCDme any relief frDm the $10 milliDn which the GDvernmen t says dDes nDt make any difference to' the CDmmissiDn.

The OpPDsitiDn has nO' DbjectiDn to' the prDpDsed increase in the bDrrowing pDwers Df the cDmmissiDn because it realizes the necessity fDr thecDmmissiDn to' dDuble its prDductiDn and distributiDn Dver the next dght Dr ten years. If an undertaking Df the size Df the cDmmissiDn were to' remain stagnant, it wDuld die. ObviDusly cDntinuing extensiDns and additiDns are necessary and the GDvernment ShDUld cDnsider helping thecDmmissi'On instead Df strangling it.

Mr. FORDHAM (FoDtscray).-It is with pleasure that I briefly cDnclude this interesting debate. There are few benefits in being in OppDsitiDn in Parliament, particularly when Dne is a member Df the LabDr Party. HDwever, Dne benefit that is received DccasiDnally is seeing the success Df a SDcialist enterprise, and there is nO' dDubt that the State Electricity CDmmissiDn CDmes within that categDry. In listening to' carping criticism by back-bench members Df the GDVernment party, Dn can discern the absolute fear by members Df the Liberal Party Df SDcialism and what it stands fDr. This pDint is exemplified nDW by the Minister Df LabDur and Industry, with his continuing

jibes and lack of genuine concern for the real interests of the peDple Df VictDria.

OpPDsitiDn members have welcomed the debate, which I trust will be the fDrerunner of further effDrts by public enterprises to become invDlved in the develDpment Df Victoria. We hDpe all public enterprises will grDw and the LabDr Party and the OpPDsitiDn will do as much as they can to develop Victoria.

Mr. WILTON (BrO'admeadDws).Back-bench members Dn the GDvern,,: ment side Df the Chamber are SO' cDwed and subdued that they sit like bags Df mud and allow the Cabinet to' dO' what it wants to' do, and the CDuntry Party is in such a dilemma that it dDes nDt know what it wants to' do.

When answering a few comments that 'I made during the secondreading debate, the IMinister stated that the GDvernment had decided that the turnDver tax ShDUld be applied to' the State Electricity CDmmissiDn to' prDvide funds to' meet the salaries of teachers and nurses. The statement is a clear admissiDn by the Minister that the Liberal Party has failed in its respDnsibilities to' maintain a CDmmDnwealth-State financial relatiDnship which will allDw teachers' salaries and the like to' be paid frDm the proper SDurces of general taxatiDn levied 'On the cDmmunity at large. In applying the turnDver tax to' the payment Df teachers' salaries, the Government is giving nO' cDnsideratiDn to' the capacity Df the electricity cDnsumers to' pay. It is taxation by prDxy in that the GDvernment is nDt prepared to' levy it, but applies it to' an instru:, mentality which has then to' adjust its charges and its bDrrDwings to' meet the demands placed upDn it by the GDvernment.

The GDvernment dDes nDt cDnsider the incDme level of the dDmestic CDnsumer. The 'Only CDnsumers whO' receive any consideratiDn are the


large industrial organizations, and repeatedly the IMinister has refused to reveal the magnitude of the concessions granted to these users. Both the present Minister and his predecessor have repeatedly refused to give this information to the Parliament. The Government extends no consideration to the individual in the community. The Minister's statement of the reasons for the introduction of the turnover tax is a clear admission that, by failing to maintain a reasonable Commonwealth-State financial arrangement, the Government has been forced to revert to taxation by proxy without any regard .for the capacity of the consumer to meet the demand.

'As [ said earlier, the servicing of loans by the commission will become an ever-increasing burden. 1 have not the figures before me at the moment, but it would be interesting to know what percentage of the commission's income is required to service its existing loan indebtedness and to what extent the percentage will increase as a result of the additional $150 million that will be borrowed following the passage of this measure.

The clause was agreed to. , The Bill was reported to the House without amendment, and the report was adopted.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .---1 move -

That this Bill be now read a third time. Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-During

the Committee stage, 1 asked the Minister to explain the policy of the commission and of the Government towards municipal undertakings which buy electricity in bulk and retail it to local consumers. The Minister did not answer my comments. 1 assure the honorable gentleman that the municipalities do not treat this question lightly. They are just as anxious as 1 am to have assurances from the Minister about the policy of the commission, how this measure will affect them in their electrical

undertakings, and the general policy of the Minister a'nd of the Government towards the municipalities.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) (By leave) .-1 agree that I did not previously reply to the honorable member for Northcote. The Bill does not affect in any way the eleven municipalities, but only provides for more capital works and for a greater supply of power and in this way the municipalities will be in a better position to supply electricity to their customers. The honorable member sugge'Sted that the commission could not afford to take over the eleven municipal electrical undertakings. I am not aware that they wish to be taken over, but if they do doubtless a scheme could be worked out whereby over a period of years the commission could take over their assets, and possibly their liabilities.

IMr. WILKES.----SO far the Minister has been unable to come up with such a scheme.

,Mr. BA'LPOUR.-The Government has not received the nod from the cou'ncils that they would like this to be done, but if the honorable member receives the nod the Government will have a look at the position. Does the Opposition really want to make the State Electricity Commission into a Socialistic enterprise which supplies power to everyone? At present it supplies power to 85 per cent of the State and the eleven municipalities receive power from the commission and supply the other 15 per cent.

Since I have been Minister for Fuel and Power my relationship with the municipalities has been good. At this stage the commission would welcome discussions on tariffs because, as I understand it, some of the municipalities have an industrial load and others a residential load. If they were to have discussions with the commission on this basis, I am sure the commission would welcome them. I hope I have

Attorney-General and [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Solicitor-General Bill. 587

satisfied the honorable member. If he would care to introduce the eleven municipalities to me we shall talk about a takeover.

The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND SOLICITOR-GENERAL BILL.

The debate (adjourned from September 19) on the motion of Sir George Reid ('Attorney-General) for the second reading of this Bill was resumed.

Mr. TURNBULL (BrunSWick West) .-Like the prevIous Bill, which was of considerable interest to members of the Opposition, this is a small Bill. It proposes to make sure that any person .acting for the Attorney-General may carry out his common law duties. In regard to his statutory duties, this power is contained in the Acts Interpretation Act 1958. The remainder of the Bill will simply consolidate the law in regard to the Solicitor-General.

The honorable member for Benambra, when Attorney-General, introduced the Bill which provided that the Solicitor-General should be a person other than a member of Parliament. The Bill now being debated confirms the existing practice whereby the Solicitor-General for the time being receives the same rate of salary and the same pension rights as a puisne judge; it also reenacts the various provisions in the original Bin which precludes the appOintee from carrying on private practice. ,My party supports the Bill and has no objection to it. I can raise no objection to its provisions.

Mr. MITCHELL (Benambra).-The Country Party also supports the Bill, but realizes that small measures of this type are nothing but a proliferation of padding with which the Government endeavours to boost its failing resources and popularity with the people of this State.

Members of my party are particularly interested in the Bill because the whole question of the change of position of Solicitor-General and

Attorney-General was regularized by a Country Party Government, and I admit that the matters referred to in the Bill were overlooked at the time. In those days, Sir Henry Winneke -a fine and very clever man, as honorable members are aware - was a prosecutor for the Attorney-General. It was felt by the Country Party Government that, apart from regularizing the position of Sir Henry Winneke, the Government needed an exceptionally clever lawyer and one versed in theapplication of law, particularly constitutional law, to the people and the State. In the old days the only legal officers who could be consulted by the Government were the lParliamentary Draftsman or Parliamentary Counsel as they are now known, who did their best. However, they were not qualified either in their ability as lawyers or in their knowledge of the political scene and, more importantly, how the law should be made to help the Government and the people correctly and to adjust the whole system to the general requirements of the people of Victoria. The Country Party gained universal praise and commendation, because it was the first to recognize and provide a remedy for the needs of the people. At the same time, it was faced with the unique position of having to dot all the i's and cross all the t',s, and the matter of providing Ministerial responsibility in the absence of the Attorney-General of the day was overlooked.

The Attorneys-General of the present and other discredited Liberal Governments have not shown the propensity of some of their colleagues, who seem to spend their time managing cricket teams in India 'Or visiting the Olympic Games. At the same tim.e, the Country Party is broad-minded - it always has been - and it recognizes that the AHorney-General might have to be absent from the country, or might suffer an illness. There might also be the question of a fiat and, although this measure is

588 Supreme Court [ASSEMBLY.] (Judges) Bill.

a petty piece of, shop window dressing by the Government, it is necessary. As my learned colleague, the honorable member for Brunswick West has s'aid, there is the question of regularizing the position of the Solicitor-General, a position that has gained in importance in this State, and he should be of a status equal to a puisne judge. Therefore the Country Party supports the measure.

The motion was agreed to.

The Bill was read a second time and eommi tted, pro forma.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) presented a message from His Excellency the Governor recommending that an appropriation be made from the Consolidated Fund fior the purposes of this Bill.

A resolution in accordance with the recommendation was passed in Committee and adopted by the House.

The House went into Committee for the consideration of this Bill.

The clauses were agreed to, and the Bill was reported to the House without amendment, and pa'ssed through its remain'ing stages.

SUPREME COURT (JUDGES) BILL. The debate (adjourned from Sep

tember 19) on the motion of Sir George Reid (Attorney-General) for the second reading of thi,s Bill was resumed.

Mr. TURNBULL (Brunswick West) .-Although short, this is an important Bill because it 'increases the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 21. That may seem to be a large increase, but since the number was raised to seventee'n the Chief Justice has exercised his statutory powers by appointing a number of County Court judges to carry out the duties of Supreme Court judges. As this has been going on for some Hme, it is obvious that seventeen judges 'are not enough.

Suggestions have been made in the past that there should not be too many Supreme Court judges, that there was a club atmosphere and if there were, say, 21 Supreme Courot judges that atmosphere would disappear. That is not the view of the present Chief Justice, who believes that if 21 Supreme Court judges are needed there should be 21. No doubt acting on his 'advice, the A:ttorney-General has introduced this measure to increase the number to 21.

I sincerely hope that those County Court judges who have been acting as Supreme Court judges will be favoured for appointment to the Supreme Court. At present, two' County Court judges acting as Supreme Court judges are discharging their duties in an excellent m'anner. They have carried out the work for a very long time, and their standing is high. The approach of the French judiciary is to promote junior judges to higher office if their experience makes them worthy of promotion.

The Labor Party has continually pointed out that the delay in the hearing of ,cases is far too long. All honorable members know that, in the divorce jurisdiction, even when a case is in the list and ready for trial, there is still a wait of nine mo:nths. One of the most bitter complaints of litigants to: the Law Institute is of the 10'ng delay in the hearing of the cases of these petitions. They are inclined to blame their solicitors, who are not at fault. This Bill will correct that posi'tion. I could not understand where the AttorneyGeneral proposes that judges chambers will be leased away from the Supreme Court.

Sir GEORGE REID.-They will be fairly close.

Mr. TURNBULL. - I thought the eastern wing of the Law Courts would be 'available because, for 'as

Supreme Court [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] (Judges) Bill. . .,' 589

far back as I can remember, the County Court judges were situated in that wing. The Attorney-General assures me that the leased chambers will be close to the Supreme Court, and that will satisfy me until alterations can be made to the western wing.

Mr. MITCHELL (Benambra).-The Country Party has alw'ays been keenly interested in Ithe judiciary and sensible to the important and vital part it plays in the mechanics of the operation of the democratic machinery. At the same time, when necessary, the Country Party has never failed to be critical. If it believes that a certain member of the judic-iary does not measure up, it looks at the position critically.

Judges have an important role to play but they must not be regarded as something beyond ordinary men. I am reminded of the general who rode in triumph through Rome with his ,slave behind him whispering " General, do not forget that you are mortal." This Bill sums up the position well. It is indisputable that more Supreme Court judges 'are needed.

I hope, as the honorable member for Brunswick West does, that those appointed will be the right men to carry out the onerous and highly responsible functions of the Supreme Court. In his secondreading speech the Attorney-General gave factual substantiation of the need for more Supreme Court judges by pointing out that, compared with New South Wales on a population basis, Victoria is under-judged. The problem of accommodation can be solved, and the Country Party supports this necessary measure.

The motion was 'agreed to.

The Bill was read a second time, passed through Committee, and reported to the House without amendment, and the report was adopted.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-1 move-

That this Bill be now read a third time.

Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-During the second-reading debate, the ques,. tion was raised of the wisdom of promoting judges from the County Court bench to the Supreme Court bench. The honorable member for Brunswick West 'Suggested that County Court judges who are at present sitting as acting Supreme Court judges 'should, perhaps, be promoted. The honorable 'member said that there was much to be commended in the French system of promoting judges.

One is loath to disagree with someone so experienced and learned in the law, particularly when he is a member of one's own party, but the firm English tradition has been that, when a person was appointed to the judiciary, in a sense, that person had reached the end of the ro:ad, and the top of the heap, and would no longer be promoted. Sometimes a puisne justice may be appointed as Chief Justice, but, in most cases, even the appointment to the Chief JusHceship has been from outside and not by promotion. Once a judge 'is there he ought to have absolutely nothing to fear and nothing to gain from the Government.

I remember a story that was attributed to Judge Gray when he was appointed to the County Court bench. He had always been a very keen footballer and had succeeded in playing for one of the leading teams. He said that he had set himself modest ambitions and that he would have reached the summit of his ambition if he could secure an appointment to the County Court bench. But as a result of the recent habit of promoting County Court judges to the Supreme Court, he remarked at his swearing in that he felt as if he was " just having a run with the reserves."

590 Supreme Court (Judges) Bill. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

With respect, there seems to be some danger in the procedure of a barrister being appointed to a judicial inquiry. I do not say that this danger applies in this State, but in other places it could be true that when a barrister was appointed to conduct an inquiry into a contentious area, psychological pressures would undoubtedly be imposed on him, causing him to think that if he reported in a particular direction the Government would look favourably upon him when next considering judicial appointments. -Moreover, a judge seconded to sit on an inquiry might believe that if he reported in a particular way the Government might be favourably disposed to promote him. It s-eems to me that judges ought not to be placed in this position.

The result of this Bill will undoubtedly mean that if four additional judges are to be appointed from the County Court adoption of the current practice will make very sev:re inroads into the number of senIor "silks" practising at the bar. I thought I should take the unusual course of speaking on the third reading because I wante~ ~o make. a pl~a for the British tradItIon of JudIcIal appointments rather than accepta~ce of the French tradition of promotIOn from within the judicial profession. I did not want the system to be adopted without comment.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) (By leave) .-It is not usual to speak on the third reading, but the honorable member for Melbourne has raised a matter which might have been more germane to the second reading. I merely wish to make this point: When the honorable member speaks of the British tradition of not promoting judges, it is. ~uite w~~ng to refer to this as a Brrtlsh tradItIon because frequently justices of the High Court in Britain are appointed to the Court of Appeal.

The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a third time.

ADJOURNMENT. HO'USING CO'MMISSIO'N: SO'UND-PRO'OF

ING OF HOMES NEAR MELBOURNE AIRPO'RT-ANSWERS TO' QUESTIO'NS O'N NOTICE-EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: TEACHERS TRIBUNAL: EXAMINATION FEE OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN: FUTURE OF CENTRAL SCHOO'LS--PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES: SUBSIDIES FO'R SALARIESSTATE RIVERS AND WATER SUPPLY CO'MMISSIO'N: WATER SUPPLY FO'R SANDFORD-LAW DEPARTMENT: CO'URT FACILITIES AT MO'RWELLBO'X-GIRDER BRIDGES: CO'LLAPSE IN CO'BLENZ, GERMANy-NURSES (GENERAL NURSES) REGULATIONS 1972: IMPLEMENTATIO'N-PRISO'NS DIVISIO'N: DISCREPANCY IN BUDGET FIGURES.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-1 move-

That the House, at its rising, adjourn until tomorrow, at half-past Three o'clock.

The motion was agreed to. Sir GEORGE REID (Attorney

General) .-1 move-That the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WILTON (BroadmeadO'ws).I raise a matter which comes within the responsibility of the Minister of Housing and would appreciate the Attorney-General's taking it up with the honorable gentleman. 1 received a letter from the Minister O'f Housing dated 25th September following correspondence between myself and the Minister in my endeavour to ascertain what sort of material the Housing Commission is prO'Posing to use in sound-proofing houses which are under construction in the electorate of Broadmeadows and which are situated in the flight path of the Tullamarine airport. 1 am intrigued with the reply from the Minister O'f Housing which says, in part, that the treatment of sound-proofing will be applied only to' those houses construted in what is known as 25-30 N.E.F., that the approximate cost for each dwelling is $80, but that an investigation into the actual type of material to be used in the installation of sound-proofing is currently being

Adjournment. [26 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Adjournment. 591

undertaken by the Housing Commission's architects. I am intrigued to know how the commission can advise me that the cost will be $80 a house when it has not yet been determined what sort of material is to be used as the matter is still under investigation by the architects. I should be grateful to the Attorn~yGeneral if, in his wisdom and wIth his expertise, he could find out from the Housing Commission just what is meant.

Mr. MUTTON (Coburg).-Once again I draw to the attention of the House, and particularly to you, Mr. Speaker, a matter that I raised a ~ortnight ago. It concerns questions which appear on the Notice Paper and which, for some unknown reason, are not collated, prepared or submitted to the honorable member asking the question in sufficient time for the answer to be incorporated in Hansard. When I previously drew attention to this matter you, Sir, stated that honorable members' privileges would be protected, and I expected from you a statement that would be tantamount to a ruling. If honorable members perused last week's Hansard, they would be able to formulate in their own minds what I am trying to present to the House. On page 342 there appear two questions and answers and each answer refers to answers given to questions asked by me in the previous session. The Attorney-General has referred to an explanatory letter forwarded to me but no official information is to be found in Hansard. This would be of pa.ramount importance to many people in the State.

I again refer to this matter and request a ruling from you, Mr. Speaker, because I was given to understand that if a question on notice was not answered in one sessional period the honorable member who submitted it was permitted to ask the same question during a subsequent sessional period. That is exactly what I did. At the commencement of this spring sessional period I tesubmitted

these questions for one specifi~ purpose-I wanted the answers Incorporated in Hansard. Mr. Speaker, after waiting for a period of time, I find that the people of the State are deprived of having valuable information conveyed to them through Hansard. I ask, not only on my behalf but on behalf of other honorable members who may be similarly treated, that you Mr. Speaker, give a ruling on this important matter.

Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park).Earlier today I asked the Minister of Education a question regarding a former teacher named Barry Johnston. I asked the honorable gentleman whether the Teachers Tribunal had instituted a complaint against this gentleman and, if so, what had been its decision. The Minister of Education indicated something that all honorable members know, namely, that the Teachers Tribunal is an independent body. The honorable gentleman more or less gave me to understand that the information I wanted to ascertain about this gentleman had already appeared in the newspapers. It seems to me that this practice should not be allowed to creep into the House. I know that the Teachers Tribunal is an independent body and I am not questioning its independence, nor am I asking the Minister of Education to .interfere with it. I was merely askIng him to accept Ministerial responsibility and to answer a question which I think he is obliged to answer.

I know that the Minister need not answer a question if he does not desire to do so. If he was not prepared to give an answer it would have been better for him to say that he was not prepared to answer the question rather than tell me to look it up in the newspapers. I hope the Minister of Education will understand that I was merely asking for information as an honorable member of this House. I have a right not to be fobbed off and told to find some newspaper. It does not matter what honorable members opposite think about the gentleman; that is immaterial. They are indicating a certain prejudice

~92 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

against him.. I asked whether the tribunal handled the matter and what was the decision. I hope that, in future, the Minister will not, as he seemed to do, evade his responsibility and refer honorable members to some newspaper of a date unspecified.

Mr. FELL (Greensborough}.-I direct the attention of the House, the Minister of Health, and the Premier and Treasurer to the situation regarding pre-school centres in my electorate. As honorable members are aware, the department subsidizes the directors' salaries, but the subsidy does not cover holiday pay, long service leave pay, retirement pay and the salaries of relieving directors. Departmental regulations make it necessary to provide an assistant, and her salary must be met.

I have received requests from pre-school centres that the Premier and Treasurer should immediately consider the allocation of a substantial sum to subsidize, if not cover, the salaries. If the Government takes no action the people who make use of these centres and who are least able to pay will have to meet a large increase in charges. Will the Premier and Treasurer indicate what provision is to be made and also ensure that a full living allowance is paid to students at Kindergarten Teachers College to overcome the acute shortage of additional staff?

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland).Some time ago the Shire of Glenelg applied for a grant to provide Sandford with a water supply. This was refused. Will the Minister of Water Supply review that decision because, without water, the hotelkeeper at Sandford has said he will not build his proposed motel units. The shire proposed to build a toilet block and recreational centre, but water must be available for these purposes.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell}.-Recently I made representations to the Attorney-General with the view of having the additions to the court house at MorweH extended. At present the Magistrates Court is held in the Postal

Institute and in another place when the County Court, the Licensing Court or an industrial court is sitting. On a number of occasions people have been denied justice because their relatives have not been present at the appropriate court house on time to provide bail because they did not know where the court was sitting. Justice frustrated is justice denied.

The Attorney-General stated that a report had been considered and that a scheme to extend the court house had been approved, but it was only one of many urgent projects for which funds were required and he was not able to predict when funds would be available. The situation needs closer examination. The Attorney-General should ask the Premier and Treasurer to make an extra allocation. I realize that many urgent projects requiring capital expenditure have a high priority. The replies to my earlier representations caused me to ask questions on notice, and when I again received a reply today in similar terms to the previous replies I decided to speak to the matter on the motion for the. adjournment of the sitting to make a last plea to the Attorney-General to effect some justice for Morwell people.

The situation is critical. The fact that the Magistrates Court is held at other places within the Shire of Morwell does not lead people to accept what they should from the legislative enactments of this Parliament. I again appeal to the Attorney-General to make urgent representations to the Premier and Treasurer for an allocation of funds to enable these extensions to be undertaken.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir}.-I refer to the collapse of the box-girder type bridge in Coblenz in West Germany, when five people were killed and others were injured. I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Local Government to have an independent investigation made of the cause of the collapse and to report the findings to this House. I also ask him to make known whether,


in view of the disastrous circumstances accompanying this type of structure in other countries, continuation of this type of construction of the West Gate Bridge should be allowed.

The time has come for the safety factor of box-girder bridges to be investigated. This is the second collapse of this bridge. I also point out that Professor Roik, who was advising on corrective measures for the West Gate Bridge, was concerned with the construction of the bridge that collapsed in Coblenz. The time has come seriously to consider whether the constructing authority for the West Gate Bridge should make an independent safety assessment. I also ask that a report be made of the findings of the collapse of the bridge in West Germany. Will the Minister receive a deputation from people representing the workers likely to be involved in the West Gate Bridge, if construction is to continue? I seek these assura'nces and an undertaking that the Minister will receive a deputation from representatives of the workers.

Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-I refer to the Nurses (General Nurses) Regulations 1972. I understand that the Government has already agreed in principle that revised regulations should be implemented as soon as possible. The changed regulations involve an increase in teaching hours from 1,200 to 1,600 over a three-year period of nursing training. I understand that 1,600 hours is already the standard period in Canada, the United States of Am,erica a'nd many countries in Europe. It is feared that unless the regulations are changed quickly Australian nurses will lose reciprocal recognition of accreditation by other countries. In a letter in January, 1971, the Government agreed to this in principle, but there appears to be some delay between the Treasury and the Department of Health in the promulgation of the regulations. The new regulations have been drafted and are in print; all that remains is for the Treasury to approve them.

I raise this as a matter of urgency because it was originally planned that these regulations should come into effect on 1st July, 1974. It is now eighteen months before that date, but the teaching hospitals involved need to plan well in advance, and, consequently, I ask the Government to promulgate the regulations at an early date.

Is it also in order for me to point out to the Attorney-General that when I referred to the existing British tradition on the non-promotio'n of judges, I meant judges in the first instance?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-That is quite out of order.

Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston).-I direct the attention of the Minister of Education to a problem which faces a rather unfortunate family which is finding it difficult to meet the expense of educating one son who is sitting for the leaving certificate. The boy is physically unable to attend any school, and must study by corresponde'nce, and, consequently, when he is sitting for his examination he has to have supervisors. This costs $6, plus the cost of transport of the supervisor to the home. The fees, plus the cost of travelling, could total $10. There is also the initial fee of $28 before the child can sit for the examination. This is an unfortunate, and perhaps unjust, situation which, I am sure all honorable members, will agree I should not obtain in this State.

Mr. HOLDING.-Did the honorable member say $10?

Mr. KIRKWOOD.-The fee is $6, plus the fares of the supervisor, to bring him or her to the home. The total cost would depend on how far the supervisor had to travel there and back.

Mr. HOLDING.-For the leaving certificate--

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie ).-Order! It is quite out of order for interjection and answer on the adjournment.

594 Adjournment. [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

Mr. KIRKWOOD.-In this case there is also the aspect that if the child had been attending a private school an allocatio'n would have been made by the State Government and the Federal Government towards his educational expenses. However, because he is undertaking a correspondence course-his illness debars him from external education-he is receiving no assistance. It is comp~lsory for him to pay the fees, and SInce he and many more are in a position where they perhaps need more education than others because of incapacity, I think the Government should seriously examine the posi~'ion. This would not be a single Instance. I could well imagine it being repeated in hospitals in Victoria. It has been going on for years.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Is that on the same subject?

Mr. KIRKWOOD.-It relates to the subject of student fees, and I hope the Government will do something about it immediately.

Mr. ~ORNSTEIN (Brunswick East). -I raIse a matter which I believe is serious. It relates to an obvious discrepancy between a statement made by the Premier and Treasurer in his Budget speech and figures contained in the Estimates which do not coincide with the statement made in the speech. In view of the fact that both in policy and in initiatives the Budget is a statement of intent by the Government, the Estimates for the ensuing twelve months that the Budget is designed to cover should be accurate. If they are not accurate, one can only conclude that either a mistake has been made or the House and consequently the people of Victora are being misled.

In his Budget speech, under the heading of "Social Welfare", the Treasurer said-

Major elements in the increased expendi~ ture are an extension of regional welfare services, additional assistance to voluntRrv welfare organizations and special provision for the improvement of the staffing position and facilities at prisons.

With particular reference to the staffing position of prisons, one would expect those comments to be backed up by the Estimates.

The Estimates indicate that the number of staff in the Prisons Division of the Social Welfare Department in 1971-72 was 597 and that, despite the Treasurer's statement that there will be. improvement in the staffing of pnsons, the estimated number for this financial year remains at the same figure. An examination of the Estimates indicates that the payment of salaries and allowances will in~r~ase ~rom approximately $3·6 mIllIon to Just over $4 million. Again this sum makes no allowance for an increase in the number of staff and will simply meet inflationary trends and salary increases. Obviously a discrepancy exists between the Treasurer's statement and the Budget figures. The House is entitled to an adequate explanation from the Premier and Treasurer before the Budget debate is resumed. The honorable gentleman should state unequivocally that when the Budget speech was delivered the Government intended to improve the staffing position in Victorian prisons. If that is so, the Premier and Treasurer should also explain why the figures which I have quoted do not support his statement.

Moreover, can the Premier and Treasurer indicate whether expenditure for the employment of increased staff can be provided within the terms of the present Estimates? If not, will the Estimates need to be amended or will additional allocations be necessary beyond those set out in the Budget?

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds).I direct to the attention of the Minister of Education the difficulties of the Moonee Ponds Central School which wishes to build a library. The existing library embraces an area of 384 square feet whereas the standard is 1,150 square feet. The special grant for a library is $9,000 on a $2 for $1


basis. To receive the maximum subsidy of $9,000, the parents need to raise $4,500. For the purposes of a subsidy, the school is considered to be a primary school. When a quote was sought through the Public Works Department for the construction of a standard library with a resources centre, the initial quote was $16,809 for the base library, and a further $2,128 for the resources centre, making a total of $18,937. Consequently the parents are up for a gross sum of $7,809 or with the resources centre $9,937. It is impossible for the parents concerned to raise this sort of money because they are' of modest means. The Commonwealth Minister for Education and Science quite blatantly said that the grants provided by the Commonwealth would cover the provision of a library at the central school. The Education Department has denied this statement and has thrown it back on to the central school committee, which is responsible for raising either $7,809 or $9,937.

I simply ask the Minister of Education to indicate the future of central schools and the policy of the Government on providing an adequate library at the Moonee Ponds Central School, which is used as a training school. The inadequate library facilities are disadvantaging the pupils. The parents will be delighted to know whether the Government is prepared to offer a larger subsidy.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-In answer to the question raised by the honorable member for Brunswick East, the increase in the Budget provision for 'Social welfare is $3' 9 million, of which the increased allocation for the Prisons Division is $443,000. I assure the honorable member that this is a great deal more than is required merely to provide for an increase in salaries. In the Budget speech, I indicated that the increase in funds for capital works for social welfare was $600,000, of which half had been ear-marked for the Prisons Division. I set out the

works to be carried out, which included a new kitchen for "D" division at Pentridge, a new remand centre and visiting block at Geelong, the first stage of the redevelopment of Fairlea Female Prison, new workshops at Castlemaine, and completion of the programme of improvements to prison offices at Pentridge and Geelong. That is capital expenditure, which is referred to as "improved facilities in prisons" in the Budget speech.

It is true that the number of staff referred to in the documents accompanying the Budget appears to be the same at a total of 597. That is because at the time that the Estimates were prepared the department had not made up its mind what the new staffing schedule would be. A new alcoholic and drug-dependents department will be established and some prisoners will be transferred to its care. Further, as the Governor indicated in his Speech, the probable setting up of schemes of gaol week-end periodic detention and work release will effect a considerable change in the staffing of the Prisons Division. Consequently, the staffing remains the same at present, but I assure the honorable member that more funds are available and it is intended that reasonable demands of the Prisons Division for better staffing will be met. As soon as the present investigation by the officers of the department and the Treasury is completed, any approved adjustments will be made and the funds will be available.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-The honorable member for Broadmeadows referred to the sound-proofing of houses in the vicinity of the Tullamarine airport. I shall bring the matter to the notice of the Minister of Housing.

The honorable member for Reservoir referred to the collapse of a bridge in Germany. I shall refer to the Ministet- for Local Government.


The honorable member for Melbourne raised a question concerning nurses regulations. I shall bring it to the notice of the Minister of Health for an appropriate answer.

The honorable member for Coburg referred to questions answered by me on a previous occasion. The first related to collusive practices. I point out that the honorable member asked this question in the last sessional period at a time when it was impracticable for me to furnish an answer. In accordance with the usual custom of the House, I suppHed the information to the honorable member during the recess. The honorable member repeated the question in this sessional period, and I referred to the previous answer I had given. I appreciate the honorable member'S desire to ensure that other honorable members are in possession of the information, but I again remind him that he asked the question so late in the previous session that to furnish an answer was impracticable.

The honorable member also referred to raffles. He asked two questions about them in the last sessional period. In the first he asked when the maximum prize value of $3,250 which can be granted by the promotors of a raffle conducted for charitable purposes was fixed. The answer to that was supplied in this House. The second question related to the law in other States, and I undertook to obtain this information by letter. I did so. As I understand the practice of the House, a Minister is not bound to answer questions other than those which relate to administration within his own Government. I have obtained the information from the other States, and have supplied it to the honorable member.

In view of what was said by the honorable member for Morwell, I think it is relevant to read the answer to the question which was given to

Sir George Reid.

him and which, I think, carries the matter as far as it can be carried at this. stage. The answer is-

As I advised the honorable member by letter dated 14th September, 1972, 'a scheme has been prep·ared by the Public Works Department for the extension of .the Morwell cour.t house to provide an 'additional court room and other faoilities. The scheme was approved on 9th September, 1972. A request is being made for 'an allocation of funds to enable work to be commenced in this financial year. HoweVler, this is only one 'Of a number of projects of an urgent nature for which funds are required -and I ·am not lable to forecast whether the applica·tion will be successful. As I assured the honorable member in my letter, the matter is being kept under close review.

I suggest that that is as adequate an answer as can be supplied in the circumstances.

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The honorable member for Preston mentioned the case of a disabled boy who will be sitting for the leaving examinations this year. The payment of fees at this level is determined by the Victorian Universities and Schools Examinations Board, which is an independent body set up under the university statutes. I appreciate the case that has been described and the needs of a boy in that position. I will be happy to take up the matter with the secretary of the board to ascertain whether some financial assistance can be provided for a person in these circumstances.

The honorable member for Moonee Ponds referred to the future of central schools and in particular the difficulties being experienced by the parents' group at the Moonee Ponds Central School to obtain sufficient funds for the construction of a primary school type library. I have some sympathy with the honorable member concerning this matter because I appreciate that central schools are in a different position from primary schools. I will see what can be done to ensure that a reasonable library is erected at the school because it is the Government's intention to retain that school and other existing central schools.

Adjournment. [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Questions on Notice. 597

The honorable member for Albert Park again referred to an issue which he raised during questions without notice today and suggested that 1 evaded the question. When the honorable member mentioned the case of Barry Johnston and the penalty imposed upon him by the Teachers Tribunal, 1 said that 1 had read the press report but had no other information 'Of a confidential or other nature.

As the honorable member intimated, the tribunal is an independent body which is under no obligation to give me independent or confidential reports on cases it handles. However, if the honorable member wishes to ascertain certain facts in order to check the accuracy of the press reports, T shall be happy to take up the matter with the tribunal.

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Water Supply) .-The honorable member for Portland asked me to review an application by the Shire of Glenelg concerning a water supply for Sandford. 1 will be pleased to look into the matter and advise the honorable member accordingly.

Mr. FELL (Greensborough).-Could 1 ask for a reply from the Premier and Treasurer to the matter that 1 raised?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-1 will answer the question but 1 understood that it was directed to the Minister of Health. As the honorable member is aware, the State Government commitment in meeting the salaries of directresses of pre-school centres has been rising steeply because of the increasing number of kindergartens and preschool centres and increasing salaries. At the moment, the salary of any assistant to the directress is paid by the municipality with or without assistance from the parents whose children attend the centre.

Whether the Government subsidy should extend beyond paying the salary of the directress is, as I indicated earlier, a matter which the consultative committee set up by the

Minister of Health will examine. I believe considerable implications, and not only fi'nancial, are involved, and the Government will certainly be waiting to see the recommendation of the consultative committee on this matter.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-I suggest that the honorable member for Coburg might care to see me and discuss his problem with a question and the answer being incorporated in Hansard. 1 should like to know more about it.


The House adjourned at 10.56 p.m.

iIltgislatittt Asstmbly. Wednesday, September 27, 1972.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie) took the chair at 4.4 p.m., and read the prayer.



VICTORIAN RAILWAYS.

LOCOMOTIVE DRIVERS.

(Question No. 38)

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister of Transport-

What are the relative percentages between the total number of locomotive drivers employed in the Railway Department and the total number of days lost Itbrough sickness of such drivers in each of the years 1960 to' date?


Because of the great amount of time necessary to extract the required information, the Railways Commissioners have


supplied data for ,the period 1st September, 1968, to 30th August, 1972.

Year ended

31st August, 1969 31st August, 1970 31st August, 1971 31st August, 1972

Number of Number of days lost

drivers through sickness

1,262 9,285 1,252 9,637 1,241 9,844 1,230 11,668

TALLAROOK-MANSFIELD AND CATH-KIN-ALEXANDRA LINES: CLOSURE.

(Question No. 298)


Whether it is intended to close down rail services between Tallarook and Mansfield and Tallarook and Alexand~a; if so-( a) when and for what reasons; (b) whether any consultation with the local communtty was held regarding the closures; and if not, why; (c) whether any protests were received against such closure and, in that event, from whom and what was the nature of the protests; (d) how many rail employees are normally employed on those lines; (e) how many railway homes are situated in these areas and what is the future purpose of such homes; and (f) whether, before such services are closed he or his representatives will attend any convened public meeting in the affected localities?


The Railways Commissioners have no immediate proposals to close these lines.

The Tallarook-Mansfield and CathkinAlexandra lines were two of those studied by the recent Board of Inquiry into Land Transport in Victoria.

The board recommended that, in the event of the Railway'S Commissioners proposing the closure of ·any line or withdrawal of a service, an independent authority should be appointed to report upon the whole proposal and that, in the course of its investigation, the authority should consult proper local intereslts on the Spolt.

My Ministerial statement of 29th March, 1972, to the House sets out the attitude of the Government Ito the repol1t and deals specifically with such matters.

There are 51 employees on these lines and 28 railway hoU'ses in the areas.

DUPLICATION OF MELBOURNEGEELONG LINE.

(Question No. 306)

Mr. TREZISE I(Geelong North) asked the Minister of Transport-

What funds were allocated towards line duplication on the Melboume-Geelong rail service in each of the past fifteen years?


Year ended 30th June.

1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972

Amount allocated.

$ Nil

384,462 115,734 33,334 9,706

23,416 103,024 282,012 60,739

964,562 888,472 635,810 541,890 640,784

Nil

LADIES' HAIRDRESSING.

CONTROL OF ENTRY.

(Question No. 253)

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Health-

In respect of the answer to question No. 1355 asked on 3rd 'May, 1972-

1. What representation has been made by relevant employer and union organizations referred to in the answer from the Minister of Labour and Industry to the Minister of Health in accordance with the advice given by the Minister of Labour and Industry?

2. What was the outcome of such representations?

3. What action is intended to regulate the conditions of entry into the trade of ladies' hairdressing?


1. Numbers of different representations for various changes to the Hairdressers Registration Act 1958 and the regulations


thereunder have been submitted by the various organizations associated with hairdressing. In most cases it has not be.en possible to reach a suitable compromise and therefore consideration is still being given to those representations.

2. Control of entry into ladies' hairdr~ssing is closely involved with the questIon of the continued operation of certain privately owned schools of hairdressing which have been registered by the Hairdressers Registration Board of Victoria for many years. No decision has been made in regard to control of entry.

STATE RIVERS AND WATER SUPPLY COMMISSION.

SEWERAGE FOR TOWNSHIP OF EDENHOPE.

(Question No. 311)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Water Supply-

1. Whether the Shire of Kowree applied for the provision of. sewerage at the. to~ship of Edenhope; If so, when applIcation was first made, whether this application has been approved and when work will start?

2. In the event that the shire's application has been rejected, why it has been refused?


1 and 2. Proposals for the sewerage of Edenhope, prepared on behalf of the council of the Shire of Kowree and forwarded to the Water Commission on 22nd April, 1968, have been examined and generally endorsed by b~th. the Water. Commission and the CommISSIon of PublIc Health.

The total cost of the scheme is estimated at $357,000 toward which the Government would make available a grant of $134,000 in accordance with the current financial assistance formula for country sewerage undertakings. The balance of the cost, namely, $223,000, would need to be borne by the proposed sewerage authority by way of loan.

In order to reduce the annual cost to the Edenhope ratepayers, the council requested that an additional special grant of $50,000 and Government loan funds be made available for the scheme. However. in view of the many demands on the limited funds available for country sewerage undertakings, it is not possible to make any special provision for the township of Edenhope apart from the generous assistance alreadv available to similar local authorities. This assistance is by way of a capital grant, together with a subsidy on interest paid in excess of 3 per cent on the locally borne capital.

The council has recently completed the necessary advertising of the proposals for the sewerage of Edenhope as required by the Sewerage Districts Act, and no objections were received.

If the council desires to proceed with the scheme on the originally approved basis, then its application for constitution of the sewerage authority will be submitted to the Governor in Council without delay.

PRIVATE WATER CHANNELS.

(Question No. 321)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister of Water Supply-

Whether a landholder is permitted to block a private channel running from a State Rivers and Water Supply Commission channel through his property to a neighbour's property?


A dispute between landholders in respect of rights over a private channel is a matter for determination between :those parties.

As a general rule, a private channel would be the subject of easement rights endorsed on the titles of the lands owned by the parties concerned. Whether a channel could be blocked would -therefore depend upon the rights vested in the owner of the dominant tenement.

It would appear desirable that the parties to such a dispute should seek private advice as to their legal rights in the matter, having regard to the circumstances of the particular case.

TOWNSHIP OF HARROW.

BORE WATER SUPPLY.

(Question No. 314)

l\lr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Water Supply-

Whether the town of Harrow will be provided with water supplied from bores; if so, when; if not, why?


The feasibility of using bore water for supply to the township of Harrow has been further discussed with the Mines Department and it would now appear that this will be the most suitable source of supply.

A report on this aspect is being considered by the commission at the present time, and the details will be conveyed to the Shire of Kowree in the near future.


POLICE DEPARTMENT.

RUPANYUP LAND: TRANSFER TO

DUNMUNKLE SHIRE.

(Question No. 315)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. Whether the Shire of Dunmunkle has requested that certain land held by the Police Department in the town of Rupanyup be transferred to the shire to enable construction of elderly citizens' club rooms?

2. Whether approval will be given to any such application; if so, when; if not, why?

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary). -The answer is-

1 and 2. A request has been received from the Shire of Dunmunkle for the excision of portion of the police reserve at Rupanyup for the use of the Rupanyup Elderly Citizens Club.

The area in question adjoins the present police station and is required for the possible future development of police facilities i.n the township.

In the circumstances I have been unable to agree to the shire's request.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

STAFFING OF HIGH SCHOOLS IN DUNDAS ELECTORATE.

(Question No. 317)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Education-

1. What staff target is set for each high school in the electoral district of Dundas?

2. How many staff are presently employed at each school and whether the targets have been met in each case; if not, when they will be met?


Tribunal Depart-School schedule mental Actual staff

target

H.S. Balmoral 9 12·5 13'1

H.S. Edenhope 17 23'1 25·2 (excluding lib-rarian full time

H.S. Hamilton 37·5 46·6 46'7 (excluding lib-rarian full time)

H.S. Murtoa .. 11'9 16 16·2 (excluding lib-

H.S. Stawell .. 19'5 26·3 rarian '5)

26· 7 (excluding lib-rarian full time)

TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD. FEATURE DOUBLES.

(Question No. 320)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister for Youth and Recreation-

Why the Totalizator Agency Board did not conduct a feature double on the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeplechase?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-The answer is-

The decision by the Totalizator Agency Board not to conduct a feature double on the Grand National Hurdle· and Grand National Steeplechase was based on the experience of the board in previous years.

On those occasions, it was found that insufficient investments were made to warrant the conduct of this type of betting.

BIRMID AUTO CASTINGS PTY. LTD., GEELONG.

REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

(Question No. 330)

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Health-

Whether he will make available the file in respect of the report to the Department of Health on aspects of the operations of Birmid Auto Castings Pty. Ltd., Geelong?


I understand that the conditions at the premises of Birmid Auto Castings Pty. Ltd. are at the present time the subject of inquiry by a local industrial board and reports to that board are on the file.

The honorable member may peruse the file in my office should he wish to do so.

GLENELG BASE HOSPITAL, HAMILTON.

USE OF FORMER TuBERCULOSIS CHALET.

(Question No. 334)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Health-

Whether the form,er tuberculosis chalet at Glenelg Base Hospital, Hamilton, is intended to be used as a day hospital; if so, what is Ithe cost of renovation, on what basis grants will be made, whether plans have been submitted to the Hospital and Charities Commission and, if so, wilen,


whether they have been approved and, in that event, when the hospital will be operative?

rdr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health) .-The answer is-

It is intended to us,e rthe former tuberculosis chalet at Glenelg Base Hospital, Hamilton, as a day hospital.

The cost of renov;ation and conversion should not exceed $15,000.

On 1st February, 1972, the hospital wrote to the Hospitals and Charities Commission proposing that a new midwifery wing be built and that the present ward being used for midwifery patients (McKellar House) together with the tuberculosis chalet be converted to a g·eriatric ward and day hospital.

Later, I received :a deputation from the hospital and decided that the new wing could be built as soon as finan.ce permitted.

There has been correspondence between the commission and the hospital dealing with the narrative for the new building proposals and as soon as sketch plans have been prepared :and approved, working drawings may proceed. Sketch plans for the proposed conversion to day hospital have not yet been drawn up.

Before building commences, details of financial arrangements will be settled in order to 'ensure that funds are provided at the appropriate time as work proceeds.

MELBOURNE AND M'ETROPOLITAN TRAMWAYS BOARD.

PRESTON WORKSHOP.

(Question No. 335)

l\-lr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked the Minister of Transport-

1. Whether steps. have been or are likely to be taken to reinstate Preston tramway workshops to the level of activity of 1956?

2. Whether the 100 new trams can be constructed at the workshops?

3. Whether parts or sections of the new trams can be constructed at the workshops?


1. Taking into account the relative sizes of the tram fleets in 1956 and 1972 and allowing for improved methods of working evolved during that period, the Tramways Board considers that the level of :activity now existing at the workshop is appropriate tOi present needs.

2. The workshop is essentially a tram maintenance centre and would require extensive re~equipment to permit the construction of new vehicles to proceed at an economic rate.

3. The specification for new trams issued by the Government contains th'e following clause:-

" The right is reserved to negotiate with the successful tenderer for the board to supply components or carry out a portion of the body assembly in its own workshops."

TOURISM. FINANCE FOR PROJECTS IN DUNDAS

ELECTORATE.

(Question No. 350) Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked

the Minister without Portfolio, for the Minister for Tourism-

What amount of money has been allocated to tourist projects in the electoral district of Dundas in each of the past five years stating the nature of work and cost?

Mr. SCANLAN (Minister without Portfolio) .-The answer supplied by the Minister for Tourism is-

The information is at present being prepared but in view of the detailed work involved and the time required to extract the information from departmental records, I would ask that the question be again listed as it may take a little time for the information to become available.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE. BARTON INVESTMENTS PTY. LTD.

Mr. SHILTON (Midlands).-Has the attention of the Attorney-General been drawn to a statement that the Chairman of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, Mr. Croxford, is, or was until 24th February this year, a shareholder in the firm of Barton Investments Pty. Ltd.? If so, will the Attorney-General order an investigation to ascertain whether a breach of sub-section (7) of section 21 of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act has been committed?

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-The matter raised by the honorable member has been the subject of a question 'On notice in another place. The Minister representing me in the Council was asked for certain particulars from the file concerning Barton Investments Pty. Ltd. lodged with the Registrar of Companies. The question now asked of me by the honorable member is


not appropriate for me to answer. If it were a question of a breach of the Companies Act requiring investigation, it may be appropriate for the Attorney-General to answer because he is the Minister responsible for the administration of the Companies Act. However, the honorable member asked whether there has been a breach of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act, and I should think this would be more appropriately asked 'Of the Minister responsible for the administration of that legislation.

WORKERS COMPENSATION AND COUNTY COURT HEARINGS AT

BALLARAT.

Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North). -Is the Attorney-General aware that the Registrar of the Workers Compensation Board has made a request to the Ballarat branch of the Law Institute of Victoria to provide additional accommodation for the activities of the board pointing out that otherwise there could be a reduction in the number of hearings in that city? Also, is ,the honorable gentleman aware that an additional judge could be made available for sittings of the County Court in Ballarat ,to alleviate existing delays of from nine to twelve months if suitable and additional court accommodation were 'available?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie }.-Order! I think the honorable member is making a speech. A question should be asked.

Mr. A. T. EV ANS.-I ask the Attorney-General whether he is aware of those two pieces of information, and ca'n he answer those two questions?

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-In regard to the availability of accommodation for Workers Compensation Board sittings in Ballarat, I am -aware that the Ballarat branch of the Law Institute has made certain representations. Court accommodation at Ballarat is primarily for the use of the Supreme Court, the County Court and the

Magistrates Court, but as an act of courtesy it is the custom for court buildings to be made available to the Workers Compens'ation Board. In regard to the question of making another judge available, I should have to discuss this matter with the Chairman of the County Court judges. That is the limit to the answer which I can give to a question without notice, but if the honorable member wishes to submit further details I shall be happy to receive a letter from him.

YALLOURN W POWER STATION. Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Have alle

gations been made to the Minister for Fuel and Power that staff working for contractors on the Yallourn W power station site are being paid their salaries by the State Electricity Commission although wage employees who have been sacked are receiving neither salary nor unemployment benefits?

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .-4 know nothing of this matter, but will make inquiries about it.

CLAIMS AGAINST FORMER PUBLIC SOLICITOR.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-In view of the fact that the Budget Papers show a payment of $14,000 by way of damages f'Or claims against the former Public Solicitor, Mr. Douglas, can the Attorney-General inform the House of the number of claims, the basis upon which the claims were made and how much was paid in respect of each claim?

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-1 am not in a position to give this information to the honorable member now. If he cares to put the question on notice, I shall certainly supply the information.

SUBURBAN RAILWAY CARRIAGES.

Mr. JONA (Hawthorn).-Is the Minister of Transport aware of an article which appeared in the Truth


newspaper this week alleging that certain types of old wooden railway carriages in use on metropolitan lines would constitute a hazard if used on the underground rail loop? Will the Minister explain what the position is with these carriages?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 have not seen the article in Truth but it was conveyed to me much as the honorable member indicated its burden to be. Nobody need have any worry because I am glad to say that the railways are finally obtaining some new suburban trains.

Mr. KIRKWOOD.-I hope they will be built in Preston.

Mr. WILCOX.-I suppose that is a reasonable request but I remind the honorable member that it is the tramway workshops which are at Preston, not the railway workshops. Canberra cannot fail to be involved in providing funds which will allow the railways to obtain an even larger number of new trains. With the time that will elapse until the underground loop is operating-about five years, 1 think it is-I have no doubt that these old wooden trains to which the article refers will be superseded so far as any use in the loop is concerned.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-Pursuant to the answer just given by the Minister of Transport to the honorable member for Hawthorn, can the honorable gentleman inform the House of the estimated cost to the railways of reequipping its rolling-stock to make it suitable for use on the underground loop?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-No, I could not give any precise figure on that. Over a period of years, delivery will be taken of new suburban trains. The sum of $30 million has already been allocated for that purpose, to be spent over several years. Obviously, that sum would need to be considerably increased to make good all the rolling-stock which is deficient in modem terms. I have no doubt that, by the time the underground loop is operating, modern trains will be available for use there.

BOXING. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).

Is the Minister for Youth and Recreation aware that, in recent months, laws have been enacted in New South Wales for the control of boxing matches in the interests of the boxers and other people concerned with the sport? If the honorable gentleman is not aware of the position, is he prepared to approach the Chief Secretary and Minister for Sport in that State with a view to examining the laws there and introducing similar legislation in Victoria?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-1 should be pleased to examine the laws of New South Wales which relate to the control of boxing, but, pending the examination, not necessarily with a view to acting on them, I shall report privately to the honorable m.ember.

PRAMS ON BUSES. Mr. FELL (Greensborough).

Further to an answer from the Minister of Transport indicating that no prams are allowed on Tramways Board vehicles currently serving the Doncaster, Templestowe and Bulleen areas, will the honorable gentleman ensure that pram buses-as distinct from ordinary buses which carry only pushers-are provided for the thousands of people who use prams for young babies?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The honorable member is referring to an answer to a question on notice which, as 1 recollect, was supplied a week or two ago. I know that the information supplied by the Tramways Board indica ted that on most bus services there may be some restrictions at certain peak travel times. However, on the bus s'ervices operating in the area to which the honorable member refers, folding prams certainly can be taken onto the buses. There is no doubt that that service is available. I do not recall the details fully, but my recollection is that the service provided by the Tramways Board is made available to people who, quite


understandably, need to have prams in which to convey their children, and so long as the pram does not take up an unreasonable amount of space, it can be carried. My impression was that the Tramways Board was not making any move to accommodate the very large prams used by many mothers.

Mr. FELL.-Why not?

Mr. WILCOX.-I do not think it is reasonable to expect tramway buses or trams to accommodate some of the very elaborate and large prams that are used.


The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Order! I warn the honorable member for Greensborough that after he has asked a question, he should not continually interject so that there will be only one question answered. The Minister of Transport.

Mr. WILCOX.-In conclusion, the service made available seems to me to be reasonable, and I do not think it would be reasonable to expect the Tramways Board to make provision for some of the large and elaborate prams.

Mr. DOUBE.-Who is trying to do that?

The SPEAKER.-The Minister of Transport, ignoring interjections and answering the question.

Mr. WILCOX.-I have seen the large prams that are about, and my opinion is that they should be used merely for pushing along the footpath.

PRISON STAFF. Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East).

-Can the Premier and Treasurer confirm that the Social Welfare Department made a detailed submission to the Treasurer seeking 71 new prison staff positions, including 40 custodial staff, for the 1972-73 financial year and, if so, can the honorable gentleman explain why none of these positions were approved for inclusion in the Budget Estimates?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-1 am not able to confirm the statement made by the honorable member for Brunswick East. If the honorable member will put the question on the Notice Paper I shall give him a detailed answer.

SNAKES AT WILLIAMSTOWN RIFLE RANGE.

Mr. FLOYD (Williamstown).Is the Minister of Education aware or has he been otherwise informed that the annual trek of tiger snakes from the rifle range at Williamstown has begun early because of the dry season and that these snakes are using the Williamstown Girls School grounds as a short cut to get to the beach for a drink of water? If the honorable gentleman is aware of these facts, will he approach the Minister for the Army, despite any protests from snake lovers, which are always " on " in my electorate, with the request that the Commonwealth Government should bash, burn or bulldoze the snakes' habitat so that they will not be able to bite any schoolgirl or any other child in the vicinity, as they have done to pets of people living in the vicinity over the past few years, bearing in mind that 26 snakes were killed in the nearby streets last year?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-Regardless of potential protests from snake lovers I am quite prepared to adopt the course suggested by the honorable member for Williamstown.

TOILET PAPER FOR HIGH SCHOOLS.

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas).-Is the Minister of Education aware that the allocation of toilet paper to high schools is based on only three pieces for each student daily for a total of 200 days a year and with no allocation for teachers? If the honorable gentleman is aware of this situation does he believe the allocation is sufficient?


The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Order! That is a matter of opinion.

Mr. E. W. LEWIS.-Will the Minister of Education ensure that the allocation is increased?

Mr. THOMPSON ,(Minister of Education).-We stress the importance of economy in the Education Department but there are limits. I am prepared to have a private "white paper" prepared on this matter for the benefit of the honorable member!

VICTORIAN INLAND MEAT AUTHORITY.

Mr. TRETHEWEY (Bendigo).I address my question to the Minister representing the Minister for Local Government. Will the honorable gentleman inquire from the Minister for Local Government whether immediate financial relief can be given to the recently retrenched workmen from the Victorian Inland Meat Authority? Approximately 110 men have been retrenched in the past week or so.

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport).-I will direct the matter to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Local Government. I am sure that he will give it sympathetic consideration because, as honorable members will be aware in their respective electorates, the Government has made a substantial amount of money available, particularly in rural areas, to take up this sort of slack.

SEWERAGE PROGRAMME.

Mr. WILKES I(Northcote).-Can the Premier and Treasurer inform me from where the sum of $1,200 million mentioned by the Minister for Local Government for the sewerage backlog in the metropolitan area will be found before 1980?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer).-It is a large sum which covers not only sewerage but also water supply and drainage and concerns not only the metropolitan area but also rural areas. It is an "all-in"

sum covering Victoria and it is estimated as being necessary to fulfil the proposals made in the report of the State Development Committee on drainage of subdivisions. The figure makes provision for escalation of costs and takes into account an average rate of inflation over that period. It is not based on presentday costs but the total cost over an eight-year period. Much of the money is already in sight; that is to say, it would be available in any event. A sum of well over $100 million a year is spent on these activities.

Mr. WILKES.-It will not be additional money?

Mr. HAMER.-It will not be additional to the sum that is now being spent but it is implicit in the estimate that additional sums will be required to meet the recommendations. The Government is now finding means of meeting these requirements. It proposes to do so in a variety of ways, such as providing the means by which private property owners may be enabled to link with the existing sewerage system and making larger sums available to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works and water and sewerage authorities from loan allocations. In short, the Government has searched to find every possible way of meeting this obligation. It also means that the Government hopes-in fact expects-in the long run or the short term that the Commonwealth Government will recognize what is the cost of providing these services in urban and rural areas and will help to meet these large commitments.

DROUGHT RELIEF.

Mr. WHITING (Mildura).-In view of the continuing dry conditions in the north-western part of Victoria, can the Minister of Lands indicate whether State funds will be made available to provide employment for farmers and employees of farmers who will be out of work until good rains occur or until cropping operations start next year?


Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) .-Any unemployment that might result from a continuation of dry conditio'ns in rural areas will be catered for through the same avenues as other unemployment-a special works programme initiated by applications by municipalities.

CHILDREN'S PROTECTIONSOCIETY.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).I direct a question to the Premier and Treasurer. Is it a fact that the organization involved in the prevention of cruelty to animals receives a Government grant but the organization that is involved in the prevention of cruelty to children receives nothing?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-It is not a fact. Last year the Children's Protection Society received a gra'nt of $10,000 through a special fund administered by the Minister for Social Welfare to assist voluntary agencies. Nominally the money was allocated to a project at Sale at the request of the society, but in that it relieved the society of other obligations it was a direct grant to the society. The grant was arranged by the society and made at its request for that particular project. The Minister has invited the society to make its submissions again this year.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Has the Premier a'nd Treasurer given consideration to the specific recommendation contained in the report tabled by the commissioners engaged to inquire into the finances of local government that certain additional funds from Totalizator Agency Board revenue should be applied to local govemme'nt?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Is this a matter for the Minister in charge of the Totalizator Agency Board?

Mr. WILKES.-I asked the Minister yesterday. The honorable gentleman answ'ered the first part of

the question and stated that the latter part was a matter for the Premier and Treasurer.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The recommendations by this board of inquiry cover a very wide field and involve the expenditure of considerable funds. It is estimated that the amount involved is in the vicinity of $70 million. All the recommendations are being examined by the Minister for Local Government. The honorable member will recognize that one does not take a decision immediately on these matters, but I assure him that although the board of inquiry took a long time to reach its conclusions, the Government will try to reach some conclusions in a comparatively short time.

INSTITUTE OF' URBAN STUDIES.

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds).Has the Premier and Treasurer noted the reports of the Institute of Urban Studies recommending that State Governments should freeze land prices in areas where future urban development is proposed? If the honorable gentleman has noted these reports, does the Government intend to examine the proposal by the institute in view of the rising land costs in Melbourne?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Order! I should ask who is the Minister responsible for urban development. If every question on a matter of Government administration were to be directed to the Premier, all questions would be directed to him. 1 take it there is a Minister in charge of this section of Government activity?

Mr. EDMUNDS.-I will redirect the question to the Minister representing the Minister for Local Government.

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 shall be happy to direct this matter to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Local Government.


JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AT PENTRIDGE.

Mr. MUTTON (Coburg).-Can the Attorney-General inform the House whether a member of the staff at the Pentridge Gaol, Coburg, is a justice of the peace? If so, is this person available to assist in the formality of obtaining bail?

Sir GE(!)RGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-1 do not know whether this question would not be more properly directed to the Minister for Social Welfare. To the best of my knowledge, there are justices of the peace on the staff at Pentridge, but if the honorable member wishes detailed ,investigations to be made of the names of the available persons, 1 shall be pleased to supply that information to him.

BARTON INVESTMENTS PTY. LTD. Mr. SHILTON (Midlands).-In

view of the fact that the Premier made a statement in relation to the shareholding of the Chairman of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, would the honorable gentleman advise the House whether he consulted the Attorney-General or obtained legal advice to ascertain whether a breach of sub-section (7) of section 21 of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act had been committed?

The SPEAKER -(Sir Vernon Christie) -Order! This question, if it be for any Minister, should surely be for the Minister for Local Government. I take it that there is a question of whether there has been· a breach of the Act.

Mr. SHILTON.-Mr. Speaker, 1 was asking the Premier about a statement on this matter that the honorable gentleman made.

The SPEAKER.-I will allow the question.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The honorable member for Midlands has not actually detailed the statement which he says 1 made, but it had no relation to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act or any breach of any Act.

What 1 said was that there was no indication, so far as I was aware, of any conflict of interest. That is a different matter altogether.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-In view of the answer just given by the Premier, can the honorable gentleman inform the House whether it follows that, before giving a public answer on this matter, he had made inquiries to ensure that there was no conflict of interest and no possible breach of the Act under which Mr. Croxford was appointed?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-1 have already said that my comment was not directed to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act; in fact, it had no relation to it. My attention was not directed to it. I was not replying to any question on that matter.

I said that there was no apparent indication, so far as 1 could tell from the information publicly available, of any conflict of interest. The only transaction which was alleged to have been made, so far as 1 am aware, was the subdivision of six blocks of land which were zoned for residential purposes. No rezoning was required, and it did not appear to me, on the surface, that there was any question of a conflict of interest on the part of the Chairman of the Board of Works who, with his family, owned the land that was subdivided. It did not require the exercise of any discretion he may have had as chairman of the board. It was a simple transaction. In brief terms, that is what 1 said, and that is the basis for my comment that there did not appear to be any indication of any conflict of interest.

DENTAL CLINICS IN COUNTRY AREAS.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Is the Minister of Health now in a position to inform the House of the sites of the proposed dental clinics which are to be established in country areas?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health) .-Yes-Ballarat and the Latrobe Valley.

608 Questions without Notice. [ASSEMBLY.] Road Traffic Bill.

WATSONIA HIGH SCHOOL. Mr. FELL (Greensborough).-Is

the Minister of Education now prepared to receive a deputation from the Advisory Council of Watsonia High School to discuss the recent departure from the school of eight members of the staff and the fact that the new Commonwealth library there is being manned by volunteer mothers owing to the unavailability of staff?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-Yes, but I understand that some additional teachers have already been sent to Watsonia, so the situation there is not quite as has been suggested by the honorable member.

AMALGAMATION OF MUNICIPALITIES.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Has the Minister of Transport had time to ask the Minister for Local Government whom he represents in this House the question 1 asked of him a fortnight ago concerning the report of the inquiry into the amalgamation of certain municipalities by commissioners appointed by the Minister for Local Government?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 drew the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Local Government, to the honorable member's question within 24 hours of his asking it.

COMMAND PAPER. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel

and Power) presented, by command of His Excellency the Governor, the State Electricity Commission report on the proposed extension to the State generating system.

It was ordered that the report be laid on the table and be printed.

PAPER. The following paper, pursuant to

the provisions of an Act of Parliament, was laid upon the table by the Clerk:-

Town and Country Planning Act 1961-Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme, 1959, Amendment No. 66, 1971.

ROAD TRAFFIC BILL. Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary)

moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Road Traffic Act 1958.

The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read a

first time. STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION (YALLOURN W POWER STATION)

BILL. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel

and Power) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to make provision with respect to a scheme for the extension of the State electricity generating system by the extension of the generating station of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria known as Yallourn W power station.

The motion was agreed to. The Bin was brought in and read a

first time. STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION (DARTMOUTH HYDRO-ELECTRIC

POWER STATION) BILL. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel

and Power) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to authorize and empower the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to construct maintain and operate a hydro-electric power station on the Mitta Mitta River.


first time. CROWN GRANTS (REMOVAL OF

CONDITIONS) BILL. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of

Lands) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to make proviSion with respect to conditions in certain Crown grants and for other purposes.


first time.

LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS). BILL. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of

Lands) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Land Act 1958.

The motion was agreed to. The Bin was brought in and read a

first time.

Road Traffic [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Bill. 609

LAND (JETTIES AND MARINAS) BILL.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Land Act 1958 to make provision for licences for jetties, landing stages and other structures, for the establishment of the Aquatic Clearance Fund, for the construction of marinas and for other purposes.


first time.

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL.

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Labour and Industry Act 1958.

The motion was agreed to. The Bill was brought in and read

a first time.

SEWERAGE DISTRICTS (AMENDMENT) BILL.

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Water Supply) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Sewerage Districts Act 1958.


a first time.

ROAD TRAFFIC BILL. Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary).

-I move-That this Bill be now read a second time.

Its purpose is to amend the Road Traffic Act 1958 to enable the provisions of Part I. of the principal Act and the Road Traffic Regulations 1962 to be made applicable to recreational areas under the control of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission as if those areas were roads, to control the conduct on highways of bicycle races and speed trials, to increase the fixed penalties for parking offences and to correct an inconsistency in the speCification of the source of moneys to be paid to the Traffic Authority Fund.

Because of the increasing use which is being made of recreational areas at its major water storages, the State Rivers and Water Supply Com..; mission is faced with the constant problem of controlling the behaviour of irresponsible motorists within these areas. The position is becoming particularly acute at Lake Eildon, where control and regulation of parking is essential. The commission has requested that it be given power under the Road Traffic Act 1958 to regulate and control parking.

Pursuan t to section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1958, the Governor in Council is empowered to make regulations for or with respect to the regulation and control of vehicular, animal or pedestrian traffic on streets or roads. Sub-section (5) of that section enables the Governor in Council, at the request of certain specified bodies such as the Victorian Railways Commissioners and the Melbourne Harbor Trust Commissioners, to extend and apply the provisions of the Road Traffic Act to land under their control. When the Governor in Council has so extended the provisions of the Act to that land, the provisions of Part I. 'of the Act and the Road Traffic Regulations 1962 are applicable thereto with such modifications as are necessary as if the land were a street or road.

Clause 3 of the Bill amends subsection (5) of section 4 of the principal Act to enable the Governor in Council to extend the Road Traffic Regulations 1962 to land under the control of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. The effect of the amendment will be that after the Governor in Council has made the necessary order the commission will have power to regulate persons who park their vehicles on land under its control and to fix the periods and conditions in which persons may park their vehicles. The commission will also have power to launch prosecutions for parking offences on such land, but only for those on that land.

610 Road Traffic [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

Any moneys recovered by the commission by way of fines for a breach of any regulations shall be paid into the Water Supply Recreation Areas Trust Account and disbursed by the commission.

The result of the amendments will be to place the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission on the same basis as the Victorian Railways Commissioners, the Melbourne Harbor Trust and other specified bodies as regards the cO'ntrol of parking on its property.

Clause 3 empowers the Governor in Council to make regulations prohibiting or regulating bicycle racing and speed trials on any highway. Bicycle racing and speed trials are a very popular form of competition and recreation and for more than half a century have attracted many fine sportsmen and devotees.

The amendment proposed by the Bill is not meant in any way to imply criticism of the persons who control the sport, or arrange the programmes and routes for the races or trials. In the main, the controlling bodies, ranging from the individual club level to the organizers of the classic road races, show a high degree of responsibility, and I compliment them on their organization.

The control which the Bill seeks to impose was recommended by the Road Safety and Traffic Authority. Its purpose is to ensure the safety on the highways of both bicycle riders engaged in racing or speed trials and of other road users. The effect of the amendment will be to prohibit the conduct of races and speed trials upon the highway excef>t on approved routes under a permit issued by the Chief Secretary and in accordance with the prescribed conditions.

Claus'e 6 of the Bill increases the fixed penalties for parking infringements prescribed by sub-section (4) of section llA 'of the principal Act from $2 to $4 and from $4 to $6. When the on-the-spot procedure for

Mr. Meagher.

parking offences was first introduced in 1960 the fines were quite severe. Offenders now have a greater ability to pay the fines, with the result that the deterrent value of the on-the-spot ticket has lessened. In addition, the costs of enforcement by municipalities have increased to such an extent during the twelve years that it is necessary that penalties be increaS'ed.

Increases in the fixed penalties for parking offences have been recommended by the Municipal Association of Victoria. The Government accepts the recommendation of the association and the Bill accordingly increases the penalties 'as set out in clause 6.

In his report for the year ended 30th June, 1971, the Auditor-General drew attention to an inconsistency in the Road Traffic Act 1958 concerning the moneys to be paid into the Traffic Authority Fund. The AuditorGeneral rightly points out that section 3D of the Road Traffic Act 1958 provides that 1 per cent of the total amount paid into the Country Roads Board Fund pursuant to the Motor Car Act 1958 during the last preceding financial year shall be paid into the Traffic Authority Fund, but in fact the only amounts paid into the Country Roads Board Fund pursuant to the Motor Car Act are twothirds of the additional registration fees collected under section 8 of that Act.

All other fees collected under the provisions of the Motor Car Act and paid into the Country Roads Board Fund are so paid because of the requirements of paragraph (d) of sub-s'ection (1) of section 38 of the Country Roads Act 1958. Clause 2 of the Bill remedies the inconsistency by providing for the payment into the Traffic Authority Fund as soon as practicable after the first day of July in each year of 1 per cent of the amount credited to the Country Roads Board Fund pursuant to paragraph (d) of sub-s'ection (1) of section 38 of the Country Roads Act 1958 and the Motor Car Act 1958. I commend the Bill to the House.

Road Traffic [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Bill. 611

On the motion of Mr. WILKES (Northcote), the debate was adjourned.

It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until Wednesday, October 11.

STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION (YALLOURN W POWER STATION)

BILL.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power).-I move-


Its purpose is to approve as an undertaking within the meaning of subsection (1) of section 3 of the State Electricity Commission Act an extension of the Yallourn W power station to increase its capacity from 700 megawatts to 1,400 megawatts by the addition of two turbo-generator units of 350 megawatts each. The extension is estimated to cost $200 million based on 1972 price levels and the two units are planned for service in 1979 and 1980, respectively.

The State Electricity Commission has submitted to me a comprehensive report dated 31st August, 1972, explaining the need for the new power station and the way it will be operated as part of the State's generating system. By order of the Governor this report was tabled in this House. Adequate copies are available in the Papers Room. If honorable members refer to the report they will be able to learn most of the detail of the project, so during this speech I shall refer to only a few of the more important matters.

This undertaking will be placed in service following the completion of Yallourn W units 1 and 2 and Newport power station units 1 and 2, and is necessary to provide for the growth of system load in the years following completion of Newport power station in 1978. The commission examined exhaustively the various alternatives which were available for meeting the electricity requirements in 1979 and 1980 and the

extension to Yallourn W was shown to be the most satisfactory means of providing those needs.

Ever since the Yallourn power station first came into service in 1924, the brown coal-fired stations in the Latrobe Valley have met practically all the base load on the generating system. Gas and oil fuels and nuclear energy are also suitable for this purpose and must now enter into consideration as alternatives to brown coal. However, the commission in its report has set out reasons why at present brown coal is still to be preferred for base-load power generation.

The report explains that an oil-fired project would be uneconomic at present prices for imported fuel oil, local reserves being insufficient for this purpose. Moreover, the extent of proven reserves of natural gas in the Bass Strait fields are insufficient at this stage to consider a gas-fired power station for base load requirements.

During my visit to America and Europe last year expert authorities counselled me to husband Victoria's supplies of natural gas very carefully and thus avoid the overseas problem of diminishing stocks at a time when they are sorely needed for a variety of uses. With this advice in mind and because of the plentiful supplies of brown coal it would not be appropriate at present to allot natura] gas to electricity generation in the quantities necessary for a base-load power station.

Certainly 1·2 million million cubic feet of natural gas has been allotted for use in the Newport power station but this is a special case. As this station will supply the peak and intermediate loading on the system it will not operate for the sustained periods necessary for a base-load station and becaus'e of its proximity to the metropolitan area a clean non-polluting fuel should be used. The introduction of nuclear power was considered premature for this project. The most economic types of plant being developed overseas are in :sizes from 700

612 State Electricity (ASSEMBLY.] Commission

megawatts to 1,100 megawatts and the Victorian system will not be large enough by 1980 to accommodate units of this size.

As the commission's studies have made it evident that brown coal is to be preferred for the present project three sites in the Latrobe Valley were selected for detailed examination as possible locations for the next brown 'coal-fired station, nam'ely, Yalloum, Morwell and Loy Yang. Yalloum finally was chosen as the most attractive because, in addition to an over-all economic advantage of some $29 million over Loy Yang in 1980-

1. It would defer capital expenditure by delaying the need to establish a new open cut.

2. It would use existing services available at Yalloum.

3. It would use Yalloum coal which has been successfully used for power generation for nearly 50 years.

4. It would allow further experience to be gained with units of 350-megawatt size before advancing to 500-megawatt units.

5. It would strengthen the coalwinning facilities 'at Yalloum open cut, thus increasing reliability of coal supply to existing units as well as to the proposed extension.

The Morwell alternative was passed over because it was considered unwise to build a new power station with larger units than the 200 megawatts now used at Hazelwood and using high-fouling Morwell coal at this' time.

There has been some heartening improvement in boiler availability at Hazelwood following a programme of boiler modifications implemented by the commission, and during 1971-72 four of the eight 200-megawatt units achieved an availability of 80 per cent or more. However, until it is certain that this improvement can be maintained with the larger boilers now required, it is considered more prudent to rely upon the proven Yallourn coal for the next development.

Mr. Balfour.

No combustion problems are envisaged at Loy Yang, where scientific tests indicate that the best coal is as good as or better than that at Yalloum and Morwell, although coal quality varies over the area of the proposed open cut.

A new open cut would entail considerable initial cost in the establishment of coal winning operations, roads, services, water storages and ancillary facilities. The Loy Yang reserves of coal are so large and convenient that they could serve a development of 4,000 megawatts or more. To provide the best return on the capital involved in commencing such a development, it is preferable that the site should reach its full potential as quickly as possible. Hence, the commission concluded that generating units of ,500 megawatts or larger would be preferable for a Loy Yang project and that the site would be better reserved for later development when the annual load growth requires larger units of generating capacity.

Notwithstanding the technical reasons for preferring the Yalloum alternative, the commission had cost estimates made of an initial 700 megawatts stage of a larger development at Loy Yang and, as shown in the report, this would have involved the additional expenditure over that in the Yalloum W project of $29 million up to 1980. Although the Loy Yang site has not been selected for this power station development, I make it quite clear that these coal reserves will be needed for electricity generation.

The next brown coal deposit for development is at Loy Yang. Provided that the growth in use of electricity continues as is expected, about 6,000 megawatts of generating plant will be needed in the decade 1980 to 1990. I have no doubt that if this is the case a large part of this increment will have to be based on Loy Yang. Naturally, residents in the Loy Yang area have been concerned about their future and, as I have explained

(Yal/ourn W [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Power Station) Bill. 613

to the House previously, the commission has already taken steps to alleviate any hardship which may be incurred by landowners.

To assist these residents the commission, with the approval of the Government, has advised all owners whose land would be required within the first two years of a Loy Yang development that it is prepared to negotiate with them for the purchase of their land. In addition, landowners outside this immediate area but within the ultimate boundaries of the project have been advised that the commission is prepared to negotiate the purchase of a property if the owner has to leave the district.

As indicated in the report, the fuel required for the new project will be won from the south field and township areas of the Yallourn open cut and a later extension into the east field after a short diversion of the Morwell River. The coal reserves in these fields are sufficient for the needs of the stations during their economic lives.

Some two years ago the Public Works Committee held an inquiry into the correctness of the commission's decision to remove the town of Yallourn so that the coal lying beneath the town could be won. The committee recommended to the Government that it recognizes the correctness of the commission's decision and also recommended a number of guidelines which would assist the commission and the Government in their dealings with residents, tradespeople and others who might be affected by the town's removal.

The addition of Yallourn W 3 and 4 will, of course, increase annual coal requirements from the Yallourn open cut so that operations will be advanced. This will mean that the clearing of township houses will commence in 1979, some two years earlier than previously expected, and the town centre will be cleared by about 1983.

Session 1972.-23

Honorable members may be assured that the commission, in its dealings with residents of the town, will continue to act within the spirit of the Public Works Committee's wishes as expressed in its report. Every assistance will be given to enable commission employees to find suitable accommodation in adjacent towns.

In collaboration with the Yallourn Town Advisory Council, which is representative of the townspeople, the commission will examine the needs of the individual residents. Each case will be considered separately and sympathetically. Satisfactory arrangements for compensation to business people, churches, and so on, in the town have been or are being negotia ted.

The building of the power station extension authorized by this measure will ensure continuation of construction work in the Latrobe Valley until the end of this decade, although it may be necessary for some tradesmen to accept work in other classifications from time to time.

Some concern has been expressed that there will be a break in construction of about twelve months between the end of work on Yalloum W units 1 and 2 and commencement of construction on units 3 and 4. It is true that there will be a break of this time between work on the main power station construction, but in the meantime the area will have to be prepared. This work includes site levelling, relocating rail tracks and railway bridges, foundation improvements, access roads and drains. Moreover, the Yallourn briquette factory will be demolished and open cut development will proceed. All this work will help fill the gap in power station erection work.

Looking to the future, the commission will be faced with providing generating plant with a total capacity of about 6.000 megawatts to meet the electricity needs of Victoria in the 1980s. I have already mentioned the

614 State Electricity .. [ASSEMBLY.]'· .. Commissioli·

possible brown coal project based on the Loy Yang brown coal field. Natural . gas and oil will again be considered if they .are available in sufficient quantities and at an economically attractive price. This hinges to a large degree on the results of exploratio1!s i~ the Bass Strait fields.

After 1980 nuclear generation could become an economic alternative. Most of the nuclear generating plant being installed overseas is in units of 700 megawatts and upwards and during the 1980s the Victorian system could be large enough to accept· units of this capacity.

The commission is in close touch with nuclear developments overseas so that it is in a position to make satisfactory economic comparisons with the more conventional systems of generation. Members of its special nuclear investigations group have participated in joint studies with the Australian Atomic Energy Commission and have obtained extensive experience overseas. Further, the commis·sion was represented at the international conference held at Geneva last year to survey nuclear development· throughout the world. As indicated in the report, studies of projects to meet these needs are proceeding.

In the ·meantime the proposed extension to Yallourn W will not only provide for the electricity· needs to the end of the decade but will give an economic stimulus to the Latrobe Valley and an impetus to plans for providing employment opportunities in country areas. The project is in harmony with the Government's policy on decentralization as the Latrobe Valley region was one of five chosen for the promotion of decentralization in Victoria. I commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray), the debate was adjourned.


Mr. Balfour.

STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION (DARTMOUTH HYDRO-ELECTRIC

POWER STATION) BILL. Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel

and Power) .-1 move-That this Bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of the Bill is to approve; as an undertaking within the meaning o! the State ElectriCity CommisSIon Act, the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the Dartmouth dam, together ·with assooiated works, including a transmission line to connect the power station with the main transmission system.

The State Electricity Commission has long bee·n interested in the hydroelectric potential of the Mlitta Mitta ~iver a~d as early as 1925 river gaug-109 statIOns were established on the river and its tributaries for the collection of hydrological data. Various alternative proposals for the development of the available power potential have been investigated over the years and a generating station at the Dartmouth site has been a major fea· ture . of these proposals.

When the River Murray Commission decided to investigate the possibility of constructing a large reservoir at Dartmouth as an alternative to the proposed storage at Chowilla, the State Electricity Commission was invited to participate in the investigation of the power generation potential of the proposed dam in conjunction with the Snowy Mountains HydrO-Electric Authority, which was acting as engineering consultants to th~' River Murray Commission.

Honorable members will recall that the agreement to construct the Dart'mouth dam, as a River Murray Commission project, required ratification by the Parliam·ents of the Commonwealth, New South Wales, South Australia and. Victoria. All States have ratified the agreement and the project can now proceed. Under the terms of the agreement the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria will be the constructing authority for the dam project.

(Dartmouth Hydro-Electric [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Power Station) Bill. 615

The Dartmouth dam will be located approxima tely 9 miles east of the township of Mitta Mitta and will have a storage capacity of 3 million acrefeet. This water storage will be operated in conjunction with that provided by the Hume dam. In normal years the Hume dam will be used for the regulation of river flows to the irrigation areas. The Dartmouth reservoir will be held full for most of the time and used in the very dry years to meet irrigation commitments in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Control of the waters passing through the reservoir will be the responsibility of the River Murray Commission, a'nd the State Electricity Commission has reached agreement in principle with the River Murray Commission as to the basis on which a hydro-electric undertaking could be established at Dartmouth and operate as a viable project.

Briefly, the agreement provides that all relevant capital costs of the power development, together with the costs of maintaining, operating and controlling the power station and downstream regulating pondage will be borne by the State Electricity Commission. The costs of maintaining. operating and controlling the conduit and associated works from the reservoir to the power station will be shared equally between the constructing authority, acting on behalf of the River Murray Commission, and the State Electricity Commission. The costs of maintaining, operating and controlling the main dam and associated works, other than those I have already mentioned, will be met by tthe constructing authority on behalf of the River Murray Commission.

The agreement also includes arrangements for the supply of water from the reservoir to the State Electricity Commission for power generation. This will include a special entitlement of 30,000 acre-feet annually, which can be drawn at the discretion of the State Electricity Commission. A procedure is included for power station operation in the event of an emergency or unusual

difficulty arising in the State electriCity system. Limitations have been set for fluctuations in the river levels below the proposed works and the controlled flow discharged from the works to prevent bank erosion and ensure that the capacity of the river channel is not normally over-taxed.

The State Electricity Commission will make payment to the River Murray Commission at the rate of ·015 cents a kilowatt hour generated at the power station. The average annual revenue from this payment is expected to be some $49,500, which will be distributed in equal proportions to the Governments of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. As there will be a small proportionate reduction of water supply potential from the River Murray arising from the special entitlement for power generation and so that New South Wales will not be disadvantaged thereby, Victoria will cede to that State during any period from 1st September to 30th April next following an additional volume of 625 acre-feet a month of Victoria's share of River Murray waters, reducing to 420 acrefeet a month during a declared period of restriction. As an internal arrangement within Victoria, the State Electricity Commission will recoup the St~te Rivers and Water Supply Commission for reduced sales of irrigation water to the extent of $15,000 per annum.

The concurrence of the Governments of the Commonwealth, New South Wales and South Australia to the basis of the agreement which I have outlined is now being sought and there is a provision in the Bill that the legislation will not become effective until this concurrence is received.

After consideration of various possible arrangements, the commission has recommended as the most advantageous for this hydro-electric project, the installation of a single I50-megawatt turbine and generator in a power station located at the foot of the dam. The associated transformer and switchyard will be

616 Crown Grants '(Removal [ASSEMBLY.] of Conditions) Bill.

located between the power station and the toe of the dam and electricity generated at the power station will be stepped-up to 220 kilovolts and transmitted to Mount Beauty where it will be ted into the State interconnected system. The power station a'nd switchyard will be designed to operate by remote control from Mount Beauty and necessary maintenance work will be carried out by personnel of the Kiewa hydro-electric undertaking.

In order to allow flexibility in operation of the power station and at the same time avoid undesirable fluctuations in river levels, it will be necessary to construct a small regulating storage of about 2,000 acre-feet capacity downstream of the station. This storage will receive water discharged from the power station and release it at a controlled rate into the river channel. The regulating storage will permit full advantage to be taken of the ability of the hydro-electric type plant to meet the peak and fluctuating loads imposed on the genera ting system.

With the completion of the last stage of the Snowy Mountains scheme in 1974, the addition of the Dartmouth unit will provide a useful increment of this type of plant to the Victorian generating system. An estimate based on long-term records extending over nearly 40 years of flows in the Mitta Mitta River, is that the electrical output from the Dartmouth power station could range from 107 million kilowatt hours in a very dry year to 870 million kilowa tt hours in a very wet year with an average annual output of approximately 330 million kilowatt hours.

The estimated capital cost of the hydro-electric installation including the downstream regulating pondage and the 220-kilowatt transmission line to Mount Beauty is $20·5 million at 1972 cost levels. Completion of the project naturally would depend on progress with the construction of the main storage dam, but it is expected that the power station could be in commercial operation for the winter of 1979.

Mr. Balfour.

The Bill is straightforward and comprises only two clauses. Clause 1 contains the usual description and title and provides that the Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by proclamation of the Governor in Council when the Governments of the Commonwealth and the States of New South Wales and South Australia have expressed their concurrence with the hydro-electric project. Clause 2 authorizes the commission to construct, maintain and operate a hydro-electric power station of 150 megawatts capacity on the Mitta Mitta River below the Dartmouth dam and declares the power sta tian and associated works to be an electrical undertaking of the commission for the purposes of the State Electricity Commission Act. I commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray) , the debate was adjourned.


CROWN GRANTS (REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS} BILL.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) .-1 move-


It proposes to nullify the effect of specific conditions Of reservations which have been inserted in certain Crown grants. It has been introduced beeause of representations made by the Law Institute of Victoria, solicitors, and others concerned with the transfer and conveyancing of land and also its development in accordance with planning schemes.

The first item is a reservation in favour of the Crown for the making of public ways, canals and railroads without payment of compensation, which was inserted in many Crown grants issued under Imperial Acts and regulations prior to the first Victorian Land Act, passed in 1860. The reservation was worded in three varying forms which are quoted in full in Schedule One of the Bill.

Crown Grants (Removal [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] of Conditions) Bill. 617

The insertion of such a reservation in Crown grants began in the time of Governor Macquarie to advance his policy of providing roads for the Colony of New South Wales. This practice was continued after his time, and the reservation was inserted in Crown grants issued after Victoria separated from New South Wales in 1851.

Thousands of certificates of title have been derived from these grants, and in any particular case it is necessary to trace the chain of title back to the original Crown grant to ascertain whether there is a reservation in favour of the Crown. In fact, most home-owners whose titles are derived from Crown grants issued under the general law system that is-prior to 1863-are subject to the reservation but few would be aware of it.

The reservation served its purpose in the early days of the Colony when the Government was directly responsible for the construction of roads, but this is now in the hands of statutory authorities, all with power compulsorily to acquire land for their purposes. The Lands Compensation Act and the Valuation of Land Act cover the subject of compulsory acquisition and for this reason it is thought reasonable to discharge the reservation from all Crown grants issued before the coming into operation of the first Lands Compensation Act in 1869.

It is of interest to note that Queensland took similar action in 1962 regarding an identical reservation in grants of land which had been issued in that State. If the reservation was inserted in any Crown grant after 1869, it is felt that there may be other reasons for it and that more investigation would be required before the reservation should be rendered null and void.

The second item is a condition which relates specifically to Crown grants of lands technically described in Schedule Seven. They are the areas bounded by Albert Road, Kings Way, St. Kilda Road and Queens Road at

South Melbourne and St. Kilda, front~ ing St. Kilda Road between Toorak Road and Moubray Street at South Yarra, and bounded by Royal Parade and The Avenue at Parkville, all of which were alienated in the 1860s and 1870s. The condition is a long one and is shown in full in Schedule Two. Briefly it requires that the land granted shall be maintained and used only as a site for a villa residence or terrace of houses.

The condition was apparently inserted because of the fact that the lands fronted main outlets from the city of Melbourne and was intended to retain an appearance in harmony with the nearby parks and free of commercial developm.ent. This was achieved and for many years mansion and large villa-type homes were erected and maintained along those roads. The first hint of change came with the advent of large blocks of flats and this was permitted by the Board of Land and Works sealing the plans provided that all the flats were under one roof, on the grounds that a block of flats was the modem equivalent of a terrace of houses.

The next change came with the passing of the Town and Country Planning Act in 1944 and later the preparation of an interim development order by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. Under the planning scheme the St. Kilda Road lands are zoned residential AI, the Queens Road lands residential A and the lands at Parkville residential A2. In the redevelopment of those lands the Department of Crown Lands and Survey is often consulted by landowners regarding the conflict between the condition in the grants and the zoning under the planning scheme. They are advised that the Crown ha~ no intention of exercising its right of re-entry in the event of the use under the planning scheme being at variance with the grant condition.

In the days when this condition, and others to which later reference will be made were inserted in Crown

Crown Grants (Rem()val ,,,. ., [ASSEMBL Y.] of Conditions) Bill.

grants, . ther~ was no Town and Country Planning Act and the Department of Crown Lands and Survey exercised some control of the use of alienated hind by means of conditions in Crown grants. The condition is outmoded and should be made null and void. Land use in the areas concerned should be controlled solely by the provisions of the Town and Country planning Act.

The third, fourth and fifth items with which the Bill deals are conditions· which are given in full in schedules three, four a'nd five. They are somewhat in the same vein as the second condition in that they restrict the use of land, but they are not identical. Schedule Three relates to Crown grants of land in Kangerong Road at Box Hill as described in Schedule E'ight. In 1886, an area of land was repurchased for a court house and police station and, in 1910, it was decided to sell in fourteen lots the land which are surplus, to requirements. The condition, which was really inserted at the request of the local branch of the Australian Natives Association, ·restricts the use ,of each allotment to not more than one residence.

The condition -quoted in Schedule F our was inserted in the Crown grants of eighteen allotments at Alexandra Avenue, Walsh Street, and Darling Street at South Yarra as de'Scribed in Schedule Nine. The lands affected by the condition were parts of areas repurchased by the State in connection with Yarra River improvement works. 'Lands surplus to requirements were reclaimed, subdivided and sold in 1910 to recoup the State for'its outlay. The condition does' not permit the land granted to be used for trade or business but restricts' it to a site for a house or houses. , The condition quoted in Schedule

Five relates to the low-lying lands in the vicinity of Point Ormond at Elwood as described in Schedule Ten, which were drained and sold during and after the first world war. Briefly t.he condition requires that the land

Mr. Borthwick.

granted shall not unless with the previous consent of the Minister of Lands be used for more than one residence or one place of business. '

Under the planning scheme, the land at Box Hill is zoned residential C, the land at South Yarra residential A and the land at Elwood is mainly residential B with some residential A. The same reasons for doing away with these three conditions apply as in the case of the lands in St. Kilda Road and Royal Parade. The conditions should be regarded as superseded by the operation of the Town and Country Planing Act and made null and void.

The sixth and last item dealt with by the Bill is a reservation and exception quoted in full in Schedule Six which shall be referred to as the reservation. The land affected by the reservation is the former Colac common described in Schedule Eleven, an area of about 2,284 acres, which was proclaimed in several parts between 1860 and 1870. About 1870-71 the greater part of the common was subdivided into some hundreds of small holdings of about 3 to 4 acres each and sold either by way of licence or at auction. The reservation was inserted in all Crown grants as they issued and briefly it reserved the use without payment of compensation of such part of the land granted as shall be required for the construction of a drain of not more than 33 feet width for the purpose of draining,the Colac town common. The common as a whole was abolished in 1885 and it is doubtful if the reservation could ever be implemented. It is an encumbrance on 'Some hundreds of Crown grants, many of which have been subdivided into certificates of title. It has the effect of holding up development of a large area on the south side of Co lac as prospective purchasers and mortgagors are not prepared to negotiate while the land is so encumbered. The Colac Shire Council and the Colac City Council are both in favour of the reservation being discharged. I commend the Bill to the House.

... :"' .....

Land (Residence [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] 619

On the motion, of Mi. WILTON (Broadmeadows)', the debate' was adjourned.


LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS)' BILL. Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of

Lands).-I move-That this Bill be now read a second time.

Rights to occupy residence areas have had only a comparatively short association with the Land Act but for many years prior to 1936 were associated with the Mines Act as miners' rights to occupy residence areas.

Those honorable members whose constituencies include the former goldfields of the State will be more familiar than others with residence areas and how they are accepted by the community. They are little known outside the former goldfields and it is desirable to give a brief account of events which have made the introduction of this Bill necessary.

Provision for holders of miners' rights to occupy Crown lands for residence purposes originated in the Goldfields Act of 1857 and the dimensions and extent of the early residence areas were fixed under the by-laws of the various mining districts. The mining by-laws were first consolidated in 1908. An amendment to the Mines Act in 1884 provided for conversion of residence areas to freehold at an appraised price if certain conditions had been fulfilled. The annual fee for a miner's right was originally twenty shillings, and was reduced to five shillings in 1865 and to two shillings and sixpence in 1892.

The miner's right to occupy a residence area was devised as a quick and ready means of providing a miner with a small area of land on which to build a home while he was mining in the locality. It was intended as a temporary measure during the goldrush days when the ordinary methods

of obtaining land, 'under the then existing land laws could, ,not ke~p pace with the' demand. ,

From this original objective, the issue of miners' rights developed into a system of land tenure andregistration with registration of liens ori improvements without the statutory safeguards of the Transfer of Land Act. Little regard was paid to public requirements, particularly to access, and no plan records were kept. The result of this was that rights were at times registered over public reserves, roads, and land excepted from occupation-in fact any open land remotely connected with a goldfield. Descriptions were vague and little attempt was made to conforJl1. to any subdivision. With the gradual decline in gold-mining operations, occupation by miners was much reduced but occupation by persons with no connection with' mining greatly increased.

The position regarding the occupa~ tion of Crown lands under miners' right for residence purposes had become so confused in the Bendigo district that, in 1928, all Crown lands in the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Parish of Sand~ hurst were excepted under the pro':' visions of the Land' Act. from occupation for residence under a miner's right. The intention was tp enable the Department of Crown lands and Survey to exercise control of future occupations.

The situation became chaotic, however, when in 1934 the mining warden at Bendigo gave a decision that the 1928 exception had rendered invalid every registration Of a residence area made in his district since October, 1892. It was then decided to bring the control of the, occupations under the Land Act. To do this the Lanq (Residence Areas) Act 1935 was passed and came into operation on 20th January, 1936. '

On and after that date, as' miners' rights for, residence became due for renewal, each holder had to apply to the Department o~ Cro~ Lands and

620 Land (Residence [ASSEMBLY.] Areas) Bill.

Survey under ·the new legislation for what was called a right to occupy a residence area or, as it was usually called, a residence area right. The new Act also provided for the granting of new rights, and gave power for the right-holder to encumber his interest as well as conferring an exclusive right to purchase the freehold at an appraised price subject to. certain conditions being complied wIth. The annual fee for renewal was fixed at five shillings.

It is not known how many miners' rights for purpose of residence were in existence as at 20th January, 1936, but as each case was investigated, it was later found that some thousands were invalidly held, the most common reasons for that being an excess in area or sites not being used for residence purposes.

It took some years to investigate all applications to be brought under the 1935 Act and to deal with the problem cases by using other appropriate provisions of the Land Act. By 1939, the tot~l number of rights to occupy issued by the Lands D~pa:tment was 8,279, by far the majOrIty of which were situated in the Ballarat and Bendigo districts. The department endeavoured to make each right to occupy as secure as possible by identifying it on the ground and recording its location on plans so far as was possible without a precise survey.

The indiscriminate granting of residence areas and the abuses which had occurred under the Mines Act over a period of nearly 80 years were halted. However, it must be k~pt in mind that the State was beginnmg to recover from the effects of the economic depression and that few people could afford to convert their residence areas to freehold, even at the depressed prices of the times. This was aggravated by the ~act that for. many years a miner's rIght for resIdence would be sold by a vendor to a purchaser at the same price as if the land were freehold. It is not known when this practice commenced, but

Mr. Borthwick.

the 1935 legislation did not succeed in doing away with it and it still obtains today.

In some ways, the new system has proven little better than the old as it is perpetuating an archaic system of land registration that was originally devised to tide the State through a difficult period when mining was paramount. Under modern conditions, the present system is an anachronism and its drawbacks are many. It is not based on survey, and until the actual dimensions and the extent of a residence area are established by a proper survey there must always be some element of doubt between occupation and what can be made freehold.

A right to occupy a residence area is in force for a period not exceeding one year and shall be renewable from time to time for a further period not exceeding one year. Many institutions, including the State Savings Bank, will lend money on the security of a lien on improvements but others, including the War Service Homes Division, will not. Such liens are registered in the department by authority of the Land Act and regulations thereunder, but neither the lienor nor the lienee has the benefit of the protection afforded a mortgager or mortgagee under the Transfer of Land Act or Property Law Act.

In a small way, the system of residence areas is a third system of land registration outside the scope of the Torrens system or the original general law system. One of its adverse effects is to hold up development, which it does in two ways. The first is that a residential area may be suitable for subdivision into two or more residential blocks, with all or some services available, but few holders are prepared to exercise their right to freehold the land merely to subdivide when there is little or no profit in it for them. The second is that the system can operate to the detriment of planning and zoning under the Town and Country Planning Act. If land is rezoned under that Act so that residence becomes a

Land (Residence [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Areas) . Bill.· 621 non-conforming use, a planning authority could do little about it because technically a residence area is still Crown lands. One of the conditions of a right to occupy a residence area is that the site shall be used bona fide for residence, and the holder is subject to a penalty for carrying on any business.

The cost to the State of administering the system is out of all proportion to the renewal and other fees charged, and there is also considerable loss of revenue because the sale of a residence area by transfer is not subject to duty under the Stamps Act.

The residence area system has served its purpose, and the intention behind this Bill is to do away with it so that ultimately the lands held under residence area rights will fie brought under the operation of the Transfer of Land Act. I t is not proposed to do this in one intensive operation; it will be done over a long period. As ultimately it will be incumbent upon all right-holders to freehold their occupations, some inducement or allowance will be granted.

The Bill is therefore a composite one; some of it re-enacts much of the existing legislation, and some of it is new. The new provisions make it clear that no new rights will be granted after the legislation comes into operation, and this only confirms departmental policy, as no new rights have been granted for the past twenty years. At 1 st July, 1972, there were 4,795 residence area rights in existence; 1,537 in the Bendigo district, 3,045 in the Ballarat district and the remaining 213 in other former mining districts.

It is proposed that, during the period of approximately ten years before 1st January, 1983, a holder of a residence area right may continue to encumber, sell or transfer his interest, but not on or after that date. This would mean that. if a right-holder wished to dispose of or encumber his interest after that date,

it would be necessary for him first to convert the right to a Crown grant or to a purchase lease, either of which would be registered under the Transfer of Land Act. Any further deal..; ings involving a transfer or mortgage would be effected under that Act.

These proposals would restrict the life of a res'idence area, albeit over a long period. Because of the element of compulsion involved, and having regard to the history of residence areas, of which a brief account has been given earlier, the Government considers it reasonable to recognize that each right-holder is entitled to a substantial allowance or interest in the land. This has been recognized to some extent in the past because of undertakings given by the Minister of Lands in 1935 when introducing the original legislation. In the first few decades of the operation of the existing legislatio'n, the allowance was substantial, but in later years, as there was no statutory provision for such an allowance, there has been a tendency to be more realistic in fixing the purchase price.

Other new provisions place the responsibility for removing improvements on a reside'nce area or" leasehold on the right-holder 'Or the leasee as the case may be.

As the Bill is a combination of the new and the old, it is proposed to make a brief reference to each clause of the Bill and to the new sections which it is proposed to insert in the Land Act.

Clause 1 contains the short title and names the Land Act 1958 as the principal Act, a'nd clause 2 substitutes a new division for Division II. of the principal Act. There are fifteen sections in the proposed new Division and they are numbered from 163 to 177. Proposed new section 163 gives a new interpretation of "Holder" to include transferees and assignees. It also re-enacts the definitions of cc prescribed" and cc residence area". and section 164 'is a re-enactment of section 164 which applied the division to Malleecountry.

622 [ASSEMBLY.] Areas)· Bill.

Section 165 is a new provision stating that no new right to occupy a residence ~rea shall be granted but providing for existing rights to remain in force' a'nd to be renewed. The present fee for renewal is 50 cents and there is no provision for variation under the existing legislation. The proposed section provides for the same renewal fee, but will permit of a new determination being made by the Governor in Council. Proposed new sectio'n 166 is a re-enactment of section 168 of the principal Act which gives a holder exclusive right of possession, a'nd section 167 amends and re-enacts section 170 consequential upon no new rights being granted. It provides for cancellation of a right for non-compliance with conditions.

Proposed section 168 is a new section which makes the holder of a residence area responsible for the removal of buildings. Under the existing legislation a holder, by not renewing his residence area right, may evade responsibility for the demolition of any buildings. Section 169 re-enacts section 172 relating to compensation on resumption of a residence area by the Crown. New section 170 is an amendment of section 17~ consequent upon no new rights beIng granted. It also limits a holder of a residence area to a period prior to 1st January, 1983, in which he may encumber or dispose of his interest.

New section 171 re-enacts section 177, which empowers the inspection of ~ntries in mining registers, and sectIon 172 re-enacts section 178. This section was inserted in the Act in 1939 to cope with those cases where a residence area encroached on a road.

Proposed sectio'n 173 is an amendment and re-enactment of portion of section 171 granting a right holder an exclusive right of purchase of the freehold. In fixing the purchase price of the land, an allowance of 50 per cent is to be made for the interest or equity of the right-holder.

New section 174 allows a rightholder to apply for a purchase lease on favourable terms in lieu of a right

Mr. Borthwick.

to occupy a residence area, the purchase price under a lease to be fixed in the same way as for a Crown grant under the preceding section.

Sub-section (1) of proposed new section 175 provides that any lien or encumbrance shall first be discharged in the case of an alienation under lease or grant. This means tha t where a residence area is subject to an encumbrance, it will be necessary for the parties to arrange new security after issue of a lease or Crown grant. Sub-sections (2) and (3) are an amendment and reenactment of sub-section (3) of section 171 to permit the adjustment of the boundaries of a residence area on conversion to lease or Crown grant to meet the unusual circumstances which are encountered from time to time. Section 176 is a new provision and is similar to other sections in the Land Act which provide for a public hearing in the event of noncompliance with the conditions of a lease. It also makes a lessee responsible for the removal of any' improvements upon forfeiture of a lease.

Proposed section 177 provides for the issue of a Crown gra'nt after the purchase price of a lease has been paid.

Clause 3 gives those right-holders ~ho are in course 'Of exercising their rIght of purchase an opportunity of electing to purchase the land under the new conditions. Clause 4 contains a consequential amendment to the table of parts and sections 'Of the principal Act.

Clause 5 effects a consequential amendment to section 61 to empower the transfer of a registered encumbrance from a lease to a Crown grant. It is thought desirable to have specific power to make regulations for the issue of duplicate documents where the originals are lost or destroyed, and clause 6 provides accordingly. I commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows) , the debate was adjourned.

Land (Jetties and [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] M ai'inas) Bill. 623


That the debate be adjourned until Tuesday. October 10.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).I take it that the Minister will be agreeable to an extension of the period of adj10urnment if the Opposition finds itself unable to resume the debate on the date specified?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) (By leave) .-1 give that assurance.

The motion was agreed to, and the debate was adjourned until Tuesday, October 10.




It deals with a particular problem, the vexed question of jetties and marinas in the Gippsland lakes and the navigable streams flowing into the lake waters.

It is not necessary for me to dilate on the beauty and attractions of the Gippsland lakes and their use as a port for commercial fishing, or as a holiday-home and tourist resort catering for many forms of recreation, including angling and boating, all of which are well known to honorable members. The Bill is intended to provide for the existing and increasing public interest being taken in boating on the lakes.

Two main reasons exist for the introduction of the Bill. The first is that the Crown lands in the beds and banks of the lakes and the navigable streams leading thereto are permanently reserved for public purposes and there is no power in the Land Act to grant licences for jetties. In the past, permissive occupancies were granted but this form of occupation has no statutory backing, although it served a purpose at the time. None have been issued for some years because something better is required to cope with existing conditions.

The second reason is a conclusion and a recommendation in the fourth progress report of the State Development Committee on the economic development of Gippsland, which deals particularly with the control, maintenance, promotion and development of the Gippsland lakes.

Conclusion No. 31 ot' the report states-

In so far as boating facilities are concerned, the greatest unsatisfied demand is -tor landing jetties and boat harbor-age.

Recommendation No. 15 states-That, in view of the. legal doubt as to

whether the Department of Crown Lands and Survey has power to issue leases, licences or permits over areas of Crown land permanently reserved for public purposes, such as the bed of the lakes, this doubt be removed by a special legislative provision.

The Bill provides for this by making two main amendments to the Land Act, which is the principal Act. One inserts eight new sections in the licensing provisions of the principal Act to deal specifically with jetties and landing stages in the Gippsland lakes. The other inserts a new provision to authorize the construction of marinas in the lakes.

The provisions of the Bill are confined to the Gippsland lakes and the navigable streams leading thereto by relating them to a new schedule numbered seventeen to be inserted in the principal Act. The proposed sections to deal with licensing are numbered 140A to 140H.

Proposed section 140A empowers the granting of licences for the purposes of a jetty, landing stage, boat ramp, slipway, net rack, or mooring, subject to reports from the DirectorGeneral of Public Works, who is responsible for the Ports and Harbors Branch of .the Public Works Department, the committee of management, if any, and the muni.cipal council in whose district the site is situated.

Proposed section 140B requires notice of intention to apply for a licence to be published in a local newspaper and posted on the land,

624 Land (Jetties and [ASSEMBLY.] Marinas) Bill.

except where a jetty or other structure has been erected in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the Public Works Department.

Proposed section 140c states that a licence shall be for a term not exceding one year and may be renewed annually. It also provides that the grant of a licence may confer a right of renewal for a period not exceeding six years. The right of renewal is qualified by sub-sections (3) and (4) of proposed section 140F which provide for resumption without compensation should the site be required for any public purpose. The main intention in having the power of resumption is in case that, at some time in the future, jetties have to give way to public boat harbors. As the jetties will be erected on reserved land, licensees must be prepared to accept that their licences will be subordinate to the public interest. This has been the case with holders of permissive occupancies in the past.

Proposed sections 140D, 140E and 140Fset out the conditions under which a licence may be· granted. Proposed sections 140G and 140H provide for the setting up of an Aquatic Clearance Fund. Ten per cent of all rents collected for licences for jetties and so on shall be paid into the fund, which shall be used for the clearing of obstructions in the lakes and streams leading thereto.

The new provisions to deal with marinas will be inserted in the principal Act in a new section numbered 222c. It authorizes a municipality as committee of management of a reserve in the Gippsland lakes area to enter into a three-way agreement between the municipality, the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Lands to construct a marina. I digress from the notes for a moment, perhaps in anticipation of questions; I realize that in some areas at present municipalities are not in fact the committees of management. Under the provision it is intended to excise from the reservation a specific 'area to cover the

Mr. Borthwick.

marina and place this area under the control of the municipality as the com'mittee of management.

A marina is defined as an area where facilities are provided for the launching, landing, berthing, mooring, storing, repairing and provisioning of boats, the parking of boats and motor vehicles and trailers, and the fueling and servicing of boats.

The Government is prepared to make available grants of money to subsidize the erection of small boat harbors or marinas. It is proposed to do this by grants on a $1 for $1 basis with municipalities, and the grants will be administered by the Ports and Harbors Branch of the Public Works Department. It will be necessary for the municipality to be the committee of management of the site of the proposed marina and the grant of money land the construction, maintenance, operation and general use of the facilities will be set out in the agreement. As any marina constructed in the Gippsland lakes will be in a port, the Ports and Harbors Branch will be the main Government agency involved to specify the conditions under which it will be built, maintained and operated. I commend the Bill to the House.

I might explain that, although not wishing to obtain an over-all authority from the Parliament for almost indiscriminate power to grant leases and licences for this purpose throughout the State, I felt it was wise to draw the proposed legislation in a manner that will allow Parliament, at its discretion, to include other specified areas in the schedule to the Act. At present the operation of the Act is restricted to the areas defined in the schedule but the principles, at the will of Parliament, could be extended easily to areas which later could be included in the schedule.

On the motion of Mr. AMOS (Morwell), the debate was adjourned.


Sewerage Districts [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] (Amendment) Bill. 625

SEWERAGE DISTRICTS (AMENDMENT) BILL.

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Water Supply).-I move-


Its purpose is to make four amendments to the Sewerage Districts Act to assist sewerage authorities in the effective administration and operation of their districts.

Clause 2 of the Bill redefines " sewage" to confine its meaning to human and domestic wastes. The present definition is considered to be too broad because it could permit the introduction of large volumes of animal and poultry wastes into sewerage systems without any special arrangements with the authority involved. The new definition will also eliminate the possibility of the introduction of industrial wastes, such as chemicals or oils, into sewerage systems without special approval. The term " ordinary domestic sewage" is also included in the definition because it is used synonomously with the term" sewage" in the principal Act.

Clause 3 provides for an increase in the allowance which may be paid to the chairman of a sewerage authority. At present the minimum payment is $10 a year and the maximum $150 a year. The maximum is now to be increased to $250, except for large authorities with revenue in excess of $250,000 where the maximum allowance may be fixed at one-tenth of 1 per cent of the revenue.

Clause 4 raises the value of contracts which a sewerage authority may enter into without inviting tenders by advertisement. In view of the changes in money values over recent years, the present figure of $1,000 is considered too low, and the proposed new amount of $3,000 is more realistic.

Clause 5 will enable a sewerage authority to construct works for the collection and treatment of industrial waste waters either inside or outside its district. Although an authority'S

statutory obligations are limited to domestic sewerage, it is permitted, with the approval of the Governor in Council, to enter into an agreement with any person for the acceptance of trade wastes into its sewers, and this action is usually encouraged. However, where the industrial premises concerned do not adjoin existing sewers, neither the industry nor the authority can construct works to convey the wastes over the intervening lands or roads. The proposed clause will enable the authority to do this. 1 commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. SHILTON (Midlands), the debate was adjourned.


COAL MINES (PENSIONS INCREASE) BILL.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .-1 move-


This is a Bill to increase the rates of coal mine pensions because of the increases in social services pensions announced in the Federal Budget. This is the usual procedure and, as 1 have outlined the relationship between the two types of pensions on many previous occasions, 1 shall not go into it fully again. It is sufficient to say that social services pensions are a deduction from coal mine pensions and therefore an increase in the former must be followed by an increase in the latter, otherwise a coal mine pensioner who is also an age or invalid pensioner under the Social Services Act gets no net increase when social services pensions are increased.

The proposed increases are provided for in clause 2 of the Bill. By the provisions contained in paragraphs (a) and (b), the rates payable to retired and disabled coal mine pen-sioners are increased by $1.75 to $22 . 25. This is the amount of increase in Commonwealth age and invalid pensions for single persons.

626 Constitutional Convention [ASSEMBLY.], Bill.

Paragraph (c) adjusts the rate payable to a married coal mine pensioner by increasing by 75 cents the allowance paid in respect of his wife. The net result is that a married pensioner gets an increase of $2. 50-that is, $1.75 in his pension, and an additional 75 cents in his wife's allowance. This matches the $2.50 social services increase to be paid to a married couple where both are pensioners and each gets $1.25.

. Paragraph (d) provides for an increase of $1. 75 in the . coal mine widow's pension. The social services increase for widows is $1.75 for an A class widow and $1.25 for a' B class widow but, as the coal mine pensions scheme provides for widows generally and has only one widow's rate, it is proposed to increase that rate by $1. 75. The Bill provides for the new rates of coal mine pensions to be paid from 6th October, 1972, this being the commencement date of the first pay period after 5th October, 1972, the day from which the new social services pensions will be paid. 1 commend the Bill to the House.

On the motion of Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows), the debate was adjourned.


CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION BILL.

The debate (adjourned from September 20) On the motion of Sir George Reid (Attorney-General) for the second reading of this Bill was resumed.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-As is well known in this House, the Opposition completely supports the holding of the proposed Constitutional Convention. Members of the Labor Party consider that it is most important for this Parliament and for the' future role of Federal government in this Commonwealth that the convention should be held as soon as possible. The Bill simply provides for the necessary practical

arrangements so that the convention may proceed in a reasonable, competent and business-like manner. I commend the Bill to the House and wish it a speedy passage.

Mr. WHITING (Mildura).-Members of the Country Party also definitely favour the holding of the Constitutional Convention. Arrangements must be made for the holding of the convention and facilities must be provided for a fairly large number of delegates. The provisions contained in the Bill will allow for the smooth running of the convention. Therefore, members of the Country Party support the Bill and trust that the convention will be as successful as every member of this House hopes it will be.

The motion was agreed to. The Bill was read a second time, and

passed through its remaining stages. The sitting was suspended at 6.16

p.m. until 8.5 p.m.

BUDGET DEBATE. The House, having gone into Com

mittee of Supply, proceeded to debate the Budget, submitted by Mr. Hamer (Premier and Treasurer) on September 12.

DIVISION No. 100.-LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-ExPENSES OF SELECT COMMITTEES, BALANCE, $1,500.

The CHAIRMAN (Sir Edgar Tanner).-The question is-

That this sum be granted to Her Majesty.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-1 move-

That all the words after "That" be omitted with the view of inserting in place thereof-

"this Committee refuses to grant such sum and condemns the Budget proposals because it fails to provide for the development of the State's own fis'cal institutions in banking and insurance; it fails to provide adequate economic and social objectives for the State of Victoria, and in particular, it provides no proper policy basis for Commonwealth-State co-operation, no means for assisting the restoration of full' employment in Victoria and for the relief of poverty in this State, no framework for improving the standards

Budge.t [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Debate. 627

of education, health, welfare and public transport, no effective plan to provide for regional development and to prevent the unrestricted growth of Melbourne at the expense of the balanced development of . the whole State.

This Budget has been called, somewhat euphemistically, by those sections of our community which are anxious to secure the return of Liberal Federal and State Governments, a quality of life Budget. The former Premier,. Sir Henry Bolte, described quality of life in terms which were characteristic of him when he .said-

I think quality of life is peace of mind based on the home and garden.

The new Premier, the new spokesman for Liberal policies in this State, takes a somewhat broader view. Yet, when one considers this Budget document and its accompanying papers, one sees that the views of this new Premier do not take into account that, at this very moment while I address the Committee, there are some 30,818 unemployed persons in this State. Those figures are, of course, for the August period, and they came from the Federal Minister for Labour and National Service. I suppose one could say that they were well-cooked figures that came out of the pot of the Federal Minister.

But, of course, those figures do not include those many thousands of people in the State who, for a wide variety of reasons, are not yet in receipt of unemployment benefits. Nor do they include those many thousands of young Victorians who, because of the employment situation, have chosen to remain at school rather than to join the ranks of the unemployed. Only this week I was in a Victorian country town where 25 per cent of those who left school at the end of last year had returned to school because there was no place for them in the industry of the community. This unemployment situation is not a Godgiven situation in a State such as Victoria which has been bountifully blessed in its primary produce, in resources of oil and natural gas, and

in the capacity of its people. High unemployment figures in this State are the result of a man-made situation, just as the situation throughout Australia is the direct result of the fiscal policies which have been followed by the Federal Liberal Party Government.

In the Treasurer's Budget statement, apart from a brief reference to unemployment, not one proposal suggests that there is in any way a responsibility upon this Parliament, or the Government itself, to deal with the problems which confront the unemployed citizens of the State. It is all very well for the Premier and Treasurer to say that this is a human problem. The real question is: What promise do the Budget proposals give men who have to feed their families and who are haunted by the spectre of unemployment? This Budget promises them nothing.

While I am speaking of the quality of life that is involved in this new Budget, I inform the Committee that there are no fewer than 250,000 Victorians who are living on wages which are below the poverty line. In case honorable members opposite have not kept up with the latest statistics on the poverty line, I shall quote the figures. For a man, wife and two children it is $52 a week, and for a man, wife and four children it is $67.57 a week.

It is good that the new Treasurer is giving the State a Ministry of the Arts and that he has taken some initiative to control the environment and promote conservation, so why should the Labor Party not congratulate the Treasurer for that? After all, these policies are the policies of the Labor Party. These were the policies put by the Labor Party in the last State election, which honorable members opposite condemned from every platform in the country. The new Treasurer has shown real political instinct in this matter. Why should he not adopt Labor policies when they received the majority of the votes from the people at the last State election?

628 Budget [ASSEMBLY.] Debate.

If one was one of the considerable number of unemployed in this State, or if one was one of the 250,000 citizens in this State who live on wages below the poverty line, one would have less regard for a Ministry of the Arts and be less concerned with pollution of the environment than are other citizens in the community. It seems that in Victoria there is now this so-called new look Leader trying to keep going a somewhat decrepit political party which is sitting on the Treasury bench as a result of a political gerrymander. It is a 36 per cent Government and this new look Leader is trying to put a veneer of new look concepts on the tired, jaded old men who adorn the front bench. The Treasurer has produced a Budget which fails to take into account the reality of unemployment in this State. It also fails to take into account the problem of the families who live below the poverty line, and to talk about the Budget as a quality of life Budget is the sheerest and most rank hypocrisy.

If honorable members look at the Budget as a fiscal document, nowhere in it will they find one new fiscal concept, and that is disappointing. It contains no new propositions designed to strengthen the fiscal institutions of the State. For something like two and a half years in this Parliament the Labor Party has continually asked the Government why it refuses to strengthen its own fiscal institutions in the banking and in the insurance fields. This was one of the policies put forward by the Labor Party at the last State election which the Treasurer has not adopted. One of the most important institutions in this State is the State Savings Bank.

I always understood that the Treasurer believed in competition. I am also one of those people who almost believe the advertiSing of the private trading banks that everybody benefits from competition between the banks. The real reason why the Treasurer is prepared to adopt Labor's policies on the arts and on

Mr. Holding.

the environment is that by doing so the Government is not offending anybody, but if the Government adopted Labor Party policy for making the State Savings Bank a more effective banking institution by allowing it to compete with the private banking institutions, the Government would be offending the private banking institutions whose officials attend Liberal Party $100 a plate dinners. If the State Insurance Offices were allowed to compete effectively with the private insurance institutions in this State-it must be remembered that the private insurance companies are of course neither Australian owned nor Australian controlledthe Government would be offending the large financial insurance interests which stand behind the Liberal Party and manipulate it.

In this Chamber over the past three years members of the Labor' Party have asked the Treasurer and other honorable gentlemen opposite who believe in competition to tell OppOSition members why if they believe in the principle of oompetition they so adamantly refuse to allow the State Insurance Offices and the State Savings Bank to compete effectively with private institutions. I doubt whether members of the OpPOSition will hear the answer toO that question during the Budget debate because we have not heard any reply before.

The Treasurer was asked recently why he would not allow the State Savings Bank to enter the trading bank field. This question arose on the retirement of the general manager of the State Savings Bank, but then the Treasurer would give no reason; he just said that he did not think it was proper.

Mr. TREZIsE.-He said it was Liberal policy.

IVlr. HOLDING.-We know what Liberal policy is in these circumstances. The most significant thing tha t emerges from the Budget is that State institutions, if they were managed effectively and properly,

Budget [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Debate. 629

could give the Government some measure' of fiscal independence and help it to solve some of the problems that exist in Victoria. In the past this has not occurred and it will not occur while this Government remains in office. I invite honorable members to consider that situati'on, remembering that there are many unemployed persons seeking employment in this State. On what basis does the Government believe that its own State banking institution should be sitting on Commonwealth Government bonds, which according to the 1972 annual report are valued at $243,609,626?

During question time today, honorable members heard the Treasurer endeavour to explain the Government's objective of having Melbourne completely sewered by the 1980s and on his own estimates, at existing levels of expenditure he would be $400 million short of the funds necessary by the target date. Honorable members also heard the Minister of Transport say that the people of Melbourne were going to have new trains that would be safe and adequa te to run in the underground rail loop, but when he was asked for the cost of these new trains, the honorable gentleman said that he had not got around to estimating the total cost. He merely said that it would cost millons of dollars. That we know! Of course, when both honorable gentlemen were pressed for answers, what could they come up with? They stated that the Government would do its best to try to find the money. These are the Ministers who year after year criticize Labor Party policy proposals by arguing that the proposals have not been cos ted by the Labor Party and who keep asking, "Where do you find the money?" Today the Treasurer stated that he would endeavour to have the city completely sewered by 1980, but he made no promise about it. Admittedly, it will cost a lot of money. and at the present rate of expe'nditure Victoria is only $400 million short. But it can rely upon the

Commonwealth! I put the case for the State Savings Bank on this level: It is nothing less than criminal for a Treasurer to allow the ,State Savings Bank to be sitting on $243 million in Commonwealth inscribed stock. If members of the Government party had attended a recent lecture on conservative economics, they would have heard Professor Prest argue that this is too much and that it could be reduced by $24 million.

Mr. AUREL SMITH.-That is one man's opinion.

Mr. HOLDING.-That figure represents 16· 7 per cent of total assets. Bank funds can be safely invested in other State ventures. Victoria does not have to invest the money in Commonwealth Government bonds. Money could be invested in public works programmes designed by Victoria, and they would substantially reduce unemployment. The Treasurer should not be standing around with his begging cup waiting for the Prime Minister, Mr. McMahon, to put a few more dollars into it to enable a few more people to be employed for another six or ten weeks, mowing a lawn here or painting a town hall there.

Mr. BIRRELL.-The honorable member knows that the Commonwealth controls our capital works.

Mr. HOLDING.-The problem of the honorable member for Geelong is that he knows he will offend the bankers in the Liberal Party if he talks about the role of the State Savings Bank. If he went near the bank he would know that it has considerable freedom and that it could implement my proposals tomorrow without any interference from the Commonwealth Reserve Bank.

Mr. HAMER.-What do you think happens to this loan money?

Mr. HOLDING.-Victoria is short of funds, and we have heard the belated cry that emanated from the Liberal Government about the way in which the State was treated by its Commonwealth counterpart. Should Victoria keep up with this level of investment in Commonwealth

630 [ASSEMBLY.] Debate.

bonds? I shall not go into detail on the arguments that.I have previously advanced that the State Insurance Offices should be competitive with all forms of insurance. I repeat, for the be·nefit of the Treasurer, the figures which show what has occurred in the investment portfolio of the Queensland State Government In·surance Office, which adopted a competitive policy some years ago. Queensland has a Country Party Government.

Mr. WILKEs.-Propped up by the Liberal Party.

Mr. HOLDING.-one never knows who props up whom in these co alitio·ns. There is nothing radical in my suggestion. I am pointing out methods by which this Government or any other Government can strenghthen its fiscal capacity to deal with Victoria's problems. Nobody believes tha t Queensland has any greater economic potential than Victoria. Yet at 30th June, 1970, because it was u·ndertaking all forms of insurance, the Queensland State Government Insurance Office had an investme·nt portfolio of $203.3 million. That made the office one of the largest single investors in the State.

I invite members of the Government party who understand figures to justify the Government's continued policy of restricting the scope of Victoria's own insurance offices. At 30th June, 1970, the State Accident Insurance Office had an investment portfolio of $9.3 million, and the State Motor Car Insurance Office had an investment portfolio of $37 million. It would be· nice for Victoria, as it is nice for Queensland, to know that one of the largest single investors in the State was its own insurance office. Can any honorable member say that these economic proposals are new or novel and have not been put to the Treasurer? Of course they have, and they have been rejected because of the basic philosophy of the Government that its own insurance and banking institutions should play second fiddle to the private insurance companies and banking institutions in Victoria.

The whole basis of the Budget document is to lay the foundation for policies which the Government will be able to put into effect in one year. I emphasize without apology and with pride· that if a Labor Government were in office and had presented this Budget in the present economic climate of Victoria, it would have given financial strength to the State Insurance Offices and the State Savings Bank. It would have made the State Savings Bank a trading bank, and a development bank, and would have extended its operations into the rural field. They are sound banking propositions which would affect the economic welfare of Victoria and would not cost the taxpayers a cent. A Labor Government would give the State Insurance Offices the right to enter· into active competition with the private insurance companies. These would be among the central features of a Labor Government's budgetary programme.

I turn now to the revenue aspects of the Budget. State tax receipts have increased from $311 million to $388 million largely because of a full year's effect of the incidence of payroll tax. The difficulty experienced by any honorable member in considering pay-roll tax is the figure of $150 million which is estimated for the 1972-73 period 'and which does not include rebates for secondary industries, particularly for a number of secondary industries established in country areas. It would have been preferable for the Treasurer to follow the policy of his predecessor, who, when he introduced his Budget, also introduced the budgetary Bills which were a necessary corollary to his fiscal policy. That has not been done on this occasion.

During the past twelve months when measures relating to pay-roll tax were under consideration, members of the Opposition moved a number of amendments to extend pay-roll tax concessions to approved decentralized areas of Victoria.


If a Labor Government were in office, these proposals would now be in operation. The honorable member for Ballaarat South is going red in the face because he must now 'support in this Parliament a concession to industry in his own area which he voted against less than twelve months ago. The political strategy of honorable members on the Government side of the Chamber is to survive by voting for Government policy in Parliament and disowning it in their electorates. The Opposition forgives the honorable member for Ballaarat South for his past attitude and welcomes his conversion to the policy in question. I suppose it is better late than never.

The Opposition will examine with interest the Bill which will follow this budgetary item to ensure that the Government honours its promises. The crisis that exists in Melbourne's metropolitan development and the need for regional development is so critical and urgent that we will not be satisfied-and I tell the Treasurer now-with a second-rate concession. Pay-roll tax as a concession should go across the board and should be used to stimulate not only industrial development but business development generally in country areas.

Regrettably, all the arguments of the Opposition against the oil agreements negotiated between the Government and Esso-B.H.P. have proved to be true. An examination of the oil royalties from Bass Strait oil reveals that the figures have not been disclosed separately in the Budget; the amount derived from the royalties has been included as part of land revenue. The Treasurer estimates that in the year 1972-73 the State will receive from oil royalties an amount of approximately $25 million, which is in excess of the sum received last year. Of the $25 million, $8 million will be paid to the Federal Government, leaving a balance for the State of $17 million for the year. It would appear that Esso-B.H.P. has reached the peak of its production on present discoveries. In other words,

further significant growth cannot be expected from the present discoveries.

If Dr. Hetherington's recommendations had been accepted by the Bolte Government and the graticular lease system used, the State would have received hundreds of millions of dollars in the auctioning off of its lease rights in Bass Strait. In return for giving Esso-B.H.P. a monopoly of production over huge areas in Bass Strait, the State is receiving approximately $5 million more than it would otherwise have received on a royalty level, which is amongst the lowest in the Western World. In dealing with the same company, not even the Indonesian generals were prepared to make a deal such as the Government has made with Victoria's oil resources. When oil was discovered, we were told it would be a bonanza for the State. At that time minds boggled at the prospect of what this State would be able to do as a result of the discoveries. Now that the heat, smoke and dust have settled, and the American negotiators have hopped into their big jet aeroplanes and gone back to negotiate with another country, Victoria is left with a return of only $17 million a year. It is no wonder that the Government continually attempts to extend every form of gambling in Victoria.

Mr. WILKES.-It will be poker machines next.

Mr. HOLDING.-It will not end with poker machines. The Totalizator Agency Board is worth more to Victoria than the oil that was discovered in Bass Strait. A Labor Government would give urgent priority to employing every necessary legal means to re-negotiate the oil agreement so that Victoria could receive a proper return for the tremendous oil resources in Bass Strait.

Mr. STEPHEN.-Would you honour the agreement?

Mr. HOLDING.-I said that a Labor Government would use every legal means available, and I stand

632 Budget [ASSEMBL Y.] Debate.

by that. Members of the Labor Party will not be a party to the continual shameful selling out of the basic resources of Victoria. The Government has been treated as little better than a message boy by EssoB.H.P. In the light of the history of the development of Victoria's oil and national gas resources, EssoB.H.P. was entitled to make some profit, but the profit it is making is out of all proportion to the capital that was invested. The State is being robbed blind.

Mr. STEPHEN.-You said 7 per cent was a fair return. Do you still stand by that?

Mr. HOLDING.-Doubtless, if the honorable member's record in Parliament were examined, he would be regarded by the Liberal Party as definite risk capital in the next election.

For 1972-73 the railways expected an increase in revenue of $3 million. I understand that was mainly because the year 1971-72 was not regarded as a good year for freight. However, the State cannot afford to continue to carry the huge deficits and losses being incurred by the railways. It is well known that, when elected to office in the Federal sphere, the new Prime Minister, Mr. Gough Whitlam, will be prepared to take over the Victorian Railways; it is the policy of the Federal Labor Party. Indeed, the former Premier and Treasurer was anxious to offer the railways to the Commonwealth. What is the Government's policy on this question? The Treasurer provided no statement of policy in the Budget Papers; that fact clearly indicates the Government's policy for the future of the railways. Large sums of money are involved. The Committee is entitled to know the Government's policy on this issue.

Earlier tonight, when dealing with the future of the railways, the Minister of Transport referred to the underground rail loop and new rollingstock and expressed the hope that the Commonwealth would come to

the party. Is this Government prepared to say that it would be delighted to give, sell or otherwise dispose of the State railways to the Commonwealth?

Mr. JONA.-That is the policy of the Labor Party.

Mr. HOLDING.-The honorable member for Hawthorn is quitewrong-; it is not the policy of the Labor Party to give everything to the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, one of the main problems confronting Victoria at present is the Government's practice of giving everything to the Commonwealth because of its incapacity to formulate positive poliCies. I refer the honorable member for Hawthorn to the answers given during question time today by the Treasurer and the Minister of Transport.

The Treasurer suddenly believes that the Commonwealth has a responsibility in relation to sewerage, but I submit that that belief would be vigorously denied by the honorable gentleman's Federal Leader. The Treasurer expects that there will be a Commonwealth involvement, but is that Liberal Party policy? If the Treasurer asserts that he expects involvement at the State level, presumably it is State policy. If it is repudiated by the Commonwealth, it cannot be said to be Federal policy. The Treasurer realizes that he is faced with financing the railways generally and with paying for new rolling-stock and the replacement of passenger vehicles, and he knows that he has no hope of doing so unless the Commonwealth becomes involved.

What is the policy of the State Government? Does it want the Commonwealth in or out-and if the Commonwealth is in, what are the terms and conditions under which it is in? That, of course, is the real dilemma of the State Government and the real weakness of this Budget. In speaking to the amendment that I have moved I have dealt with the failure of the Government to provide for the development of the State's own fiscal institutions in banking and


insurance. The second leg of my motion is that the Budget provides no proper policy basis for Commonwealth-State co-operation, and in support of that I need go no further than to refer honorable members to the two cases that I have just cited.

This Liberal State Government is constitutionally incapable of informing the Commonwealth Government of the level of participation which it expects to receive from it, just as the Federal Liberal Government is constitutionally incapable of informing the State Government of the degree of responsibility it proposes to -accept in critical areas. This situation bedevils the whole Budget. The Treasurer knows that he is $400 million short of his own objectives in relation to sewerage, and the Minister of Transport has not advanced and cannot advance any proposals for financing not only the Melbourne underground rail loop but the whole railway system.

I turn now to education in this State. The Opposition welcomes the additional funds which have been made available for education, but does the Minister of Education seriously say to the people of Victoria that an increase in the education allocation of $74 million will solve the pressing problems that exist? The honorable gentleman knows on his own estimate that the cost of solving the problems which beset education in inner-industrial areas will be close to $170 million. It is all very well to talk about maintaining existing levels of services in education, but the Opposition contends that present levels of services are profoundly unsatisfactory.

I do not propose to enlarge on the inadequacies of the Victorian education system; I shall deal only with the fiscal aspects of this Budget. My colleagues, whose responsibilities go more to departmental problems, will speak about that. I simply say that even the Minister of Education will admit that the additional funds which are being made available for education will do noth-

ing to solve the problems that bedevil education. The extra money will have no more effect than touching the tip of an iceberg.

Mr. THoMPsoN.-An amount of 45 per cent is a reasonable slice, is it not?

Mr. HOLDING.-It is, but that is not the argument. The question is: Given that slice, and adding it to the existing Budget allocation for ~ducation, is it sufficient to provide the level and quality of education which every Victorian citizen is entitled to expect for his children? The Minister of Education knows that the answer to the question is, "No".

Mr. THoMPsoN.-How would the Opposition do it?

Mr. HOLDING.-The Minister is entitled to ask that question. The answer, of course, is that, unlike the honorable gentleman, Opposition members have always believed that the Commonwealth has a responsibility for education. However we do not think that the responsibility should be expressed as a matter of political "payola " every three years just on election time.

We believe that the Commonwealth's involvement must be based on a thorough consideration of the educational needs of the State. The Commonwealth ought to accept full responsibility-as a Federal Labor Government will-for tertiary education and for teacher training. That can be done without affecting the autonomy of universities and it would represent a saving of approximately $45 million a year in State grants for the support of those institutions. The Minister-who will still be the Minister of Education for a short time after the election of a Federal Labor Government-should know that the saving will not involve any reduction in the flow of funds from the Commonwealth to the State for expenditure on primary, secondary and technical education. But if one asks the Minister to say, in terms of

634 Budget [ASSEMBLY.] . Debate.

his philosophy and that of the Government, on what basis the Government ought to be involved, the honorable gentleman cannot 'answer, whereas a Federal Labor Government has a continuing commitment based on an objective assessment of the needs of the educa tion system. That is the problem that is evident throughout this whole document.

Does anybody seriously believe that the increase in the allocation of approximately $6 million will solve the problems associated with mental health? What is the Minister's policy on the degree of responsibility that the Commonwealth Government must accept in the health field? In this field also there is no answer.

I turn now to deal briefly with a situation which is critical in Victoria and which the Budget does not even consider. I refer to members of the community who are living on the poverty line. One of the most pressing economic problems with which this State is confronted is the continual increases which are taking place in the costs of goods and services. Wage and salary earners, small farmers and those who live on superannuation benefits or small fixed incomes are continually struggling against increases in prices in this State. Traditionally, like its Federal counterpart, the Government has endeavoured to blame wage earners, who are the real victims of price increases, for increases in prices.

In the Budget, the Treasurer chooses to ignore the most important domestic economic issue which affects the real quality of life. In speaking of the quality of life, we are talking about an issue which strikes at the economic livelihood of every man, woman and child in the community. Hundreds of thousands of decent, honest Victorian citizens find that their dollar is shrinking in value. Of course, this does not come within the purview, ambit or the philosophy of the Treasurer or the Government. They do not believe that price increases are something

Mr. Holding.

with which the Government ought to interfere. It is so much easier to blame the wage and salary earner, the unionist, the person who is always the victim!

If the Budget were being presented by a Labor Party Government as an anti-inflationary measure, having regard to the needs of the economy of the State, a prices branch within the Consumer Protection Bureau would have been established. The main functions of the branch would be to fix prices or rates for goods and services, to examine all price rises in non-controlled goods, to supervise the prices provisions of legislation relating to unfair trade practices, to investigate complaints of, excessive charges for goods and services and complaints of misleading and unfair practices, and to undertake special investigations which ought to be undertaken by the Government on its 'own initiative. Members of the Opposition believe in the creation, at a State level, of a prices justification tribunal. Until such a tribunal is established in this State, the wage earners, the small farmers, and those on pensions and superannuation benefits will continually be held to ransom by sections of the oommunity who can raise prices whenever they so desire.

A prices tribunal has existed in South Australia for many years and it is interesting to note that even under a Liberal Party Government in that State the tribunal has continued to operate. One of the results of its operations is that, for many years, the cost of basic needs and commodities in South Australia has been lower than it has been in Victoria. Unless the Government and the Parliament are prepared to create a prices justification tribunal it will not be possible to solve the problems of inflation or come to grips with preserving the real living standards of the Victorian people. Unfortunately, when dealing with the quality of life, as with many other important issues, the Government . is not prepared to consider the question fully. If this Budget were being introduced by a

But:!get [27 SEPJ'EMBER, 1972.] Debate .. 635

Labor Party Government, one of the "first matters to be dealt with would be the creation of a prices justification tribunal to preserve the real living conditions of the Victorian community.

One of the criticisms of the Government stems from the fact that the Treasurer has grabbed a series of political concepts without thinking his way thr'Ough them. This is the first time in many years that Bills associated with the Budget have not been introduced while the Budget is under consideration. Parliament has not before it Bills dealing with the proposal to establish three new Ministries, the way in which pay-roll tax will operate, or the Government's tenpOint plan for decentralizati'On, because the Government has not thought its way through these proposals. Essentially, the Government is grabbing policy concepts, in many cases from the Labor Party, without thinking its way thl"ough the implications of those concepts. I have no objection to the Treasurer adopting the policies of the Labor Party, but he should take the lot and do the job properly instead of mucking around and picking eyes out of the Labor Party's policy and attempting to relate it to Liberal Party policy.

I do not intend to go through the implications of all aspects of the Budget, but shall concentrate on one particular area to show in a critical way that the Government has endeavoured to substitute a glib public relations exercise f'Or what should be policy. Of course, I refer to the major issue concerning every citizen of Victoria-regional development and decentralization. An examination of the statements which have been circulated publicly through the press and around the town by the new Minister for State Development and Decentralization, the Honorable Murray Byrne, M.L.C., reveals that there has never been such a hotch-potch of public relations nonsense involving a Minister who has been in the Ministry f'Or many years

and who has participated in decisions on existing Government policy concerning decentralization.

It is "common knowledge in this Chamber that, prior to the presentation of the Budget and the Speech of His Excellency the Governor, the emphasis in the Government's decentralization policies was based on the recommendations of the Decentralization Advisory Committee, which first came before Parliament as early as 1967. The Government chose Ballarat, Bendigo, Portland, Wodonga and the Moe-Traralgon complex as areas for accelerated development. Having chosen those areas and having set up local committees, the Government did not follow them up with any form of financial incentive to promote its own policy. Whichever area one viSits, the local development committee is full of complaints. Even within the department, there has been no growth and no adequate supply of funds on a permanent and continuing basis to provide for effective regional development.

Whenever criticisms of the Government's failure to provide the financial backing for its own policies were mounted by members of the Opposition and by members of the Country Party they were met with a clear assurance from back-bench members of the Government party, particularly those representing country areas, that everything was well. However, the population statistics prepared by the Government show that in a number of these areas, proportionally, the population growth is declining. This evidence has been before honorable members.

Until Parliament met this year, if one were to ask what was the Liberal Party policy on decentralization, members of the Government party would ram down the throats of unsuspecting citizens that the Government had a policy under which six centres were listed for accelerated development. In a very fashionable

636 Budget {ASSEMBLY.] Debate.

booklet with a green cover, honorable members now have Victoria's new ten-point policy on decentralization. I invite every ,member to examine the so-called ten-point programme on decentralization.

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-Does the honorable member know how many copies are available?

Mr. HOLDING.-If the Leader of the Country Party has not obtained a copy, obviously he is not on the list for public relations hand-outs by the Liberal Party.

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-That does not surprise me, but I am surprised that the Leader of the Opposition is on the list.

Mr. HOLDING.-I received my copy by devious means from a frustrated member of the Liberal Party.

Mr. B. J. EVANs.-What is the origin of the publication? Who issued it?

Mr. HOLDING.-It has been sent to every municipality, of course at the expense of the State, and it is a statement by the Honorable Murray Byrne, M.L.C., Minister for State Development and Decentralization.

Mr. B. J. EVANs.-What is the date of the document?

Mr. HOLDING. - September, 1972. If the Governme'nt had felt that it should be at least politically consistent, the document would have referred to the Government's previous policy, but I am wondering what has happ'ened to it. An examination of the document shows that it contains no reference to the previous policy.

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-The Minister states that he is comme:ncing it now.

Mr. HOLDING.-I realize that the Minister has his limitations. After all, when the honorable gentleman became Minister of Public Works he spoke of sinking ships which polluted our waterways. The Minister spoke like a comic-cuts admiral out of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. No doubt the tug boats Murray Porter and Henry Bolte would have mounted

guns and sailed down the bay, and heaven help any polluter! Under this new Minister it would not have been safe for any " wharfie " to use toilets on wharves and piers. The Minister has an extraordinary sense of public relations. This extraordinary Minister has issued two documentsfirstly, his ten-point policy, from which it must be presumed that the then existing policy would no longer continue.

Mr. Ross-EDwARDs.-There was none.

Mr. HOLDING.-I agree, but for many years the Government had at least kept up a public pretence and fa~ade and one would expect that in making a new stateme'nt it would see that the earlier policy was incorporated in it.

It is also interesting to note that at the time this green document was issued there was a news release similar to his " gunboat policy". Just as the Minister proposed t? sally forth on the waterways and smk polluters, 'now he proposes to transfer 500,000 people out of Melbourne by the turn of this century. The honorable gentleman is not going to keep people in country centres but will get 500,000 people out of th~ city and into the country. Certain G?v~rnme'nts, if they began now, wIthm a comparatively short period of time could keep many of the younger people now living in country areas in the country, and over a period even effectively transfer a number of people out of Melbourne to the country.

When one relates these policy concepts-I invite honorable members to listen to them--one finds that it is proposed to divide the State into regions each with a country centre capital city. Previously there were to have been five such areas, but now it seems likely that we shall have 50, together with several other centres designated as district headquarter !owns. Honorable members representmg country areas may be able to get


their areas listed as headquarter towns if they cannot have them designated as country centres.

The report states that Government administration will be further decentralized. Honorable members should note the word " further". This statement was made by a Government which built an elaborate research centre for the Fisheries and Wildlife Branch in Heidelberg. Not even the people living in Heidelberg believe there is much wildlife out there! The Minister of Education and his department have regional directors who do not know the extent of their powers. I t does not matter anyway because major policy decisions are made in Melbourne. The Minister for Social Welfare is still endeavouring to work out how he is going to regionalize his department. Into this maze the new Minister for State Development and Decentralization is going to add his public relation concepts withou.t having thought them through.

Then we are told that positive direct financial incentives will be provided for all decentralized industries throughout the State. Nothing could be clearer.

Mr. FORDHAM.-What are the incentives?

Mr. HOLDING.-I should like to know, because in the Budget speech the Treasurer seems to have omitted any reference to financial incentives. A sum of $1,982,280 has been allocated in the Estimates of Payments for the year ending 30th June, 1973, for development and decentralization. This figure includes a sum of $115,770 for immigration, which is interesting, but I fail to see why it should be included in development and decentralization if incentives for manufacturers are being considered. The Estimates also include a figure of $632,210 for industrial development. If honorable members examine these figures they

will find that a sum of $250,000 is included in the total of $1,982,280. It is for an historical projects fund. Historical projects are a good thing and it is also true that they employ a number of people in country towns, but it is dishonest to regard them as an exercise in attracting industry out of Melbourne and into country areas.

Mr. Ross-EDwARDs.-But the staff has to be doubled.

Mr. HOLDING.-I am coming to that point. There is to be an effective increase of $220,000 for personnel, but I invite honorable members to examine the figures for salaries and allowances for Administrative Division officers dealing with industrial development. The director is to receive $12,201. If ever a position in this State required a person of considerable capacity and awareness, and experience of the operation of business in this State, it is this appointment. The Government will be unable to obtain the services of such a man for a salary of $12,201. This is nonsense. To secure the sort of person with the managerial capacity and experience which they require, many organizations are offering salaries in the vicinity of $25,000 and $30,000 a year. What is required for this Government position is a man who is able to move in the industrial circles of this town and put real and effective business propositions to them.

I am in no way making a criticism of the particular gentleman who has the job; I do not know him and I have not met him. All I am saying is that if the Government is serious about industrial development, it must pay a salary commensurate with the position to obtain a man who understands the operations of business and who will be able to have real conversations with business interests in this town. The effective increase in the Industrial Development Fund is only $50,000. If one adds up all of those figures, one finds that the effective


increase in this allocation for the p'urpose of directly assisting the relocation of industry is $312,000. Given the need that exists in this State to provide effective decentralization, of course that is palpable nonsense.

It may well be argued by the Minister that the sum is in addition to the loans which will be advanced by the Rural Finance and Settlement Commission. In the year 1968-69, the sum of $32,000 was advanced to get industry out of Melbourne into country areas; in 1969-70, the amount was $806,000; and in 1970-71, the sum of $440,666 was advanced for this purpose. When one examines those figures, one realizes what this Government is involved in on this one item. That is the only reason I have chosen it. When one considers the statements which have been made by the new Minister for State Development and Decentralization and examines press releases about transferring 500,000 people to the country areas, the changes which are proposed in the department and the budgetary allocations which have been made for these purposes, one comes to the conclusion that if the Minister were the director of a company issuing a prospectus he would finish up in gaol because the budgetary proposals bear absolutely no relationship to the sort of promises which have been issued for and on behalf of the Minister and the Government.

I now proceed to the next portion of the amendment which alleges, in effect, that there is within this Budget no means for assisting the restoration of full employment in Victoria; there is no means of providing a framework for improving the standards of education, health, welfare and public transport; and what is more important there is no effective plan to provide for regional development. The Opposition and the Labor Party are committed firmly to the philosophy and the view that Melbourne's growth cannot be allowed to continue unrestricted. Restrictions must be imposed now on the growth of Melbourne just as the Government of

Mr. Holding.

South Australia had to impose restrictions on the growth of Adelaide, which is nowhere near the size of Melbourne. The South Australian Government has stated that the population of Adelaide will be limited and that it proposes to create satellite cities to get people out of Adelaide. A similar policy must be applied to Melbourne. There is no pattern within the framework of this Budget for such a policy to be implemented.

The amendment which I have moved contains fair and just criticisms of the Budget proposals. In fairness to the new Treasurer, he has stated that his first Budget is really a continuation of policies already put in process by his predecessor. But the purpose of any Budget must be to lay the financial basis for the successful operation of Government policies to meet the problems confronting the State-problems of growth, unemployment, the application of resources within' the public sector and stimulation of growth within the private sector.

What is dis'appointing is that the glib reference to "the quality of life" is meaningless in this Budget because it ignores the real life issues confronting Victoria. The glamour-of the new Leader mouthing concepts. which he has not understood, which he fails to define and, more importantly, fails to provide for financially, has helped to hide the very orthodox and consel"V'ative nature of this Budget document. The Budget does not meet the problems of the people of this State. It is the product of seventeen years bf gerrymander. It is the product of a party derelict of ideas and borrowing them from wherever it can in a desperate last bid for survival.

There is no way in which the new Premier and Treasurer can dress up a Government which is surviving as the 'result 'of a political gerrymander and back-room deals, just .as there is no way in which he. can change the basic fabric of the party which he .leads and which is manipulated by large financial interests which see

[27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Debate. 639

this State and its resources as an object of plunder and whose influence will limit any attempt by the Government to provide new fiscal institutions and new fiscal concepts for the State.

This Budget fails as a financial document because public relations concepts alone cannot substitute for the narrowness of the philosophy of the men who support it and the party which is incapable of taking this State and its people into the 1970s with any sense of vision and social purpose. The only honorable course open to members of this Chamber is to support the ,amendment I have moved.

The CHAIRMAN (Sir Edgar Tanner).-Order! I point out to members of the Comm,ittee that, in accordance with the practice of the Committee, in this debate honorable members will be speaking to both the original question 'Of the Budget and the amendment moved by the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the Country Party).-The Leader of the Opposition has moved a rather lengthy. 'amendment condemning the Budget. One either accepts the Budget 'Or· rejects it. On this occasion, the Country p.arty rejects the Budget .for the reasons which are summed up in the last few lines of the amendment moved by the Leader of the Opposition, that no effective plan is provided for regional development or to prevent the unrestricted growth of Melbourne at· the expense of the balanced development of the whole State. That is the major issue confronting Victoria, and members of the Country Party support the amendment on that basis. Various other matters ~ill be discussed in the course of the debate, but that is the major issue. .

Of course, this is the first Budget presented .by the new Premier and Treasurer and it follows seventeen Budgets-a rem1arkable record-presented by his predecessor, Sir Henry B.o~te. This Budget has been hailed

by the metropolitan press as paying attention to the quality of life. I can understand a person who lives in Melbourne and who is not worried about its future size supporting this Budget, but anyone who does not reside in Melbourne and who is concerned about its future size will not support it. It is appropriate that there are no increases in State taxes at this juncture. This was predictable. This is the third year of the Forty-fifth Parliament and this is the last Budget before an election. No increases in taxation were to be expected.

. The percentage of the funds allocated by the Budget to education rises from 43·4 to 44·8. This rise of 1·4 per cent represents a considerable increase in funds for education, which now accounts for virtually half of Budget expenditure. The Country Party applauds the announcement that composite fees will disappear. This is in keeping with the tradition in Australia that State education should be free. Composite fees were becoming a considerable burden on certain people in the community. In future the money will come from general revenue. Education represents the major item of Government expenditure. The expenditure is increasing in amount and, as I said a moment ago, it is also increasing as a percentage of the total Budget expenditure. From now on it will be under increasing scrutiny from the public.

I welcome the appointment of 900 ancillary staff who will occupy positions as librarians, laboratory assistants and clerical staff. The number of teachers will be increased by 2,500. I commend both of these measures. If they are aimed at reducing class sizes and relieving teachers of non-teaching duties, the next move by the department must be to ensure that the employment of ancillary staff will put teachers into class-rooms to teach more classes. If it does not have that effect, it is a waste of time to appoint


these 900 people. This is a vital point. The ·Government has a responsibility to ensure that teachers teach a reasonable number of periods in the school year of 40 weeks. All honorable members know of glaring -although perhaps isolated-instances of teachers teaching too few periods. The Government has a responsibility to investigate the position before some outside body decides to do so. The Government is in the best position to make an examination and should do so as a matter of urgency.

A highlight of the 'Budget speech was the indication that it costs at least $5 million a year to reduce the average class size by one pupil. That does not take into account the capital cost of class-rooms. This is a frightening figure. Perhaps we should ensure that the next reduction of one in the average class size should be brought about by teachers working more periods.

One of the severest criticisms of the Government which could be made over the years is the attention, or lack of it, given to mentally retarded and handicapped children. Every regional centre in the State should have facilities for the education of these unfortunate children. But for the service clubs in Victoria there would be a dismal outlook for many of them, even in major country centres. I know of several cases of families whose breadwinners have had to leave their jobs, sell their homes, and move their families to other centres, to enable their handicapped or mentally retarded children to receive the education which is so necessary. An example of Government neglect is the long delay in starting the training centre for retarded childre'n at Colac. The establishment of this centre was announced before the last elections, but it is only in the early stage of construction now. I shall say no more than that; the mere facts condemn the Government.

Mr. Ross-Edwards.

The income shown in this Budget is higher than it has been in previous years. This is due to various factors but the most important is the increased contribution by the Commonwealth to the State. Fortunately, the extra income is not completely nullified by inflation; there is a net gain.

As usual, the Leader of the Opposition, on behalf of his party, has put forward various proposals for increased expenditure in a multitude of fields. This can only come about if the income of the State continues to rise and inflationary trends are halted. The power of the State to stop inflationary trends is limited; they are fundamentally a Commonwealth responsibility. However, the State can help in one way, and that is by opposing the introduction of a 35-hour working week. If a 35-hour week were introduced in this State, the inflationary spiral would be quickened and there would be less real money to be spent on Government services. That is a statement of fact and there can be no argument about that. Interjectors may say, "What about increased technical productivity?" An argument can be based on that, but in the railways and tramways it would not help if the working week of every railwayman and every tramwayman were reduced by five hours. That would cost millions of dollars more each year.

The Opposition cannot have it both ways. If it is sincere in offering itself as an alternative Government, it will have to reconsider its stand on the reduction of the working week. It will have to weigh, on one side, the pressure which will be put upon it by the unions to reduce the working week and, on the other side, the financial needs of the State and the nation. There is already a wage spiral in this country, and a shorter working week would be a major inflationary factor.

The Leader of the Opposition-I think for the third consecutive year -has criticized the Government at


length on two scores. The first criticism is that the Government has not extended the activities of the State Insurance Offices, and the second is that the State Savings Bank remains a purely savings bank. On those scores, I support the Leader of the Opposition, but with certain reservations. Although he did not say it tonight, he has said on other occassions that if the activities of these institutions were expanded the Budget in Victoria would be helped. But the Government would not have more to spend. That would not be the effect. There would be two effects resulting from a widening of the scope of the State Insurance Offices. Firstly, a better service would be provided to the people of Victoria, and that is desirable. Secondly, there would be keener competition with overseas insurance companies to the benefit of the State. They are two important factors, and there is really no sound argument against widening the activities of the State Insurance Offices. On that score, I support the Leader of the Opposition.

The comments of the retiring general manager of the State Savings Bank confirm what the Leader of the Opposition has said about the bank for the last three years. He wanted the State Savings Bank to provide full banking services. The Commonwealth Bank is a newcomer to the general banking scene but today it is only a shade behind the Bank of New South Wales as the major bank in Australia. The Commonwealth Bank has reached that position in a compara tively short period. If the State Savings Bank entered the general banking field it would have a greater capacity to lend money to both primary and secondary industries. One problem, particularly for primary industry, is that the average farmer or industrialist does not bank with the State Savings Bank and when he not provide overdraft facilities. The farmer does not bank with the State Savings Bank so that when he wants finance the bank is not interested in him because he is not a

customer. I concede that the bank does make satisfactory loans to primary producers but the field is limited. The State Savings Bank must be permitted to operate as a general bank where it would have much wider scope. New South Wales has its Rural Bank which is carrying out a necessary function in that State. Honorable members grizzle about the Commonwealth Bank, but the Commonwealth Bank has made the State Savings Bank look foolish in the ba'nking field. Years ago the State Savings Bank conducted more business in Victoria than the Commonwealth Bank but now the Commonwealth Bank is the second largest bank in Australia and the State Savings Bank of Victoria is at the bottom of the so-called private banking institutions. That is the current situation and I support the argument advanced by the Leader of the Opposition on those two scores.

I endorse the proposal to grant a rebate of pay-roll tax to decentralized industries. The exact words, are " decentralized industries approved for the purpose". I do not know exactly what that means. Honorable members should remember that the operative word is "rebate" and not " exemption ". Is it to be a complete or a partial rebate? Is it in fact to be an exemption? Is it to be an across the board rebate to approved decentralized industries but applying only for the first few years of the operation of an industry or is it to apply to industries which are already decentralized industries, including industries such as sawmills? Sawmilling is a country industry which is not officially regarded as a decentralized industry. I do not know the answer because from the inquiries I had made up to a week ago, the decision had not been made. Perhaps it had been made but I was not to be told about it!

The Government should give consideration to other avenues of assistance to country industries and not stop at a pay-roll tax rebate. Last

~u4get [ASSEMBLY.] Debate.

year in the Legislative Council, the Country Party moved an amendment to one of the budgetary Bills-the Pay-roll Tax Bill-to the effect that it supported pay-roll tax exemptions. It also supported an Opposition amendment on the same subject. Ute Country Party also moved an ame'ndment that land tax should not be levied outside the Port Phillip area, but 'On that occasion the Country Party was not supported. I suggest to Opposition members that on this occasion they could well support the Country Party stand because not much revenue is obtained from land tax as primary producers do not pay it. If country industries were exempt from land tax it could be a tremendous help.

I come now to probate duty. I was disappointed that on the first scale covering widows and children under 21 years of age, the Government did not make a concession. If ever any one needs a concession. it is the widow who is left with children who are minors. It is ridiculous that probate duty is payable on an estate valued at $13,000 or $14,000, especially if the house is in the name of the deceased. One suggestion the Country Party makes to the Government as a practical idea to encourage people to go to the country is to give an additional probate duty exemption on the family matrimonial home if it is located in the country. This would be doing no more than what the Treasurer said at Ararat last Monday week in encouraging retired people to live in the country.

At present if a married couple conduct their affairs sensibly and wisely they can have the matrimonial home in joint names as joint tenants a'nd when the first one dies, subject to certain conditions, it is not assessed for probate duty. However, it does not always suit a married couple to have the matrimonial home in joint names. Sometimes the house is in the wife's name because superannuation payments are being made to the husba'nd.

Mr. Ross-Edwards.

It seems ridiculous to me that when the home is in one spouse's name probate duty is payable when that person dies but if it is in joint names and one person dies no probate duty is payable. As an encouragement to retired people to go to the country, the Country Party recommends for consideration by the Government the granting of additional probate duty concessions on matrimonial homes located in the country.

I refer now to decentralization. For the first time honorable members have heard the Government say something of substance about decentralization. This is encouraging and some of the proposed measures already mentioned will be helpful. I have already referred 'to pay-roll tax exemptions, which will help, as will the housing programme provided that it is carried out. I point out to the Treasurer that no provision has been made in the Housing Commission's building programme which was made public in the past few weeks for homes to be constructed in Hamilton or in Wangaratta where the~e is a waiting list of 70.

At Wodonga, out of 90 homes to be constructed 70 are to be allocated to Army personnel. In Shepparton there is a waiting list of 200, but it is planned to build ,only 40 homes. This is a retrograde step and instead of a delay of eighteen to nineteen months there will be a much 10'nger period of waiting. The Treasurer has made no promise, but he has stated that priority will be given to housing needs 'in country areas. My interpretation of that statementwhich I hope is right-is that the Housing Commission backlog' in country areas will be made up completely. That is what I have suggested to officers of the Housing Commission and I understand that they will be using their best endeavours to ensure that is done. The Treasurer has made that statement and I am sure that the honorable gentleman is sincere when he says that it will be done. Perhaps

Budget' [27 SEPTEMBER, 1972.] Debate. 643

there will be a' delay of a month or two in the commencement of the scheme but I hope' 'it will be soon.

, The new Minister for State Development and Decentralization has made two interesting statements. I know that I ,am retracing some of the ground already covered by the Leader of the Opposition but it is unavoidable. One of the Minister's statements I have heard and the other I have read. I was in the Hampden area a few nights ago. It is a very interesting area and it is one of the few areas in the State where the population is decreasing. The Minister appeared on television' while I was having supper and he made the statement, "We are now going to tackle decentralization. " That could be a reflection on his predecessor and on his Cabinet colleagues and the only interpretation that can be placed on the statement is that now is the time the Government is going to start.

Mr. WILKES.-" It's time."

Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.-Opposi-tion members ought to be careful in using that phrase because I have heard of a couple of good answers to it. The other statement attributed to the Minister for State Development and Decentralization was that the Government was going to move 500,000 people to the country areas by the year 2000. There are about 2·5 million people residing in Melbourne now. Does it mean that by the year' 2000 there will be 2 million people in Melbourne? It is an interesting question because if the present rate of growth continues there will be more than 5 million residing in the Melbourne area by the year 2000. Does the honorable gentleman mean more than 4·5 million people will reside in Melbourne or does he mean he will reduce the present population of 2·5 million' to 2 million? Really and truly Mr. Chairman, the statement the honorable gentlema'n made was optimistic and unrealistic and I say that on the basis that he has not got a budget. If the honorable gentleman had a budget and could do something

about it, then it would be interesting to 'ascertain the details, but without a budget he can do no more than his predecessor did.

The Minister for State Development and Decentralization has a budget of $2·3 million but included in that amount is a tourist grant of $450,000. Projects which were approved six years ago are about to come up to the top of the list of priorities. There has been a six-year delay and it is getting longer. I understand that urgent moves have been made within the past few days to try to close the gap a little by granting an extra $100,000 to be applied to tourism and that sum will be of some help. An amount of $250,000 is also included for historic and other projects. Provision is made for the reorganization and expansion' of the department, probably doubling or trebling its manpower, but that will not mean much in the process of getting industry from Melbourne to the country or, which is more to the point, of assisting country industries to expand.

I have no criticism of the energy of the Minister for State Development and Decentralization; he is keen to do well. I criticize the Government for giving the' portfolio to a junior Minister. The tragedy of Westernport would not have occurred if. a senior Minister had been in charge. The Government has fallen for the same trap again. When major country development is needed the Government should give the job to a senior Minister who can consult other Ministers and try to sort out the many problems involved. The New South Wales Government has a senior Minister in charge of decentralization in the person of the Honorable John Fuller, the Leader of the Government in the Upper House. That would be the policy of the Country Party and it shouJd be the practice adopted by any Government, whether it be a Liberal, a Labor or a coalition Government.


The Government should state the size it wants Melbourne to attain. Should it have a population of 3 million people, which would be a practical figure now? However, one can be sure that the population will grow to 5 million. The Government will have to state what it believes is the optimum. It will be a hard decisil()n to make and I do not envy the Government the task of making it. The record of the Government on decentralization is dismal, particularly within the electorate of Hampden, which was represented by the former Premier for 25 years. With the exception of Ararat to a small extent, the centres in that electorate have remained static or are losing popUlation. In the period between the taking of. the last two censuses people representing the equivalent of a major town of 8,000 or 10,000 people have moved out of Western Victoria. None have returned. The country areas have lost ground, particularly in Hampden.

The people of Victoria will not tolerate this state of affairs any longer and I forecast that in his policy speech in April or May of next year the Premier and Treasurer will propose measures designed to move industry from Melbourne to the country or to assist the country industries to expand. I also forecast that it will cost $5 million or $10 million to do this. I was not disappointed but I was shocked when this provision was not made in the Budget.

Mr. WILKES.-To whom will you give your preferences?

Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.-I am the only country member who has won his seat without the aid of preferences. Pay-roll tax concessions have been given because of the mounting pressure from country people. The over-all problem will be found only after a serious setback by the Government at the poll. If action is not taken, every Liberal Party seat in Victoria will be in jeopardyincluding Ballaarat North and

Ballaarat South. I have not talked wildly about money tonight. If funds are to be provided for decentralization people will ask from what source they will come. The answer is obvious; the same Budget would not be presented and the Government would have to start again from the beginning. There would have to be a cut-back in other directions. Funds could be diverted from the Melbourne underground rail loop. I am not against this project, but it is a question of priority.

Mr. HAMER.-It is borrowed money.

Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-That is so, but the Government has to pay the interest. Decentralization should have a higher priority than the Melbourne underground rail loop. As a group, the back-bench members of the Government party are guilty men. With their Cabinet colleagues they must share the blame for the failure of decentralization in the past seventeen years. They talk in their electorates, they are great fighters in the local press and on stage, but they do not fight for country interests in this House. If, as a group, they had fought in this Chamber for the country areas, this inactivity would not have occurred. When the time comes for their retirement, people will shake their heads and say that they have failed their electorates on the major problem facing Victoria.

I commend the Government for commencing the construction of the Dartmouth dam. This is a major step in the development of Victoria. It is appropriate that this dam will be commenced in a dry year because it will bring home to the people of Victoria, particularly those in the city, how necessary water is. When plenty of water is available, people speak in disparaging terms of waterworks, but in a dry year the need becomes much more obvious. The main purpose of the Dartmouth dam is not to increase irriga tion facilities to any extent, but to provide further electricity generating


power. Dartmouth dam will supply more water to Adelaide, which is increasing in size, and, more importantly, it will provide security to existing water users in the MurrayGoulburn system. This major project is hailed by the people who live in the Murray-Goulburn area.

Mention should be made of the Government's move to increase the superannuation benefits for retired public servants, teachers, and police or their widows. Retired persons in these categories have been the victims of inflation. They contributed to a superannuation scheme at the appropriate rate during their working lives, and through no fault of their own but because of the inflationary spiral the practical benefits they are receiving are not in proportion to their contributions of 5, 10, 15 or 20 years ago. It is only right that the Committee should support this proposal. An undertaking has been given that superannuation pensions will be reviewed from time to time, and that is only fair.

It was interesting that the influence of the new Premier could be seen in the Governor's Speech, but the influence of the former Premier could be seen in the Budget Papers. I suppose that was inevitable as the Budget documents must be prepared months before the Budget is brought down in Parliament.

The State has been fortunate in receiving the benefit of Commonwealth unemployment moneys and in this respect country districts have been the main beneficiaries. The Commonwealth assistance was, in effect, a type of subsidy.

Mr. WILKEs.-Short term, though.

Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.- I agree that its effect was short term, but the money was appreciated. It could be termed a subsidy provided by the Commonwealth with the State Government recelvmg the grateful thanks of the ratepayers of Victoria.

Session 1972.-24

Pressure is mounting in Victoria for action to be taken on decentralization. I propose to refer to two conferences on decentralization, namely, the Commonwealth Development Conference, held at Canberra towards the end of last year at which every State and the Commonwealth were represented, and the Young People's Conference held on 1st and 2nd July, 1972, at the Dallas Brooks Hall in East Melbourne organized by the Young Christian Workers and the Victorian Young Farmers. Not one member of the Government or the Opposition was present at either of the conferences.

Mr. HOLDING.-I sent a message.

Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.-I know the Leader of the Opposition sent a message, but no member of the Government or of the Opposition was present at either of those two important meetings.

Mr. TREZlsE.-There was no one from the Country Party at the 3BO talk-back programme.

Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-I was on the talk-back programme, but I do not go to Bendigo every time I get a call.

In tackling decentralization and developing the country areas of Victoria, the Government must face up to two aspects in a specific order of priority. Firstly, the existing centres must be built up. I do not refer solely to the big regional centres, but in any decentralization programme the existing worth-while centres of population must come first and foremost. Secondly, new cities must be built in Victoria. The Country Party gives an assurance that the existing centres will not be overlooked in some mad scheme to create a new city of half a million people. Action of this type will not provide the answer to Victoria's problems. The Federal Leader of the Opposition proposed two new cities, one half way between Canberra and Melbourne.

646 Adjournment. [ASSEMBL Y.] Adjournment.

and the other half way between Sydney and Brisbane. If the Country Party holds the balance of power following the next election--

Honorable members interjecting. The CHAIRMAN (Sir Edgar

Tanner}.-Order! Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS.-The Lab

our Party has been out of office for seventeen years.

Mr. WILKES.-Too long. Mr. ROSS-EDW ARDS.~It is a

long time. If the Country Party holds the balance of power after the next election, it will use its influence to introduce an effective scheme of decentralization in Victoria. The lack of an effective decentralization programme is the major problem facing Victoria today.

Progress was reported.

ADJOURNMENT. LAW DEPARTMENT: TITLE TO PRESTON

LAND-CONSERVATION: PRESERVATION OF TREES IN CITY OF KEILORPOLICE DEPARTMENT: TAKING OF KEYS FROM DRIVERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL: PORT FAIRY POLICE STATION-DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: DENTAL CLINIC FOR GEELONG-DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY: CONSUMER PROTECTION BUREAU-MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS: LAND AT EDEN PARK, WHITTLESEA.

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-1 move-

That the House, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, October 10, at half-past Three o'clock.

The motion was agreed to. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu

cation) .-:-1 move-That 't1,!e House do now adjourn.

Mr. KIRKWOOD {Preston}.-I wish to bring to the notice of the AttorneyGeneral a matter which is of deep concern to a family living in my electorate. In May of this year, the family completed the purchase of a block of land, but since then it has

not been able to obtain the title to the land. The family has approached their solicitor, and I have contacted solicitors, public accountants and banks on their behalf. The vendor from whom the land was purchased has since become bankrupt.

The family are the only ones who have suffered in the transaction; in fact, their home is now in jeopardy because it is leased only until Christmas. If' it had been possible to obtain the title, finance would have been available to them and the home could have been completed by the time the lease of the residence they now occupy expires. It is important that there should be humanity in the law, and I ask the Attorney-General to investigate the matter and to ensure that there are no similar occurences.

Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park}.-I direct the attention of the House to a matter which is of great concern to the Keilor City Council, which has made representations to me, and to all conservationists within the State. There is a stretch of the Calder Highway between what might be regarded as the railway bridge-where the highway crosses the loop line from Albion to Broadmeadows-and where at present highway construction is taking place near the township of Keilor. Duplication is taking place in that area, and the roadway will be raised in status to that of a freeway. On the site of the duplication there is a fine stand of sugar gums, and from communications between the Keilor council and the Country Roads Board it appears that these trees are to be removed. I ask the Government to ascertain whether the roadway can be realigned so that the trees may be preserved.

Mr. WILKES {Northcote}.-Can the Chief Secretary inform the House whether he has been correctly reported in this evening's edition of the He,rald as saying that he intends that the police should conduct a blitz on drivers . who drink, but that in this instance the p~lice wilr use preventive rather than punitiye methoos.

. ,... . .


If so, I associate myself with the honorable gentleman's attitude, for I have many times requested that the police should use the power to take the keys of drivers who, they suspect, are attempting to drive motor vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohoi. If the' newspaper report is true, I compliment the Chief Secretary on his action. The idea of using preventive rather . than punitive measures is to me a breath of fresh air In the approach to this problem.

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (P.ortland).-Will the Chief Secretary inform me when the cell block at Port Fairy police station will be completed, whether funds have been made available to complete it this year, or whether it will be like the Sydney Opera House and take half a century to complete?

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).I direct the attention of the Minister of Health to an article published in today's press stating that two dental clinics are to be established outside Melbourne-one in Traralgon ana one in Ballarat-and that they are to cost $30,000 to establish and the same amount to maintain. This is a matter of grave concern to the people of the City of Geelong. I ask the Minister of Health whether this statement is true and, if it is, on what basis the Government chose to ignore Geelong, which is the second largest city in Victoria and the focal point of the Western District of this State. For many years there has been a fully equipped dental surgery at the Geelong Hospital, and I point out that there are more people in Geelong than in the other two cities combined.

If a decision has been made to establish the clinics at Ballarat and Traralgon, it is obvious that there has been discrimination against Geelong. I ask the Minister to add Geelong to the list or, if he cannot do so, to grant Geelong the sum of $15,000 a year for the mainte~ance of the present surgery. If that cannot be done, I ask the honorable ~en~leman to ens,:!re that qeelong is

the first cab off the rank when the establishment of further clinics is ,being contempla.ted.

Mr. JONE~ .(Melbourne).-I direct the attention of' the Minister of Labour and Industry to an article entitled, "The 16 Volume 21 Record Routine," which appeared in the September 23-29 edition of Nation Review. It deals with techniques employed in the selling of a set of boOks on a door-to-door basis. Consolidated Promotional Enterprises, a firm selling a set of books produced by Grolier International, has representatives selling this set who are deliberately evading their responsibility to make the buyer aware of his right to terminate the contract. Further, the termination agreement specifies the time limit on termination as a period of five days, whereas the law quite clearly states the period as ten days. This appears to be a prima facie breach of sub-section (1) of section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act. .

The technique used is to hide from the purchaser the relevant sections of the contract relating to the right of termination. While the buyer is filling out his section of the contract the salesman fills in the schedule at the back of the purchaser's contract. and places it in an envelope instructing the buyer to put it away in a safe place. The salesmen acknowledge themselves that this is a deliberate attempt to fool the public, and keep them in ignorance of their rights under the law. This makes it impossible for the would-be purchaser to deny that he has received the notification in Schedule 1 of the Act, but on the other hand it has not been brought effectively to his attention.

Further, the representative claims that the books were produced as a result of ten years' research and an expenditure of $7 million especially for Australian conditions. The books are, in fact, written and produced in the United States of America and have no possible relevance to Australi~n conditions. The volume on


reading, writing and arithmetic, for instance, was written by a North Dakota housewife and teacher. Unsuspecting young people are being lured into the position of acting as representatives for the firm on similar false pretences.

I have been able to receive a collection of the sales manual documents which I would be pleased to pass to the Minister for his perusal. I ask the Minister to examine this information with a view to determining whether the valuable weapon of disclosure, which Ralph Nader described as the "currency of democracy," would be appropriate to ensure that intending purchasers are warned that the promotional material is misleading, and that under the Act they have ten days in which to repudiate these contracts.

Mr. FELL (Greensborough).-I draw the attention of the Minister for Local Government to a matter which concerns the purchase of 300 allotments in the area surrounding Eden Park which is near Whittlesea. The owners of the 300 allotments purchased the land through Broomhall Real Estate Pty. Ltd. of Whittlesea in the belief that they would be allowed to erect dwellings there. The Whittlesea Shire Council had an interim development orcfer which was current for two years and expired in 1971, and which permitted dwellings to be erected on these allotments. The planning section of the shire supplied information to many of these prospective purchasers indicating that a permit would be given for the erection of a home. Accordingly, these people purchased allotments only to find later that the Board of Works would not issue permits. A typical case concerns persons who on 28th February this year applied to the Board of Works for permits. The applications were supported by the Whittlesea Shire Council. In the meantime, the Board of Works had brought in an interim development order for the area and the applications were rejected by the board on

the ground that the granting of applications might prejudice the development of the area.

The problem is that the 300 allotment owners, each of whom has spent $3,000 in purchasing the land and many of whom have effected improvements-most of them are young couples about to embark on the colossal task of purchasing a home-find that they are stalemated and cannot obtain compensation.

In answer to question No. 180 on 19th September, the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government, set out the transitional policy of the Board of Works in the light of the board's experience. Paragraph (b) of sub-clause (3) of clause 3 of that policy reads-

. Where previous council ,approval had been gIven to a proposed plan of subdivision before the commencement date, the board will consider the application having regard to-

The location of the land and catchment boundaries;

The proposed zoning in Amending Planning Scheme No.3;

Any approved council planning schemes;

Any council comment; The degree of commitment by the

applicant. Surely, the Minister for Local Government should be able to take the first course of action and ensure that the dictatorial attitude of the Board of Works does not override the desires of these 300 landowners. The second course is a determination by the Minister or the Board of Works that these people are entitled to compensation because they can do nothing with the 2-acre allotments other than erect a house on them. If house building were allowed in the first place, surely the obvious course is to allow the people to continue with their plans. They cannot be frustrated any longer because they have no alternative or finance with which to build a home elsewhere.

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral) .-The honorable member for Preston referred to the difficulty

Attorney-General and [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Solicitor-General Bill. 649

experienced by one of his constituents in obtaining a title to land. No previous approach has been made to me or to the Law Department in the matter and I am not quite clear whether it is really a matter of Government administration or one for investigation by the Law Institute.

The .honorable member will appreciate that it is not practicable for me to investigate this matter without having .further details of the transaction and identification of the parties concerned. If the honorable member will furnish me with a letter setting out the details I shall have the matter investigated.

Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary). -I thank the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for his kindly remarks. Today I asked the Chief Commissioner of Police to pay special attention to that part of the problem of the road toll which involves the drinking driver. The request was based on a report that I received from the consultant surgeon to the Coroner which indicated that in more than 50 per cent of the autopsies carried out, the dead drivers had blood alcohol levels in excess of 100 milligrams a millilitre, which is twice the upper limit permitted by the law of this State. Some had up to eight times the permissible limit.

In my opinion concentration on drinking drivers in an effort to prevent them from driving vehicles will be a major factor in reducing the road toll in this State. However, the newspaper report indicated that I had asked the police to stand outside various sporting club premises and homes where private parties were being held and so on. That is an exaggeration. 1 merely asked the police to concentrate on the preventio'n of accidents by using their power to take possession of keys from drinking drivers and thereby, I hope, reduce the appalling toll brought about by drinking drivers.

The honorable member for Portland is interested in the cell block at the Port Fairy police station and I am happy to inform him that it will not take as long to build as the Sydney

Session 1972.-25

Opera House. I also assure him that when it is completed it will not re~ semble the Opera House in Sydney. However, from memory 1 am unable to indicate the precise date on which the work is likely to be undertaken. 1 will make inquiries and inform the honorable member.

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry) .-1 thank the honorable member for Melbourne for raising with me the subject that he has. The activities of the organization referred to were not known to me and 1 will certainly have the matter examined. 1 also thank the honorable mem~r for his legal advice.


The House adjourned at 10.18 p.m., until Tuesday, October 10.

Etgiuiatiut CltnuurU. Tuesday, October 10, 1972.

The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett) took the chair at 4.48 p.m., and read the prayer.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL AND SOUCITOR-GENERAL BILL.

This Bill was received from the Assembly and, on the motion of the Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government), was read a first time.

SUPREME COURT (JUDGES) BILL. This Bill was received from the

Assembly and, on the motion of the Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government), was read a first time.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION BILL.

This Bill was received from the Assembly and, on the motion of the Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) , was read a first time.

650 Questions [COUNCIL.] ., on Notice.

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. ' BENDIGO-COHUNA LINE.

, ,The Hon. M. A. CLARKE (Northern Province) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the Minister of Transport-

(a) What quantities of goods traffic have been carried on the Bendigo-Cohuna railway line in the past three years?

. (b) What were the main·· items carried, and what were the quantities in each case?

.. '(c) 'What revenue has heen reCeived from this-Une in the past three ,years, and which goods, items have contributed the compon-~nts Qf· this revenue? '

(d) What was the, extent ~f passenger traffic on this line over the past thr~ years?

(e) How many railway employees' are engaged upon the running and· maintenance of ~is Jme?

<f) What is the annual amount· paid in salaries and wages to these employees?

(g) Where do these employees reside?

The HOrl. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Governmellt) ~~The "answer supplied by the Minister' of Transport

COHUNA LINE:

Section Commodity

Hunter (576) " Manures .. Wheat Other

Diggora West .. Manures .. Wheat Wool

Sectional Total

Sockington (579) .. Manures .. Wool Beer Other

Sectional Total

Kotta (580) .. Manures .. Other

Roslymead (581) .. Manures .. Other

Patho (583) .. Manures .. Wool Other

Gunbower (585) .. Manures .. Wool Livestock .: Other

is detailed' arid inCludes a long schedule of statistics. 'I seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard without my reading it. . . Leave was granted, and the answer was cis follows:-',

(a), (b) and (c) figures for 1971-72 are not yet available. The revenue quoted is the total received from both inward. and Qutward goods for the whole journey. Details of the quantities, revenue and the main types of goods carried are set out in the attached statement. . (d) The Dumber of journeys and revenue

from tickets . sold at stations from Hunter to 'Cohuna jnclusive:- .

.Year ." Journeys Revenue $

1969-70 1,902 3,369 197()';"71 1,217 2,783 1971-72 1,614 2.,712

Statistic~. regarding inward -passenger traffic could be obtained only by lengthy and costly research.

(e) Twenty~four .. <f) Approximately $90,000. -(g) Elmore '

. . Lockington Gunbower Leitchville.. . Cohuna

GOODS TRAFFIC.

.1969-70

Tons Revenue

$ 590 2,104

3,815 24,730 4 56

. 354 1,290 5,837 37,942

12 124

10,612 66,246

6,806 26,727 106 1,150 156 1,352 629 .5,177

7~697 34,406

509 1,981 19 150

204 801

403 i,385 6 59 1 11

2,055 8,651 44 515

211 1,562 277 3,956

1970-71

Tons

472 3,756

7

217 .5,519

9

9,980

7,363 108 142 553

8,166

376 38

169 321

185 2 1

1,820 57

369 198

4. '5

.. 4 . 1 10

Revenue

$ 1,716

24,392 79

806 35,877

105

62,975

29,339 1,192 1,238 4,466

36,235

1,512 165

682 2,356

775 25 28

7,478 523

2,008 2,701

Questions [10 .(~STO~ER, 1972.] on Notice. 651

- :-1:":"Section

Leitcpville (586),

Cohuna (588)

Sectional Total

'LINE TOTAL

Co~modity

.. Manures Beer Other

.. Manures Briquettes Dairy produce Beer .. Cement (bag) Livestock .. Other

POLICE DEPARTMENT. HORSHAM POLICE STATION.

The Hon. C. A. MITCHELL (Western' Province) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the Chief Secretary-

(a) When will a new police station be 'erected in Horsham?

(b) Is the Government aware of the appalling conditions under which police are presently working in Horsham?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-The answer supplied by the Chief Secretary is-

(a) The erection of a new po'lice station at Horsham has been included in the Police Department's "forward look" works programme for buildings to be commenced during the 1973-74 financial year. However, the date of commencement of work on this building will depend on the availability of the necessary finance.

(b) The Government is fully aware of the unsatisfactory condition of the police station.

DENTAL SERVICES. DE~TAL CLINICS AT TRARALGON AND

BALLARAT.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Melbourne West Province) asked the Minister of Housing, for the Minister of Health-

Is it proposed to establish dental clinics in Traralgon and Ballarat; if so--(i) what will be their basis of operation; (ii) who will be eligible to receive treatment from these clinics; and (iii) when is it proposed such ,clinics will be 9perating?

196~70 1970-71

Tons Revenue Tons RevenUe

$ $

5,557 21,533 5,696 22,336 194 1,667 174 1,495 622 5,182 ' 774 6,957

3,712 16,536 3,803 17,130 70 528 72 550

1,704 11,621 781 4,497 546 4,287 181 1,384 737 3,628 995 5,080 701 3,824 547 1,689

1,752 18,895 1,188 15,853

19,324 ' 106,572 17,747 95,224

37,633 207,224 35,893 194,434

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Minister of Housing).-The answer supplied b~ the ~inister of Health is-

It is proposed to establish two dental clinics-one at Central Gippsland Hospital, Traralgon and one at Ballarat and District Base Hospital.

(i) They will be operating initially as pilot undertakings and will be staffed by dental surgeons on a sessional basis. After a trial period their operations will be reviewed.

(ii) Public and pensioner patients will be eligible to receIve dental treatment at these clinics. -

(iii) Both· clinics should be operational within a few weeks.

CHAIN LETTERS. AMERICAN ROULETTE SYSTEM.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Melbourne North Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of Labour and Industry-

(a) What action (if any) has the Minister of Labour and Industry taken in respect of a matter raised by me in this House on 12th September (Hansard, page 141) dealing with 'a chain letter organization?

(b) Will he refer this matter to the Crown Law Department and the Consumer Protection Bureau for investigation?

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) .-The answer supplied by the Minister of Labour and Industry is-

(a) No action has been taken by the Minister of Labour and Industry with respect to the chain letter organization to which the honorable member referred.

652 Questions [COUNCIL.] on Notice.

(b) I am informed that the Minister does not intend to cause this matter to be investigated further, 'as there appears to be no breach of the law involved.

MOTOR VEHICLES. ROADWORTHINESS.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta Galla Province) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the Chief Secretary-

(a) How many vehicles were checked for roadworthiness by members of the Police Force in the first six months of this year?

(b) How many of these vehicles were checked-(i) on highways; (ii) in car yards' and (iii) in parking areas-stating how many vehicles were found to be unroadworthy in each category, and how many were ordered to have repairs effected?

(c) How many motorists were required to present their vehicles for inspection, after being observed by members of the Police Force who were of the opinion that the vehicles were probably unroadworthy?

The ,Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for L~ca'l Government) .-The answer supplied by the Chief Secretary is-

(a) 107,641.

(b) The information is not readily available in the categories requested. However~ 6,347 motor vehicles were found to be unroadworthy and "notices to repair" were issued in respect of all these vehicles.

(c) Nil. Where a member of the force observes a vehicle which, in his opinion, may be unroadworthy, such vehicle is examined on the spot.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. TIMBOON HIGH SCHOOL.

The Hon. C. A. MITCHELL (Western Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of Education-

What action does the Government intend to take to provide private study facilities for senior students at the Timboon High School?

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) .-The answer supplied by the Minister of Education is-

It is not the practice of the department to provide special facilities for private study by senior students.

TEACHER TRAINING: SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta Galla Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of Education-

(a) What number of scholarships and bursaries will be available for teacher training in 1973?

(b) With the intake of t~achers from ov~rseas, will there be any easmg of scholarships and bursaries?

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) . - The ans:wer supplied by the Minister of Education is-

( a) (i) Bursaries: No bursaries will be available for

teacher training in 1973. They have been replaced by a $10 book allowance for all non-scholarship holders in forms V. and VI.

(ii) Studentships: Final decisions are being made at

present. There will be an increase in studentship awards, particularly for primary teachers.

(b) No. Studentship awards being made for 1973 are not related to present overseas recruitment as they will not produce teachers until 197&-77 wben a new increase in primary school populations will begin.

EDENHOPE HIGH SCHOOL.

The Hon. C. A. MITCHELL (Western Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of Education-

What action does the Government intend to take to appoint a typist to the staff of the Edenhope High School?


Budget funds have been provided to appoint an additional part time typist to Edenhope High School from the beginning of the 1973 school year. TEACHERS: RE-ENGAGEMENT AFTER

RETIREMENT.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY (Doutta Galla Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Mi'nister of Education-

In each of the years 1969, 1970 and 1971, how many retired teachers have been reengaged to teach or carry out administrative

Questions [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] on Notice. 653

duties in-(i) primary schools; (ii) secondary schools; (hi) technical schools; and (iv) the Education Department?


The. numbers of retired teachers who have been re-engaged to teach or carry out -administrative duties during years 1969-1971 with the three divisions are as follows :-

Primary Schools Division (i) and (iv) Year Teachers 1969 15 1970 11 1971 13

Secondary Schools Division Year 1969 1970 1971

Technical Schools Division Year 1969 1970 1971

Total 39

(ii) and (iv) Teachers

29 23 22

Total 74

(iii) and (iv) Teachers

6 14 9

Total 29

A significant proportion of these were employed on a part-time basis.

MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF

WORKS. BROOKLYN PUMPING STATION: FAECAL

SMELLS.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Melbourne West Province) asked the Minister for Local Government-

What actions are contemplated to stop the faecal smells emanating from the Brooklyn pumping station at night time?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-The answer is-

The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works in not aware of faecal smells emanating from the Brooklyn pumping station nor has it had any complaints made to it in this regard.

The Brooklyn pumping station is ina noxious trade area and board's 'Staff are aware from time to time of odours arising from nearby industry.

The station staff is arranging for the local health inspector to make further independent checks.

SUBDIVISION OF LAND.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Melbourne North Province) asked the Minister for Local Government-

In respect of Barton Invesltments Pty. Ltd. -(i) over the past six years how many applications for subdivision of land have been referred to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works for approval, information or 'comment, by that company 'Or by local authorities; (ii) what is the situation of the lands in question, and what municipal authorities are involved; and (iii) have any applications for other than subdivision of land been made by the company to the board; if so, what was the nature of these applications, and to whaJt land or property did they appertain?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-The answer is-

(i) Two applications-both of which were in accordance with the zoning which first appeared in the planning scheme in 1954, and which has at all times since remained unchanged-were referred by the City of Doncaster and Templestowe for comment by the board, which had no objection thereto. The first a 4-10t subdivision, the second a 2-10t subdivision involving one of those allotments.

(ii) Craig Road, Mitcham Hills, City of Doncaster and Templestowe.

(iii) No planning permits were required from the board in respect of e~ther of the above-mentioned subdivisiens as they complied with ;the zonings. As initially proposed, the 2-10t subdivision contained an additional ,area of 18.2 perches for carriage way and drainage purposes in respect of which a permit was required, but was refused by the board. The additional area was deleted frem the plan :as presented to the council for sealing anda'cquired by the board for public 'Open space for the sum of $100 plus $50 legal costs. An application to tap a board's water main for a trunk service to the l'and referred to above was lodged and granted, as was a considerably earlier application by a nearby owner.

I am advised that all matters referred to were dealt with in accordance with the board's normal policies and that, except in respect of those matters, there have been no applications whatever to lthe board by or on behalf of the company.

654 Questions lCOUNCIL.] on Notice.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ' .. ,' BUREAU.

'POiTER'tO INITIATE LEGAL ACTION.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Melbourne North Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of Labour and Industry-

. Will the Government consider giving" the .CQnsumer Protection Bureau power to initiate legal action on behalf of consumers, as is done in South Australia and Western Australia?

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization) .-The answer is-

The Minister of Labour and Indusltry informs me that he is aware that consumer protection legislation in South Australia and Western Australia does confer such a power on the consumer protection authority. However, no such action has yet been taken under the Western Australian legislation and no successfully 'Concluded acti'On has yet been taken under the South Australian legislati'On.

The Victorian G'Overnment ·at present d'Oes not intend Ito introduce legislation to a similar effect in this State; however, the experience 'Of the Sou th Australian and Western Australian legislation will be kept under 'attention.

DECENTRALIZATION. LOCATION OF POLICE DETECTION AID

COMPUTER.

The Hon. C. A. MITCHELL (Western Province) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the Chief Secretary-

Will the Government hon'Our i·ts promise concerning the establishment of Government institutions in country areas to boost development, by installing the proposed $1 million police detecti'On aid computer at Warrnambool?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-The answer supplied by the Chief Secretary is-

lit W'Ould not be practical to install the proposed police computer at such a great distance from police headquarters.

The computer installati'On proposed for the Police F'Orce is a real .time "on line" inquiry system which will provide access to all types of police informati'On in a matter of seconds. , Apart from the major problems 'Of pr'O

viding and maintaining the equipment :and obtaining suitable accomm'Odation and

skilled staff at Warrnambool, the cost of P.M.G. communications facilities· to the computer 'Over such a distance would be prohibitive, :and the large volume of inquiries on the system would delay response times. .

STONY CREEK. RECLAMATION OF BASIN.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT . (Melbourne West Province) asked the Minister of Housing, for the Minister of HeaIth-

(a) .What progress has been made in reclaiming that area of the Stony Creek basin east pf Hyde Street, Yarraville?

(b) When is it contemplated that the report on such reclamati'On will be available?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Minister of Housing).-The answer supplied by the Minister of Health is-

(0) The j'Oint committee comprising representatives of c'Ouncils and other authorities with an interest in the area has furnished a report to the Government arising fr'Om the estimate submitted by a consultant as the cost of the detailed site investigation which would f'Orm the basis of the design f'Or realignment of St'Ony. Creek through its estuary, together with the cost of undertaking the w'Ork.

(b) An alternative procedure is now being examined and it is expected that a decisi'On as t'O the method of site investigation t'O be used will be made within a few weeks.

LAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL. STUDIES AND REPORTS.

The Hon. C. A. MITCHELL (Western Province) asked the Minister of Housing, for the Minister for Conservation-

(QI) What areas of Victoria are to be studied and reported on by the Land C'Onservation Council?

(b) In what order of priorities will each area be studied?

(c) When is each individual area's report to be completed?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Minister of Housing) .-The answer supplied by the Minister for CO'nserva tion is-

(a) The Land Conservati'On Council will eventually carry out investigations and make recommendations on all public land in Victoria with the exception of that land which is within a city, t'Own 'Or b'Or'Ough, or land vested in a municipality or a sewerage auth'Ority within the meaning 'Of the Sewerage District Act 1958. The council has

Questions [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] . on Notice. 655

elivided the State into fourteen areas and many of .. these areas have been further divided into districts; for example the northeast area has been divided into five districts and the south-west area into two districts.

(b) . Priorities have only been set for certain ,areas. The Governor in Council has approved of the following order of prio rity :---:

1. Sout;h-West Area District 1. 2. North-East Area District 1 and 2. 3.' South Gippsland A:rea District 1. 4. Melbourne Area. 5. Mallee· Area. 6.' East Gippsland Area District 1. 7. East . Gippsland Area District 2. S. North-East Area District 3, 4 and 5. 9. Alpine Area.

TheSe areas were defined in the Victorian Government Gazette' No. 61 dated 30th January,. 1971. The council has not considered the· order of priorities. for. the other areas of the State.

(c) It is expected that the studies of the North-East Area District 1 and the South Gippsland Area District 1 will be available by the, end of this year. The study of the North .. East Area District 2 will be completed early next year and the studies of the Melbourne Area and the MaHee Area in the second half of 1973. It should be noted that the council's five research officers will be involved in the drafting of recommendations as to land use as well as the preparation of study area reports.

COUNTRY ROADS BOARD. PRINCES HIGHWAY: TRARALGON

INTERSECTION.

The Hon. R. W. MAY (Gippsland Province) asked the Minister for Local Government, for the Chief Secretary-

(a) What number of accidents are known to have occurred at the intersection of Princes Highway and Br.eed Street, Traralgon, during each of the past three years?

(b) Is this intersection regarded by the Country Roads Board as being a danger to human life?

(c)' Has the board carried out a survey; if not, will it do so, with a view to the installation of traffic lights as a means of reducing the number of accidents?

The .-.on. A. J. HUNT (Minister for Local Government). - The answer supplied by the Chief Secretary is

(a) The numbers of accidents reported to the Police Department were:

1969 3 1970 2 1971 1

(b) No, -except to the extent any intersection is a' danger.

(c) In April, 1972, a traffic survey was carried out by the board but the volume of traffic then did not warrant the installation of traffic control lights.

STATE RIVERS AND WATER . SUPPLY COMMISSION.

SWAN HILL RIVER FLATS Dl{AINAGE PROjECT. ..,

. The Hon. B. P. DUNN '(NorthWestern Province) asked the Minister for State Development and Decentralization, for the Minister of . Water Supply~' .

(a) Why have funds from the S'tate Rivers and Water Supply Commission's works and services capital accoun t, for the Swan Hill river, flats drainage project been reduced below the expected level this financial year?

(b) Were funds~ ~hich could have been used for rural water works, diverted to urban development or to the, Westernport region?

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE (Minister for State Development and Decentralization). - The answer supplied by the Minister of Water Supply is-

(a) Works and Services funds allocated in 1972-73 on the Swan Hill flats drainage scheme, compared with the expenditure for 1971-72 are as follows:-

Swan Hill Flats Drainage. Works and services expenditure 1971-72-

$61,000. Works and services allocation 1972-73-

$54,000. It is hoped that the 1972-73 allocation will

be substantially supplemented by Commonwealth rural employment grants.

(b) Expenditure during 1971-72 and allocations during 1972-73 from the Works and Services account are as follows:-

Irrigation Rural Domestic and Stock Supplies, Flood Protection and Drainage.

Works and services expenditure 1971-72-$7·969 million.

Works and services allocation 1972-73-$6·234 million.

Country Town Water Supplies including Westernport Development.

Works and services expenditure 1971-72-· $9·65 million.

Works and services allocation 1972-73-$10·596 million.

656 Pollution. [COUNCIL.] Pollution.

'RURAL F1NANCE AND SETTLEMENT COMMISSION.

DEBT RECONSTRUCTION AND FARM BUILD-UP SCHEMES.

The Hon. F. J. GRANTER (Bendigo Province) asked the Minister of Agriculture, for the Treasurer-

(a) How many applications have been received by the Rural Finance and Settlement Commissic;m for rural reconstruction under debt reconstruction and farm build-up respectively?

(b) What amounts have been lent in each category?

(c) What are the total sums provided by the Commonwealth Government?

(d) Will further funds be made available by the Commonwealth Government in order that further applications may be processed?

Sir GILBERT CHANDLER (Minister of Agriculture) .-The answer supplied by the Premier and Treasurer is-

(a) The Rural Finance and Settlement Commission has received the following applications to date:-

(i) Debt reconstruction .. . (ii) Farm build-up

(b) Loans approved to date total(i) Debt reconstruction

2593 594

3187

671 caRes involving $17,416,550 (ii) Farm build-up

224 cases involving $5,248,200

895 cases involving $22,664,750

(c) $4· 5 million has been expended from balances held in the Rural Rehabilitation Fund from the pre-war farmers debts adjustment scheme. The Commonwealth Government provided $8· 5 million for the purposes of the rural reconstruction scheme in the 1971-72 financial year and this year it is estimated that a further $13·57 million will be provided. Victoria has been authorized to commit in 1972-73 for expenditure in 1973-74 an additional asset of $3·3 million.

(d) The scheme is to be reviewed by the Commonwealth and the States early in 1973 and the question of further funds will be an important part of the review.

POLLUTION. ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT DE-

PARTMENTS AND INSTRUMENTALITIES.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Melbourne North Province) .-1 wish to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing the cynicism and hyprocrisy of the Government in that, whilst continuing to pay lip service to the cause of antipollution, it continues to permit its departments and instrumentalities to contaminate waters and endanger health in and around the State of Victoria.

Approval of the proposed discussion was indicated by the required number of members rising in their places, as specified in Standing Order No. 53.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY (Melbourne North Province) .-With great zeal the Government and its Ministers announced that the Yarra River had been saved, its beauty restored and its waters made clean. It is my sad duty to tell the .House that these claims are false.

Sir GILBERT CHANDLER.-Where was that said?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I will have the reference looked up. The memory of the Government concerning these matters is very short. I propose to show the House where that statement was made and to refresh the memory of honorable members on that proposition.

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE.-It is a supposition.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-The proposition which the honorable gentleman makes is a supposition. The people are being misled by false claims made by the Government on anti-pollution measures in Victoria. Just north of the Burke Road bridge beside Ivanhoe is the area of North Balwyn. There, adjacent to .the Yarra River, the Government and its instrumentalities have created a vast scene of despoliation and destruction

Pollution. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Pollution. 657

which can never be effaced. More than 100 acres of natural area have been erased forever and the Yarra River has been fed with contaminated water from the garbage in nearby tips. No doubt the Minister will tell the House that the Government really did not appreciate what was going on; that it did not intend in the first place to put a freeway right up to the edge 'Of the water or 'a garbage tip so close to the water. If that is the case the Government has been sleepwalking.

I shall give the House some facts which are relevant to the discussion. On 16th April, 1971, the State Development Committee presented to Parliament its progress report on the disposal of garbage. Honorable members should note the date-it was more than a year ago. The report contained a number of recommendations. Recommendation No. 24 is in the following terms:-

That the practice of siting refuse disposal depots on flood plains,-

that includes the area I am speaking of-which are of significance in so far as flood control is concerned, be discontinued.

The Minister for Local Government and the honorable gentleman representing the Minister of Health should please take note. Recommendation No. 22 was in these terms-

That legislation be enacted, requiring the Commission of Public Health to refer proposals to establish refuse disposal sites to the appropriate water supply authorities servicing' the particular areas in which the proposed depots are to be established.

The committee recalled on page 11 of its report a growing realization of the mounting waste disposal problems, and of the need to evaluate present' and future requirements on a State-wide basis, and that this had led to the former Premier, Sir Henry Bolte, referring the whole matter to the committee for investigation and report. I commend the committee for its report, but I shall deal only with certain aspects of it which' are

relevant to the matter now under discussion. Sub-section (1) of section 49A of the Health Act provides-

The council of any municipality shall not establish any depot for the disposal of refuse rubbish or night-soil or for the changing of pans without the consent in writing of the commission.

Sub-section (2) describes the procedure for making an application in writing to the Commission of Public Health, so that the commission shall have all the necessary material before it either rejects or accepts the application. What did the Government do in the face of the rEcommendations contained in the progress report and an Act of Parliament? It was not slow to retaliate. In April of this year the Camberwell council was granted a ·permi t to establish a garbage tip on a public open spaced reservation-that is how it is designated in the planning schem~onsiderably less than 200 yards from the stream of the y.arra. The tip also adjoins residential zone " C ", and is located between the residential area, bounded by the Boulevard and another street, on the one side, and the river on the other side. Soon the freew·ay will be running through the area.

Despite the fact that the land was zoned as reserved open space under the planning scheme, the Minister for Local Government, with a logic that ill-becomes him, granted the permit. The Camberwell council applied to the Commission of Public Health to operate a tip, which the report to P.arliament states ought not to be sited near water. Two other obstacles exist-the residential area nearby, and the fact that the land was zoned as reserved open' space. This antipollutant Government considers that it is 'a proper. use of reserved open space to put a tip in Yarra Park,. the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or anywhere for that matter, provided that the ,consent of the Minister of Health has been obtained. I know. these facts will not be popular. I am stating only facts; I will comment on them later.

, Pollution. , [COUNCJL.] Pollution;

The tip and the stagnant pools of water have become a public nuisance. A foul mixture of decomposing household garbage, which includes

. drugs that are no longer used, all types of medicines, solvents and toxic 'materials, is being pumped from the tip into the adjacent Yarra River, less than 200 yards away; thereby causing pollution to the river. . Anticipating that there might be a temporary loss of memory on the part of the Government I have taken the precaution of bringing with me some photographs.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-Is there a photograph of the tip at the Mel

'bourne Cricket Ground to which you referred?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Not yet. I am glad the honorable gentle'man is taking the proposal s'eriously. 'I referred to 'a proposal to put a tip at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and doubtless the Government would argue that it could be covered up later.

The Hon. H. M. HAMILTON.-Who has proposed a tip there?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-No ,one, ,but it would not be beyond the resources of the Government, having regard to what has happened, to the Yatra River. . . I produce a photograph tak~n on 7th September, 1972, .showing the 'dumping, of garbage into the water contnlr:y to item 10 of regulation 36 in Schedule 4 of the General Sanitary Regulations under, the Health Act proclaimed in J,95.o. For the inform.ation of honorable members~, who may 'not be as familiar with these regulations as I have, become in the past few days, I point out' that regu-)ation 10 provides-:- '

Refuse shall not be dePosited in water 'without'special approval of the commission. A number of other desirable regulations are prescribed to ensure that a

"tip shall be made as inoffensive as "possible. '

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Does ,the regulation deal with rivers, pools . ,and creeks, or does it deal with puddles that are 200 yards away?' ..

The Hon. J.W. GALBALLY.~No, I see nothing, in that regulation regarding the pOint raised by', Mr. ,Campbell. I' am sorry that I cannot ,be of assistance to his cause., The photograph taken on 7th September shows the garbage and the water.

Sir GILBERT CHANDLER.-Where was li? '

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-The photograph relates to the site in the Yarra River to which' I. have been referring.

The Hon. MURRAY BYRNE.-Who is the person in the photograph? It is a photograph of someone dumping something.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALL Y.-In the photograph part of the rubbish tip and the refuse may be seen. The name of the gentleman who took the photograph, the date on which it was taken, and the name of the gentleman by whom it was sighted are endorsed on the back. He' was a public servant and Ido not propose to mention his name because he, cannot answer' for himself in this., HouSe.

The Hon. C. A. M. HmER.-Are you referring to· the Camberwell City Council's, tip? '

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.---Did I not say that honorable. members were sleep-walking?,

The Hon. C. A. M. HIDER.~Are you referring' to a council tiP or 'a legal. .or illegal tip? 'The 'Hon. 'J. W. GALBALLY.~The

CaniJ?erwell council obtaiped ,a 'per-'mit' both from the Commission ,of Public :'Health and ,the Minister,. :for Local Government to operate the .tip .in the, Yarr~.' .V~lley. , ... , ,

The Hon. C.' A. M. HIDER.-Is that the tip to which, you are referring?

The Hon. J.W. GALBALLY.~Yes. I am sorry I cannot offer as .a solution to the honorable member"s problems that the photographs have been taken of the wrong tip. The, photograph in question, taken on 7th September, 1972, shows rubbish being dumped into water contrary toregu-lation 10. . ,

Pollution [10 OCTOBER,' 1972.] , Pollution. 659

The'Hon: W. M. CAMPBELL.-How many yards from the river would this be?-

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-It is less than 300 yards.

The Hon. W. V. HOUGHToN.-Was it raining at the time?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I was not there at the time. The regulations under the Health Act provide that refuse may not be dumped into 'Yater, because the water which escapes is contaminated a'nd is a hazard to health. '

Another photograph which I display was taken on 14th September, 1972. Again it' was sighted by the gentleman to whom I previously referred, and shows rubbish being dumped into water~' The area in question, including the houses in the background, can be clearly seen. That is not alL A further photograph, taken. on 11th September, 1972, shows the foul water from the decomposing garbage which is, being pumped on to the open· space reservation adjoining the River Yarra and then finding its way into, the river. In the photograph can be seen the water and the side of the quarry. On close inspection the contaminated water can be seen coming out of the tip.

The Hon. H. M. HAMILTON . ..:...Are you referring to a quarry?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I am sorry, it. is a tip. It is like a big quarry hole, but it is not a quarry. It was made by, excavation of the river soil. A, further photograph, taken from a priva te property on the Boulevard, shows garbage being dumped within 10 yards of that property. . The ,Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Do

you have a photograph of the other Camberwell tip which was on the Yarra River? I refer to the one where the golf 'course is located.

The Hon. J.W. GALBALLY.-The tip to which Mr. Campbell refers was filled in, but it has recently been excavated.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-But have' you taken photographs of the golf course?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I have not taken any photographs. The photograph which I now display shows contaminated papers which have blown on to the fences of private residences. A further photograph shows how the tip was created by the removal of many thousands of yards of top soil. I hand the photographs to which I have referred to the Clerk for the information of honorable members. .

In passing, I mention the daily noise, dust, flies and the stagnant disease-harbouring dams of contami..: nated water suffered by the persons who reside in adjoining properties~ Before their privacy was invaded by the tip, these residents enjoyed pleasant outlooks over the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley. .The householders were there before the tip was established. It cannot there..: fore be said that they bought', the land and built th~ir homes knowing that this unsightly tip was there. Of course, to the Government the rights of citizens are not important.

It is well known that contaminated water is a source of hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, gastric and other diseases, and that contaminated water from a garbage tip is a grave danger to health~ In this area there have been a number of stagnant pools of contaminated water which has eventually found its way, of course, into the Yarra River~ Naturally there have been complaints and also naturally they have been ignored. One can see the levity with which this subject has been greeted in the House tonight. '

In short, despite the amusement that has been created, may I spare a thought for the citizen today in his efforts to come to terms with the vast bureaucracy that is known as the Government, and the men who sit behind the Government in this House. They have become reconciled to the individual becoming irrelevant to his surroundings, but I beg leave to mention his plight and pardon for so doing.


In view of the way that this matter has been received by the House, I realize that it would be a waste of time referring to breaches of the regulations· under the Health Act. I have cited one of them, but I have them all here. The regulations prescribe stringent precautions, but I can see that the House is not interested in them.

I refer also to the covenant on the title itself. The land was acquired, I think in 1925, by the Camberwell City Council and it is subject to one of those well-known covenants forbidding the taking of soil from the land. I know that covenants of this nature are not enforced at law, but I pay tribute to the people who said they were not going to have this land torn up and scored. There was a covenant on the title but one could not expect the Government or any of its instrumentalities to feel bound by that.

At page 4 of the planning scheme ordinance, extractive industry, which requires a permit, is listed as including the extraction of sand, gravel, clay, turf, soil and so on from the land. Was a permit given for this? My question is met with silence. At page 8, an offensive industry is stated to mean any business or industry which by reason of the process involved or the method of manufacture and so on causes effluvia, fumes, and gases, or discharges dust, foul liquid and so on, so as to be injurious revolting or disgusting to persons on neighbouring land in other occupations.

The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett).-I do not think the removal of the earth would come within the purview of· the motion unless a permit for it ·had been granted by a Government department.

The Hop..· J. ·W. GALBALLY.Thank you for your. help, S.ir. In my re'searches; I. have seen no evidence of a permit having' been granted.

The PRESIDENT.-I do not think that it is a matter of criticism of a Government.

The-Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-But it would seem to me that the operation is unlawful and the Government, as a Government of law and order, ought to enforce the law. The law makes no distinction between persons, so we are told, and it would seem, on the face of it anyhow, that the Camberwell council has no more right to break the law than anybody else in the community. I make that point.

The PRESIDENT.-It is a question of the council there and not a Government department; that is the point I make.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Of course, a Government department issues a permit but the Camberwell council is the applicant. Therefore, the responsibility is fairly and squarely upon the Government. What has been the result of all this? It is a refusal by the Government to accept the law of the land, because that is what has been broken. What was an area of natural beauty has been turned into a desert. The Yarra Valley is an area of natural beauty. Low-lying land is Nature's way of handling flooding. The build-up of the natural areas which were evolved by Nature for protection causes interference farther upstream with the result that there will be flooding at that place or farther downstream.

It may be said that the Board of Works will replace some holes that it took from a golf course. As I understand the law as expressed in the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act, the Board of Works has no power to take a golf course. I 'thought we resolved that last year with the Yarra Bend Park. Therefore, it is of no comfort to me and should not be to the House to learn that in doing what it is doing the board is now to make good the mischief by using some top soil from areas that might be expected to' flood once or twice a year and turning them into a golf course. This does not apply to the Kew, Greenacres, or La


Trobe golf courses. None of them have had to resort to building up the land adjacent to the banks of the stream.

This land was intended under the planning scheme to remain as an area of natural beauty. Instead, it is acquiring a freeway and a garbage tip, the one to pollute the air and the other to pollute the water. Theodore Roosevelt was a magnificent conservationist. When he first saw the Grand Canyon in 1903 he said, CI Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it". In my youth and yours, Mr. President, we saw the Yarra Valley perhaps not in its primeval beauty, but beautiful none the less and relatively undisturbed by' man, envi-' ronment's greatest marauder. Today much of the valley has been destroyed but some of it could still be saved.

I echo the words of Roosevelt, "Leave it as it is; not so much for ourselves but for generations yet unborn." What the Government is doing to the Yarra Valley is damnable. Furthermore, it is a dangerous thing which the Government is doing by allowing the pollution of our. streams throughout Victoria contrary, I believe, to the law of the land. My colleagues will comment on these.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE (Minister of Housing) .-Mr. Galbally concluded his remarks by saying that he would leave further comments on this motion to his colleagues. The motion is so wide in its terms that I will also have to leave much of what can be said to my learned colleagues. I intend to comment only on certain aspects of the motion, which reads-. . . the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Government in that, whilst continuing to pay lip service to the cause of anti-pollution, it continues to permit its departments and instrumentalities to contaminate waters and endanger health in and around the State of Victoria. The two most important words in the motion are "endanger health". In addressing himself to the subject, Mr. Galbally has almost confined his remarks to one particular matter concerning a garbage tip in an area abutting the municipality of Camberwell

where the run-off from garbage, when it is wetted, will find its way into the Yarra River and therefore contribute to the pollution that we already know exists in the area. It is unfortunate that this happens but I suppose an honorable members could relate innumerable instances where this type of thing is happening throughout the length and breadth of Victoria.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-That would not be hard.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-I agree.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY.-What is the Government doing about it?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-If Mr. Eddy will give me a few minutes, I shall let him know what we are doing about it.

The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-YOU have had seventeen years.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-No, we have not. In 1969, when I was Minister of Health, I was leaving to go overseas and the press asked me why was the Minister of Health going overseas when he had said that the health and hospital services in Victoria were so wonderful. I told the press that I was going to look into pollution measures that had been undertaken in other countries and to see how the Government could institute similar action in Victoria. In May, 1969, I said, as a 'Minister of the Crown, .that I was going to look at these various things and my comments did not warrant one line in the newspapers because the problems of the environment and pollution prior to May, 1969 were not the in thing. The community was not giving them any thought whatsoever.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-That is wrong.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-It is not.' In June, 1969, President Nixon made an announcement that he would make available many billions of dollars to local government in the

662 " Poilution. , [COUNCIL:] Pollution.

United Sta:tes of' America so that they could do something about treating the raw sewage that was flowing into the Missouri, the Mississippi and many other great river systems in that country. Suddenly, all nations started to look around and asked themselves if this situation existed in the United States of America what was happening in their own countries?

Admittedly, the Victorian Government had been giving this type of thing some consideration but, as recently as 1969, I do not think it really attracted the attention of the people and the Government to the extent that it should have. , , The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I am glad that we have that, admission.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-It is not an admission, it is an accepted fact. Throughout the length ,and: breadth of Australia today, do not let us forget, there are State Governments of every political colour. Prior to 1969 and even up to now, none of them has done what has 'been done in Victoria on the problems of the environmerit and pollution control. The motion uses the 'words "the cYnicism and hyPocrisy or the Government, whilst continuing to pay 'lip service to the cause' of anti-pollution ". If ever a Government, not only within Australia, but anywhere in the world, has accepted its~ responsibilities' in this field over the past three years, it is most certainly the Government of Victoria. In June of this year I ,was fortunate to attend, a ,world conference on the environment, sponsored by the United Nations Organi':' zation, in Stockholm. One hundred and twenty-two countries were involved and I should say that ViCtoria has done' more to control 'pollution than most of those 122 countries. Each one of the countries is interested in what Victoria is doing. That is a proud statement which I can make. Victoria was first into the arena for the control of the environment with its' Environment Protection Act. That legislation has set the pattern for .all other States of Australia.

: The Hon. 'J. W. GALBALLY.-The A~t has, not been proclaimed yet.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.--:"Mr. Galbally spoke of the levity with which he suggested the Government regarded this motion. As yet, I have not noticed him stop laughing. Initially, it was necessary to set up the Environment Protection Authority. It must be 'remembered that this is something new in the world. I t is extrem,ely difficult to oqtain the right type of men to administer this important legislat~on. They are just not about today. Let there be no doubt about that. Whereas the Government had hoped that it would have ha9 the Environment Protection Act and all its provisions off the ground, twelve months ago, that was not possible because of the need to obtain qualified officers to administer the various provisions of the Act relating to pollution of the atmosphere, of soil, of water, by noise, and all other forms of pollution. The Government advertised for these men throughout the world. Mr. Jack Fraser, who was the architect of that legislation, did a magnificent job. No one would have been more pleased than he to have seen all provisions of the 'Environment Protection Act proclaimed and in operation prior to his' rec'ent departure.

,The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Why has the Act not been proclaimed?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-Of course the Government could have proclaimed the Act but it was first necessary to provide the mach~nery within the Environment Protection Authority to undertake the gigantic tasks necessary. The Government decided"that, despite all the criticism that wquld be forthcoming, it would ,not proclaim the Act until the end of this year. . The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-Whata Christmas present! , The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-What is thereabout the Act which would make it a dreadful Christmas present? The Act will be pro'claimed this year because the Environment Protection

Pollution. [10 OCTO~~R, 1972.] Pollution.

Auth9rity and the Environment Protection Council and the machinery for administering the Act have been established. One of the most import:ant provisions of the Act states that policies will be enunciated for various parts of Victoria. Many of these policies have already been enunciated. For the control of pollution, the most important provision relates to the licensing of industry. This will require a large staff to assess what should be the entitlement of each industry to emit smoke from a

. chimney stack or to dispose of effluent through some unseen underground sewer. One of the problems with effluent is that it cannot be seen as smoke can be seen. An assessment of the allowable noise and allowable odours will be necessary. I repeat that there are gigantic tasks to be performed. Yet the Labor Party and the Country Party ask why the Act was not proclaimed twelve months ago. The worst thing which could have been done was to enter this field unprepared. Now, when it enters the field, the Government will have the machinery to make sure that all the provisions of the Act can -be implemented.

Of cpurse problems of pollution can be' ·cited. They are everywhere, not only in Victoria and other States of Australia, but' in every country of the world. Mr. Galbally stated that the Government was saying that the Yarra River is clean. I cannot recall anyone ever having said that or such

'a statement having been print-ed. I· should like Mr. GalbaUy to· produc~ a pre,ss statement from the Government or a statement by any person stating th~t it has been said~

Let it be clear' that the Yarra River will not be deaned up overnIght.· The Government has a most efficient 'officer working on this problem in the person of Mr. Colin Porter, who contributed much to what was done 'in the River Thames. We have heard it said, cc If only they would do with the Yarra

. what was, done . with the ~Thames, that would do." I was in England this year. aJ;ld I Ill:ade a' persoJ?,al. inspection

of the Thames. Enormous progress has. been made and there is talk about fish being caught at the Tower of London. I have doubts about that because the Thames is still a sooty and messy old river. .

All of these things will take time. It is hoped that within a decade the Yarra' will flow much cleaner than it does today, that the smoke and pollution we see in the atmosphere over Melbourne will start to clear, and that noise and all other types of pollution will be reduced. But, if it has taken a century to create these pollution problems in our community, surely it is reasonable to' give the Government at least a deCade to clean them up. The machinery now exists for that to be done. The Government makes no apology for .what it is doing. It has not paid cc lip service" only to the anti-pollution cause. That is a lot of eyewash...

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLy . ...;..-What about the spe~ific in~tanc'es· I gave?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-J agree with Mr. Galbally that there are many problems .. The Environment Protection Authority will have the responsibility .of administering the policies to control the disposal of garbage. Admittedly there was a report on garbage disposal by the State Development Committee. Admittedly there is a report on drainage problems by an' all-party committee. These' are the very reasons for the establishment of the Environment Protection' Authority. Machinery had to be provided to control the disposal of garbage in municipalities not only in the metropolis but throughout Victoria. The problem is enormous.

. '.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.~The Government thinks there- is no problem if it is put near a river.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-There is a problem wherever it is put because the health of the community can be affected. The most important words in the motion are cc endanger health" . All pollution may endanger. the health of the community but there is a paradoxical position. We talk about


the pollution problems which have appeared on the horizon in the past couple of years and the hue and cry is that the health ·of the community will be endangered. People say that the position is becoming worse. The amazing thing to me, as a former Minister of Health, is that the expected life span of the community is becoming longer and longer as each decade goes by, despite all these problems. By the turn of the century it will almost be guaranteed that people will live for three score years and ten, and longer. Yet these pollution problems are supposedly a danger to the health of . the community; that may be so, but it is a little paradoxical that people are living longer.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLy.-Are you saying that pollution is helping us live longer?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-All I am saying is that medical science, in all its magnificence, has increased the expectation of life. The infant mortality rate has been reduced from 42 infant deaths for each 1,000 births 25 years ago to about 11 now. Infant mortality has almost disappeared. Heart disease will be conquered and so will cancer, and by the turn of the century, the average person will look forward to his three score and ten years.

As a matter of interest, I shall throw into the ring another point. The two most important words in the motion are U endanger health". What endangers the health of the community more than anything else has been given no consideration or publicity. That is the currency that we carry in our pockets-$1 notes, $5 notes and $10 notes are the greatest polluters in the community, but we all grab them. Currency moves about the community to and from people with the worst diseases.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-What should we do with it?

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-I do not know what should be done but we should get the problems of the pollution of the atmosphere and so on

into proper perspective. I point to what the Government has done in setting up the Environment Protection Authority and the Environment Protection Council and to the fact that the Act will be proclaimed by the end of this year when the machinery, poliCies, and manpower necessary to do all these things will be available.

All honorable members can point to dozens of instances of pollution. I hope, as everybody hopes, that within the next decade a real improvement will be obvious within Victoria, within the Commonwealth and in other countries. Weare all in this together. People can talk about the tipping of garbage causing pollution, of industry causing pollution, or of motor cars causing pollution. But it is people who cause pollution and the quicker that we as a community are educated-and that will probably take a generation-the sooner there will be an improvement in conditions and the sooner the problems facing this and other countries will be overcome.

As I said in my introductory remarks, until recently pollution did not create a ripple on the surface in Australia or anywhere else in the world. I reject the motion. The Government of Victoria need make no apology for what it has done in this field over the past three years.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE . (North-Eastern Province). - This motion has a wide application and considerable ground could be covered if it were debated at length. Mr. Galbally restricted himself to a narrow ambit covering the Yarra Valley and a garbage tip at Camberwell. One has only to travel around Victoria to find many more examples of pollution. Honorable members have been vocal in their support of environment protection and they listened with interest to the Minister of Housing. I smiled, in fact I laughed on occasions, at his utterances because for some years the honorable gentleman was Minister of Health and in charge of the department prior to the establishment of the environment protection


body. Desp'ite all his interest and enthusiasm for the subject, and the education which he received from all of the departments of which he was in charge, tonight the Minister of Housing indicated that he did not have even a fundamental knowledge of the history of the problem of pollution.

The motion before the House relates to pollution. I am surprised tonight to hear the Minister of Housing say that pollution has been with us for only the past three years. Three years ago the press did nbt even notice that the honorable gentleman went overseas and came back with all the knowledge he obtained at the pollution conference.

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-The press did not report his return.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.That is so. If the then Minister of Health had known anything about this problem before he went overseas, he should have been aware of the sixth progress report of the Drainage Committee. In 1946, the year I entered this Chamber, an expert committee reported on measures needed for the better protection of rivers, streams and lakes from pollution. That committee comprised representatives of the Department of Health, the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, the Fisheries and Wildlife Branch, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works and the Provincial Sewerage· Authorities Association. The committee covered a wide ambit, recommended m2asures relating to stream pollution and suggested that the provisions relating to this matter in various Acts should be consolidated into one Act. It also suggested that a standing committee consisting of representatives of the Commission of Public Health, the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, the Fisheries and Wildlife Branch, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works and the Provincial Sewerage Authorities Association prepare regulations to fix standards for effluents and wastes discharged

into streams and that the Commission of Public Health should administer an Act to carry out pollution control measures throughout the whole State. If any honorable ·member is interested, the details can be found at page 13 of the committee's report.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-What did the ensuing Governments do to follow up the report?

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.Nothing. A Labor Government was in office at that time and apparently it did nothing. A Liberal Government followed and it did nothing. The next Government, a composite one, did nothing. Then a Country Party Government did nothing. The following Administration was a Labor Government and it did nothing. Victoria has now had seventeen years of Liberalism which has also done nothing. The former Minister of Health, the present Minister of Housing, did not know of the existence of the committee to which I referred. The honorable gentlem'an referred back only to 1969 when, as Minister of Health, he suddenly decided that he had a problem on his hands and went overseas to attend the meeting of the Environment Council.

The Government established the Select Committee on Drainage in 1964, of which Mr. Granter and I were members, with a former member for South-Eastern Province. This committee found, at page 8 of its sixth progress report, that pollution problems went back many years and that statutory controls such as regulatory powers or specific provisions were made to control, prevent, or minimize water pollution. I instance the Dandenong Valley Act 1963, the Fisheries Act 1958, the Health Act 1958, the Latrobe Valley Act, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act, the Sewerage Districts Act and the Water Act. Amazingly, the main provisions relating to pollution are contained in the Health Act. But the Minister of Housing, who was

666 , Pollution. , ,'[COUNCIL.] Pollution.

forrperly Minister of Health, went on this lovely trip overseas to attend a meetin,g to discuss the environment.

,The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-That was not,the oc,casion.'

The Hon. I. A. ,SWINBURNE.-The honorable gentleman went overseas on a secret mission to solve the problems of pollution.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-Did you also have a lovely trip overseas?

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-I had a trip in 1961.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-Did you have a lovely trip?

The Hon.1. A. SWINBURNE.-Yes, and I hope, to have another one.

The"PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett}.-Order! Overseas trips are not referred to in the motion.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-I should not have mentioned it, Mr. President, but the Minister did so. I ,imagine that if the honorable gentleman went overseas, because of his wide Interests in various matters other than pollution, he would have made it a lovely, trip. The Health Act 1958 is the m'ain enactment dealing with the probl~ms of pollution. Mr. Galbally' 'mentioned' pollution, of ~he Yarra River and the problems of garbage. However, for many years the Health Act has contained provisions to ,prevent offensive conditions dangerous to public health arising from pollution of inland' wat~~s.

,The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-And they have been -administered accordingly.

The· Hon. I. A.' SWINBURNE.Appa,~ently, the Minister did not thipk his, own department. ,had sufficient powers.to do ,anything abQut it or his officers 'were not competent to carry out those provisions because the honorable gentleman said that that was the reason why the Environment Protection Authority got off the ground. Fourteen of the seventeen years elapsed before any action was taken. It also took a committee set up for this purpose to find out what was the problem. Mr. Granter and I, as members of. the Drainage Cortunittee, went

around the various ,areas of Melbourne' ',and it was not very long before we realized what was the cause of , poliution. It would have taken little' Government action to correct much, of it. There seemed to be no will on the part of anyone to remedy pollution until it became a popular war cry that something had to be done about conservation and the environment.

The Government was forced to take action on conservation, but whether we agree with what has been done is another matter. At least the Government did something after the episodes of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Little Desert. Why, after all these years, has it been realized that there is an environment problem? The report of the State Development Committee tabled in the House recently referred to the subject and the Minister for Local Government immediately said that something had to be done about it. That was because it had something to do with the metropolitan area.

The ,Han. A. J,. HUNT.-The whole of the State. , The Hon. I. A., SWINBURNE.-I regret to say tha·t if one. reads the Ministerial statement of the Minister for Local Government one ,sees ,that duriQg the next eight years Victorian authorities will require $1,250 million for work in connection with urban sewerage, drainag~' and water supply.

The Hon.A. J. HUNT.-That does nqt mean for the metropolitan area.

The 'Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-I am not naive; I' realize that most of this money will be spent in attempting to overcome the lag of .. 90,000 properties in the metropolitan area stiH requiring, sewerage and other services.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-The, statement refers to Victoria as a whole.

'The Hon. I. 'A. SWINBU.RNE.~ The Minister for Local Government knows where the money will go. Despite the fact that the report covers all, 'sorts of problems' dealing with trade wastes~ the Govern,ment seems


to be interested in only. one problem. It has received many reports and it agreed that the Environment Protection Authority should be established. I fully agree. I hope that those who have been appointed ·to carry out the tasks of environment protection will quickly go into 'action and do what the various departments have had power to do over the years but have failed to do. '

The Government has done nothing for the past seventeen years. The Minister for Local Government has said that it' will cost $1,250 million to provide certain services in the outer areas of the State. Can the honorable gentleman, who is in charge of the Melbourne and' Metropolitan Board of W'orks, estimate what it will cost to service the inner areas of Melbourne and the industrial areas, along the Yarra River and the Maribyrnong River? Can he tell me what it will·cost to update the sewerage works to take the effluent and the t~ade wastes in the area? I well remember-as, I am sure, does Mr. Granter-visiting a factory in Collingwood. It was a wool scouring works in full operation and, when we . introduced ourselves and asked to inspect the factory, there was a great scurry. We had to wait for half an hour until the general manager came out of the factory, but ,eventually we were admitted~ We had no doubt that, as regards pollution of the Yarra River, this was .probably the most damaging area in Melbourne.

The -factory was well conducted, but the sewerage facilities were not adequate to dispose of effluent discharged from the plant. 'Over many years the factory had bee~ enlarged, but there had not 'been a' corr~sponding increase in facUities Jor the' dis-' posal of effluent. There was a sump at the back of the bliilding to hold effluent, but this surged up and down according to the flow into it. When the level in the sump surged up, the effluent ,discharged into the Yarra River; when it dropped, the ·effluent discharged through the ordinary sewer mains.

, I wonder what it would cost to provide facilities for the disposal of effluent which now eriters the river in Collingwood and what it would cost to do the ~ame to prevent effluent from entering the Maribyrnong River from industry which is situated near to it. I think it would cost a fortune; perhaps at least $1· 25 million. It could be cheaper to shift industries from the area than to make available adequate facilities for waste disposal.

People speak of cleaning the Yarra River and ridding it of pollution, but where else can industrial wastes go? Many petroleum complexes have spent millions of· dollars in an endeavour to meet the requirements which are laid down for the control of effluent, but already they are finding it difficult to comply. This is continuing, and will grow worse. In the Maribyrnong River area many drains have been corroded by chemicals which have discharged into the river, because that is where they must go.

A factory at Altona which is Quilt on 200 acres of land has an admirable system of drainage-a big hole has b~en dug in the ground ,and a pipe has been installed in it. When the effluent rises above the outlet, it flows onto the paddocks .. The factory is not required to obtain a permit from the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board -of Works, and.a similar situation exists in many areas of Melbourne.

It is all very' well to say that the Environment Protection Act will' be proclaimed by Christmas, and that the Environment' Protection' Authority 'will be staffed by comp'etent officers -even though municipalities in the cquntrY do not wish to have anything to do with it-but the Government is faced with. the, problem of shifting factories in certain areas or providing an adequate -sewerage system.

On' a trip to' New Zealand I observed at, Christchurch what is probably one of the best sewerage systems in the southern hemisphere.

The sitting was suspended at 6.22 p.m. until 8.29 p.m.


The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNEPrior to the suspension of the sitting I was referring to action taken in New Zealand to combat poHution. When members of the Drainage Committee visited New Zealand they .inspected the sewerage treatment works at Christchurch, which are recognized throughout the world as one of the most efficient treatment works for "a city of that size. The authorities in Christchurch had many problems before they instituted this system. Raw sewage was fed into the sea and as a result of the objections made by people in the area a massive treatment works was constructed on the edge of the city. After viewing this plant members of the committee realized that it was possible to overcome many of the problems which they had seen in other areas, especially in the larger cities. Although most of the problems in Christchurch have been overcome, there are still some difficulties, one of which is caused by effluent containing various types of household detergents~ These detergents cause pollution to waters and streams.

Earlier in the debate the Minister of Housing referred to what was Ihappening overseas, but it is well known that during the past 20 or 30 years nearly all the large streams in the United States of America, the Great Lakes and other waterways have been completely spoilt by detergents. Many reports are available in the Library on this subject and similar reports were submitted to the Drainage Committee. It is well known that the waters of the large rivers of Europe are treated at least 10 times and sometimes 20 and 30 times. In some cities the raw sewage is pumped into the river and the water is treated lower down the river and fed back into the system. For the Minister to say that this has been occurring onlly during the past three years is ridiculous. Members of the Drainage Committee saw this problem in many areas. They went to New Zealand to try to obtain the latest information on the subject and

to submit a good report to the Government. It was only after the committee submitted its report that the Government started to take action about the environment and the control of pollution.

The Government has said a great deal about the work it is doing to combat pollution but it has never recognized the excellent report submitted by a committee of this Parliament which spent six years in an endeavour to find a solution to the problem. The Government did not accept all the findings of the committee, but it did accept some of them. In my opinion the report of the committee set the guidelines for the Government to foHow.

There is no doubt that the Government has been found wanting in the actions it has taken to combat pollution. During the debate the Minister of Housing asked what Country Party and Labor Party Governments had done to alleviate pollution, but it is a well-known fact tha t those Governments were not in office long enough to get their teeth into the problem.

The Hon. H. R. W ARD.-Excuses! The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-Mr.

Ward has been a member of this Parliament for only a short time and doubtless when he is defeated he will say he was not in Parliament long enough to do anything about this problem. The Government is fond of talking about the long period it has been in office and how it has introduced stable government into Victoria. The Government has been so stable that it has not touched a problem which existed when it came into office. The stage has now been reached where various authorities have been established and reports presented from which a large volume of knowledge can be obtained. However, much of this information was available twenty years ago.

The Minister~ also informed the House that the Government will have to spend $1,2"50 million over the next teight ,years to overcome problems"


caus~d by the lack of sewerage facilities in Melbourne. The cost of overcoming proplems associated with pol'lution in the inner-suburban areas will probably be double that amount. Little progress will be made because the problem has reached crisis proportions. This problem has arisen because the Government has allowed Melbourne to be developed without giving thought to the future. In the eastern suburbs there are thousands of septic tanks and the ground is seeping with effluent from these tanks. The seepage is bad enough during dry years, but the position will be even worse after a series of wet years.

Members of the Country Party have agreed to support the motion because we believe the Government stands condemned. It has stood aside and done nothing, except during the past few months when it established an authority to control pollution in Victoria.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON (Melbourne North Province) .-The motion .before the House seeks the adjournment of the Council because of the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Government in that, whilst continuing to pay lip service to the cause of anti-pollution, it continues to permit its departments and instrumentalities to contaminate waters and endanger health in and around the State of Victoria. That is a damaging statement about any Government, but it is even more damaging when it is realized that the community is becoming aware of this danger being caused by the pollution of waters and the atmosphere. I have difficulty in understanding how the Minister of Housing is able to say that he has been aware of this problem only during the past three years.

The Hon. H. R. W ARD.-The Minister did not say that.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-The Minister said that nothing had been done and that he had become aware of the problem only since 1969.

The Hon. H. M. HAMILToN.-The honorable gentleman said that the problem had received general recognition about that time.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-Mr. Dickie was Minister of Health for a number of years and the Government has been in office for seventeen years, but now, as Minister of Housing, he is prepared to say that the Government has become aware of the problem only during the past three years. On a number of occasions dating back to the time when I first became a member of the House, this matter has been raised by members of the Labor Party and by members of the Country Party. Indeed, it has even been referred to by members of the Government party. All honorable members could foresee that pollution would become a major problem in the community.

On many occasions the late Honorable Buckley Machin tried to convince the Government that it should do something to alleviate pollution. He was responsible for introducing the Clean Air Bill which was eventually accepted by the Government. That Bill eventually received the support of all parties. During the debate on that measure the Minister of Housing said that pollution was a major problem, but fifteen years later he is saying that it has been brought to his attention only in the past three years.

Pollution was a problem in the United States of America many years ago and members of the Labor Party have referred to the problem in Victoria on many occasions. It is well known that raw sewage goes into small creeks and streams and eventually into the Yarra River, Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek. During heavy storms sewerage. mains overflow and raw sewage flows into the Yarra River and eventually into Port Phillip Bay. From there it goes to the open sea, with the result that all parts of Victoria are affected. At any part of the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay the amount of pollution is far in excess of the limit that is

670 , Pollution. [COUNCIL.] Pollution ..

accepted in other countries. Prince Charles was correct in his comment about swimming a t Elwood. His comment could be applied equally to any other bayside beach because the pollution is far in excess of what would be accepted in any other part of the world.

The Hon. H. R. WARD.-Does that apply,on every day?

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-Mr. W'ard represents a bayside suburb and doubtless his constituents 'would have told him 'about the pqllution that is occurring. I shall be interested to hear him tell the House about it on behalf of his constituents. Mr. Galbally referred to what is happening within the boundaries of the City of Camberwell where it was alleged that an eyesore would be developed into a golf links. The Yarra Valley, a· place of natural beauty, has been dug up to ~ dept~ of 20 feet, filled with garbage and a skimming of soil placed over it. It has been said that some_ of the land has been repl'anted, but. I.inform the House that only about 100 square yards of land nave been replanted and hundreds of acres have become desolate. The area .looks like _ the battlefields of the' Somme during the first world war. There is hardly a blade of grass on it. .Large holes have been filled with rubbish. which will event~ally go into the Yarra River.

The ,Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Has Mr. W'al ton seen this are,a?

The Hon. J.,M. ,WALTON.-I have seen. it and I, should like, to know whether the Minister has seen it.

'The Hon. 'A. J. HUNT.-Mr. Walton should give the House the address of the area." ' .

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-For the"past half-an-hour the Minister has been studying photographs of the area: which is in North Balwyn. He could get into' his car and be in the area in five minutes. Any member of the Government party could go out there and have a look at it if he de~ired to do so. I was there today.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-What is the address?

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-I did not take a note of the names of the streets. The area is in the Yarra Valley' in the vicinity 'of North Balwyn. It is around the Boulevard, if the honorable gentleman wants to see it, and whilst he is there he can take a look at the freeway' construction which has cut a strip 300 yards wide right through the area. Not a blade of grass can be seen and the cliffs along the route appea~ to ,be 100 feet high. Motorists will be forced to look at this unsightly scenery as they drive along the freeway between their residences and their places 01 work. "


The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-It will be very interesting to hear honorable members who are interjecting ,putting a point of view on behalf of the Liberal Party. I am referring, not to a Labor electorate but to a Liberal electorate, and it will be interesting to hear the honora1?le members arguing that' the Camberwell City Council is doing the right thing. It is significant that there is now d.eadly silence among Government supporters;" obvidusly they know that what is going on' is wrong..' .

In that ,area the beautiful. Yarra River is constantly being filled with sewage and industrial wastes,' which have been pouring into the' river for centuries. Furthermore, as Mr. Swinburne pointed out, septic tarik effluent overflow is also pc;>lluting the streain. When will the Government do something about it? Three years ago, in '1969,' just before the 'State election this House passed a' certain Bill and those who were members of this Chamber at the time' know the Bill of which I am speaking. '

The Hon. A., J. HUNT.-It was passed in December, 1970, after the last State election. '

The 'Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-The Environment Protection Act was introduced during the life' of this Government.

Pol/ution~ [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Pollution. ,671

The ·Hon. J. M. WALTON.-I shall correct ,myself by stating that the Government promised before the State, election that it would introduce legislation, which it did immediately, but honorable members know that 'a Bill is not effective until it has been gazetted and that' has not been done although three years have elapsed since the Bill was passed by Parliament. How foolish Government supporters must feel when they say that the Government has carried out its promise but at the same time they know that the Bill is not yet law. This is an example of the Government's thinking and hypocrisy on a matter of' public importance. The Government simply pays lip service to the question of pollution in the com~unity.

Concerning the area of which Mr. Galbally spoke, it is fairly obvious that although the Camberwell City Council says that it will plant grass and shrubs and t~e,n construct. a golf course, the Cirea will not, remain open to the public as it is at pr:esent. The public has been accustomed to moving about freely in the area but if a golf course is ·established, particu~arly ,a private golL' course, it' will be available only, to those who pay an annual subscription for' club mem~ .bership· or to t~ose who pay· green fees. No other people will be allowed to make use of the' area. The council is raising the level of' this ground considerably, which means the water that "used to inundate it in time's o( flood will rio lpilger be able to do so. At a tip farther up'the road, the <::~mberWell City Council took similar action: The action proposed by, the CQuncil. will mean that this' part of the Yarra Valley will .lose its fauna and the birds will be hunted out of the trees. I do' not support the proposal; 1 believe the area should 'b~ left in its natural state. If anything .in this State is worth protecting, it is the Yarra Valley. It was· ,here that John Batman built

. his, city and we should be, looking after:it today.,

One of the problems about the tip is, that the council has excavated the top soil to a depth of 20 feet, until it reached the clay. It has now started to back fill the area with garbage. The council says that it has kept a quantity of top soil to put over the top of the garbage, but members of the Labor Party consider that the whole venture has been completely unnecessary. It 'will mean that on the edge of the river there ~ill be 20 feet of garbage that will remain there for the next 1,000 years. Any rain that falls will soak through the garbage into the river as there is no way of stopping it. Doubtless the Government will say that the problem will cease in ten years' time, but over many years, and even up to 100 years, the seepage from stinking garbage will be running into the river and mixing with other po.llutants.Some of the garbage which will be used as filling is poisonous. As honorable members know, the wastes which come from', industrial garbage bins can be quite poisonous. This will also seep into the river. Consequ,ently much pollution will be caused as a result of the action of the Camberwell 'City Council. When the Minister of Housing received correspondence on .the matter he passed the buck to another department. .

. . . . .

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-Did. I? Was it passed to the Housing Com-mission? '

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-No, to the Minister for Local Government and 'other Ministers. The honorable gentleman got out of it very quickly by stating that it did not relate to the portfolio he held at the time. What will happen if there is a flood through this devastated area? 1 am sorry that very ,little rain has fallen in recent months but if heavy rain falls, thereby causing a flood, a lot of ',the garbage will flow down the river because there is nothing to stop it. Alre~dy, pools of stagnant water are lying, around. Honorable mem-,b~rs have seen photographs ,Of them


and several Liberal Party members have looked at the photographs for the first time.

The Hon. W. V. HOUGHToN.-They show just a lot of garbage.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-If Mr. Houghton, who does not represent the area-he comes from the country -examines the photographs he will see the stagnant pools of water caused by seepage through the garbage. The honorable member is as quiet as a mouse.

The Hon. W. V. HOUGHTON.Does the honorable member want me to make a noise?

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-That is all he has done since he has been in this Chamber. The Minister said it was not a quarry.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-I did not mention a quarry; it was Mr. Galbally who spoke about a quarry.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-It may have been made by way of interjection from the Government side of the House, but if anybody excavates to a depth of 20 feet in a particular area, a quarry must inevitably remain. What is it if it is not a quarry? If some body excavates to a depth of 20 feet and intends to sell the top soil or stones or whatever it is, obviously a quarry will remain. That is what the Camberwell City Cou"ncil has done. It has taken 20 feet of good top soil out of the area. No one can convince me that the council will put back an equivalent amount of soil because if it did it would be above the surrounding houses. The council is using the top soil somewhere else because there is insufficient room to allow it to be spread all over the garbage.

Devastation is evident along the Yarra Valley because the Camberwell City Council is bulldozing soil, putting it in other places, and replacing the area with garbage on top of which will be put a skin of sandy loam. Certainly, a lawn and a few trees will be planted but honorable members who have had municipal experience with

tips will know that big trees will not grow on the top of garbage. Although the roots of trees spread through the top soil, they cannot pe"netrate the garbage. The area in question had a number of beautiful trees along its length, but in future there will only be a golf course with a few shrubs. The Local Government Department has informed me that the end result will be a pleasant area available for public use. I doubt very much whether the area will be available to the public because it will be a golf course. I know that the Minister for Local Government would like me to quote the letter I received from the secretary of his department, Mr. Inglis.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Yes:

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-The letter is dated 24th July, 1972-1 will make it available to the Ministerand states in part-

The work as being carried out is a land reclamation scheme--The land has been there for millions of years and yet it is claimed to be a land reclamation scheme. The letter continues-to raise the general" level of the area which has previously been subjected to frequent flooding. The utilization of domestic g'arbage 'as a back filling material in this matter includes site works to be carried out.

Under the so-called land reclamation scheme, 20 feet of sandy loam will be taken out and replaced with 20 feet of garbage. Work of this type must inevitably destroy the natural habitat of the Yarra Valley. Mr. Galbally has quite properly raised this matter tonight. The fact that the motion refers to only one area is beside the point, as in many areas in the State similar acts of devastation are going on, but time does not permit me to go into them.

As I have pointed out the water from the Yarra River travels far and wide. It goes into Port Phillip Bay and may remain there for many months before flowing through the heads and into the ocean. It ebbs backwards and forwards and mixes with other pollution and may remain in the bay for a long period before


dispersing. Although pollution of this type is accumulating, the Government does little or nothing about it. Certainly, Parliament passed legislation three years ago but it has not even been gazetted; in other words, it is not yet law. I shall leave it to members of the House to decide whether the Government is paying only lip service to the cause of antipollution.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY (East Yarra Province) .-This is one of the mos~ extraordinary motions that have been moved in this House during the short time I have been a member. Doubtless many extraordinary motions were moved before my election to Parliament, but this motion suggests a grave and serious allegation against the Government which has not in the slightest been supported by members of the Labor Party tonight.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY.-You have not been listening.

The" Hon. HADDON STOREY.-I have "been listening, and if the honorable member had also been listening he would' have heard little support for the motion under consideration. The :motion refers to the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Government. The only evidence produced to support that statement refers to a tip conducted by the Camberwell City Coun· cil. The motion further refers to the Government continuing to pay lip service to the cause of anti-pollution, and yet at the same time members of the Labor Party have conceded that the Government has passed legislation which is far-reaching and forward-looking in its concept.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOvlcH.-Only after seventeen years.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.Yes, but this legislation will ensure that in the future this State can deal with the problem of pollution in a way which will make honorable members proud. It is our duty t'O protect the future of the State for those who come after us. The motion also alleges that the Government

permits its departments and instrumentalities to contaminate waters and endanger health. What evidence has been produced to substantiate that statement? Honorable members have heard repeated mention of the Camberwell City Council tip near the Yarra River and nothing else. Members of the Labor Party should realize that the Camberwell City Council is not a Government department or instrumentali ty.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-What about what Mr. Swinburne said?

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.-I am referring to the motion, but do I take it that Mr. Tripovich does not support his Leader and prefers to rely on what Mr. Swinburne says in support of the moti'On?

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.-Is Mr. Storey defending the Camberwell City Council?

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.-I am defending the Government, although it does not need a defence against this motion because no supporting evidence has been presented. It is extraordinary that a motion can allege that a Government is cynical and hypocritical and yet of the vast range of things which happen in the community only one example of neglect has been alleged. What are the facts? One fact is that a municipality has performed work on a tip. Let us look at that for a moment.

Mr. Galbally has alleged that a permit was granted by the Minister for Local Government. I do not know to which permit the honorable member referred. Mr. Galbally did not tell us what the permit was, but spoke in general terms of some permit. The only tip near the Yarra in the municipality of Camberwell of which I am aware is an extension of something that has been going on for years in Camberwell. It is nothing new. It may have moved into a different area or been extended. I am aware of no permit which has been gran ted to allow this to be done.

674 Pollution. 'lCOUNCIL.] " Pollution.

In the course of many years the Camberwell council has reclaimedI use that word despite what Mr. Walton said-waste land which was not being used for any useful purpose or availed of by the people of Camberwell. That land has been made into good parkland.

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-That is cYnical.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.What is cynical?

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.--:What you, have just said, that the land is not being put' to any useful purpose -the :beautiful Yarra Valley! ' ' ,

The' Hon.. HADDON STOREY~This is a typical example of the socalled evidence which has been advanced in support of the motion. Mr~ Galbally and Mr. Walton talked at, large about the beautiful Yarra Valley, but what they really referred to was one little area of the Yarra Valley which I. suspect they had never seen before.' They do not know what it was like before this tipping, operation was commenced. They have no conception, of the fine work that has been carried out to make this land something that the people can enjoy in the future-not just the residents of, Camberwell but people generally. .

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-If one is a member of the golf club.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.-I am not a member of the golf club, but I enjoy the facilities of the land in the City of Camberwell which has been reclaimed and made available for the people generally. I can take Mr. Walton to many places in the City of Gamberwell, not only on the banks of the Yarra, where little athletics are conducted, sporting events take place, and the public can walk around or take their dogs for a walk, all on land that has been reclaimed and made useful for the people of Camberwell. I have tipped my garden rubbish on the' tip to which I assume Mr. Galbally referred. I know that land. It was desolate

waste 'land and, was not any part of the glorious Yarra Valley which has been mentioned.

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-:-Did' you tip your rubbish before the tip started, there or after? '

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.-I have done so over a period of years.

The Hoh. J. M. WALTON:.:....-Il~~galiy? ,The:"Hon. HADDO~, STOREY.-If

I have' done it .illegally, then I ,w,ill reclaim ,my tipping fee of -40 cents from the CamberWell council. , I dQ not~ow whether it ~will be refunded.

'The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-They are the very people whom - the health inspectors are chas'ing. , :

The' Hon. HADDON' STOREY.the health 9fflcers" are frOID: the 'City of Camberwell and ,they'are'the. ones who' over the years have 'claimed the fee. Of course, this is a legal operation, not an illegal, operation. It is necessary to clarify the words I am using, because members of. the Oppositjon terid to mis-hear what is being said tonight.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON.--YOU have been tipping rubbish there 'over many years and the tip has been there only for a short time.

The Hon. HADDON' STOREY.-I have tipped on that area over many years. I tipped on the area to which Mr. Walton is referring about three weeks ago. I took some shrubbery and branches which I had cut off at home to the tip in that area but I still had to reach 'it through the same area as I had over the years. I know of no other area so I assume that is the one referred to by Mr. GalbaUy. If that is so, it is merely another step in the same tipping operation which has been going on for years.

This motion is directed to the Government and there is no evidence of any cynicism or hypocrisy on the part of the Government. There is no evidence that the Government has behaved other than' lawfully. No eVIdence has been submitted that the

Pollution. [10 .OCTOBER, 1972.] . Pollution. 675

YQv.ernment has permitt.ed its depart~ ments or instrumentalities' to contaminate w~ter or endanger health.

The Hon. J~ W. GALBALLY.~The Government has the ultimate responsibility for the acts of the Department of Health and the Board of Works.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.The Government is ultimately responsible for everything that happens in the community, but under our sphere of . operations we believe in the role of municipalities. . I have often heard memhers of the Labor Party express this view. .

The Hon~. J. W. GALBALL Y.-The municipality had to get permission from. the Commission of Public Health and there is a Minister of Health. Must not the Minister take th~ responsibility for that permission?

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.Mr. Galbally is asking some obvious questions. .

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Blame everybody but the Government!

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.~r. Galbally is making statements without allowing the witness to whom he is addreSSing the questions to answer. Of course, the Government accepts responsibility for its Commission of Public Health. If a permit was sought, as I assume it was since Mr. Galbally says so, I am sure that permit would have been considered, the correct proceedings followed, the proper considerations applied, and a decision made whether it should be granted. The permit was granted. Mr. Galbally is setting his judgment against the judgment of the competent and expert persons who form the Commission of Public Health.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-No. I am saying that the Government had no right to desecrate the Yarra Valley.

Sir GILBERT CHANDLER.-He does not believe in reclamation.

The Hon. HADDON STOREY.-';' Mr. GalbaIly does not believe .in· reclamation and talks in airy terms of desecrating the . Yarra Valley without referring to the specific piece of land with which he is concerned.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-I told you it is an area of 100 acres.

The Hon.· HADDON STOREY.--' Mr. Galbally says the land is an area of 100 acre~ and attempts to speak of the Yarra Valley as a whole in one breath without looking at the 100 acres concerned. The danger to health, as suggested by Mr. Galbally, has not been established. If the commission considered that there was any danger to health obviously it would not issue a permit.-

Honorable members interjecting. The Hon. HADDON STOREY.

It is good to know that honorable members are listening to what I am saying and interesting to learn that members of the Opposition are prepared to quarrel with a decision of the competent, experienced and authoritative health commission which has been appointed to decide these matters. If evidence is presented which proves that the Commission of Public Health made a wrong decision, of course, it must be examined, but no such evidence has been presented tonight.

Mr. Galbally stated that it is important to remember individual citizens in the community. I am glad Mr. Galbally made that point because it is true. What Mr. Galbally is really saying is that greater and greater bureaucracies should be set up to prevent anything happening which may interfere with an individual citizen who wishes to exercis'e a right which may harm the community. Plainly a balance must be struck between the rights of the community and the rights of the individual citizen. Bodies have been established to do that. By means of the Environment Protection Act a signifi:cant step forward has been taken to ensure the protection of individuals in the future. It is remarkable' that


within a motion framed in such extravagant and strong language the mover could not present any more than one piece of evidence relating not to a Government department or instrumentality but to a municipality, which once it is given a permit is lawfully entitled to do what it is doing. In those circumstances the motion should be thoroughly rejected.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT (Melbourne West Province) .-1 deplore the ignorance of the last speaker about his province, the workings of government, the responsibility of the Government, and the disposal of municipal garbage. The State Development Committee carried out inquiries, assisted by the Government organization, the Commission of Public Health into the disposal and/or destruction of garbage and other rubbish.

I shall deal with some of the factors which have been blatantly forgotten such as the animal faeces coming out of the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds into the Maribyrnong River. The Minister of Health, who is responsible under the Act, should immediately resign his portfolio because he is not carrying out his duties in accordance with the oath he took. In April, 1971, the progress report of the State Development Committee was presented to His Excellency the Governor in Council. Last week I asked what the Government had done about the recommendations in the report. What has the Government done? It has made a great song and dance about an urgent matter-the danger of pollution in the western suburbsthat the committee brought to the attention of the former Premier, Sir Henry Bolte. The Government then appointed a committee to demonstrate how anxious it was. Last week I asked the following question on notice:-

(a) What sections of the progress report of the State Development Committee on the disposal and/or destruction of garbage and other rubbish have been put into effect?

(b) What further actions are proposed in respect of recommendations in the report?

The reply of the Minister of Agriculture was-

The recommendations of the committee concerning pollution of undergroundaquifers have been considered by 'an inter-departmental committee. The Government has acted on the proposal of that committee to initiate the installation by private enterprise of a liquid waste treatment plant at Brooklyn. It has also purchased land 'at Werribee as a future treatment site.

This is not contained in the report which demonstrates that the question cannot even be answered properly. The Minister continued- .

After receiving a report from another inter-departmental committee, the Government has agreed to refer the remaining recommendations of the State Development Committee to the Environment Protection Authority for implementation through· its Solid Wastes. Management Branch.

Let us examine some of the recommendations. The previous speaker referred to evidence from the Board of Works, the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and the Com., mission of Public Health. The committee unanimously came to its decision. On page 7 of the progress report of the State Development Committee, the following conclusions appeared:-

43. Proposals to conduct sanitary landfill projects in quarries and clay pits, etc., should be carefully examined in the light of all available geological data, with particular reference to the ability of the rock or clay to retard, or aid, the discharge of contaminants into aquifers.

44. Any proposal to use refuse to fill estuarine or other marine waters would require careful expert examination in the light of the hydraulic and ecological characteristics of the receiving waters in order to assess possible injurious effects on the environment, such as pollution or erosion.

45. The location of sanitary landfill sites near watercourses, other bodies of surface water, or sources of groundwater, is undesirable because of the attendant risk of pollutants harmful to the community, 'and the environment in general entering bodies of water used for domestic water supplies or other purposes. The committee was not fully satisfied with the conclusions and went further in its report. I advise Mr. Storey that members of the Government party


on the committee unanimously supported the committee's findings. The following recommendations appear on page 9 of the committee's report:-

22. That legislation be enacted, requiring the Commission of Public Health to refer proposals to establish refuse dispos'al sites to the appropriate water supply authorities servicing the particular areas in which the proposed depots are to be established.

23. That, in cases where refuse disposal sites are located in close proximity to watercourses, bodies of surface water, or sources of groundwater, ·a monitoring programme be put in hand to ensure that contaminants injurious to public health, or the environment generally, do not inhibit water supplies.

24. That the practice of siting refuse disposal depots on flood pl-ains, which are of significance in so far as flood control is concerned, be discontinued.

The committee received swornevidence that the Camberwell area referred to by my Leader is a flood plain. On page 20, under the heading "Health Hazards Associated with Disposal of Garbage and other Domestic Refuse" the committee states-

In the opinion of the committee, the chief hazard to public health is posed by the siting of municipal tips adjacent to watercourses, bodies of surface water or sources of groundwater, with the attendant danger of pollution of water supplies.

I pay tribute to Mr. Swinburne and his colleagues on the Drainage Committee whi'ch produced an excellent report because the subject matter tied in with the investigations being undertaken by the State Development Committee on the disposal and/ or destruction of garbage and other rubbish.

I shall now deal with the hotch potch of legislation relating to this matter. Although the Acts were consolidated in 1958, it is necessary to examine numerous Acts to find out where responsibility lies concerning the establishment of municipal tips. Even then a person can be easily misled. The table of amendments to the Health Act indicates that sub-sections (2A) and (2B) were inserted in section 49A by paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 3 of Act No. 7849, which is the Groundwater Act.

That Act deals with the powers of the Commission of Public Health concerning the establishment of tips.

The Government's exercise of responsibility in the establishment of tips merits close examination and the State Development Committee was mindful of this when i't prepared its report. The Government should not try to tell honorable memQers that it has not had ample warning of these dangers, because two Government party members of the State Development Committee were critical of the Government's refusal to meet its responsibili ties.

Earlier, I mentioned the cesspool of matter flowing from the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds. This matter was highlighted in the Herald of 29th September last. The di'rector of the Royal Agricultural Society denied that animal excreta was pouring into the Maribyrnong River as had been alleged by the chief health officer of the Essendon City Council. The article in the Herald states-

Storm water drains flowed bright green into the Maribyrnong River today.

The color 'came from a fluorescent indicator dye released at the showgrounds.

It was poured into about 20 drains in animal wash areas where large quantities of excreta 'are washed away with water hoses.

"I released it at areas which I suspected were not connected to sewerage, " Essendon council chief health officer, Mr. Doug Brudenell, said.

"There are definitely some animal wash areas, including some cattle wash areas, that are not connected to sewerage. "

The article continues in some detail but I shall not weary the House by reading further from it. However, I commend it to honorable members of the Government party to show that the Government is guilty of allowing contaminants to flow into the Maribyrnong River.

Contaminants are also flowing into the Maribyrnong River farther south because of effluent discharge from Government department establishments. I have raised this matter in

67~ Po.llution. " [COUNCIL.] Pollution:

questions and when appropriate Bills h~ve been before the House. The area concerned runs parallel to Dynon Road and New Footscray Road, and contains many Government buildings. The Government cannot even police its own departments. If this sorf of thing existed in the salubrious suburbs it would be a different story. The Government is bent on making the western suburbs the backyard garbage tips of th,e metropolitan area'. The people in the western suburbs will not stand for this situation any longer.

The Sun News-Pictorial of 28th September contains an article headed " Firms, Authorities say: Don't Blame Us. The city' cesspool '-who is at .fault?" The area referred to in the article embraces the wholesale fruit and vegetable market, the fish market and many firms which have been established on Crown land along New Footscray Road. The area is less than two miles from Melbourne and is not even sewer-ed. Contaminants run into the Maribyrnong River and the Merri Creek, yet the Government has the audacity to claim that it has done something with respect to pollution. I invite members of the Government party to inspect the pollution in this area tomorrow morning. The article to which I refer states-

More than 2,000 people work daily in the Footscray Road .. cesspool" district.

Thirty firms in the area use septic tanks and several others are spending thousands of dollars installing sewage treatment plants.

The firms, the Board of Works and the city council all agreed yesterday that the lack of sewerage in Footscray Road-less than I! miles from the city-was a problem.

But no one would accept responsibility. A board official said the problem was

caused by the council allowing development without ensuring that septic tanks were effectiv,e.

He said that despite talks with the council on financing a sewerage scheme, a compromise could not be arranged. Only area unsewered.

It was the only" substantial" unsewered area near the CIty, the official said.

The chairman of the council's health committee. Mr. Maurice Ress, s,aid the situation worried him. '

The Hon. A. W. Knight.

... J will make it my business to approach the State Government 'and the board to, see if money can be made available' to' sewer the area," he said. ,',

I invite members of the Liberal Party and the former Minister of Health to inspect the area. Despite 'the Minister's claims tonight, ,the Government has' done nothing to combat pollution in this area.

The Hon. V. O. DICKIE.-How is it that the health inspector 'in your area is correct in what he does' but in Camberwell the health 'inspector is not? .

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-When the Minister of Housing was Minister of Health he was responsible for allowing contaminants to enter Jackson's Creek, and the Minister of Public Works has done nothing abOut providing a proper' sewerage system at the, Sunbury Mental Hospital, from where efflue'nt flows into Jackson's Creek:

I now refer to the report of the Senate Select Committee on Water Pollution, which was brought up and ordered to be printed on 10th June, 1970.

The Hon. H. M. HAMILToN.-Mr. President, could we have the document properly identified?

The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett).-I think it has been correctly identified, but Mr. Knight may indicate that it is the Australian Senate.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-For the benefit of Mr. Hamilton and for your guidance, Sir, it is the report from the Senate Select Committee 'on Water Pollution, which was brought up and ordered to be printed by the Parliame'nt of the Commonwealth of Australia on 10th June, 1970. On page 39 of the report, the committee deals with water pollution problems in Victoria and states-

Water pollution problems already exist in many parts of Victoria and they are increasing. The commissioner, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, Mr. K. D. Green, said that, from a State point of vie~, he did not believe the situation was

Polltition. [10 OctOBER, 1972.] poliution. 679

serious but the potential for serious problems existed. A map supplied by the commission shows that the main areas affected are various rivers, .reservoirs and large expanses of waters such as Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay, coastal waters adjacent to towns discharging sewage effluents or raw sewage into the sea, and the Gippsland lakes.

The main types of pollutants are effluents from sewage treatment plants. untreated sewage effluents, septic t~nk effluen~, domestic sullage, treated and untreated trade wastes, milk wastes, thermal, pollution; pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, m'anure from feedlots" mining wastes, saline discharge from irrigation areas and ground-water, and heavy nutrient loadings. .

The report then goes on to deal with other matters in that area. Even the Senate Select Committee has' had' a go at Victoria! " . .','

Less than one' mile 'from where I reside is ,a tidal channel which flows from the Cherry Tree artifi.cial lake in the City of Altona. The tidal area comes back to this artificial lake and the railway line runs acrOss it. Approximately a fortnight ago the Board of Works decided to clean it olit and brought trucks and a bulldozer to the . area. The former Minister of Public Works knows a lot about the problems of pollution of Port Phillip Bay and surrounding areas. The contam ina ted , silt was taken from the tidal channel and dumped on the banks of the Kororoit Creek, which is half a mile upstream from the discharge of this tidal area. The rain which fell last night and today has washed most of the silt back into the Kororoit Creek which, as the former Minister of Health knows, has been badly polluted for a long time and the Government has done nothing about it. In this instance, the Government allowed one of its authorities to put contaminated sludge on the banks of a creek where it was exposed to the atmosphere and as a result of rain was washed back into the creek.

I now relate my remarks to the discharge of effluent from the' Sunbury M~ntal Hospital into Jackson's Creek. The situation there leaves a lot to be desired. The answer by the Government on this matter is that

it has started to' do' somethIng. Jackson's Creek is a tributary of the Maribynong River 'and pollutants are entering the creek from the mental hospital as well as from industries in the area. Complaints have been made by the municipalities on many occasions, but these complaints have been ignored. The Government has done nothing to stop the pollution. '

If my colleague Mr. Elliot were ,not ~way on other Parliamentary du~ies, doubtless he would, raise the matter of the Cowderoy Street drain atWest St. Kilda. I remind honorable members who were not then members of this Chamber that the question of the Cowderoy Street drain was raised back in 1963 when I r'eptesented the are'a. However, my good friend, and colleague, Mr. Trayling, informs me that the same sitliation prevails today as it did then.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.":"'The problem also existed in 1954.,

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.~Mr. Campbell fell for the trap! The Government was party to the construction of a groyne in the area' which has caused this problem. Mr. Campbell was not a member at the time and does not know the full history of the matter.

The Government has attempted to say what it has done to improve the Elwood Canal-a stinking morass, if ever there was one-which discharges effluent and contaminants into the bay. The former Minister of Health-now Minister of Housinghad the audacity to say that the Government has taken steps to improve the situation. The honorable gentleman also mentioned the Thames, River in England. I was in London at the same time as the Minister. The Stockholm conference of the United Nations Organization was a political success, but it was a failure from the point of view of technical officers because they did . not have qlany conferences.

The Hon.V. O. DICKIE.-Was Mr. Knight present? .,

680 Pollution. [COUNcn..] Pollution.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-No, but I have spoken to persons who were. Several days later I visited a company which helped to cleanse the Thames River. I was able to see fish in the river and wildlife along its banks. Naturally, a river becomes discoloured, but contaminants can be kept out of it. Man has set out to destroy himself by not ensuring that the rivers and streams are kept clean. After long discussions with technical men in England I returned to Australia happy with the state of the Thames River.' I also saw the Danube and the Rhine which are now being treated along the same lines as the Thames.

Although the officers of the Environment Protection Authority have done a magnificent job, I advise the Government to get in touch with the provincial Government in Toronto. When I visited there I spoke with persons concerned with the protection of the environment and asked how they trained enforcement officers. I was informed that it was simply a matter of recruiting men from industry who were aware of the problem and who could talk to all the people associated with water, air, noise and other forms of pollution. The Government should send some men to Toronto to be trained. I think the Minister of Housing will agree that the men concerned have done a magnificent job in that city. I would class them with the world's leaders. When I spoke to environment protection officers there I had in mind that the former Minister of Health said that it is not easy to train pollution enforcement officers. However, I was told that it was simply a matter of recruiting furnace and boiler operators and various other men from the factory floor and training them to combat pollution. The stage has now been reached in Toronto where men are being trained in the more technical aspects of pollution abatement.

If one takes a ride in a canoe or a boat or walks along the banks of Kororoit Creek or Maribyrnong River

one can see where Government departments discharge effluent into the water. The Government has taken no action to control pollution of the waterways in the metropolitan area or throughout Victoria. I invite members of the Government party to come with me tomorrow and inspect the areas to which I have referred. The existing situation has not developed overnight. On many occasions since I have been a member of this Chamber I have raised the question of pollution in the western suburbs. The Government has failed miserably in its task of pollution abatement. Its announcemen ts are merely window dressing for the forthcoming Federal elections and the State elections. to be held next year.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL (East Yarra Province) .-The motion moved by Mr. Galbally contains the word " hypocrisy". It staggers me that Mr. Galbally should use that word against the Government when I recall that on 26th March, 1970, he refused leave for the Government to introduce into this Chamber the Water Pollution Control Bill. Mr. Galbally complained this evening that the Government was not taking action to control pollution in rivers and streams. What has happened since March, 1970? After a time, a general election was held and the Government was returned to office. In the interim, the Government decided that it should consider not only water pollution but every aspect of pollution control; therefore, instead of proceeding with the earlier Bill, which dealt purely with water control, it brought in a Bill later in 1970 to deal with the environment as a whole.

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-That measure has still not been gazetted -two years later.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Mr. Walton's comment clearly indicates that no member of the Opposition has any idea of the work entailed in developing a department of this kind.


Any Government in Australia at present has difficulty in recruiting skilled staff in this profession. That is why the Government handled the legislation as it has. Endeavours have been made to recruit skilled persons from throughout the world, and the Government has been fortunate in obtaining persons with the required skills. It has laid the foundation on which is now being built the Environment Protection Authority which will secure for the people of Victoria a proper environment in which to live.

The other point made by Mr. Galbally in his speech related to the City of Camberwell, which is within the province that I represent. I support Mr. Storey's comments in this regard and pOint out that the area referred to by Mr. Galbally has been prone to flooding for many years. When a municipality is faced with a situation such as this, it must consider what is best in the interests of the residents of the area and of the community in general. People in the immediate vicinity of low-lying land may have to contend with continual stagnant pools of water. It cannot be denied that that situation has existed in this area in every year other than a drought year. What effect does this have on the health of the community?

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-None.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.Stagnant water can bring mosquitoes and flies, and can be injurious to health for another important reason -an aspect that has not been mentioned by any member of the Opposition-that is, the pollution brought about by the people themselves. People are responsible for the pollution of the streams-not only industry, but John Citizen who throws old bedsteads, gas stoves, dead dogs and so on into the streams. Mr. Knight mentioned the Elwood Canal. It is true that some time ago the Government had the canal cleaned out. What did John Citizen do? He filled it with rubbish again. Therefore, it is unfair to place the whole

Session 1972.-26

blame for the pollution that exists at the feet of the Government when John Citizen is contributing to it.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLy.-John Citizen is not polluting the Yarrait is the Government.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Mr. Galbally should be honest and admit that John Citizen is doing likewise.

Many parts of the area of land about which Mr. Galbally spoke are at the R.L. 32 level. The average annual flood level on that part of the Yarra is between 38 and 40 R.L. The Camberwell council is building up the land in accordance with Schedule 4 of the General Sanitary Regulations made under the Health Acts. Mr. Galbally did not read the provision in full. The land is being built up above the average R.L. flood level so that it can be better used for the purpose for which it has been set aside.

The Hon. J. M. WALToN.-For golf clubs!

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-No, it will be used for public recreation. I have been assured by the officers of the Camberwell City Council this evening that that area of land will not be used for a golf club. So that is on the record. The land will be filled in accordance with the regulations made under the Health Acts. When Mr. Galbally referred to item 10 of regulation 36 in Schedule 4 of the General Sanitary Regulations 1950 he said, "Refuse shaH not be deposited in water ", and there he stopped. In full, item 1 0 states-

Refuse shall not be deposited in water without the special approval of the Commission.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Are you suggesting that the council received special permission?

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Of course the council has the permission of the Commission of Public Health.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-Are you sure of that?

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-Mr. Galbally reminds me of the lady who had her face lifted so often that

682 - Pollution. [COUNCIL.] Pollution~

when she sat down her mouth flew open. He should give someone els'e a go. All honorable members will see that the photographs distributed in the House tonight by Mr. Ga'lbaUy were taken when there were puddles of water in the area.

The Hon. R. J. EDDY.-They were taken within the past three days.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-It rained like the devil today, and it rained like the devil last week. That is why there is the odd puddle of water in the area. It is obvious that the gentleman who took the photograph has been skulking around waiting for rain so that he could take these photographs with rain water lying on the ground. It is not water which is there under normal conditions. The Camberwell council is not tipping rubbish into water. The water has gathered as a result of overnight rain. The council has assured me that no rubbish is placed in that area until the water has drained away.

The Hon. HADDON SToREY.-The water came after the rubbish.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.That is true. The Camberwell City Council must adhere to the regulations made under the Health Act. I mention this because Mr. Galbally has said that there are flies and heaven knows what else around the tipping area of an evening. When one examines the regulations, one wonders how this situation referred to. by Mr. Galbally can be created. Under the regulations, the council must completely cover the rubbish with soil every evening.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-That must be done at every tip.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-But the House was not told that this must be done at every tip every evening. The rubbish must be covered by some form of soil.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-You mean that it should be.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-It is covered.

The Hon. J. W. GALBALLY.-What is the regulation?

The Hon. W. M. CAMPB£LL.-It is item 7 of -regulation 36 ,in Schedule 4 of the General Sanitary Regulations 1950. It provides-

The top, the face, and the exposed flank or flanks of the tip shall be covered at the end of each day's operation.

That is done at Camberwell.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-That is not done at Camberwell. I lived next to it and I know.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-It is done at Camberwell. I know where -Mr. Tripovich lived and it was nowhere near the area. Item 5 provides-

The tip shall be properly consolidated by traffic or by mechanical plant.

That is also done by the Camberwell City Council. These regulations comprise the specifications laid down by the Department of Health to the Camberwell City Council. They operate in the interests of the community as a whole when an area is used as a tip and to safeguard the health of the people in the vicinity; These objectives are achieved by the garbage being covered with earth and consolidated each evening. The fears of which Mr. Galbally spoke, the risk of hepatitis and the like, are completely unwarranted in this situation.

I support the comments of the Minister of Housing and of Mr. Storey that the Opposition has not shown that the Government has failed the people of this State in respect of pollution.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH (Doutta Galla Province) .-1 support the motion and I refer particularly to the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Government. If ever one heard hypocrisy, it was heard tonight from the honorable members representing East Yarra Province. Their attitude was typical of the attitude of the Government to pollution. Some ten or twelve years ago, the Camberwell City Council faced the same problem as a number of other councils, including the

Po!lution. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Pollution. 683

Melbourne City Council, in disposing of its garbage. It was not blessed, as the western suburbs are, with disused quarries which can be filled.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-It was fourteen years ago.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I accept that it was fourteeen years ago. The council then had to decide what to do with its garbage. Mr. Campbell said that I did not live alongside any of these places where the Camberwell City Council disposed of its garbage, but I did. The first fill and cover garbage tip used by the Camberwell City Council was along Gardiner's Creek, downstream from Warrigal Road. For eight years any person wanting to sell a home in the area faced great difficulty. There were mosquitoes in the summer and rats as big as rabbits. The kids enjoyed themselves chasing the rats.

I agree with Mr. Campbell that there are regulations on the use of this type of tip but I suggest to him that the council often found it difficult to comply with them because there was not enough earth available to cover the rubbish, and so it was not covered. When the rain came, the stench in the area was unbearable. This did not matter to the council because the people living in the area were only Housing Commission tenants and the attitude was, " What of them? ".

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-That is not true.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.Many protests were made by residents of the area. They were most unhappy about the garbage being tipped there. It was economic necessity which caused the council to decide to dispose of its garbage in this way. The next area which was used as a fill and cover tip was near the Burke Road Bridge.

The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett).-I should point out, as I pointed out to Mr. Galbally earlier, that my interpretation of the motion is :that it criticizes the Government

for permitting its departments and instrumentalities to do certain things. Mr. Tripovich should not spend so much time debating what the Camberwell City Council has done unless it concerns the granting of permits by the Government to the council. The honorable member should relate his remarks to the motion.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I shall relate my remarks to the terms of the motion. Mr. Galbally has already pointed out that item 10 of regulation 36 in Schedule 4 of the General Sanitary Regulations provides that refuse shall not be deposited in water without the special approval of the Commission of Public Health. Mr. Campbell has been good enough to confirm that the Department of Health gave its permission, irrespective of the wishes of the people who live nearby.

The Hon. W. M. CAMPBELL.-The council is not doing what you are saying it is.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.There is contaminated water and it stinks. I know that it stinks because I lived alongside. Some of the people who live near Burke Road have had to put up with this type of tip and with the stench, the rats, and the inconvenience, which reduced the values of their properties for a number of years and is possibly still doing so. The council was not using this method of garbage disposal to provide playing space; it was a matter of economics. The protests of the people nearhy were disregarded because the attitude adopted was that inconvenience to a few people did not matter.

The speeches of the two honorable members representing the East Yarra Province and of the Minister of Housing have shown the hypocrisy of the qovernment on this subject. The Minister said that, if it had not been for President Nixon discovering that pollution was a good electoral issue in 1969, the people of the world would not be concerned and that President


Nixon could be blamed for introducing this controversial subject. That is not so, and I commend Mr. Swinburne for his speech, which was completely ·documented. Mr. Swinburne uncovered the hypocrisy of the Government on this issue.

This all goes back to 1946 and it could be asked why the Government of that day did not do something. At that time there was a Labor Government and prior to that there was a Country Party Government. Some honorable members might not be old ·enough to realize that those Governments existed when the country was fighting the second world war, or in years when there was a need to rehabilitate a million men and wom.en who were discharged from the services and no facilities to deal with matt~rs of this type were available.

The 'late Buckley Machin, a former member of this House who represented Melbourne West Province, found considerable support amongst not only members of the Labor Party but also members of the Country Party when he clamoured time and time again for the introduction of a Bill to deal with air pollution. I shall examine the attitude of the Government when our late colleague introduced a private member's Bill on 8th May, 1957. A former membe! .for Gippsland Province, the late WIlham MacAulay, voiced the common reaction of all Government supporters when he interjected, as reported at page 523 of volume 251 of Hansard-

Where will the finance come from? That was the attitude of the Government to projects such as this. The Minister of Housing, who was then a representative of Ballaarat Province, commended Mr. Machin and said, as reported a t page 952 of volume 251 of Hansard-

Over the years I have studied it closely and, as I am a fully qualified boiler attendant, possibly I am a proper person to speak on this subject. He was referring to air pollution, and proceeded to point out to the House Ithat jf the \boiler attendants were properly qualified and fired their fires

The Hon. J. M. Tripovich.

properly, they would be able to control the smoke that came from the stacks and there would be no pollution. What a stupid argument and what hypocrisy! On 22nd May, 1957, Mr. Dickie, who was later to become Minister of Health, described the Bill as " like trying to cure cancer by legislation." Sir Ewan Cameron, the then Minister of Health, commented that "it was a complex subject and that as yet no satisfactory solution to the problem had been found." The late Sir Ronald Mack, who represented Western Province and later became Minister of Health, said that the only doubt he had was whether the Bill as it stood could achieve its purpose and he further stated that he was doubtful how efficient it would be. The Bill passed as a private member's Bill with the support of the Labor Party and the Country Party. When the measure was transmitted to another place the Government took it over because it was not game to defeat it. The Clean Air Bill was then enacted.

My Leader complained about the hypocrisy of this Government which accepted a Bill, was responsible for its enactment, and then did nothing about it. I remember the late Honorable Buckley Machin standing in the position now occupied by Mr. Knight and asking when committees would be established and 'what the Government was going to do about clean air. I remember Mr. Colin WiHman, the clean air spokesman for the Melbourne Trades Hall Council, writing in the newspapers asking when the Government was going to do something about clean air and saying how the air was being polluted. I recall the Lux factory at Brunswick, in my province, emitting dirty yellow smoke all over the district. I also recall not only the late Mr. Machin but later Mr. Knight speaking about the Carbon Black factory at Altona. But the Government would do nothing positive about clean air 'legislation.

Time went on until the famous year of 1969 when President Nixon woke up Mr. Dickie, then Minister of


Hea'lth, to the subject of pollution. Until then it was something about which nothing could be done. But an election was in the offing; it was not a bad political issue to rush through a Bill in the closing stages of Parliament and for the Government to say, "This is what we are going to do about water pollution". When the Opposition said, "No, the Government is not going to get away with this" and my Leader refused leave, the Government was not game to continue Parliament for another day and bring back the Bill. It said, " This naughty Opposition has stopped us from bringing forward this BilL" That was after the Government had been in office for fourteen years.

Mr. Swinburne referred to the Ministerial statement of the Minister for Local Government in relation to sewerage, made in this House last month. Why did the honorable gentleman unexpectedly make this statement to the House? It was because of the report of the Environment Protection Authority entitled Yarra River and Tributaries, dated September, 1972, pursuant to sections 16 to 19 of the Environment Protection Act. The Bolte Government had been in office for fifteen years and if President Nixon had not woken it up to the fact that pollution was a good election issue, the Government would never have woken up.

The Han. A. W. KNIGHT.-It took no notice of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-Yes, and the Prince of Wales had a few words to say about swimming at Elwood. This is no laughing matter. The Minister for Local Government said that it would cost $1,250 million to deal with sewerage and drainage from septic tanks in unsewered areas, mainly in the metropolitan area.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I did not say mainly in the metropolitan area.

The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I do not want to correct the honorable

gentleman but I shall read his statement as reported at page 493 of Hansard of 22nd September of this year. The Minister said-

Over the next eight years, Victorian authorities, both metropolitan and country, will require some $1,250 million for capital expenditure on and in connection with urban sewerage and drainage water supply works.

The Han. A. J. HUNT.-Exactly. The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I

interpose my own comments to say that nearly 90 per cent of this will be spent in the metropolitan area.

The Han. A. J. HUNT.-That is not so.

The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-80 per cent?

The Han. A. J. HUNT.-That is not so.

The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-Let me go a little lower. Is it 70 per cent?

The Han. A. J. HUNT.-That is a little closer.

The Han. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I am not going to be jiggled around on this. I remind the Minister that nearly 70 per cent of the population live in the metropolitan area so the figure must be at least 70 per cent.

The Han. A. J. HUNT.-YOU are getting closer to the mark now.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I suggest that is a pretty fair limit so not much is going into decentralized areas. I refer to page 4 of the report entitled Yarra River and Tributarie'S which states-

The Melbourne urban area has some unsewered industrial areas and has only 85 per cent of domestic premises connected to sewers. The unsewered premises are mainly on the developing fringes of Melbourne and can be divided into two groups. In unsewered areas, householders must rely on septic tanks until sewerage is extended to them.

In sewered areas, many householders chose not to connect their premises to the sewer and continue allowing septic tank overflow and sullage water to drain from their premises into the environment. A few municipalities contain most of these 21,000 premises. In Doncaster . and Templestowe, 60 per cent of dwellings in sewered areas are Dot connected.

686 . Pollution. [COUNCIL.] Polltition.

The tributaries in the western half of the catchment drain' urban areas and carry their waste load' to the Yarra. .

This is why my Leader laid' 'greater .emphasis on the Yarra River. I shall 'not weary the House long but I wish to place on record what has happened during the seventeen years of neglect by the Government to the Yarra Valley despite the protestations of Sir Vernon Christie, the honorable member for Ivanhoe in another place, who represents part of this area. The Yarra River has a number of tributaries one of which is the Olinda Creek. The report also states-

Olinda Creek drains unsewered residential areas in Mount Evelyn, Lilydale and small townships in the Dandenongs. In Lilydale, 40 per cent. of premises in declar:ed sewered areas are unconnected. A major source of pollution is a dairy factory.

The Lilydale sewage treatment plant contributes treated effluent to the creek . . . The creek has a milky appearance and a high bacterial count as it discharges into the Yarra ....

That was the Olinda Creek in 1972. The report later refers to the Woori Yallock Creek and says-

The headwaters of the creek ·and its tributary; Cockatoo Creek, drain several

. close settled and unsewered areas. including Olinda, Monbulk. Emerald, Cockatoo an~ Ge~brook. High turbidity is caused by soil erOSIOn.

A number. of. creeks are mentioned ·.and I shall briefly comment on them. The authority reported as follows on the Diamond Creek:- .

Diamond Creek becomes highly contaminated upon· reaching Eltham, with a large waste loading from unseweredresidential areas and some loading from the unsewered industrial areas. This is a turbid brown stream with high bacterial counts and low dissolved oxygen content.

Of the Plenty River, the report says, inter alia-

Upstream of Greensborough the stream is moderately poUuted. However, at Greensborough and further downstream near Macleod, the waste load from unsewered residential areas increases the pollution level 'of the stream.

It refers to the Koonung Creek in these terms-

Upstream of Middleborough Road, the creek is in poor conditio.n •. grey _and .fo,.aro-ing with an upleasant odour; .... ..

The Hon. J. M. Tripovich.

These conditions exist after this Government has been in office for seventeen years. Did the honorable member for Ivanhoe, Sir Vernon Christie, tell the Government of these matters in the party room? If not, he told them through the Save The Yarra Valley Committee. Commenting further on the Koonung Creek, the authority said-

The creek receives its largest waste contribution from the unconnected dwellings in sewered areas.

The effect of household detergents is evident near the entrance to the Yarra Riv·er where the creek drops 1 metre and a foam bank forms, about 3 metres wide by 12 metres in length ·and up to 3 metres deep. There is also a very high bacterial count there.

I remind the House that this report was issued in 1972, seventeen years after this Government came into office.

Referring to Ruffeys Creek, the report states, inter alia-

Ruffeys Creek drains a small catchment area. An unsewered industrial area of less than 8 hectares (19 acres) and an unsewered residential :area of 555 hectares (1,370 acres) contribute a total in excess of 157 kilograms (347 Ibs.) of biological oxygen demand per day .

Ruffeys Creek is a highly polluted stream. Extensive urbanization within this unsewered catchment is further increasing the pollution levels within ·this stream.

I remind the House that the Yarra River has many tributaries which are highly polluted. Of Fitzsimmons Lane drain, the report states-

This open 'channel drains the development immediately east of Ruffeys Creek catchment, and is also polluted by waste loading from residential unsewered development.

Of Mullum Mullum Creek, it states-The creek is in a degenerated condition

within the Croydon North-Ringwood urban unsewered area, carrying domestic and industrial waste but improves downstream as it traverses the woodland and orchard country towards the Yarra River.

All of these areas are represented by Liberal Parliamentarians. Apparently, the people in the area are conservative voters who are content to be represented by members whose represen-tation is hypocritical. .

Po.llution. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] " Pollution. 687

The report also comments on Brushy Creek. It states, inter aUa-

The stream is of very poor quality and has the grey appearance typical of sullage waters.

Of Gardiner's Creek it states, inter alia-

Drains in the eas t con tain sullage flows with typical sullage fungus and algal growths . . . high bacterial counts o'ccur at the outflow from the creek to the Yarra River.

I suggest that on the evidence which has been presented in this Chamber tonight by my Leader and by the Leader of the Country Party on pollution, the Government cannot deny that it has been hypocritical in its approach to this problem. I have pOinted out already that this situation exists after the Government has been in office for seventeen years. Previously we had the " B" or "Bolte" era, and now that there is a new Premier, we are in the " AB" or "After-Bolte" era. The Government is turning over a new leaf, but that leaf ought to read" The end" for the Liberal Party Government, which for seventeen years has done little to combat pollution in Victoria except to introduce as a political gimmick a measure relating to the problem.

I have no doubt that Mr. J. H. Alder, who is now the Acting Chairman of the Environment Protection Authority, will do his utmost to achieve results, but I point out that there is not one expert of world renown now on that authority.

My party believes that the Government stands condemned for its cynicism and hypocrisy in that, whilst continuing to pay lip service to the cause of anti-pollution, it continues to permit its departments and instrumentalities to contaminate waters and endanger health in and around the State of Victoria and that, on the evidence that has been presented, the House should now adjourn.

The Hon. A. J~ HUNT (Minister for Local Government) .-1 have always found that those who cry "Cheat" most frequently are the biggest cheats of all, and that those who loudly accuse others . of being liars are usually bigger liars.

Accusations of cynicism and hypocrisy on the part of the Government have been made, but when one looks at the facts of the matter one sees that cynicism and hypocrisy are in fact the attitudes which are adopted by honorable members on the other side of the House.

This motion has been based on a single issue, namely, the tip at Camberwell. Members of the Labor Party know that it is an issue on which they cannot lose, especially in the eyes of people who live near tips. People do, not like living near tips, but 1 think everyone realize$ that they are necessary and that councils are obliged by law to provide them and that their location is decided on a nonpolitical basis in a way which provides a safeguard for everybody.

There are two requirements before a tip can be established. One is that a consent must be obtained from the Commission of Public Health which acts in an arbitrary capacity free from political influence. As all honorable members know, or should know, a proposal is advertised and public objections are invited. Objectors are entitled to be heard, if they wish, and the commission grants or refuses its consent after taking into account all of the factors involved. It looks at the issues of health and welfare.

A permit is also required in relation to planning for a tip. That is granted by a responsible authorityeither a local council, or the Mel'" bourne and Metropolitan Board of Works-and it is subject to conditions which are designed to protect the public and to ensure that the area will be restored. The issue of the permit is again quite apart from any kind of political influence. There is a right of appeal by any person who feels aggrieved at the decision

688 Pollution. [COUNCll...] Pollution.

to the Town Planning Appeals Tribunal, which also is absolutely free from political interference.

From my remarks, honorable members will realize that the statement that I granted a permit-

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I did not say that. You were not in the Parliament fourteen years ago.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Mr. Tripovich makes it clear that this was a decision made fourteen years ago, but he suddenly finds it urgent enough to support a motion for the adjournment of the House.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-I informed the House how long this Camberwell order had been operating.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-In referring to me, Mr. Galbally said that the Minister for Local Government, with logic ill-becoming him, granted a permit. That is not true. It is not a fact. Mr. Galbally has again been careless with facts just as he was concerning the situation of this land.

Local members know the area well and know that it was of no value and that the purpose of having a tip operation there was not only to dispose of garbage but also to provide worth-while recreational land. Many people will disagree, as people will, but the Opposition is seeking to take up the case of a particular party to a dispute which has been considered by the proper planning authorities and which has been before the independent Commission of Public Health. The case has been argued before those bodies and decisions have been made and acted upon. The basis of the motion now before the House has been supplied by the party whose objections were not sustained.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-That has nothing to do with me.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I am speaking only of Camberwell. Information supplied by one party is the basis of this motion. The Labor Party has taken up this case knowing that it will be popular with people who live nearby. I believe the Labor

Party should support the independent determinations which are made in these matters by bodies which are absolutely free of political influence. Even if I had the right to grant a permit, I have no view on the matter one way or another.

The Hon. J. M. WALTON .-It is an easy way out to have no view.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I do not form views on planning matters unless I know the full facts. This subject has been presented in a most partisan manner by honorable members from the other side of the House. The point is that this was not the prerogative of any Government Minister, and Mr. Tripovich admits--

Mr. TRIPOVICH.-I did not say that. The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-With his

usual candour, Mr. Tripovich admits that this is a situation which has obtained for many years and which has been the subject of local controversy. I pOint out that a most attractive golf course has been provided in an area of Camberwell which was once a tip area.

I now dismiss the red herring which was used as a basis for this debate and turn to the real issues. The real issue is the Government's record in pollution control.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-If the Government has any record in regard to pollution control, how did the tributaries of the Yarra River become polluted?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-It is strange that the Opposition should attack the Government just one sitting after proposals for a crash programme for sewering of unsewered properties and the provision of new sewerage and drainage facilities were announced in this House.

The Hon. A. W. KNIGHT.-The State Development Committee should receive credit for that.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Yes, and I do give credit to the committee. I gave credit to the committee at the time the report was presented. I congratulate its members, and I am


sure that they are delighted that the Government has adopted their recommendations without delay.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-What do the recommendations mean? The Government does not have $1,250 million. The conditions still exist.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Within the metropolitan 'area the prerequisite for a rapid plan of action for sewering premises is the completion of the south-eastern outfall sewer.

The Hon. I. A. SWINBURNE.-That has been going on for years. You had nothing to do with that.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I, personally, had nothing to do with it, but the Government did.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-All the Minister can do is endorse principles. The Government does not have access to the amount of money that is required.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Mr. Tripovich regards the functions of the Government as vague and incapable of achievement. I make it clear that the vast bulk of the money is already earmarked. I mean that. The statement was not made without a thorough assessment by Treasury officials, in which I participated personally with the Premier and Treasurer. We knew where the vast bulk of the money was coming from. To obtain the balance will mean an upgrading of priorities.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVICH.-Will it mean fewer schools, hospitals and roads and all the other things we used to hear about?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-No. It will ~lso mean more assistance from the Commonwealth Government to meet the problem.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-The Commonwealth Government also intends to help the railways.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-Certainly. I t has also promised to help urban areas and to assist decentralization. The Government's policy w~s adopted promptly after an intensive study, after obtaining submissions on esti-

mates of cost and' after a : detailed analysis by senior Treasury officials in conjunction with myself ,and the Premier and Treasurer. Nothing was said lightly in the statement that waS made after the release of the report·

Attacks have been made on the En~ vironment Protection Authority and the Act.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-They have not.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I am sorry, attacks have been made on the Act, and it has been said that the Act is not in full operation at this stage.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-The Government proclaims the Act.

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-At the same time Mr. Tripovich reads from and relies upon the report of the Environment Protection Authority, a report which points the way. That surely was in fact the early task of the Environment Protection Authority. Its task was to undertake studies to ascertain what is needed to be done and how it should be undertaken. Its task was also to build up a staff of skilled personnel and an organization which could then carry out the task delineated by the report. That is precisely what has been done. The studies have been undertaken, the staff has been assembled, the objectives have been ascertained 'and a programme has been set down.

The Hon. M. A. CLARKE.-How many staff have been engaged?

The Hon. A. J. HUNT.-I find it difficult to continue over this barrage of shouting. Now the Act can be proclaimed and the policies implemented. That is precisely the course that the Government has adopted. I m'entioned the south-eastern outfall sewer which is now under construction.

The Hon. J. M. TRIPOVIcH.-The Government was pushed into that because of a by-election result.

The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W. Garrett).-Order! Mr. Tripovich can make only one speech and I suggest that he has made that speech.

690 .. Pollution. [COUNCIL.] Papers;

,'. The Han. A. J. HUNT.-It seems .obvious that Mr. Tripovich is keen to use .the phrase" with his customary 'candour" to the end of his life. I was sincere in using it because I. have complete faith in the integrity ·and can dour of ,Mr. Tripovich. It is just that I disagree with his arguments sometim·es. The Government made its decision following a report from Mr~ K. D. Green, now the Secretary of the Premier's Department and then . a commissioner of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, that undue nutrient enrichment of Port Phillip Bay could be expected from the Carrum outlet, and to avoid pollution of the water a decision was made to take the outfall to Cape Schanck. That decision has meant that the south-eastern outfall sewer is not in operation as early as it otherwise would have been. It also meant that added funds were necessary and this resulted in some delay in the sewerage reticulation programme. That has been an inevitable concomitant and it is not possible to have both. The decision was made to spend the money on the outfall sewer. The completion of the project will pave the way for an assault on unsewered areas.

I do not know whether the Labor Party thinks it has discovered the word "pollution". Pollution has been bandied about as a good election issue and that 'is the real reason for this debate tonight, a fortnight after major announcements by the Government showing the direction :in which Government policy is heading. I suggest that in those circumstances the real source of hypocrisy ·and cynicism is clear. It rests not with the Government but with the mover of the motion.

The House divided on the motion for the ·adjournment of the House (the Hon. R. W. Garrett in the ohair)-

Ayes 16 Noes 17

Majority against the motion .. 1

Mr. Bradbury Mr. Clarke Mr. Eddy Mr. Galbally Mr. Knight Mr. McDonald Mr. Mansell Mr. May Mr. Mitchell.

Mr Byrne Mr. Campbell

AYES •

Mr. Swinburne Mr. Thomas Mr. Trayling Mr. Tripovich Mr. Walton.

Tellers: Mr. Dunn Mr. Kent.

NOES.

Sir Gilbert Chandler Mr. Dickie

Mr. Hunt Mr. Jenkins Mr. Nicol Mr. Storey

Mr. Granter Mr. Ward. Mr. Grimwade Mr. Gross Mr. Hamilton Tellers: Mr. Hider Mr. Houghton

Mr. Fry Mr. Gleeson.

PAIR.

Mr. Elliot Mr. Hauser.

LAND (RESIDENCE AR~AS) BILL. This Bill was received from the

Assembly and, on the motion of Sir GILBERT CHANDLER (Minister of Agriculture), was read a first time.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. The PRESIDENT (the Hon. R. W.

Garrett).-No new business can now be conducted as it is past the hour of half-past Ten o'clock. However, one or two matters should be dealt with before the House adjourns tonight. .

COMMAND PAPER. Sir GILBERT CHANDLER (Mini

ster of Agriculture) presented, by command of His Excellency the Governor, the report of the State Electricity Commission on the proposed extension to the State generating system, Yallourn W power station units 3 and 4.

It was ordered that the report be laid on the table.


the directions of several Acts of Parliament, were laid upon the table by the Clerk:-

Papers. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] ., Papers. 69r

Adoption of Children Act 1964-Adoption of Children (Guardianship) Regulations 1972 (S.R. No. 264).

Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958-Co-operative Housing Societies (General) Regulations 1972 (S.R. No. 262).

Environment Protection Authority-Report for the year 1971-72.

Grain Elevato'fs Act 1958-Grain Elevators Board by-law (relating to the conditions of employment of staff) No. 47K (S.R. No. 265).

Gl1ain Elevators Board-Report for the year ended 31st October, 1971.

Health Act 1958-Household Insecticides (Amendment No.2) Regulations 1972 (S.R. No. 263).

La Trobe University-Report of the council together with statutes approved by the Governor in Council, for the year 1971 (eight papers).

Local Government Act 1958-Private Street Construction (Notices)

Regulations 1972 (S.R. No. 269). Scaffolding (Amendment) Regulations

1972 (Amendment No.7) (S.R. No. 260).

Marine Act 1958-Proclamation-Amendment to Port Rule Applicable to Westernport Harbor Services (Rates ,and Charges) (S.R. No. 266).

Monash University-RepO'l't of the council together with statutes approved by the Governor in Council, for the year 1971 (nine papers).

National Parks Advisory Committee--Report for the year 1971-72.

Police Service Board-Determination No. 195.

Public Service Act 1958-Public Service (Public Service Board) Regulations-

Regulations amended (Nos. 293 to 297) (five papers).

Science Museum-Report for the year 1971-72.

Town and Country Planning Act 1961-Planning schemes-

Lara Planning Scheme 1961-amendment No.5, 1970.

Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme-amendments No. 12, wi'th maps, and No. 33, with map (sixtytwo papers).

Shire of Momington Planning Scheme 1959-amendments No. 56, 1970, and No. 66, 1971 (two papers).

Town and Country Planning Regulations 1962 Amending Regulations No. 11 (S.R. No. 261).

Water Act 1958-Granting of Certificates of Qualification as Engineers of Water Supply (Amendment) Regulations 1972 (S.R. No. 268).

West Moorabool Water Board Act l00g...:..;. West Moorabool Water Board (Mem-bers' Fees and Travelling Expenses) (Amendment) Regulations .1972 (S.R. No. 267). The House adjourned at 10.48 p.m.

1&rgi.alutinr A.a.armhly. Tuesday, October 10, 1972.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie) took the chair at 4.5 p.m., and read the prayer.



POLICE DEPARTMENT. PERSONS WOUNDED BY SMALL ARMb

FIRE. (Question No. 12)

Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. How many cases have been reported of persons being wounded by small larms fire of police officers in the years 1970, 1971 and to 5th September, 1972?

2. What was the outcome of the inquiry ordered by the Chief Secretary in each case?

For Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary) , Mr. Wilcox (Minister of Transport) .-The answer is-

1 and 2. In the period referred to by the honorable member, there have been a total of eighteen instances where a person was wounded as a result of the discharge of a firear.m by a member of the Police Force. during the course of his duty. Each of these woundings has been the subject of a full police investigation, and in the case of fatal woundings, a brief has been submitted to the Coroner.

Four of the woundings occurred in 1970, . and in three of these cases, investigations established th·at the members of the force concerned were justified in the use of a firearm. Indeed, in one instance, the members were awarded a Chief Commissioner's certificate for the apprehension of a dangerous. armed offender and his accomplices, and


in another, the members were commended for their courage and devotion to duty in apprehending ,an armed offender.

The fourth wounding was a fatal one and at the inquest the Coroner returned a verdict of justifiable homicide. The two members involved were each awarded the Victoria Police valour award for outstanding courage, devotion to' duty, tenacity and a disregard for their personal safety in overcoming a dangerous and armed criminal.

In the four cases of woundings in 1971, investigations indicated that the members were justified in the use of a firearm and consequently no further action was taken. The members concerned in twO' instances were commended for their devotion to duty and actions which led to the arrest of offenders.

Ten cases O'f wounding as a result of police small arms fire have occurred this year to date. In six cases, investigations have confirmed that the use of a firearm was justified and no furth,er action has been taken. The seventh cas,e was caused by the accidental discharge of a weapon when the member tripped on cobblestones. The shot passed through a galvanized iron fence before hitting the offender.

Persons were fatally injured in the remaining three instances. In one case the Coroner found that the bullet wound was inflicted in self-defence and the homicide resulting therefrom was excusable and in another the Coroner recorded a finding of death by misadventure. The inquest into the third fatality has yet to be held.

CRIME IN MARYBOROUGH.

(Question No. 325)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. What offences have been reported in Maryborough in the past twelVie months?

2. How many of 'these cases have been solved?

3. How many persons under the age of seventeen years were apprehended in respect of offences, giving the number of boys and girls, respectively?

4. How many persons over seventeen years were apprehended for these offences?

5. How many times policewomen were requil1ed to attend Maryborough in the past twelve months' including attendances in connection with court appearances and in respeot of domestic problems?


1 and 2. The following table shows the number of offences, in each categO'ry, reported to the Maryborough police during the

twelve months ended 28th September, 1972, and th,e number of such offences which have been cleared:-

Nature of offences

Armed with offensive weapon Assault.. .. Assault with weapon .. " Breach of the Liquor Control Act Breaking offences Carnal knowledge .. Driving in manner dangerous .. Driving under the influence of in-

toxicating liquor .. Driving whilst disqualified .. Driving with blood alcohol content

in excess of ·05 per centum Escaping from legal custody False declaration False pretences .. Harbouring felon Indecent assault .. Indecent exposure Insufficient means Larceny .. .. Larceny from motor car .. Larceny of motor car Offensive behaviour Protection application Receiving .. Refusing breath test Resisting arrest.. . . Tampering with motor car Unlawfully on premises .. Wilful damage ..

Total

Number reported

2 3 2 4

35 t

10

4 5

31 3 5 5 1 1 1 1

44 17 12 21

1 2 1 2 1 7

14

236

Number cleared

2 3 2 4

11 1

10

4 5

31 3 5 5 1 1 1 1

21 15 4

21 1 2 1 2 1 5 3

166

An offence is regarded as "cleared" if(a) there was no offence disclosed; or (b) a person has been charg,ed with the

offence; or (c) a person, ,against whom proceedings

aile being taken on some other matter, admits to COmmitting the offence.)

3. Twenty (seventeen boys and three girls) .

4. One hundred and twenty-six. 5. During the twelve months ended 28th

September, 1972, policewomen visited Maryborough on nineteen occasions for the following purposes:-

(a) Court appearances-5. (b) Domestic problems-12. (c) General duty on New Year's Day and

at the Wattle Festiv,al-2.

INSPECTORS.

(Question No. 342) Mr. TURNBULL (Brunswick West)

asked the Chief Secretary-1. What is the present rank of detective

inspectors and uniformed inspectors at <the respective headquarters of each police district, and whether it is proposed to fill such positions with chief 'inspectors in the future?

2. Whether it is proposed that the inspectors in each position will remain there until retirement; if not, in which districts


it is proposed to transfer the present occupant, to which districts these inspectors will be transferred, and why the transfers are being made?

For Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary), Mr. Wilcox (Minister of Transport) .-The answer is-

1 and 2. It is presumed that this question relates to the policy adopted of up-grading -the positions of all uniform divisional inspectors and district detective inspectors in the metropolitan police districts to chief inspector with the object of ensuring that appropriate levels and spans of command .are maintained.

The policy regarding the upgrading of these positions was that it would occur as each position became vacant. Insofar as the 25 uniform divisional inspector positions are concerned, no great difficulty has been experienced in progressively implementing the scheme and the up-g~adings are almost complete. In the case of the eight district detective -inspector positions in the metropolitan police distriots, :three positions have not yet been filled by chief inspectors. These positions are at Flemington, Frankston and Heidelberg.

The district detective inspector at Flemington, who is ineligible for promotion on account of his age, is not due to retire until 25th February, 1974. If he had been permitted to remain at Flemington 'as an Inspector, it would have unduly delayed the upgrading of the position to chief inspector and would have brought about an imbalance in the levels of command. It would have delayed some promotions and as 'a result, some eligible members could be denied the opportunity of promotion. As the efficiency of the force could suffer, the district detective inspector was transferred to Russell Street Criminal Investigation Branch to perform the duties of a detective inspector. The position at Flemington has been advertised in the Police Gazette at the rank of chief inspector and is expected to be filled in the very near future. The other positions will be upgraded when the district detective inspectors, who ,are eligible for promotion to the rank of chief inspector, are transferred to other positions. It is not possible at this stage to forecast when these transfers may take place, but a close watch is being kept on the situation as it is essential Ithat the policy of upgrading the positions is not unduly delayed.

PRISONS DIVISION. PRISON FARMS. (Question No. 60)

Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the Minister for Social Welfare-

In respect of Victorian prison farms-1. How many-(a) prisoners; (b) full

time staff; and (c) outside or part-time employees, are at each farm?

2. What agricuLtural projects are carried out at each farm?

3. On what basis prisoners are selected for prison f-arms?

4. What is the annual running cost of each farm?

5. What is the annual value of ,the produce from each farm?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Social Welfare).-The answer is-

1. The following table provides the information sought in relation to prisons where farming is conducted:-

Number of Number of Number of outside or

Prison prisoners full-time part-time

Ararat Beechworth .. Cooriemungle .. Dhurringile .. McLeod

179 113 57 58 88

staff employees

37 22 11 11 19

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

2. These prisons inter alia produce beef. mutton. milk, butter, eggs, fruit and vegetables. Vegetables are also produced in quantity at Pentridge and Fairlea prisons.

3. Selection is decided by the classification committee in regard for factors including reasons for imprisonment, leng;th of sentence, vocational history, health and psychiatric aspects, likely response to trust. and voluntary or reactive interest in being so placed.

4. The total running costs of these prisons over the year 1971-72 are ·as follows. It is not possible to dissect from these ithe actual costs of the farming projects.

Ararat Beechworth Cooriemungle Dhurringile McLeod

$ 293,435 165,852 95,568

104,393 148.332

5. Figures ·are not available to show such annual values, as mnch of the produce is consumed internally as rations for prisoners and staff, and surplus vegetables are donated to hospitals and other charitable organizations.

IMPRISONMENT OF PERSONS FOUND NOT GUILTY OF MURDER ON GROUND

OF INSANITY.

(Question No. 61) Mr. JONES (Melbourne) asked the

Minister for Social Welfare-1. How many persons. found not guilty

of murder on the ground of insanity are presently held in Victorian penal institutions pending the Governor's pleasure being known?


2. For what period each person has been held in custody?

3. Whether any of these persons are actually undergoing some fQrm of psychiatric treatment; if so., which persons?

4. Whether lany 'Of ,these persons are being treated as if they had been convicted in the ordinary course of trial; if so, which person's?


1. Thirty persons. 2. Four held for one year.

Six held for two years. Four held for three years. Two held foOr four years. Two. held for five years. Five held for six years. Three held for seven years. One held for nine years. One held for ten years. Two held for thirteen years.

3. Nine :are currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.

4. All of ,these persons, except one temporarily in ho.spital, have been put to the same range of varying 'Occupations as are convicted persons, with provision made for the application of psychiatric treatment as prescrihed including attendances for group therapy.

PENTRIDGE GAOL: MAGAZINE " STOCKADE": "H" DIVISION.

(Question No. 90)

Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare-

1. Whether the magazine Stockade produced by prisoners at Pentridge prison has ceased publication; if so-(a) when; and (b) why?

2. What was the annual cost of production during the magazine's existence?

3. Whether instructions were given at any time to the effect that a limit would be placed on the number of copies that could be produced; if so-(a) when such instruction was given; (b) by whom; (c) why; and (d) what were the terms of such directive?


1. Yes. (a) Approximately five years ago. (b) Due to. the fall-off of interest.

2. Approximately $450 per year. 3. Yes.

(a) On 19th February, 1965.

(b) The Director of Prisons. (c) Due to the high cost of production

and distribution. (d) The directive required following

production to be limited to 500 copies, and drew attention to a prior instruction limiting size to six sheets including cover, i.e. 24 pages.

(Question No. 91)

Mr. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare-

1. What is the accommodation capacity of "H" division at Pentridge prison?

2. How many prisoners were accommodated in "H" division on each day of this year to date, specifying the reasons for such measures being taken?


1. Thirty-nine prisoners.

2. The extraction of this information would require a number of officers to be diverted from pressing work for a consider.able period of time, and I regret that such attention cannot be spared for the purpose.

TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD. OFF-COURSE TOTALIZATOR: OPERATION

ON GREYHOUND AND TROTTING MEETINGS.

(Question No. 163)

Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North) asked the Minister for Youth and Recreation-

1. Whether the Totalizator Agency Board has reduced the number of greyhound and trotting meetings operating on 'the off-course totalizator; if so-(a) to what extent; (b) why; and (c) what estimated amount of revenue will be lost by-(i) the State Treasury; and (ii) racing clubs?

2. Whether he will take action to prevent a repetition of such action by the board?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-The answer is-

No.

In the 1971-72 season, the Totalizator Agency Board provided an off-course coverage for eleven country greyhound meetings and 168 country trotting meetings.

I am informed that, for the current season, the board proposes providing a coverage for 39 country greyhound meetings and 188 country trotting meetings.


SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. HAMILTON OFFICE: PROBATION

. OFFICER.

(QuestiQn No.. 173)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister for Social Welfare-

Whether the HamiltQn Qffice Qf the SQcial Welfare Department is withQut the services Qf a probatiQn Qfficer; if sQ-(a) fQr what periQd; and (b) whether a prQbatiQn Qfficer will be appointed and, in that event, when, Qr if nQt, why?

Mr. I. W. SMITH· (Minister for Social Welfare) .. - The answer is-

Yes.

(a) Since 9th June, 1972, when the previQUS Qfficer was promQted elsewhere.

(b) Yes, as SQQn as current actiQn to. appoint a succeSSQr is effective. Advertisements to. fill the positiQn have so. far attracted no. applicants, and are nQW being repeated in all States.

ABATTOIRS. KILLING CAPACITY: THROUGHPUT:

LAND AREAS.

(QuestiQn No.. 213)

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked the Minister of Health-

1. What is the killing capacity Qf each export abattQirs and each nQn-export abattQirs, in VictQria?

2. What was the actual thrQughput at each ,abattQirs in each Qf the past five years?

3. What is the area Qf land o.n which each abattQirs is established in the metro.poHtan area and what amount o.f land is used fo.r hQlding paddo.cks?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health).-The answer is-

1. This department dOles nQt establish such a figure fQr each abatto.ir registered.

2. The CQmmissiQn Qf Public Health receives mo.nthly returns fro.m municipal cQuncils in respect Qf each o.f the 128 abattQirs in mea't al1eas throughQut VictQria. There are a number o.f small abattQirs Qutside meat areas where private killing is carried Qn ,and fo.r which no. returns are submitted. Officers o.f the department are cQncerned with health aspects Qf the o.peratiQn Qf abatto.irs-pro.per sanitation, disposal of waste, the health of staff and the standards Qf cleanliness fo.r and the fl1eedom from disease Qf meat-and do. nQt keep statistical infQrmatiQn such as that SQught.

Collation o.f these figures would occupy a cQnsiderable number o.f man ho.urs and could o.nly be carried Qut by taking Qfficers away from 'regular duties which must also. be carried QUt. Th'e files in relatiQn to. any particular municipal area CQuid be made available to the ho.norable member sho.uld he so. desire.

3. This infQrmatiQn CQuid nQt be supplied withQut a survey o.f all abattQirs in the metropolitan area being co.nducted. In any case, holding areas are not necessarily portiQn Qf an ;abattQir co.ming under the jurisdictiQn Qf the CQmmissiQn o.f Public Health.

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. ACQUISITION BY COMMONWEALTH: CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN PREMIER

AND PRIME MINISTER.

(QuestiQn No.. 238)

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) asked the Premier-

Wheth.er he will make available all the co.rresPQndence between the former Premier o.f Victoria, Sir Henry Bolte, and the Prime Minister Qf Australia concerning the acquisitio.n Qf the VictQrian Railways by the CQmmQnwealth and in particular the letter frQm the Premier to.' the Prime Minister dated 2nd September, 1970, ,and the Prime Minister's reply dated 30th April, 1971?


Yes. I will be happy to. make the CQrrespondence available to the Leader o.f the OppositiQn.

GIPPSLAND LINE: REVENUE: COSTS: SPEED LIMITS: GOODS TRAFFIC:

(QuestiQn No.. 270)


In respect of ,each o.f the past five financial years-

1. What revenue was' derived frQm the Gippsland railway line shQwing revenue earned frQm passenger _ and. gQQds- traffic, respectively?

2. What was the operating CQSlt fQr this railway line?

3. What duplication CQsts and maintenance costs, 'respectively, were incurred o.n this line?

4. What speed limits, if any, are placed on this line and why?

5. What tQnnage o.f go.o.ds was carried by .. this line - to. and from Melbourne, respectively?


Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Trans-port).-The answer is-

1.

Outward Outward Outward Inward passengers parcels goods goods

$ $ $ $

1967-68 454,139 67,748 8,916,100 3,002,285 1968-69 444,488 66,623 7,446,824 3,229,858 1969-70 443,976 64,879 8,090,590 2,935,125 1970-71 441,260 70,687 7,107,086 2,805987

Notes (i) For the purposes of this and the

other answers which follow, the Gippsland railway line has been interpreted to mean the line from Dandenong (exclusive) to Orbost via Sale, plus Yalloum.

(ii) Revenue figures for 1971-72 are not yet available.

Dandenong-Moe Moe-Kilmany Kilmany-Bairnsdale Bairnsdale-Orbost Moe-Yallourn

Section

5. This information is available o.nly for 1969-70 and 1970-71 (figures for 1971-72 are not yet complete).

Details are as follows:-To Melbourne From Melbourne

Tons Tons 1969-70 1,285,584 196,930 1970-71 1,119,243 195,262

In this context "Melbourne" includes Melbourne freight terminal land all stations within the suburban (32 miles) radius.

JOLIMONT WORKSHOPS: HALF-STAFF LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES.

(Question No. 327)

Mr. SIMMONDS {Reservoir) asked the Minister of Transport-

1. What are the half-staff leave entitlements for the December, 1972 to January, 1973 holiday period for employees of the Jolimont railway workshops?

2. When these employees will be advised of-(a) their entitlement;- and (b) the dates of such holiday leave?


I am advised bv the commissioners that this matter was the subj.ect of discussions between them and the \appropriate unions.

(iii) Outward passenger and parcels re-venue is received at stations defined in (i).

(iv) Inward passenger and parcels figures could be supplied only las the result of very long and costly research.

2. The operating cost for dlis line has not been separately recorded.

3. Maintenance costs have not been separately recorded for this line. The fol-lowing estimates have been made from avail-able records:-

1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

$ 904,000 873,000 906,000

1,293,000 1,204,000

No duplication costs were incurred during the five-year period referred to.

4. The present permitted maximum speeds ·are as follows:-

Passenger trains

m.p.h. 70 60 50 35 40

Goods trains without any

4-wheeled vehicles attached

m.p.h. 60 50 50 35 40

Goods trains with 4-wheeled

vehicles attached

m.p.h. 45 40 40 35 40

The necessary applications are being submitted to the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Commission.

SIDINGS ON PORTLAND AND HORSHAM LINES.

(Question No. 331)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Transport-

Whether all railway sidings between Portland and Melbourne and Horsham and Melbourne, respectively, are long enough to cater for normal size freight trains without the train having to be broken; if not, which sidings do not meet this requirement?


No.

Between Melbourne and Horsham, Melton, Ballan, Gordon, Burrumbeet, Beaufort, Middle Creek, Deep Lead and Wal Wal.

In the case of the Ararat-Portland line, sidings at Willaura, Glen Thompson and Dunkeld are not adequate for the handling of maximum length trains during the superphosphate and grain seasons.


DIM BOOLA - MELBOURNE PASSENGER SERVICE.


the Minister of Transport-Whether it is intended to introduce a day

return rail service from Dimboola to Melbourne using a new air-conditioned train, if so--(a) when; (b) whether it will link up with the new Portland train; (c) what is the seating capacity and proposed time for the journey; and (d) whether qualified workmen will be available to service this train in Melbourne?


Yes. (a) No time has been set for its intro

duction. (b) Yes. It is intended that subject to

maintenance requirements each of the modem air-conditioned railcars will operate daily between Horsham and Melbourne and Portland and Melbourne, travelling coupled together for the common Ararat-Melbourne portion of the journeys.

(c) One hundred 'and twentYl between Ararat and Melbourne and 60 between Ararat and Portland and Ararat and Hor-

sham. This accommodation can be augmented by attaching one or two additional carriages. Detailed schedules have not yet been settled.

(d) Yes.

ST. KILDA AND PORT MELBOURNE LINES: PASSENGERS: REVENUE.

(Question No. 353)

Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked the Minister of Transport-

1. How many passengers were carried on the Flinders Street-St. Kilda rail service in each of the years 1961 to 1971 inclusive and what amount of revenue was received from these passengers in each year?

2. How many passengers were carried on the Flinders Street-Port Melbourne rail service in each of the years 1961 to 1971 inclusive and what amount of revenue was received from these passengers in each year?


The number of journeys and the revenue from tickets sold at stations on the St. Kilda and Port Melbourne lines for the ten years to 30th June, 1970, were-

PASSENGER JOURNEYS AND REVENUE.

St. Kilda line Port Melbourne line Year No of journeys Revenue No of journeys Revenue

1961-62 1962-63 1963-64 1964-65 1965-66 1966-67 1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71

3,916,639 3,931,858 3,899,786 3,879,313 3,876,695 3,889,541 3,804,305 3,681,620 3,818,563 3,729,849

ROSANNA LEVEL CROSSING.

(Question No. 361)

Mr. FELL (Greensborough) asked the Minister of Transport-

1. What action is proposed to widen the railway level crossing in Lower Plenty Road adjacent to Rosanna railway station, to the same width as the road, in order that the obstruction presently being caused to road traffic may be relieved?

2. What action is proposed to provide boom barriers at this crossing?

$

391,380 395,107 391,322 433,493 446,870 500,715 492,A:i82 491,466 540,601 545,337

1,056,942 1,028,683 1,068,525 1,041,578 1,170,739 1,073,193 1,032,504

972,479 957,682 909,302

$

114,242 110,395 111,136 122,127 145,713 147,426 148,474 135,706 143,858 134,692


1. In accordance with the Government's policy of financing boom barrier installations, the City of Heidelberg has made its contribution of one-third of the cost of installing boom barriers at the Lower Plenty Road level crossing, Rosanna, and work has begun. In conjunction with the installation the roadway will be widened from 28 feet to 40 feet.

2. It is expected that the boom barriers wiU come into operation during November this year.

698 . Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on' Notice.

MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND RAIL Loop. (Question No. 365)


Whether, in view of the increased estimate of the cost of the Melbourne underground rail loop project above the original estimate, any approach has been made to him by the Melbourne City Council regarding its increased financial obligation; if so, what were the relevant details of such submission?


The Melbourne City Council has not made a submission to me concerning its financial obligations toward the loop since the revised estimate was available.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS: EMPLOYEES.

(Question No. 368)

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservoir) asked the Minister of Transport-

1. How many industrial accidents occurred to employees of the Railway Department during each of the past five years?

2. How many employees were injured as a result of these accidents?

3. How many persons were in the employ of the department during each of those years?

4. What total man-hours was lost due to industrial accidents during each of those years?


1. The number of incidents are not separately recorded and statistics are only available for the number of staff involved.

2. 1967-68 7,822 1968-69 7,409 1969-70 6,651 1970-71 6,337 1971-72 6,262

3. 1967-68 26,823 1968-69 26,963 1969-70 26,297 1970-71 25,878 1971-72 25,715

4. 1967-68 406,050 1968-69 414,900 1969-70 384,000 1970-71 344,800 1971-72 297,500

MINERAL SPA WATER.' STATE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

REPORT ON RESOURCES.

(Question No. 240)

Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North) asked the Premier-

Whether the relevant departments have finalized their examination of 'the State Development Committee report on the mineral spa water resources of Victoria; If so, whether it is proposed to introduce legislation resulting from this examination and, in that event, when?


The relevant departments have completed their examination of the State Development Committee's report on the mineral spa waters resources of Victoria. The departmental submissions will be considered shortly by a Cabinet sub-committee, when the need for any legislation will be decided.

HIGHWAYS AND FREEWAYS. TENDERS.

'(Question No. 244)


In respect of the Country Roads Board and the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, respectively-

1. What was the total value of the tenders let in each of the past three financial years for freeway and highway construction?

2. How many tenders of $250,000 and over were let 'in each of the past three finandal years indicating-(a) who was the successful tenderer; (b) what were the particular jobs; and (c) where works were located, in each case?


In respeot of the Country Roads Board-1. The total value of tenders accepted by

the Country Roads Board for construction land reconstruction works and the supply of materials for such works on State highways, main roads, tourists' roads, forest roads and freeways declared or proclaimed under the provisions of Ithe Country Roads Act was-

1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

$ .. 21,375,470 •. , 22,860,610

12,494,571

Ques(ions. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] on Notice. 699

2. The Country Roads Board 'accepted the following number of tenders each baving a value over $250,000 for works on State highways, main roads, tourists' roads, forest roads and freeways:-

Name of successful tenderer Description of work Location

1969-70-Lewis Construction Co. Pty. Ltd. 5-span underpass struc

ture Lower Yarra Freeway at Princes High

way West Standard Roads Pty. Ltd. 18,470 lin. ft. roadworks Nepean Highway, Mornington

Boundary, Brady and Montague streets, South Melbourne

Galli Bros. Constructions Pty. 4,600 lin. ft. roadworks Ltd.

Janus Construction Pty. Ltd. 11,329 lin. ft. reconstruc- Maroondah Highway, Lilydale tion

Wither Constructions Pty. Ltd. Western interchange with Princes Highway West

Lower Yarra Freeway

Mecho Constructions Pty. Ltd. 12,131 lin. ft. of dual Frankston Freeway between Williams Street and the Cranbourne-Frankston road, Frankston

carriageway

Mecho Constructions Pty. Ltd. 20,100 lin. ft. roadworks Mulgrave Freeway Wal Henning Earthworks 31,004 lin. ft. roadworks Western Freeway, Bacchus Marsh

Guss Carter

Mobil Oil (Aust.) Ltd.

Shell (Aust.) Ltd.

Esso (Aust.) Ltd.

B.P. Australia Ltd.

1970-71-

section Supply of 320,000 cubic Western Freeway between Bacchus

yards of crushed rock Marsh and Ballarat Supply of class R.90 Throughout the State

residual bitumen Supply of class R.90 Throughout the State



residual bitumen

Mecho Constructions Pty. Ltd. 4-span overpass structure Mulgrave Freeway 4-cell RC box culvert

P. Kennedy Pty. Ltd. 7,230 lin. ft. of dual Western Highway, Rockbank carriageway

Galli Bros. Constructions Pty. 8,500 lin. ft. roadworks Calder Freeway, Niddrie Ltd.

Standard Roads Pty. Ltd. Reconstruction of 8,245 Princes Highway East between Grange lin. ft. dual carriage- Road and Chadstone Road, Carnegie way

Morgan Drainage Pty. Ltd. 1,835 lin. ft. roadworks

Mecho Constructions Pty. Ltd. 24,500 lin. ft. roadworks Norman Hewitt Contracting Co. 6,800 lin. ft. roadworks

Pty. Ltd.

Citra Constructions Pty. Ltd. Geelong Quarries Pty. Ltd.


Shell (Aust.) Ltd.

Esso (Aust.) Ltd.

B.P. Australia Ltd.


8,720 lin. ft. roadworks Supply of crushed rock

products Supply of class R.90

residual bitumen Supply of class R.90



residual bitumen Supply of bitumen

primers

Princes Highway West between Williamson and Wake streets, Footscray

Mulgrave Freeway Nepean Highway between Lower Dan

denong Road and White Street. Mentone

Western Highway, Sunshine Geelong area

Throughout the State





700 . Questions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice .

Name of successful tenderer Description of work Location

1971-72-Keathson Earthmoving Pty. Ltd. 21.100 lin. ft. dual

carriageway Western Freeway (Pentland. Hills

section) Galli Bros. Constructions Pty. 37.574 lin. ft. roadworks

Ltd. Hume Freeway (Wallan-Broadford

section) Jack Legge Contractors Pty. Ltd. 13.838 lin. ft. roadworks Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Rose

bud John W. Hewitt and Son Pty. Ltd. 8,800 lin. ft. dual Frankston Freeway between Armstrong

carriageway and Klauer roads. Seaford Mobil Oil (Aust.) Ltd. Supply of class R.90 Throughout the State

residual bitumen Shell (Aust.) Ltd. Supply of class R.90 Throughout the State

residual bitumen B.P. Australia Ltd. Supply of class R.90 Throughout the State

residual bitumen

In respect of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works-

1. Amount

1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

2. (i) 1969-70 Leighton

$ 2 ·42 million Nil

15·73 million

Contractors Ltd. 1,982,491 St. Kilda Road

underpass (Melbourne and South Melbourne)

1971-72 Roche Bros. Pty. Ltd.

Eastern Freewayroadworks (Col-

11,347,370

lingwood to Bulleen) McDougall Ireland

Pty. Ltd. Eastern Freeway

Willsmere under-pass and Burke Road overpass.

2,045,857

(ii) In addition to the above, programmed contracts for 1972-73 are as follows:-

Eastern Freeway (including some works for eastern railway):-

Hoddle Street overpass. Belford Road overpass. Chandler interchange structures. Clifton Hill railway bridge. Railway underpass. Yarra River bridge. Boulevard overpass. Merri Creek bridge. National park road overpass.

Hoddle Street, Collingwood-Reconstruction from Eastern Freeway to Hoddle Street.

High Street, St. Kilda-Reconstruction. The total value of these works will exceed

$10 million.

WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: VALUE: LOCATION.

(Question No. 245)


1. What is the value of all work on highways and freeways at present under consitruction by-(a) the Country Roads Board; and (b) the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works?

2. Where the works are located?


In respect of Country Roads Board:-1. (a) The estimated cost of all construc

tion and reconstruction works being carried out by the Country Roads Board at 20th September, 1972, on State highways, main roads, tourists' roads, forest roads and freewaY's declared or proclaimed under the provisions of the Country Roads Act is $63 million.

2. The location of the construction and reconstruction works being carried out by the Country Ro.ads Board as ·at 20th September, 1972, is set out hereunder-Freeways Calder

Calder

Eumemmerring

Frankston

Hume Mornington Peninsula Mulgrave

Location The Avenue to Erebus

Street, Niddrie. Realignment at Porcupine

Hill, North Harcourt. Princes Highway East to

Mulgrave Freeway, east of Dandenong.

Armstrongs ROlad Ito Klauer Strep.t, Frankston.

Wallan-Broadford section.

Dromana section. Stud Road to Eumemmer

ring Freeway.

Questions [10 OCTOBER, 1972.]

Freeways Mulgrave

Princes

Western

State highwaysBellarine

Burwood

State highways

Calder

Calder

Cann Valley

Cann Valley

Glenelg

Glenelg

Hamilton

Henty

Hume

Hume

Hume

Midland

Midland

Midland

Murray Valley

Nepean

Omeo

Omeo

Omeo

Location Springvale Road to Stud

Road. Avalon interchange. Alter

native access roadsLara.

Pentland Hills section.

Duplication from Twitts Road to west of Whitehorse Road, Geelong.

Duplication at Fern Tree Gully.

Location

Construction of climbing lanes at Gap Hill, north of Diggers Rest.

Reconstruction of weak sections of pavement south of Glenalbyn.

Realignment at Kates Creek.

Construction of new bridge at Weeragua.

Construction of new bridge at Streatham.

Reconstruction of 4·6 miles between Bochara and Wannon.

Reconstruction of 3 ·4 miles between DuverneyGnarkeet Creek.

Reconstruction south of Beulah.

Construction of climbing lanes at Teneriffe and Tubbs Hill.

Construction of turning lanes, Oxley Road intersection, south of Wangaratta

Widening of Wodonga Creek bridge, Wodonga.

Approaches to new bridge at Creswick.

Construction of major deviation between Morwell and Yinnar.

Reconstruction at junction with Morwell-Mirboo Road.

Duplication of 0·6 miles at Bandiana.

Widening of 2·9 miles at Seaford.

Construction of new bridge and approaches at Ramrod Creek.

Replacement of two bridges near Bruthen.

Construction of new bridge at Little Scrubby Creek, north of Eskdale.

State highways Princes East

Princes West Princes West

Princes West

Princes West

Princes West

Pyrenees

Pyrenees

South Gippsland South Gippsland

Warburton

Western

Western

Western

Wimmera

Tourists' roads Great Ocean

Road

Mount Buffalo Road

Main roads Heidelberg

Eltham road

MansfieldWoods Point Road

Millers Road

Forest road Walhalla Road

on Notice. 701

Location Reconstruction east of

Nicholson River at Nicholson.

West Footscray overpass. Margaret Street overpass

project, Geelong. Construction of deviation

and rail overpass at Allansford.

Completion of 4·0 miles of duplication between Allansford and Warrnambool.

New bridge over Eumeralla River, Codrington.

Reconstruction of 2 ·1 miles between Carisbrook and Maryborough.

Reconstruction of 5·5 miles at Bung Bong.

Resheeting lat Gelliondale. Widening and strengthen

ing of weak sections between Woodside and Gifford West.

Killara Hill deviation, east of Seville.

Widening at Churchill Avenue, Maidstone.

Erection of new guardrail at Djerriwarrh Creek and Anthonys cutting.

Reconstruction of 2·2 miles west of Dimboola.

Widening of bridge over Wooranyook Creek west of Apsley.

Location Reconstruction and bridge

widening at Spring Creek, Torquay.

Pavement strengthening at Aireys Inlet.

Pavement strengthening west of Calder River, west of Apollo Bay.

Construction of new bridge over Port Campbell Creek.

Reconstruction between Cathedral and Cresta.

Location Reconstruction at Chand

ler Highway intersection.

Widening of formation between Kevington and Knockwood.

Paisley Rail overpass, Altona.

Location Widening between Erica

and Thompson River.

702 - Questions [ASSEMBLY.) on Notice.-

In respect of the Melbourne and Metropolitan- Board of Works-

1. (b) Total estimated costs of all work including property acquisition are:-

Eastern Freeway (Colling-

Estimated cost $

wood to Bulleen) 40 million Hoddle Street (Eastern

Freeway to Victoria Parade) 7 million

High Street, St. Kilda 8 million Yarra River bridge, Johnson

Street, South Melbourne 14 million 2. Works are located as shown above.

FREEWAY CONSTRUCTION PLANS.

(Question No. 304)

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

Whether the over-all plan for future freeway construction throughout the metropolitan area is at present under review; if so, why, and when the plan will be made final and released to the public?


Following a request from the Government in October, 1971, the Metropolitan Transportation Committee is now reviewing the freeway network proposed by the metropolitan transportation study, with a view to its modification in terms of sociological impact and over-all costs. The review is being carried out jointly by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, the Country Roads Board and the metropolitan transportation study group for and on behalf of the Metropolitan Transportation Committee.

The review is still proceeding and no date can yet be given when such modifications can be made available for public consideration.

METRIC SYSTEM. AMENDMENT OF ACTS OF

PARLIAMENT.

(Question No. 262)

Mr. KIRKWOOD (Preston) asked the Premier-

What plans, if any, the Government has to introduce legislation during this session to amend various Acts to accord with metric conversion?


A Weights and - Measures Bill is being prepared for presentation to Parliament this session and will contain such amendments as are required to the principal Act for metric conversion purposes. Bills are Similarly being prepared to amend various other Acts in respect of which large num-' bers of metric conversions are necessary. A proposal that amendments of a minor nature required in many different Acts be incorporated into one "omnibus" type of Bill is now being examined, but it is doubtful whether the resultant Bill or Bills will be ready before the Christmas vacation.

RURAL EMPLOYMENT SCHEME. GRANTS TO MUNICIPALITIES AND

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

(Question No. 265)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Treasurer-

1. V/hat municipalities have received rural employment grants, indicating-( a) the amount each municipality has received to date; and (b) the number of men each municipality is employing?

2. What Government departments have received rural employment grants, indicating-( a) the amounts each department has received to date; and (b) the number of men each department is employing and the towns where the men are employed?

3. Whether rural employment grants are allocated under various categories, such as painting and building; if so, what are the total amounts paid out under these categories?

4. What is the total -amount of rural employment grants granted to Victoria by the Commonwealth Government to date; how much has been used and what amounts have been promised for the future?


1. Municipalities which have had rural employment grants approved and the number of men currently authorized to be employed are as follows:-

Commonwealth Employment Service district

AraratArarat City Ararat Shire Avoca Shire .. Kara Kara Shire .. Stawell Town Stawell Shire St. Arnaud Town

Grants approved

$

20,000 41,650 19,900 11,390 41,550 23,000 86600

Number of men currently

authorized to be

employed

12 15 6 5 5 5

10

Questions

Commonwealth Employment· Service district

Ballarat-BalIan Shire Ballarat City Ballarat Shire Bungaree Shire Buninyong Shire Creswick Shire Daylesford and Glenly~~

Shire .. Grenville Shire Lexton Shire Maryborough City Ripon Shire .. Sebastopol Borough Talbot and Clunes Shire Tullaroop Shire

Bendigo-Bendigo City Bet Bet Shire Castlemaine City Charlton Shire .. Eaglehawk Borough East Loddon Shire Gisborne Shire Huntly Shire

-Korong Shire Kyneton Shire Maldon Shire Marong Shire McIvor Shire Metcalfe Shire . . . . Newham and Woodend Shire Newstead Shire Rochester Shire Romsey Shire .. Strathfieldsaye Shire

GeelongBannockburn Shire Barrabool Shire Bellarine Shire Colac City Colac Shire Corio Shire Geelong City .. Geelong West City Leigh Shire Newtown City Otway Shire Queenscliffe Borough South Barwon Shire Winchelsea Shire

Hamilton-Dundas Shire Glenelg Shire Hamilton City .. Mount Rouse Shire Portland Town Portland Shire Wannon Shire

Horsham-Arapiles Shire Dimboola Shire Donald Shire Dunmunkle Shire .. Horsham City Kaniva Shire Kowree Shire Lowan Shire Warracknabeal Shire Wimmera Shire

Kerang-Cohuna Shire Gordon Shire Kerang Borough Kerang Shire

Melbourne-Bacchus Marsh Shire Bulla Shire Cranbourne Shire .. Flinders Shire Hastings Shire .. Healesville Shire .. Lillydale Shire Melton Shire Mornington Shire Sherbrooke Shire .. Upper Yarra Shire

Grants approved

$

7,000 65,000 34,134 22,700 13,268 28,600

24,200 27,100 23,555 50,350 32,252 18,900 32,299 30,325

127,600 33,515 36,870 32,200 22,847

9,500 14,300 14,200 27,500 28,900 18,250 22,025 34,527 18.150 14,535 30,000 18,100 12,925 49,160

35,700 47,870 37,200 48,550 69,800 83,800

156,150 89,000 66,850 75,680 28,800 20,510 96,540 70.960

45,750 49,360 65,350 42,185 20,850 33,050 67,475

23,500 13,200 21,800 20,000 58,563 ll,OOO 23,300 20,130 14,734 26,620

3.650 14,200 43,700 21,750

21,320 3,970

12,050 33,700 19,500 8,000 2,944

13,000 11,900 15,570 6,410

[10 OCTOBER, .1972.] on Notice.

Number of . men currently

authorized to be

employed

3 24 12 5 5 8

5 10 5

12 5 5 8 8

30 10 16 10 8 4 5 4 6 8 8 8

16 7 4

10 7 6

10

14 10 12 16 12 22 45 20 13 14 11 7

20 20

12 12 11 13 9 7

20

5 4 6 5

22 5

10 5 7

10

2 4 7 8

6 3

8 7

4 7 6 4

Commonwealth Employment Service district

Werribee Shire Whittlesea Shire Berwick Shire

Mildura-Birchip Shire Karkarooc Shire Mildura City Mildura Shire Walpeup Shire ..

Morwell and WarragulAlberton Shire Bass Shire .. Buln Buln Shire .. Korumburra Shire Mirboo Shire Moe City Morwell Shire Narracan Shire .. Phillip Island Shire South Gippsland Shire Traralgon City Traralgon Shire Warragul Shire .. Wonthaggi Borough Woorayl Shire

Sale- . Avon Shire Bairnsdale Town Bairnsdale Shire Maffra Shire Omeo Shire Orbost Shire Rosedale Shire Sale City Tambo Shire

SeymourAlexandra Shire Broadford Shire Euroa Shire Goulburn Shire Kilmore Shire Mansfield Shire Pyalong Shire Seymour Shire Yea Shire

SheppartonCob ram Shire Deakin Shire Echuca City .. Kyabram Borough Nathalia Shire .. Numurkah Shire .. Rodney Shire Shepparton City Shepparton Shire Tungamah Shire Waranga Shire

Swan HiIl-Swan Hill City Swan Hill Shire .. Wycheproof Shire ..

WangarattaBeechworth Shire ., Benalla City Benalla Shire Bright Shire Chiltern Shire Myrtleford Shire Oxley Shire Rutherglen Shire Towong Shire .. Upper Murray Shire Violet Town Shire Wangaratta City .. Wangaratta Shire .. Yackandandah Shire Yarrawonga Shire Wodonga Shire

WarrnamboolBelfast Shire .. Camperdown Town Hampden Shire Heytesbury Shire .. Koroit Borough .. Minhamite Shire .. Mortlake Shire .. Port Fairy Borough Warrnambool City Warrnambool Shire

Grants approved

$ 11,900 4,650 6,000

15220 20,000 81,000 32,050 13,365

14,500 19,510 51,208 25,100 26,160 28,280 74,900 17,300 21,100 12,000 42,500 11,170 45,470 34,605 51,435

23,900 15,320 26,900 11,000 36,800 16,500 27,900 38,150 22,500

17,700 18,850 17,960 14,630 8,160

12,400 11,000 32,890 1!!,600

10,642 18,390 62,650 11,750 10,381 11,140 18,550 39,750 27,800 11,050 19,650

149,725 130,530 28,300

12,549 67,840 25,935 29,550 32,396 34,600 22,784

3,400 11,700 12,930 16,200

130,450 26,400 24,600 24,100 33,800

23,500 25,400 46,885 43,100 22,033 15,260 22,940 23,900 83,978 30,500

703

Number of men currently

authorized to be

employed

5 3 6

9 6

23 16 4

4 4

16 5 8 6

12 4 6 6

12 10 8

5 8 4 4

14 10 10 12 6

9 5 4 5 5 5 4 8 6

6 6

15 4 4 6

10 16 10 6 7

18 30 9

5 19 6 8

10 13 8 4 4 4 4

40 7 6 8

16

8 9

12 10 4 7

10 9

22 10


2. The Government departments which. have had rural employment grants approved and the number of men currently authorized to be employed and the towns where the men are employed are as follows:-

NUMBER OF MEN CURRENTLY AUTHORIZED TO BE EMpLOYED.

Commonwealth Employment

Service district

Forests Com

mission

Public Works

Depart-

State Rivers

Victorian and Water Lands Depart

ment

Soil National Depart- Con-

Fisheries and

Wildlife Depart

ment

Railways Supply Parks ment of servation ment Com

mission Service Agriculture Authority

Ararat 14 Ballarat ., 42 Bendigo .. 25 Geelong 33 Hamilton.. 27 Horsham.. 14

42 36

10 10

20 9

20 22 5 6

2 2

101 7 2

16 Kerang .. 4 Mildura .. .. 9 MorwelljWarragul .. 41 Sale .. 93 Seymour .. 4 Shepparton 7 Swan Hill Wangaratta 3S Warrnambool . . 13 Outer metropolitan. . 27

8 6 8

15 5

15 5

27 33 30

32 3

8

12 5

29 40

I 4

24 18 3

46 Totals 388 250 142 295

3. Employment grants are allocated according to the numbers of unemployed in various areas and the jobs which can be carried out by municipalities and departments. In many cases those employed are given a variety of work to carry OUit and detailed records of the expenditure in various categories are not available.

4. The total amount granted to Victoria by the Commonwealth Government amounts to $10·25 million including the month of September. For the remainder of 1972 an amount of $4·05 million has been promised by the Commonwealth.

The rate of expenditure of Commonwealth grants has been planned so that expenditure in the field parallels grants received by the State.

GOVERNMENT PRINTER. PRINTING OF FORMS REQUIRED BY

COMPANIES.


the Treasurer-Whether the Government Printer is some

months in arrears with some forms needed by companies; if so, whether some of this printing could be let to small printing businesses in country areas to overcome the back-lag?


I am informed by the Government Printer that there is no undue delay in the production of forms in the Government Printing Office and that he has ample capacity to cope with the work load in that field.

I 5 7 3 6

2 II 7 8 4 3

13 8

2

80

8

6 2 6

I.

33

12 7

5 8 5

37

I 11

6

18

COUNTRY ROADS BOARD. HENTY HIGHWAY.

(Question No. 268)

2

6

17

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

1. When funds will be made available to the Country Roads Board to carry out the widening and straightening of the Henty Highway near Portland?

2. Whether plans were dr-awn up for these works at least five years ago?

Mr. WILCOX {Minister of Transport).-The answer supplied by the Minister for Local Government is-

1 and 2. In 1962 the Country Roads Board fixed an alignment for the future deviation of the highway to improved standards between Garden Street and Ithe north end of Richardson Street, Portland. The alignment was fixed to reserve the land for road purposes. Construction plans are in the course of preparation but it is not expected that funds will be allocated to permit work to commence before financial year 1975-76.

PEDESTRIAN OVERHEAD CROSSING AT ROSANNA EAST.

(Question No. 362) Mr. FELL (Greensborough) asked


1. What was the cost of the pedestrian overhead crossing provided by the Country Roads Board in Lower Plenty Road in the vicinity of St. Martins Roman Catholic Church, Rosanna East?


2. What were the pedestrian and vehicle traffic counts at the time the project was ap~ved for construction?

3. Whether the structure was constructed by sub-contract or by the board?

4. What financial contribution was made to the board for the project and by whom?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport).-The answer supplied by the Minister of Transport is-

1. $53,938 including the purchase of the necessary land.

2. A count taken between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on 25th October, 1967, was-

V~k~ 1~~ Pedestrians .. 182

The priority of this project was also influenced by high Itraffic speeds, steep road grade and the proximity of adjacent channelized intersections.

3. The major portion of the construction was carried out by direct labour under the supervision of the board's staff. The fabrication of the beam formwork and post tensioning of the beam were carried out by sub-contractors.

4. The cost was shared equally by the State Government, the Country Roads Board and the Heidelberg City Council.

DAIRYING INDUSTRY. GoVERNMENT TESTING OF DAIRY

COWS.


the Minister for Fuel and Power, for the Minister of Agriculture-

1. Whether Government testing of dairy cows is free; if so, whether there ,are any occasions when a fee is charged, and, in that event, under what circumstances?

2. Whether an owner of a dairy herd at Penshurst in the Mount Rouse shire has been charged a fee for testing; if so, why?

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .-The answer supplied by the Minister of Agriculture is-

1. If the question refers to the testing of dairy cows for tuberculosis under the department's bovine tuberculosis eradication s'cheme, the actual work of testing is carried out by private practitioners working under contract to the Minister of Agriculture. The cost of this service is paid for by the Government.

Under the eradication scheme there are no occasions on which a fee is charged.

2. The member is probably referring to a dairy herd in the Mount Rouse shire which is ,an accredited tuberculosis free herd. The tuberculosis accreditation scheme has been in operation in this department for many

years. It is a voluntary scheme and provides that herds must have two negative tests twelve months apart before accreditation is granted, that a further negative test is achieved twelve months later and thereafter for testing to be done at two-yearly intervals. The cost of this testing is borne by the owner.

Recently the two-yearly testing of this particular herd was carried out according to the requirements of 'the scheme, and as is customary the owner was required to meet the cost.

Where testing of ,an accredited herd falls due at the same time as allocation of herds are being made to practitioners in the particular shire for testing under the tuberculosis eradication scheme, the department accepts this testing for purposes of accreditation and in these cases pays for the testing. All accredited dairy herds in this State have benefited from this ruling at some time during the progress of the eradication scheme, in common with owners of dairy herds not accredited.

TRANSPORT. REGIONAL AREAS: ROAD AND RAIL COMMUNICATIONS WITH MELBOURNE.

(Question No. 295) Mr. AMOS (Morwell) asked the

Minister of Transport-1. Whether dis'cussions have taken place

between the Minister for Local Government, the Minister of Transport and the Treasurer on the matter of improving road and rail communications linking regional areas of the State with Melbourne; if so, what discussions?

2. Whether, in view of the importance of regional development and the bearing that improved communications between regions has on the promotion of 'this type of development, additional funds will be allocated for this purpose; if so, what funds?


1. Yes. 2. The Government is well aware that

adequate communications are of considerable importance in any regional development; so far as the transport aspect of communications is concerned, the objective is to make the best use of our total transport resources and by this means give the best facilities to all regions of the State.

COST OF INQUIRIES.

(Question No. 366) Mr. WHITING (Mildura) asked the

Minister of Transport-1. What was the total cost of the Board

of Inquiry into the Vktorian Land Transport System?

70~ .: Que$tions [ASSEMBLY.] on Notice:

2. What -is the estimated cost of the investigations at present being carried out by Sir Henry Bland into the carriage of wool, bulk grains and petroleum and when they are expected to be completed?

3. What was the cost of examination of the Commercial Branch of the Railways Department recently conducted by management consultants, and which firm of consultants was engaged for this purpose?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Trans-port) .-The answer is- e

1. $31,394. 2. $1,500. 3. The examination of the Railways Com

mercial Branch was conducted by W. D. Scott & Co. Pty Ltd. at a cost of $5,100.

MOTOR CYCLES. FATAL ACCIDENTS.

(Question No. 301)

Mr. MUTTON (Coburg) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. How many fatal accidents have occurred during the past five years involving motor cycles with ·an engine capacity in excess of 500 C.C., indicating the number of motor cyclists involved who had held their licences for a period of less than one year?

2. How many deaths involving motor cydes during the past five years involved motor cyclists who held licences for a period of less than one year?


I regret that no statistics are available in the form requested by the honorable member.

In the five-year period to 1971, ,a total of 129 motor cycle drivers have been killed in Victoria. These fatalities have occurred as follows:-

1967 14 1968 24 1969 22 1970 24 1971 45 As indicated, 22 motor cycle drivers were

killed in 1969 and, in ,addition, one pillion passenger and one pedestrian were killed as a result of motor cycle ·accidents. A detailed survey which has been made of these accidents shows the experience of the drivers to have been-

(a) Less than one year(i) Unlicensed

(ii) Learner (iii) Licensed ..

(b) One--:two yearsLicensed

1 4 6

.. 1

11

1

(c) Two-ten years-Unlicensed 1 Licensed· -.. ' 7

8 (d) More than ten years-

Licensed .. .. 2 2

(e) Not known-Unlicensed .. 2

2

24

*Includes one interstate licence holder.

CLEAN AIR. POLLUTION IN NEWTOWN NORTH.

(Question No. 307)

Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North) asked the Minister of Health-

1. What were the fallout figures recorded in air measurement gauges in Newtown North in each of the past ten years?

2. What action has been taken in that period to reduce the incidence of fallout?

3. What procedures have been adopted to monitor the discharge of pollutants at night and whether these measures are wholly effective; if not, why?

4. Whether fallout in the area will be reduced in the future?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister Health) .-The answer is-

of

1. Water insoluble matter

1962 1963 1964 1965 1966

Long tons/sq mile/month. 12·3 1967 38·4 1968 48·2 1969 36·0 1970 30·1 1971

23·3 46·6 17·9 12·9 9·1

2. Alterations have been made to methods of transferring cement at a nearby loading point, and in addition, electrostatic precipitators have been upgraded and other collection equipment has been installed with a view to reducing the incidence of f·allout in the area.

3. The air measurement gauge at Newtown North monitors the dustfall for 24 hours per day.

4. Yes.

POLLUTION IN NORLANE AND CORIO.


asked the Minister of Health-1. What steps, if any, have been taken

in the Norlane-Corio areas for measuring and pin-pointing air pollution and odour pollution and what action has been taken to reduce such pollution in each case?


2. Whether these forms of pollution have been recorded during the past three years; if so, what were the levels in each year; if not, why?


1. Wind speed and direction instruments have been installed in the Norlane area together with instruments for measuring sulphur dioxide concentrations and smoke density but not odour. Odour control equipment has been fitted and is being fitted, to tallow rendering works in the area and equipment has been installed at other works to prevent the emission of dust.

2. The concentration of sulphur dioxide at .Corio was 0·98 parts per hundred million parts of air in 1971 and 1·20 parts per hundred million parts of air for the last 7 months of 1970, the gauge being installed in May, 1970. The corresponding smoke density values are 0·1 and 0·2 COH units.

MUNICIPALITIES.

PERMITS FOR ERECTION OF FLATS: ApPEALS.

(Question No. 308)


1. How many appeals were launched by persons against decisions of municipal councils to grant permits to erect flats in the years 1970, 1971 and to 31st August, 1972, indicating which municipalities?

2. How many of- these appeals have been upheld and how many have been dismissed?


ApPEALS AGAINST CoUNCIL DETERMINATIONS TO GRANT PERMITS FOR FLATS.

Municipality

Box Hill ..

Brunswick

Camberwell

Caulfield

Coburg Croydon

Dandenong

Doncaster

Frankston Hawthorn Heidelberg

Kew

Malvern

Melbourne

Moorabbin

Mordialloc.

Northcote

Nunawading

Oakleigh ..

Year

1970 1972 1970 1971 1972 1970 1971 1972 1970 1971 1972 1972 1970 1972 1970 1972 1971 1972 1970 1972 1970 1971 1972 1971 1972 1970 1971 1972 1971 1972 1970 1972 1970 1972 1970 1971 1972 1970 1971 1972 1970 1971

Appeals Withdrawn lodged invalid etc.

1 2 4 2 1 1 3 1 4 4 4 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 1 4 2 2 2

11 16

1 1 1 1 2

1 1

Heard

1

3 1

1 2 1 4 4 2

2 1 1 1

2 1 2

2

2 1 1 1 2

1 11 3 1

1 2

Upheld Disallowed

1 1

1

1

1

2

4 2

2

2 1 4 4 1

1 1 1 1

1 1 2

1 1 2

1 7

1

1 2

Awaiting decision

Awaiting hearing

2

2

1

1

3

2

13


Municipality Year Appeals Withdrawn lodged invalid etc.

Prahran .. 1971 1 Sandringham 1970 1

1972 1 Sunshine .. 1970 2 2

1971 1 Waverley .. 1972

Total .. .. 1970 27 5 1971 33 5 1972 46 3

Grand Total .. 106 13

MOTOR VEHICLES: PERSONAL USE BY OFFICERS.

(Question No. 316)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

If he will ascertain and inform the House, whether it is permissible for municipal officers to operate for personal use after hours 'and for holidays vehicles bought by municipalities free of sales tax; if so, under what authority?


In applying for an exemption from sales tax for the purchase of a motor vehicle the municipality must certify that the vehicle is solely for municipal purposes and it is the responsibility of the council to ensure that this undertaking is observed. In the event of this undertaking not being honoured the Commonwealth Government could demand payment of sales tax but as any such action would arise under Commonwealth legislation it is not a matter on which I can give the honorable member any further information.

GRANTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS: ApPLICATIONS FROM DUNDAS ELECTORATE.


the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Govemment-

What town~ in the electoral district of Dundas have applied for grants for the

Heard Upheld Disallowed Awaiting Awaiting decision bearing

1 1

1

22 5 17 27 8 19 .. 1 12 4 7 1 31

61 17 43 32

construction of swimming pools, indicating the size of the proposed pools, the estimated cost, and when the applications were lodged?


Current applications for swimming pools in the Dundas electoral district are as follows:-Dunmunkle shire:

Learners pool 32 feet x 20 feet and supplementary buildings at Minyip. Applications lodged 18th August, 1972. Estimated cost, $24,000.

Hamilton city:

Learners pool at Hamilton, 25 metres. Application lodged 17th February, 1972. Estimated cost, $34,000.

Kowree shire:

Swimming pool at Goroke, 82 ·1 feet x 35 feet. Application lodged 28th June, 1971. Estimated cost, $45,000.

MUNICIPAL ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKINGS.

(Question No. 345)

Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked the Minister for Fuel and Power-

1. What is the present approximate value of the electrical undertakings of each of the councils which operate as retailers of electricity by purchasing electricity in bulk from the State Electricity Commission?

2. What was the trading profit or loss of each of these undertakings last financial year?


Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power).-The answer is-

1. The latest available figures are for the municipal year ended 30th September, 1971. , These are-

Fixed Undertaking assets less

depreciation

$ Box Hill 7,246,489 Brunswick 1,430,783 Coburg 1,904,721 Doncaster and Templestowe 3,936,156 Footscray 4,141,839 Heidelberg 3,109,766 Melbourne 23,589,745 Northcote 1,862,357 Port Melbourne 719,862 Preston 3,484,875 Williamstown 1,602,687

2. Trading profit for year ended 30th September, 1971-

Council

Box Hill Brunswick Coburg

Operating surplus $

243,036 134,501

Doncaster and Templestowe 106,157 129,996 184,162 Footscray

Heidelberg Melbourne Northcote Port Melbourne Preston Williamstown

Notes:

25,647 125,778 113,379 42,638

269,050 98,257

Total 1,472,601

1. "Trading profit" is the operating surplus as defined in the Municipal Accounting Regulations 1968.

2. The results quoted are taken from the municipal statements of accounts for the 1970-71 year.

MOTOR REGISTRATION BRANCH. DRIVING LICENCE TESTS.

(Question No. 309)

Mr. WILKES (Northcote) asked the Chief Secretary-

1. What is the delay in l1:esting of persons for a driving licence at each of the licence testing stations?

2. Whether it is now possible for telephone bookings to be made by persons wishing to be tested for a driving licence; is so, what is the delay in respect of such bookings?

Other Loan Other Municipal assets liability liabilities equity

$ $ $ $

2,099,276 5,492,193 1,023,843 2,829,729 177,005 343,027 1,264,761 843,927 1,315,098 398,379 1,035,171 393,503 1,495,402 566,422 2,267,835

2,250,072 1,502,978 1,151,063 3,737,870 724,657 1,357,196 838,518 1,638,689

9,054,075 11,330,120 2,278,627 19,035,075 536,471 963,124 345,041 1,088,863 398,747 159,958 241,959 716,692 789,072 1,220,096 904,504 2,149,347 429,294 200,360 393,661 1,437,960


1. Licence testing

station Approximate number of days delay

Central Licence and Registra-tion Office, Carlton 7

Fishermen's Bend 8 Brunswick West 13 Maidstone 16

·Williamstown 50 Oakleigh .. 13 Gardenvale 6 Box Hill .. 13 Ivanhoe .. 9 S~np~e 9 MordiaUoc 12 Fern Tree Gully 5 Frankston 7 Mornington 12 Dandenong 5 Ringwood 10

• The Maidstone licence l1:esting station will also accept applications for driving licence tests from persons residing in the Williamstown area-in these 'cases the waiting period for the applicants 11:0 undergo the driving test is the g,ame as Ithat for other persons applying to Maidstone.

2. No. However, bookings for 'a driving licence test may be made by post, provided the appointment fee is enclosed with :the relevant letter.

PRIVATE FLAT DEVELOPMENT. CONTROL.



1. What controls are exercised on private flat development in areas under the control of the Melbourne and MetropoUtan Board

710 . Questions (ASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

of Works by-(a) local councils; (b) the board; and (c) the Local Government Department?

2. Where controls have been deleg.ated to. local councils in respect of private flat development, how this control is exercised?

3. Whether there is ·any conflict of control between authorities; if so, what action the Local Government Department has taken in these areas of conflict?

4. What by-law control is exercised by local council's over private flat development?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The answer supplied by the Minister for Local Government· is-

1. (a) Municipal councils exercise control over private flat development-

(i) As to constructional aspects-pursuant to the Uniform Building Regulations and by-laws made thereunder; ·and

(ii) As to planning aspects-pursuant to the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme to the extent that the administration of the scheme in specified zones has been delegated to them by the Board of Works. Some councils furthermore have their own approved planning schemes which contain provisions relating to flats.

(b) The Board of Works controls the planning ·aspects of flat development to the extent that it has not delegated the administration of its planning scheme Ito municipal councils. The aspects of control specifically regulated by its scheme cover open area and car parking requirements, and conditions covering other matters may be insert~d in planning permits in zones where application to the board is required.

. . (c)' The Local Government Depantmerut

has no initial role in. the control of flat development.

2. Parliament has itself delegated control of constructional 'aspects to municipalities. The control is exercised by municipal building s~rveyors and inspectors, who are in tum subject to the control of the council. With the approval of council, application may be made to the Building Regulations Committee sitting as referees for a modification of any regulation which 'appears reasonable and necessary to meet the special circumstances of a particular case. ApplicaJtion may also be made to the Minister to direct an inquiry by the same committee in. respect of supported and signed allegations in writing of substantial breaches or failures of enforcement.

For the purpose of administering th~ approved Melbourne MetropoHtan Planning Scheme, Ithe Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works has delegated to all municipalities all the powers, authorities and

responsibilities of the planning scheme where the land is situ·ated in :the following zones:-

Village, residential II A", residential " AI", residential "A2", residential B, residential C, residential D. central business, restricted business, local business, commercial and industrial, special use 3, 5 and 10. As far as the Melbourne and Metropolitan

Board of Works is aware,all councils exercise their delegation within the provisions of the Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme and in accordance with ,the requirement of the Town and Country Planning Act and the regulations made thereunder.

A number of councils have prepared codes as a general basis for the consideration of applications.

3. In general, no. In most cases, Jthe municipality ha'S responsibility on both constructional and planning aspects. In the remaining cases where a planning permit is required from the board, it seeks ·and takes into account the views of the council and information as to by-l'aws applying. Several cases did however come Ito the notice of the Minister last year where there was some point of conflict between a planning requirement and ·a local by-law, which the municipality refused to permit to be resolved by the referees. An amendment to the Local Governmerut Act was therefore presented to and passed by Parliament last session to enable the referees to intervene as of right to resolve any such conflicts.

4. A municipal council may make bylaws-

(a) .adopting a column (other than column 1) of table 804 of the Uniform Building RegulaJtions prescribing minimum site requirements for houses and flats;

(b) prescribing a set back from frontage greater than in the relevant column of table 804;

(c) limiting the number of flats in a building;

(d) limiting the number of flats on a site;

(e) prescribing car parking space requirements;

(I) dispensing with normal site requirements for flats in business areas.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. EXPENDITURE ON SECONDARY SCHOOLS

IN DUNDAS ELECTORATE.


the Minister of Education-What amount of money was spent on

each high .and technical school in the electoral district of Dundas in each of the past five years?

Questions [10.0CTOBER, 1972.] on Notice. .7H

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education).-The answer is-The following amounts were spent at sch ools in the electoral district of Dundas over

the last five financial years :-

1967-68

High School, Hamilton 213,670 High School, Stawell 2,498 High School, Murtoa 9,980 High School, Edenhope 402 High School, Balmoral Technical School, Hamilton 2,270 Technical School, Stawell 750,000

GEELONG TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

(Question No. 354) Mr. BIRRELL (Geelong) asked the

Minister of Education-1. When it is estimated that tenders will

be called for stage one of a new technical s'chool at Belmont to replace Geelong Technical School?

2. Whether this new school will be all male or co-educational, either at stage one or ,at a later stage of completion?

Mr. . THOMPSON (Minister of Education).-The answer is-

1. It is not possible at 'this time to estimate exactly when tenders will be called for stage I of the new technical school at Belmont. It is the department's practice, in March of each year, to assessaccommodation needs of various areas throughout the State with a view to formulating a building programme for the ensuing financial year.

2. The Technical Schools Division has decided that it must first relieve the conditions for boys at Moorabool Street before it can provide further facilities for girls in the Geelong area where ample places exist for those girls opting for junior technical education.

The department will promote the redevelopment of the school ,as rapidly as resources will allow ·and co-education'al facilities will be introduced ·as Boon as possible.

SCHOOL FACILITIES: COST-SHARING BY MUNICIPALITIES.

(Question No. 360)

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) asked the Minister of Education-

1. Which municipalities have entered into cost-sharing with the Education Department in providing school facilities?

2. What amount each municipality has paid or proposes to pay?

3. Who will be responsible for 'arrangements to enable community use of these facilities, and what are the terms and con-

1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72

2,152 1,752 4,220 3,220 2,708 11,487 1,320 118,320

152,101 3,941 3,975 10,475 1,527 1,886 51,620 3,020

31,375 1,463 975 975 4,400 8,600 1,300

250,000 6,500 10,000 4,000

ditions laid down by the Education Department and the municipalities regarding these facilities?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education).-The answer is-

1. City of Oakleigh-(Waverley High School).

2. City of Oakleigh paid $8,000. 3. Where the municipality contributes

finance an ·agreement is entered into with the Minister guaranteeing the use of the facilities outside of school hours.

There have been a number of cases where in return for the use of a school's oval the municipal council maintains the area. Such arrangemen ts are made at a local level.

At the Moorabbin, Oakleigh and Geelong West technical schools the municipal councils have constructed certain facilities at their own expense. In return the sports ovals ,can be used by local bodies approved by the municipality for organized sport outside school hours and during school holidays.

JOINT MUNICIPAL AND STATE SCHOOL LIBRARIES.

(Question No. 370)

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked the Minister of Education-

Whether it is the Government's policy to establish joint municipal and State school library complexes; if so-( a) what are the details of such scheme; and (b) whether the proposed new school 'at Caster-ton will have library services established under this policy and, in th'at event, what subsidies will be available; if not, what are the plans for its library services?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education).-The answer is-

It is the Government's policy to encourage the establishment of joint municipal and State school library complexes. My department is at present engaged in negotiations with the City of Knox for the oonstruction of a joint school/municipal library at the Boronia High School.

712 Questions lASSEMBLY.] on Notice.

The ou tcome of this specific venture will influence the department's thinking on other proposals for jOint development of library facilities.

(a) It is proposed that in return for a contribution from the municipality towards the capital cost of the building, the proposed library will be available for public use outside of school hours. Details have not been finalized, however.

(b) The proposed alterations and extensions to the existing Casterton High School will include extension of the school's library facilities. I have no knowledge of any municipal involvement in this project.

DISMISSAL OF TEACHER. (Question No. 377)

Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked the Minister of Education-

If he will lay on the table of the Library the Teachers Tribunal-Education DepaJ:'Ttment file relating to the dismissal of a teacher named Barry Johnston?


Yes.

SUSPENSION OF STUDENT. (Question No. 378)

Mr. DOUBE (Albert Park) asked the Minister of Education-

If he will lay on the table of the Library the Education Department file relating to .the suspension of Shane Massey from Koonung High School?


Yes.

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES. WORKERS COMPENSATION AND

INSURANCE COVER FOR STUDENTS. (Question No. 322)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister for Conservation, for the Minister of Agriculture-

Whether, students at agricultural colleges in Victoria are covered by workers 'compensation or accident policies; if not, why?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Conservation) .-The answer supplied by the Minister of Agriculture is-

All students at State agricultural colleges in Victoria who are employed as cadets pursuant to the Agricultural Colleges Act 1958 are covered by workers compensation. Other students ·are not so covered because they are not employees.

With regard to .accident insurance, parents and students are strongly ,advised in the college prospectu's to take OUit privately some form of 'accident insurance.

Joining instructions issued to studeIllts on entering a State agricultural college reiterate this advice. Inquiries have shown that, with few exceptions, students are covered by some form of 'accident insurance.

LANDS DEPARTMENT. BIG DESERT: TRACKS TO BEE SITES.

(Question No. 324)

Mr. CURNOW (Kara Kara) asked the Minister of Lands-

1. Whether he will give permission to construct tracks east and west of the y.anac-Murrayville track to open up further bee sFtes in the Big Desert; if so, which authority will construct such Itracks?

2. How many bee sites are currently leased in the Big Desert area?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) .-The answer is-

1. The area known 'as the Big Desert, with a north-'south distance of about 40 miles, is unsurveyed Crown land through which no formally proclaimed roads exist. It is nOlt the practice and there is no appropriate statutory provision to cc give permission" for the constru'ction of tracks or roadways over Crown lands although the Crown generally has not denied the traversing of any such lands by the public, including persons having local occupational rights. The consltruotion of tracks etc. comes about by road reserves being located by survey, proclaimed as public highways and thereby placed under the care and management of the appropriate road authority, usually the municipal council. Such action would appear to be unlikely in this region until the amount of traffic warrants it.

2. As at 30th September, 1972, there were twelve bee farm and range annual licences issued under sections 146-148 of the Land Act and sixteen three-monthly apiary rights issued under section 149.

MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.

VACANT ALLOTMENTS: RELEASE FOR SUBDIVISION : WATER AND SEWERAGE

SERVICES.

(Question No. 326)

Mr. WHEELER (Essendon) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

If he will ascertain and inform the House- ..

1. How many vacant allotments there are within areas released for subdivision and controlled by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works'~


2. How many vacant .allotments are provided with water and sewerage services in subdivided areas under the control of the board?

3. How many properties where sewerage services are available have not been connected to the sewerage system?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The Minister for Local Government has supplied the foll'Owing answer:-

1. In regard to the area for which the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works is the responsible sewerage authority the total number of existing vacant allotments is approximately 85,000, of which 30,000 were added to the board's area in 1970-71 and are primarily located in the Dandenong Creek valley.

2. The number of vacant allotments provided with sewerage service and declared to be sewered areas under the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works control as at 30th June, 1972, was 13,710.

There are 51,902 vacant allotments in the area for which the Melbourne and Metropolitan Bo'ard of Works is the responsible water supply authority which are provided with a water main from which a regular service could be 'Obtained.

3. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of WDrks statistics on this matter 'are in the course of revision and updating which has not yet been fully completed. However, reconciliation with council records to date indicates that the number of properties which have nDt been connected to available sewers is apprDximately 22,500.

EMPLOYMENT OF OWNER-DRIVERS.



If he will asoertain ·and inform the House, whether the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works employs owner-drivers; if so, whether such drivers' rates of pay are determined by a committee known as the Transport Hiring Committee and, in that event-(a) how often the committee meets; and (b) whether this committee has approved increased rates for owner-drivers of the board and, if so-(i) when; and (ii) when the new rates will be paid to such owner-drivers?


1. The Melb'Ourne and Metropolitan Board of Works dDes employ owner-drivers of trucks.

Session 1972.-27

2. (a) The TransP'Ort Hiring Committee does not apprDve rates; it makes recommendations of a suggested rate which each G'Overnment department 'Or instrumentality has to modify acc'Ording to their particular circumstances.

(b) Rec'Ommendations resulting from this year's review were made 'On 15th June, 1972.

(c) The board's Finance Committee on 19th September, 1972, recommended an increase in the board's rate to be retrospective t'O 1st July, 1972.

ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY IN PASCOE VALE SOUTH.

(Questi'On No. 344)

Mr. TURNBULL (Brunswick West) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

If he will ascertain and inform the House, whether the Melbourne and Metr'Opolitan B'Oard 'Of W'Orksacquired the property at 383 Reynard Street, Pasc'Oe Vale South, for road construction purp'Oses; if so-(a) who owned the property previ'Ously; (b) under what auth'Ority such premises were acquired; and ( c) whether such premises are to be demolished and in ·that event- (i) when; and (ii) fDr what purpDses the premises will be used in the interim?


The property No. 383 Reynard Street, Pascoe Vale South, is partly reserved fDr proposed secondary road widening under thEr Melb'Ourne Metr'Opolitan Planning Scheme and has been so reserved fDr a number 'Of years. The 'Melboume and MetrDpolitan B'Oard of WDrks purchased the pr'Operty at the request 'Of the then 'Owner on the gr'Ounds 'Of hardship and not for the purp'Ose 'Of immedi'ate road c'Onstruction.

The answers to the sub-questions are(a) The estate 'Of Albert George Tucker

man, deceased.

(b) Under the pr'Ovisi'Ons 'Of secti'On 41 'Of the T'Own ·and Country Planning Act 1961.

(c) In the event 'Of r'Oad construction w'Orks taking place in accordance with the reservati'On, it would be necessary t'O demolish at least part of the hDus,e building, but n'O decision has yet been taken with regard tD the extent of demolitiDn 'Or when this is likely to be undertaken and meanwhile the property is occupied under a weekly tenancy.


PROPOSED TREATMENT PLANT FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTES.

(Question No. 349)

Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park) asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-

Whether 'a treatment plant planned for industrial wastes l1eferred to in the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works newsletter of 22nd September instant, to be constructed, operated and maintained by private enterprise is the policy of the Government; if so, when this decision was made; if not, whether a statement will be made to this House before the board proceeds with this project?


The land at Brooklyn referred to in the board's newsletter has been made available at the request of the Government by the board for leasing as a site for a treatment plant to handle liquid industrial wastes.

Applications for registration of prospective tenderers have been received 'by the board asa result of public advertisement and these are now being analysed. Selected applicants will be invited to submit formal tenders in the near future.

PLANNING POLICIES: COMMITTEE: MARIBYRNONG VALLEY.


asked the Minister of Transport, for the Minister for Local Government-. Whether the Minister is aware of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works proposal reg,arding the formation of a committee to deal with planning policies for the Melbourne metropolitan region and, in particular, the Maribyrnong valley; if so, in relation to the Maribyrnong valley(a) who will be appointed to this committee; (b) what guide-lines will be set; (c) what details the committee will investigate; and (d) whether the public will be asked to submit proposals for the development of this valley?


Yes. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works called a preliminary meeting of representatives of municipalities in the Maribyrnong valley to consider the possibility of setting up an advisory committee to assist the board in planning in this area. A further meeting of representatives has been arranged and to date no decisions have been made regarding (a), (b), (c) or (d).

BIRMID AUTO CASTINGS PTY. LTD., GEELONG.

OBSERVANCE OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY ACT.

(Question No. 328)


If he will lay on the table of the Library the file relating to the failure of Birmid Auto Castings Pty. Ltd., Geelong, to observe the provisions of the Labour and Industry Act 1958?


The file concerned has been forwarded to the Parliamentary Librarian for l,aying on the table of the Library.

FRANKLIN INDUSTRIES, BALLARAT.

BREACH OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY ACT.

(Question No. 329)


If he will lay on the table of the Library the file relating to the breach of the Labour and Industry Act 1958 by Franklin Industries, Ballarat?


The file concerned has been forwarded to the Parliamentary Librarian for laying on the table of the Library.

PRINCES HIGHWAY. TRAFFIC DENSITY BETWEEN MORWELL

AND TRARALGON.

(Question No. 332)


1. What is the traffic density of the Princes Highway between Morwell and Traralgon?

2. When the last traffic count was taken? 3. What was the traffic count on this

section of the highway for each of the past five years and how this compares with(a) the Moe-Morwell highway; (b') the Melbourne-Geelong highway; and (c) the Melbourne-Bendigo highway?

4. What is considered to be maximum traffic capacity of the highway?



1 and 2. The aver,age number of vehicles counted during the twelve-hour period between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on 23rd to 29th July, 1972, at the municipal boundary be-

tween the shires of Morwell and Traralgon at mileage 95·6 was 6,445.

3. The number of vehicles counted during the twelve-hour period between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the annual one-day census in March are set out hereunder-

Princes Highway- Princes Highway- Princes Highway Calder Highway, Year East of Geelong. mileage 93.7 West of Traralgon, Moe-Morwell at

mileage 95.6 90 c.m. railway 41 miles

1968 4,943 6,421 1969 5,663 7,196 1970 5,566 7,238 1971 5,254 8,245 1972 6,840 9,000

(estimated)

4. The maximum capacity of the two~ lane section of the Princes Highway East between Morwell and Traralgon is assessed at 2,300 vehicles per hour. The average number of vehicles oounted at the peak hour is between 800 and 900 vehicles per hour with a maximum number of 1,360 vehicles counted at the peak hour on Good Friday, 31st March, 1972.

ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY.

TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHTS FOR RESER~ VOIR INTERSECTION.


the Chief Secretary-, Whether plans have been approved for traffic control lights at the intersection of Broadway and High Street, Reservoir; if so-(a) when; and (b) whether finance has been approved and, in that event, when, and when such funds will be available for this work?

For Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary), Mr. Wilcox (Minister of Transport)-The answer is-

The Road Safety and Traffic Authority is now preparing the plans and specifications which it is anticipated will be forwarded to Preston City Council in approximately one month's time. The Government has approved of the payment of a subsidy towards the cost of installation of these signals and the subsidy will be paid to council when an inspection of the signals shows that they have been satisfactorily installed.

STATE SAVINGS BANK. HOUSING LOANS. (Question No. 337)

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds) asked the Treasurer-

1. What qualifications are required of potential State Savings Bank of Victoria housing loan borrowers?

12,768 2,303 10,971 2,347 11,618 2,707 10,675 2,771 13,518 2,748

2. Whether consideration has been given to reducing 1:he minimum monthly bank balances; if not, why?


1. The bank has advised me that nor· mally, an applicant for a home loan from the State Savings Bank should have main· tained and operated an account or accounts with the bank for a period of at least eight. een months 'and the average monthly balance of such account or accounts should be at least:

For a loan up to $8,000 $1,000 For a lO'an from $8,001 to $10,000 $1,500 For a loan over $10,000 $2,500

2. The account qualification is kept con· stantly under review, having regard to the funds available for home IO'ans and the demand for such loans. I might add that the Government regards matters such as these to be matters which the bank itself must be left to determine having regard to the best interests of all its customers.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS FATALITIES AND INJURIES INVOLVING

LIFTS, CRANES AND HOISTS.

(Question NO'. 339)


Further to his answer to question No. 133 asked on 19th September instant, in respect of each of the 421 accidents involving lifts, cranes and hoists, reported to the Chief Inspector of Lifts and Cranes since 1st January, 1971-

1. In whose employ was, each of the persons concerned at the time of the accident?

2. Where each accident occurred? 3. What type of lift or crane or other

device was involved in each of these accidents?



To provide the answer to the question asked by the honorable member would require a great amount of time and labour and I do not feel justified in diverting staff from their normal pursuits in order to provide this information. If the honorable member wants information about specific cases, I will endeavour to provide it.

POLICE SERVICE BOARD. PROMOTION ApPEALS.


asked the Chief Secretary-1. How many appeals are pending before

the Police Service Board in respeot of officer promotion in the Police Force?

2. In addition to the appeHmt ·and the selectee, how many officers are required to be present in any capacity at each appeal?

3. How long such appeals ,are likely to take before final determination and what is the estimated loss of officer worl?ing hours involved in the hearing of the appeals?

For Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary, Mr. Wilcox (Minister of Transport)-The answer is-

For Ithe purpose of this ·answer, the term II officer" has been taken to include all membells of the Police Force.

Number of Number of 1. appellants. appeals.

Appeals by senior sergeants . against :their non-selection for promotion to rank of inspector 4 4

Appeals by senior constables 'against their nonselection for promotion to rank of sergeant 50 56 2. An officer is detailed to appear on be

half of the Chief Commissioner to SUPPOl'lt the selection for promotion. A member of the rank of sergeant is detailed to assist the officer. A constable is also detailed to act as a court orderly. Two members of the force are usually called to give evidence in sUPPOI'1t of each selectee and an ,appeUant may call as many members as he desires to support his case.

3. It is not possible to sIt-ate when the Polke Service Board will finally determine the appeals, but it is estimated that it may take up to six weeks before all appeals currently awaiting determination are disposed of.

As is cusltomary, ·a timetable has been prepared in order to control the attendance before the board of selectees and their witnesses. It is estimated that 8,000 man hours will be involved in the ·attendance of members 'at Ithe hearing of these appeals.

TOWNSHIP OF HARROW. BORE WATER SUPPLY.

(Question No. 347)

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Dundas) asked the Minister of Mines-

What was the flow of ·each bore put down at Harrow for the proposed water supply, what was the quality of water flowing from each bore, whether there was sufficient water for domestic use, and whether it is proposed to undertake further drilling; if not, why?

Mr. BALFOUR ,(Minister of Mines). -The answer is-

Since 1970 the Mines Department has drilled six bores in the vicinity of Harrow. The water in fi¥e of these bores was either too saline or insufficient in quantity to be considered as a basis for town supply. One of these bores has been retained for observation purposes.

The bo~e that is proposed as the production bore for town supply purposes yielded flow rates during testing that varied from 6,300 to 8,000 gallons per hour. The pump test indicated that the amount of water which could be pumped safely per day is 33,000 gallons, with a total dissolv,ed solids content of 726-832 parts per million. This water would be suitable for human consumption and domestic use including gardening although it would benefit by treatment to reduce hardness.

The feasibility of utilizing groundwater for the Harrow town supply is at present being considered by the State Rivers ·and Water Supply Commission. In these circumstances no further drilling is contemplated at this stage .

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND RECREATION.

FUNCTIONS: STAFF: EFFECT ON YOUTH WELFARE DIVISION.

(Question No. 348)

Mr .. BORNSTEIN (Brunswick East) asked the Minister for Youth and Recreation-

1. What will be the functions of the new Ministry of YoU'th and Recreation?

2. What new positions will be created in the Ministry?

3. How the Ministry will be staffed? 4. Whether creation of the Ministry will

affect the operations of the Social Welfare Department's Youth Welfare Division; if so, in what way?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation).-The answer is-

Questions of this nature will be answered after legislation to establish a Department of Youth and Recreation is introduced.


FREE KINDERGARTEN UNION OF VICTORIA.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

(Question No. 355)

Mr. BIRRELL {Gee long) asked the Minister of Health-

1. What monetary assistance has been given to the Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria in the past five financial years?

2. What amount of assistance will be given during this financial year?

3. Whether the activities of the union provide a service so resulting in a saving of money by fue Government; if so, what is the annual saving?

4. Whether an emergency gr.ant will be made to the union to cover needs pending the completion of the current enquiry into pre-school education?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health).-The answer is-

1 and 2. No monetary assistance is given through the Department of Heal1th to the Free Kindergarten Union of Victoria although payments to kindergartens affiliated with the union are paid by the department through ,the union.

3. The Free Kinderg,arten Union of Victorioa employs a staff of one part-time and three full-time pre-school advisers to supervise the 89 centres affiliated with it. These centres ar.e still subject Ito annual inspection by officers of the Department of Health.

It is probable that, if the Free Kindergarten Union ceased to employ pre-school advis,ers, it would be necessary for the Department of Health to increase its kindergarten supervisory staff. At the existing ratio of departmental staff to kindergartens, the increase would be one full-time and one half-time pre-school adviser, the cost of employing whom would be approximately $12,000 in a full year.

4. No provision has been made in the Budget for the payment of any emergency grant.

LAW DEPARTMENT. CLAIMS AGAINST FORMER PuBLIC

SOLICITOR.

(Question No. 357)

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) asked the AttomeyGeneral-

1. Whether the sum of $14,000 has been paid out in claims against the former Public Solicitor, Mr. Douglas?

2. What was the basis of claims made against Mr. Douglas and what payment was made in each case?

3. If he will lay the files dealing with this matter on the table of the Library?

Sir GEORGE REID (AttorneyGeneral).-The answer is-

1. I assume that the honorable member is referring to an item appearing in the published Estimates of the Receipts and payments of the Consolidated Fund for the Year Ending 30th June, 1973. In the schedule-" Expenditure from Advance to Treasurer 1971-72 "-under Division No. 39 -Attorney-General-item 2 reference is made to U Ex gratia payments in s~ttlem~~t of claims against Ithe fOl1mer PUblIc SohcItor, G.W.A. Douglas" amounting to $14,691.

The amount was made up of damages of $12,500 paid to the plaintiff in the Supref!1e Court action Annie Clissold v. State of VlCtoria, G. W.A. Douglas and Michael O'Brien (No. 1013 of 1969) and a sum of $2,190.72 being taxed costs in respect of the Supreme Court action Keith James Carrick v. Allan Douglas (NO'. 1297 of 1968).

2. The claim in the matter Annie Clissold v. State of Victoria, G.W.A. D~uglas and Michael O'Brien was that a wrIt prepared in the office of the Public Solicitor was not served within twelve months from the date of issue. In consequence, a claim for damages by Mrs. Clissold against a hospital for negligence in tlieatment became statute barred. The cJ:aim against the State o~ V:icto ria, G.W.A. Douglas and Michael. 0 Brl~n was settled and, as I have mentIoned 10 my answer to part 1. of the question, damages of $12,500 were paid to Mrs. Clissold. The matter of costs has not yet been settled between the parties.

The matter Keith James Carrick v. Allan Douglas arose from failure to serve a writ issued by the Public Solici;tor in pursuance of a claim by Mr. Carrick for damages for injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. The claim became statute barred. Damages amounting to $9,223.81 were paid to solicitors acting for Mr. Carrick in June, 1970 and, as I have stated, taxed costs amounted to $2,190.72.

3. The file relating to Ithe matter Keith James Carrick v. Allan Douglas has been laid on the table of the Library. The file in respect of the matter Annie ClisSlOld v. State of Victoria, G. W. A. Douglas and Michael O'Brien is required by my department and I am not prepared to lay Ithe file on the table of the Library ·at this time. However if the honorable member contacts me I sh~ll be happy to' make the file available at my office for his perus1al.

UNIVERSITIES. PERSONS QUALIFIED FOR ENTRY.


asked the Minister of Education-How many persons qualified for entry

into universilties in Victoria for 1972 and how many of such persons were educated at State high schools?



We have requested the Chairman of Ithe Victorian Universities Admissions Committee to 'Supply the required information.

The honorable member will be ladvised by letter as soon as a reply comes to hand.

SHIRE OF FLINDERS. CAMP AND BOAT-SHED FEES.


Minister of Lands-1. What revenue has been collected ·as

foreshore camping fees on-( a) public lands under the control of the Council of the Shire of Flinders, acting as a committee of management; ,and (b) other public lands under the 'control of other committees of management within rthat municipality, during each of rthe past three financial years?

2. Whether the financial statements related thereto are-( a) audited according to the relev·ant Acts o( Parliament; and (b) published?

3. Where, and for what purposes revenue may be spent?

4. Whether fees collected over the past three financial years have been fully expended according to the relevant Acts of Parliament?

5. Whether the Council of the Shire of Flinders has recently ·increased bOaIt-shed fees by almost 400 per cent in some instances?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) .-The answer is-

1. (a) Year ended $ 30th September, 1969 41,804 30th September, 1970 42,948 30th September, 1971 35,988

(b) 30th June, 1970 .. 112,472 30th June, 1971 .. 120,273 30th June, 1972 124,851

Note-(i) The difference in periods is due to the municipal year ending on 30th September. (ii) The answer to (b) does nOrt in'clude amounts relating to Tootgarook foreshore reserve, full details of which are not yet available.

2. The financial statements are subject to section 221 (2) (g) of the Land Act which provides thalt a committee of management shall keep a full and particular account of all sums of moneys received and expended by it and shall furnish annU'ally to the Secretary for Lands a statement of its receipts ,and expenditure and of the balance in hand and (if so requested by the Secretary for Lands) full panticulars of 'any or all of its receipts and expenditure.

Statement's which comply with these requirements have been received, subject to note (ii) in the foregoing answer.

3. Section 221 (2) (1) provides that a commi1ttee of management may expend ,any tolls, fees charges or other moneys received by it-

(i) in !the management improvement and maintenance of the land under its control;

(ii) in employing officers, servants ,and workmen; and

(iii) for 'Such o·ther purposes as the Minister in any particular 'case approves.

4. Expenditure as stated in Ithe statements received complies with the requirements given in the answer to part 2 of the question.

5. Yes.

ROAD TRAFFIC CODE. VEHICLES PASSING STATIONARY

SCHOOL BUSES. (Question No. 369)

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland) asked the Chief Secretary-

Whether Ithe Government will provide that it be an 'Offence for motor vehicles to pas's a stationary school bus where school children are boarding or alighting from such buses?

For Mr. MEAGHER (Chief Secretary), Mr. Wilcox (Minister of Transport)-The answer is-

There is no provision in the naItional traffic code imposing such a requirement on motorists and, indeed, there would be many practioal diffi'culties in implemenlting the suggestion of the honorable member.

However, to provide a better warning to motorists, Ithe Road Safety ,and Traffic Authority 'and the Ministry of Transport are currellltly designing a new and more effective "'School bu:s" sign.

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY ACT. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROVISIONS:

ApPLICATION TO STATE INSTRUMENTALITIES.


the Minister of Labour and Industry-

What provisions of the Labour 'and Industry Act 1958 with respect to industrial safety apply to each of the State instrumentalities?

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry). The answer is-

If by the term cc State instrumentalities" the honorable member means public statutory corporations, the answer is that raIl the provisions of the Act to which he refers apply to the activities of these bodies when

Questions [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] without Notice. 719

they are nOlt the Crown. The only basis on whi:ch it could be claimed that these provisions did not apply would be that the undertaking was under the shield of the Crown. There may be 'some undertakings that may be so charaoterized, but I am not in a position to advise on this.

ABORTION. CHARGES NOT PROCEEDED WITH.


asked the Attorney-General-In respect of medically qualified prac

titioners charged with illegally using an instrument to procure ·a miscardage, or with conspiracy to procure an illegal abortion, how many charges have not been proceeded with during 1972 as a result of a nolle prosequi being entered, specifying the number of doctors involved?


After inveSltigation by the Solicitor-General and by a Crown prosecutor, land on their recommendation, there have been entered during 1972 nolle prosequis in respect of sixteen charges involving three medical practitioners.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE.

ABSENCE OF MINISTERS. The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon

Christie).-The Attorney-General has been kind enough to' tell me that he regrets that he is detained today on urgent State business.

I had a call just now from the Minister for Social Welfare, who will be detained for about ten minutes.

KIDNAPPING AT FARADAY. Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-Can

the Treasurer infDrm the House what the Government intends to do in recognition of the great courage and devotion to duty displayed by Miss Mary Gibbs in the recent kidnapping?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-The whole community would want some appropriate recognition to be given to the tremendous courage and presence of mind of this young teacher. The proper caurse to' fallow is for the Government to make a recommendation to His Excellency the Governor. All I can tell the House

at present is that this is what the Government would like to do, and it will be taking the appropriate steps.

MOE SPECIAL SCHOOL. Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Can the

Minister 'Of Public Works explain the circumstances under which the Melbourne based firm of E. A. Watts Pty. Ltd. was awarded the $500,000 contract for a special school at Moe? Were tenders called and why were Latrobe Valley contractors, notably one who has completed the $1 million contract for the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education, not invited to tender for this work?

Mr. DUNSTAN (Minister of Public Works) .-Off the cuff, I cannot give a full answer to this question. I might add that, because of the amount of money available for the building of schools this financial year, there is pre-selected tendering in some cases. In other cases, contracts are negotiated without tendering. This is done by Order in Council. If this was not acceptable to the Government or the Parliament, the building of the schools which can be built because Df the amount of money available would be slowed down. I will give the specific details asked for to the honorable member as soon as possible.

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS FOR COUNTRY.

Mr. ROSS-EDWARDS (Leader of the Country Party) .-Would the M'inister of Health be prepared to confer with the Federal Minister for Immigration to try to ensure that some of the medical men among the Ugandan Asians coming to Australia might be placed in country centres of Victoria where there are no doctors 'Or there is a shortage of doctors?

Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of Health) .-Did the hanarable member say" medical men? "

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-Yes.


Mr. ROSSITER.-General practitioners?

Mr. Ross-EDWARDs.-Yes. Mr. ROSSITER.-I would be de

lighted to take up the matter.

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Mr. McLAREN (Bennettswood).

Can the Premier inform the House of the results of discussions which took place last week on the proposed constitutional convention?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-A conference was held in Adelaide on Thursday and Friday of last week. The Leader of the Opposition and I represented this Parliament. All States were represented by either the Premier, the Deputy Premier or a senior Minister. The Commonwealth had four representatives, representing each party in the Federal Parliament-the AttorneyGeneral, Senator Greenwood; the Minister for Primary Industry, Mr. Sinclair; the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Murphy; and Senator Gair, of the Democratic Labor Party.

The purpose of the conference was to make administrative arrangements for the holding of a constitutional convention as early as practicable next year. Everybody present was impressed by the spirit of cooperation that was evident and by a real feeling that the constitutional convention was not only feasible but necessary. Arrangements were made, as has been publicized in the press, for the first meeting of the constitutional convention to be held in Sydney on 28th May next year.

'Mr. WILKES.-WiH that be before or after 'the election?

!Mr. HAIMER.--'Who knows? The first session 'Of the convention is programmed to last a week. Everybody who was present was impressed by the great spirit of amity that prevailed, and people who were not there were similarly impressed. Admittedly only administrative arrangements were being made at that stage but there

were good, strong indications that everybody present felt that the present situation was intolerable and that some over-all review and overhaul of the Constitution was absolutely essential.

The conference appointed Mr. John Finemore, Victoria's Chief Parliamentary Counsel, as chief executive officer for the convention. It appointed as clerk of the convention meetings Mr. Combe, of South Australia, and Mr. Bruce McDonnell, Clerk of the Parliaments in Victoria, as second clerk. The convention looked like assuming a wholly Victorian character and it was even suggested by New South Wales that the convention itself should be held in iMelbourne. IFor the sake of appearances and because it seemed appropriate, I proposed, and the Leader of the Opposition seconded, that the first meeting be held in the senior city of AustraHa - Sydney - and that was decided by the conference. That 'is how it was decided, and that is a further illustration of the amiability which prevailed throughout.

At present the signs are most favourable. Every Parliament in Australia was represented and every party was unanimous in what it was hoped would be achieved. The next step before this convention is held is for each State delegation to propose the agenda items, which will relate to the parts of the Constitution they think should be overhauled.

The Victorian delegation has already met and decided to seek the views of and submissions from a wide range of bodies interested in the Constitution. Letters have gone to more than 30 organizations asking for their ideas on what parts of the Constitution should be reviewed in this way. Some replies have already been received. The Victorian delegation will have its submissions completed by the end of November and will put them before the chief executive officer by the end of January in preparation for the con-vention.


COMMONWEALTH FUNDS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

Mr. MUTTON (Coburg).-Is the Minister of Transport aware of the statement which recently appeared in the press reporting a statement made by IMr. McMahon that the Federal Government is likely to assist in financing the 'construction of the 'Melbourne underground rail loop and, if sO,what progress has been made in regard to that statement?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .---"1 am aware of the s'tatement, which was reported in the newspapers this morning as having been made by the Prime Minister in a television interview yesterday, that the Commonwealth Government would be taking some initiative not only in relation to the Melbourne underground rail loop but also on the general question of urban public transport and railways generally. Those two matters - urban public transport and railways generally - have been the subject of meetings 'Of transport Ministers from the States and the Commonwealth, and many recommendations have gone forward to the Commonwealth Government through the Commonwealth 'Minister present. The Premier and Treasurer has also discussed Victoria's problems with the Prime Minister. 'I had the good f.ortune to be invited to the opening of the new Whyalla-Port Augusta railway, last Friday, and I had the opportunity there of meeting with the Prime IMinister and further discussing the matter with him. I am delighted with the progress that is apparently being made, and I hope everybody tackles the matter and is of the same mind as honorable members on the Government side of the Chamber.

RAILWAY PROJECTS. Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the

Opposition) .----Can the Mini,ster of Transport inform me whether, at any stage, he has expressed :to the Commonwealth Government 'a view on the actual amount of money that

Victoria needs to carry out some of the railway projects which the honorable gentleman has from time to time mentioned in this House?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-The matter has been approa'ched on a general ba'sis.

Mr. HOLDING.-What was the sum? Mr. WILCOX.-Studies have been

m'ade by the Bureau of Transport Economics at Canberra. That bureau has been put in possession of all the information that has been asked for, including the f.acts and figures 'Of the many matters which require 'attention in the transport scene in Victoria, not just in Melbourne. In relation to the Melbourne underground rail loop, the Premier has requested the Commonwealth to p'articipate by providing half the funds that are required. That is a 'specifi'c instance.

KIDNAPPING AT FARADAY. Mr. CRELLIN (Sanrlringham).-In

view of the recent harrowing experiences at Faraday, where la teacher and six children were kidnapped, can the Minister representing the Chief Secretary inform the House of some of the circumstances which resulted in the excellent police work in apprehending the alleged kidnappers so quickly after the event?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-I suggest the question be not asked.

,Mr. CRELLIN.-On a point of order, with respect, Mr. Speaker, could you give your reasons?

Tohe SPEAKER.-Order! On the view that the sub judice rule ,could well apply 110 this, I suggest to the House that the question be not asked.

GORDON BYPASS FREEWAY. Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-I direct

my question to the Mini,ster representing the Minister for Local Government. Is the honorable gentleman aware that a large ,section of the new Gordon Bypass Freeway is disintegr,ating and is 'Open to only one lane of traffic? If he is aware of

722 Questions [ASSEMBL Y.l without Notice.

thts situation, will he inform the House of the reasons for the failure of this section of the freeway?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 am not aw·are of the situation to which the honorable member refers, but I will direct it to the attention of the Minister for Local Governmen t and tseek a reply from him.

MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the Opposition) .-In view of the statement of the Minister of Transport that the Premier and Treasurer has asked the Federal Treasurer for half the funds required for the building of the Melbourne underground rail loop, can the Premier and Treasurer inform the House of the actual figures involved and the actual sum requetsted?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-When Ithe letter was written to the Prime Minister, the estimate of the 'cost of the Melbourne underground rail loop-so far as I am aware it still stands-including tracks and all 'atssociated works, was $117 million.

Mr. HOLDING.-Does that estimate include rolling-sttock?

Mr. HAMER.-No. The request I made to the Prime Minister. wats for the Commonwealth to find half of that cost.

RAILWAY COSTS. Mr. TREZISE (Geelong North).

Is the Premier and Treasurer, like his predecetssor, prepared to hand COntrol of the costs of the Victorian Railways to any Federal Government which is prepared to accept them?

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasurer) .-This is 'a matter 'Of Government policy. So far as I am aware, nO proposal of this nature has been made to the State Government. The Government would be prepared to discuss the takeover of the capital debt attributed to the railways on the

ground that it is a development cost which may well be shouldered by the Federal Government

HORSHAM AND HAMILTON DOG RACING CLUBS.

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (Portland}.-In view of the fact that the Horsham Greyhound Club has not raced yet, will the M,inister for Youth and Recreation consider introducing immediate legislation to enable a joint licence to be held by Ithe Horsham and Hamilton dog racing clubs to race On alternate week,s? If not, why not?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Youth and Recreation) .-1 will give consideration to this matter and advise the honorable member accordingly.

BASS STRAIT OIL AND GAS RIGHTS.

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moo nee Ponds).I direct a questi'On to the 'Minister for Fuel and Power. In view of Ithe new agreement On boundaries that has been negotiated with other countries by the Federal 'Government, will further negotiations be necessary with Esso-B.H.P. regarding 'Oil and gas rights and the boundaries in Bass Strait for the explora'tion of oil or gas?

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .-No. The decisions which I understand were made recently by Australia and Indonesia do not affect the BatS'S Strait areas in any way.

WEARING OF HELMETS BY CHILD CYCLISTS.

Mr. E. W. LEWIS (Oundas).I ask the Minister representing the Chief Secretary whether leg,islation will be introduced in this session of Parliament for the compulsory wearing of helmets by children riding bicycles.

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 am not aware of any proposed legistJation to this effect. The Chief Secretary is currently overseas. He may have something in mind but I am certainly not aware of it.


CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING SOCIETIES.

Mr. FELL (GreensborDugh).-I direct a question to I1:he IMinister representing the Minister of Housing. Further to the answer received last week to a question confirming the pr'actike of CD- 'Opera tive housing sDcieties requiring persons taking 'Out finance to insure I1:heir homes with the lending authority, what actiDn is prDpDsed to be taken to prevent this requirement?

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Order! The honorable member ,is making a speech. The question ShDUld be asked.

Mr. FELL.-What actiDn is proposed to disc'Ontinue I1:he requirement that the financier should allsD be the insurer of the property?

Mr. THOMPSON (M'inister 'Of Education) .-In the 'absence 'Overseas of the Minister representing the Minister of Housing, I shall be grateful if the honorable member will put his question on Ithe Notice Paper.

RAILWAY WORK AT FOOTSCRAY. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).-Can

the Minister 'Of Transport explain what are the major railway undertakings being carried on at present in the electorate of FDotscray, particularly relating to the widening of tracks? Can the hDnorable gentleman also expla-in whether it is general policy not to inform the members concerned of the na ture of these undertakings before the work is cDmmenced?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister 'Of TranspDrt) .-1 am not sure what the honorable member is referring tD, but if it is the prDvision of 'additional tracks in the F ootscray area, I can inform him - and .J am glad to' do so - that work is being carried 'Out there. The area is a bDttleneck which affects many lines, including the GeelDng line, and the work is being dDne as a part of the ordinary Victorian Railways' programme.

If the hDnDrable member was nDt informed 'Of this, I am sDrry, but it is something which proceeds in the ordinary course of business, and it has not been the practice tD infDrm hDnDrable members of activities of this kind. ,When the VictDrian Railways next carry out a project in the FDDtscray area, 'I will inform the hDnorable member.

MELBOURNE UNDERGROUND RAIL LOOP.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of the OppositiDn) . .-;In view of the answer given by the 'M'inister of TranspDrt last week concerning funds 'fDr the prDvisiDn 'Of new rDlling-stock for the undergrDund rail IDDP, and his view that there ought to be CommDnwealth 'involvement, is the hDnorable gentleman in a positiDn to inform the HDuse about the cost of prDviding this new rolling-stock? Can the honDrable gentleman alsO' inform the HDuse whether he has put any -and, if so, what-propositions to the Federal Treasurer on Commonwealth involvement in the provision of the necessary funds?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister 'Of Transport) .-4 can only enlarge on an answer I g,ave to an honQrable member earlier this afternDDn by saying that the Bureau of Transport ECDnomics conducted a study of the whole question 'Of urban transpDrt needs 'in the large cities of Australia. Victoria provided a great deal of informatiDn, concerning replacement of rDlling-stDck in the VictDrian Railways and relating to the IMe1bourne and 'MetropDlitan Tramways BQard. The informatiQn provided covered the whole questiDn of urban public transport. I cannot remember the precise figures involved, but if the honorable member wishes to know them I suggest that he should place his question 'On nDtice.

I also inform the House that the Bureau of Transport Economics did a wider study of railways generally, and that that study was directed to


the whole question of finance, required for new rolling-stock and tracks.

Mr. HOLDING.-Will the IMinister lay on the table of the Library the documents that were supplied to the Federal Bureau of Transport Economics?

,Mr. WIL'COX.--I ask the honorable member to place that question on the Notice 'Paper.

STAFF FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS. Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Will the

Minister of Education inform the House what provision there is for the training of teachers for special schools throughout Victoria? Can the honorable gentleman also inform the House whether sufficient and adequate staff will be available f.o~ t~e Moe Special School when It IS completed?

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The Education Department is currently conducting an exami~ation in to the training of specIal teachers for schools in Victoria. It is true that the department is erecting schools at Burwood, Watsonia, IMoe and Dandenong, and work on another for physicaUy handicapped children will commence at Mount Waverley. Because there is a high ratio of teachers to pupils - for example, one teacher to eight pupils - there is a need for a larger number of staff than for ordinary primary schools. At present the training of specialist teachers is carried out at the Melbourne Teachers College and Glendonald but, because of our policy of placing increased emphasis on the Special Division and of catering for an expanding number of people in this area, the department is currently studying the provision of increased training facilities.

AMALGAMATION OF MUNICIPALITIES.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-I have twice asked the 'Minister representing the 'Minister for Local Government when the report of the inquiry

into the amalgamation of municipalities will be made available or be completed. The Minister has promised to obtain the answer from the Minister in another place, but so far it has not been furnished. I ask the Minister when the report will be available?

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .----At no stage have 'I said that I would obtain an answer from the Minister for Local Government. I have said that I would direct the honorable member's question to the attention of my colleague, and I have done so. 'I will do so again, and I will encourage my colleague to inform me when an answer might be forthcoming.

LEAD-FREE PETROL. Mr. WILTON (Bro'admeadows).

During the last ,sitting of the House, I directed the a'ttention of the Minister for Conservation to an article in the daily press concerning leadfree petrol. The honorable gentleman indicated that he would examine the article and refer it to the Environment Proteotion Authority for report. Can the Minister advise me whether the authority is investigating the matter at this moment, and is the honorable gentleman prepared ,to make a copy of the report available when ,it ,comes to hand?

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Conservation) .-As I indicated I would when the honorable member raised the matter previously, I have referred the article to the Environment Protection Authority for comment. At ,this stage, I would not invite the authority to examine the question in depth because, as all honorable members wHI be ,aware, the authority is involved in est~blishing licensing procedures whIch will be required for the Act to be proclaimed by the end of December. Therefore I' should not like Ito divert specialist' officers from that job to this type of investigation. As soon as I have the comments of the authority on the article, I will be delighted to make them available to the honorable member.


MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON. Mr. MUTTON {Ooburg).-In view

of the continued unrest at Pentridge Gaol, can the Minister for Social Welfare linform the House what progress has been made by the Government in developing a new maximum security pri,son?

Mr. I. W. SMITH (Minister for Sodal Welfare) .-In prison systems around the world, from time to time there ,is unrest. Never will we have a situation in Victoria, and particularly in our major prison, where we can say that there will never be unrest. In Pentridge, where the toughest of our criminals are housed, there would be 50 people who would be best suited to 'a maximum security "institution. There would also be 200 people who perhaps ought to be in a maximum security prison.

With this knowledge the Government is planning, in what we call the schematic design stage, in this financial year the construction of a new maximum security prison. This was suggested by me about three or four months ago and further elaborated on recently by, I think, the Premier and myself through the media as well as 'in answer to questions in the House. There are three stages in the development of the new maximum security prison, of which the schematic design stage is the first. We will be aiming, towards the end of this financial year, at taking options on a site and next financial year commencing the laying of the proverbial bricks and mortar with a view to completion of the maximum security prison in the following financial year.

In the interim, from time to time we can expect some unrest. There is an undoubted need for a maximum security prison apart from a large institution such as Pentridge. The Government is planning for it, and is committed to building it, and the project certainly is in train now. I am hopeful that it will be built in a country area and because of this possibility I have received representations from a large number of

country municipalities seeking the establishment of the ,institution in their areas.

MOE SPECIAL SCHOOL. Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-Whilst I

appreCiate that the Government is moving in the training of teachers for special schools, the Minister of Education did not answer the second part of my earlier question.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-The honorable member should ask a further question.

'Mr. AMOS.-The second part of the question was whether sufficient and adequate staff will be available for the commencement of the Moe Special School when that project is completed.

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-At this stage, I have no reason to believe that there will not be sufficient and adequate staff at the Moe Special School when it is completed.


the directions of several Acts of Parliament, were laid upon the table by the Clerk:-Environment Protection Authority-Report

for the year 1971-72-0rdered to be printed.

Grain Elevators Board-Report and statement of accounts for the year ended 31st October, 1971.

La Trobe University-Report of the council for the year 1971-72.-Ordered to be approved by the Governor in Council during 1971.

Monash University-Report of the council for the year 1971; together with statutes approved by the Governor in Council during 1971.

National Parks Advisory Committee-Report for the year 1971-72.

Police Regulation Act 1958-Determination No. 195 of the Police Service Board.

Public Service Act 1958-Public Service (Public Service Board) RegulationsRegulations amended Nos. 293 to 297 (five papers).

Science Museum of Victoria-Report for the year 1971-72.

726 Melbourne and Metropolitan [ASSEMBLY.] Board of Works.

Statutory Rules under the following Acts :Adoption of Children Act 1964-No.264. Co-operative Housing Societies Act 1958-

No. 262. Grain Elevators Act 1958-No. 265. Health Act 1958-No. 263. Local Government Act 1958-Nos. 260

No. 269. Marine Act 1958-No. 266. Town and Country Planning Act 1961-

No. 261. Water Act 1958-No. 268. West Moorabool Water Board Act 1968-

No. 267. Town ·and Country Planning Act 1961-

Lara Planning Scheme, 1961, Amendment No.5, 1970

Melbourne Metropolitan Planning Scheme, Amendment Nos. 12 and 33 (two papers). Shire of Mornington Planning Scheme, 1959, Amendment No. 56, 1970.

MELBOURNE AND METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.

INDUSTRIAL IW ASTES DISPOSAL !PLANT.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).I wish to move the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the failure of the M-inister for Local Government to request the IMelbourne and 'Metropolitan Board of Works to prepare a scheme for the board to establish, operate, and maintain a treatment plant for the disposal of 'liquid industrial wastes from within the board's area.

Approval of the proposed discussion was indicated by the required numbers of members rising in their places, as specified in Standing Order No.8B.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).At long last the Government is prepared to recognize that there is a serious pollution problem in the metropolitan area, partkularly with underground water resources in the north-western suburbs. It is common knowledge that the Government has agreed to a proposal that the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works should release an area of land which is in the ownership of and under the control of the board and that tenders will be invited from private enterprise for the establishment and operation of a liquid trade waste disposal plant. The Premier, in

a letter to me dated 7th September of this year in reply to correspondence I had 'with the honorable gentleman on 10th ~ugust seeking information concerning the establishment of this plant, indkated that this land is in Brooklyn .and is to be made available under leasehold for the construction of an appropr,iate treatment plant for handling liquid trade 'waste.

However, the Opposition is concerned that if this proposal comes to fruition the company which lodges the successful tender will be in a very strong position concerning the disposal of liquid trade waste. Any private enterprise organization embarking on a project of this sort will do so purely as a business proposition. Its only concern wi'll be the profit margin it will be able to establish in operating this plant. I would not expect any large private enterprise organization to embark on this type of project for the sole purpose of assisting the Government to overcome the pollution problem because private enterprise generally has shown no inclination until now to be concerned ·about the pollution problems that have existed in the north-western suburbs for 'a 'long time.

The establishment of a liquid industrial waste disposal plant was brought to a head when the municipalities in the area became so concerned about the disposal of industrial wastes that they were forced to deny access to property under their control ,where pollutants of this sort could be dumped. The disposal of these pollutants has caused problems for a long time and many people have had to put up with all sorts of inconvenience. !As a result of the dumping of pollutants the underground water supply has become contaminated to such a degree that it now constitutes a danger to the health of the community. No matter what company is successful in tendering for this plant, it will be ina strong position.

Melbourne and Metropolitan [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Board of Works. 727

The House also knows, or should know because the Minister for Conservation and other Ministers have referred to it 'Often, that it is the Government's intention to proclaim the Environment Protection Act in its entirety by the end of this year. Under that Act the 'Environment Protection 'Authority will have the responsibilitY' of introducing a licensing system for the disposal af industrial waste, and all industrial organizations will have to obtain a licence before they can dispose of these wastes. Members of the Opposition do not disagree with that system. For the protection of the environment, the licence will be endorsed with a variety of restrictions on the methods to be used to dispose of liquid trade waste and any other form of waste that the industry may produce. It will not be difficult for any honorable member to reach the conclus'ion that the only centre which will be available for the disposal of liquid trade waste in the metropolitan area will be the plant established at Brooklyn and operated by private enterprise.

The Opposition agrees that a plant ought to be established as quickly as poss'ible, but it takes issue with the Government on whether it should be operated by private enterprise. The plant should be operated by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of W'Orks. I do not want to go in to the details of the financial difficulties of the board, the percentage of the board's income which is used to service existing loans, and the restriction this places on its operations. If any profits are to be made from the disposal of liquid trade waste, they ought to be made by the board to assist in solving of its financial problems. For too long ratepayers in the metropolitan area have been providing funds to be used by the board on projects from which certain ratepayers receive no benefit. The Opposition has always been opposed to that, as the records of Parliament clearly show.

I reaffirm the attitude of the Labor Party. The plant should be established as quickly as possible and it should be established by the Board of Works and be completely under its control. By ensuring that that happens, the Government will achieve two objectives. It will provide industry with the means by which this highly dangerous and highly polluting form of trade waste can be dealt with 'efficiently and capably.

Mr. STEPHEN.-Who said efficiently?

Mr. WILTON.-The honorable member for Ballaarat South wants to claim that the Board of Works is not efficient. That is his prerogative. I invite the honorable member to inform the House in what way the board is not efficient and how he comes to that conclusion.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Order! I think he might be ruled out of order.

Mr. WILTON.-Mr. Speaker, I ,assume from the interjection of the honorable member that he will base his opposition to this motion on the allegation that the board is inefficient.

If the Government changed its attitude on this matter to that suggested by the Labor Party, this plant would be established by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works as quickly as possible and it would be operated and controlled by the board. Then industries in the metropolitan area-the free enterprise friends of the honorable member for Ballaarat South-would be protected from exploitation. The Premier must agree that any company which is given the sole franchise to operate a plant of this type in the metropolitan area will be in a very strong position, particularly in view of the licenSing system which will require industry to dispose of its trade waste at that plant. That cannot be denied. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the disposal centre is controlled by a statutory 'authority.


Private enterprise has been found wanting on many occasions. Many honorable members on the Government side of the House will want to argue that private enterprise is efficient. It is not; it is inefficient because its sole objective is profit. The criterion by which it operates is the profit which it can earn; that is the law by which it lives. Therefore, it is not efficient. Private enterprise would be prepared to do something less than is necessary to efficiently dispose of trade waste in a manner which is not offensive to the community at large and which does not constitute a danger to the health of the community.

No honorable member would deny that in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne the underground water system is badly polluted. The major cause of the pollution is the manner in which private industry has been dispos-ing of its liquid trade waste. The underground water in this area may become a major source of supply in the coming months as it is possible that there will be another extremely dry period. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works is already sounding warnings that the metropolis might experience another water shortage. Bores for underground water were established in parts of the metropolitan area during the last ·extremely dry period. The use of underground water was the salvation of some areas. It has been established that if this water was purified and protected it could be used by certain industries and in many other ways. I understand that tests have been taken and that it has been reliably stated that the aquifers to the west of Melbourne can yield 1 million gallons of water an hour. This is an asset which the Parliament is obliged to protect.

The actions of private enterprise to the present give me no confidence in its being able to do the job which must be done. Not only has there been serious contamination of the atmosphere. Last January, right opposite Melbourne's international

Mr. Wilton.

airport, a private company was disposing of liquid trade waste in a manner which created a highly offensive odour and caused serious inconvenience and irritation to a large section of the community who live in the proximity of the Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine. I discussed this matter with the Bulla Shire Council. The permit had been issued by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works but the prescriptions were to be set by the health officer of the shire. However, the method of disposing of the liquid trade waste was quite impractical. Under the system used it was not possible to dispose of the waste without its becoming offensive or endangering the underground water supply.

In addition, the tributaries of the Maribyrnong River, such as Deep Creek and Jackson Creek, were in danger of becoming even more polluted than they were. The whole Maribyrnong Valley could be affected. People in the area have been concerned about the condition of the Maribyrnong Valley for many years. The first need is for a suitable plant to be established, and to be in operation as soon as possible so that the stringent laws which will be required can be applied and so that the industries of the metropolis can be forced to observe them. The disposal of this waste must be handled in a manner which will stop this continual pollution. That is the first step needed in cleaning up the Maribyrnong Valley to enable some of the characteristics which it had in -the early years of the settlement of Melbourne to be re-established. The Maribyrnong Valley is as important to the metropolitan area as the Yarra Valley and it is possible to develop it so that it will become as attractive as the Yarra Valley is today.

The Opposition takes issue with the Government on whether private enterprise should provide the plant which is needed to control the serious pollution problem. The plant should be provided by a statutory authority. I tend to the view that


the reason the Government is prepared to leave this to private enterprise is that it will act only when it is forced to do so. Its members will not take off their coa ts and undertake long-range planning to overcome the problems of the environment. The Government drifts along until a crisis develops and it is only then that it will act. Then it always attempt to act in the cheapest possible way. The Government will allow private enterprise to undertake projects of this type so that it will not have to find the necessary funds. Of course, private enterprise will provide the money on the clear understanding that there will be a profit. The rest of industry in the metropolitan area will have to meet the cost of providing that profit. 1 do not know whether the Government will take steps to ensure that industry is not exploited.

Mr. STEPHEN.-You are crying crocodile tears. Tell us more about how concerned you are for private industry.

Mr. WILTON.-I shall not concern myself with the interjection of the honorable member for Ballaarat South. He has already established his credibility in this Parliament and there is no need for me to deal with that.

'For some time municipalities in the north-western suburbs have been concerned about this problem. ,I have received numerous letters from various municipalities, particularly from the City of Keilor, which has played a prominent role in endeavouring to force Government action. The body known ,as the North-west Metropolitan IMunicipalities, which consists of the City of Broadmeadows, the City of Essendon, the City of Keilor and the Shire of Bulla and Melton, has had several meetings on this subject.

'Over the years, the disused quarry holes located in the north-western areas have become targets of companies which pick up trade wastes at various factories 'at contract prices. A variety of liquid trade

wastes, m'any of them highly contaminated, have been dumped in these quarry holes and have polluted the underground water supplies. The Mines Department has been concerned about this matter for some time and I am grateful to the Minister of Mines for making available to me reports on this subject which were prepared by officers of his department. They make interesting reading and clearly show that the situation is far more serious than the honorable member for Ballaarat South will acknowledge. However, honorable members have become accustomed to his attitude.

The contamination of the aquifers is a danger to the health of the community. The people have been denied the use of considerable quantities of water. It has been estimated that an aquifer west of Melbourne could yield 1 million gallons of 'water an hour, which would be of considerable value in times of water shortage. There is every indication of drought conditions occurring in the next four or .five months. The motion is reasonable. It would be far more satisfactory for the Board of Works to receive this material from industry, treat it, and set a standard for its reception and discharge into the sewerage system.

I discussed this subject with senior officers of the Board of Works and other people who had some knowledge of the m,atter. They all freely admitted that in the process of treatment it is practicable to recover certain chemicals which could be marketed, and this would be a potential income for the people operating the plant. If industry had to pay for the treatment of this effluent and the solving of the problem, no argument could be raised. 'It would be reasonable to expect industry to pay a f.air and just price, but the Board of Works should be permitted to make a small monetary gain for the benefit of the community as a whole.

'Many Government instrumentalities operate on a business basis. The State Electricity Commission


makes a profit on its electricity supply and the ra~lways mak.e a profit from its freIght op~ratlOns. The 'Minister of Transport wIll agree that the volume of freight handled by the Victorian Railways shows that instrumentality to be one of the most efficient transport organizations in Australia. I challenge any private enterprise organization to surpass the efforts of the railways. At the drop of a hat, members of the Government party will eulogize the qualities of private enterprise - they are its mouthpiece. It is interesting to note the history of the various State instrumentalities which operate efficiently and profitably. The State Electricity Commission came into being in the early days of IMelbourne because private enterprise failed to make a "go" of the supply of electricity. The Government ought to expand this type of operation.

This is an example of where the Government could show some initiative and clearly establish ·a direct link between the Environment Protection Authority and the IMelbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works and evolve an operations programme embodying both authorities to serve industry. Effluent is a problem which cannot be swept under the carpet. If industry is to operate, it must be accepted that liquid trade wastes must be disposed of. A plant should be established quickly under the control of the Board of Works and in that way a clear link could be established between the Environment Protection Authority and the board. The necessary standard could be clearly set. Industry generally would receive some protection and would avoid any possibility of being exploited by one organiz'ation which controlled a plant to deal with liquid wastes that industry must dispose of. The Government may want to argue that industry could build its own plant. That would not happen except on rare occasions under the control of, perhaps, an oil company which would have the financial capacity to install one where it was

Mr. Wilton.

needed. For the reasons ,I have given, the motion should be supported.

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-Th.e motion ·con~e.rns the alleged faIlure of the 'MInIster for Local Govern'ment to request the Melbourne and Metropol'itan Board of Works to prepare a scheme to establish ,a treatment plant for the disposal of liquid industrial wastes. At the outset, I make it dear that I am happy to represent the iMinister for Local Government on this matter and to say that there has been no failure whatsoever by the ·Minister within the terms of the motion. Indeed I propose to make clear to the House that the Minister for Local Government and the Government have been most active in this matter.

The Government is fully involved in the subject of liquid industrial wastes and is taking positive action on what is recognized to be a growing problem in the metropolitan area. Only last month the Premier announced that land owned by the Board of Works at Brooklyn had been set aside for a metropolitan treatment plant to handle all types of liquid industrial wastes. The honorable member for Broadmeadows did not worry about sheeting home any alleged f.ailure on the part of the Minister for Local Government to do anything about that matter.

,Mr. STEPHEN.-He commended the Government.

Mr. W~LCOX.-That is so. He made what can be called a norm,al attack on private enterprise.

·Mr. WILKEs.---What do you mean by a "normal att-ack"?

Mr. W'ILCOX.-A normal attack by the Opposition and particularly a normal attack by the honofiable member for Broadmeadows.

Mr. GINIFER.-It was a pat on the back for statutory authorities.

IMr. WILCOX.-Statutory ,authorities are very good in their right place. I do not believe there is need


for a statutory authority to be involved in operating a project such as this.

-Mr. WILKES.-Of course you do not because your Government has compromised itself with Brambles.

'Mr. W,JUCOX.-If members of the Opposition will be patient ,I shall endeavour to explain, although it is difficult to get the message over to them! IMembers of the Government party can see everything much more readily, and they can also see that the motion is no more than a normal attack by members of the Oppositjon on private enterprise. ,Members of the Opposition did not attack the Minister for Local Government because it was not open to them to do so. They descended to their usual level and made their usual ,attack on private enterprise.

-Mr. GINIFER.-Tell us why the Board of Works cannot do this satisfactorily.

(Mr. WIL'COX.-I should like to tell honorable members what the Government has done. As I have said, it was announced last month that positive action was being taken and that the plant envisaged at Brooklyn would be constructed, operated and maintained by private enterprise under conditions laid down by the Environment Protection ~uthority. To revert to an earlier interjection, I believe the Environment Protection Authority is 'the proper statutory authority to be established just now.

Mr. WILKES.-It should have been established years ago.

Mr. WILCOX.-Yes, and the Government has now done it. Many aspects of operation of the plant by private enterprise need to be examined. I suppose the motion before the House implies an attack upon the Board of Works and is a direct attack upon the Minister for failing to initiate action-but, because of its keen interest, the board has cooperated fully in the matter. The board is making available land which has been in its possession for years,

and has advertised for interested firms to apply for registra,tion as prospective tenderers for the plant which, it is estimated, will cost approximately $3 million.

Perhaps I should recall to honorable members the history of this matter, which goes back--

Mr. WILKES.-To a Cabinet decision.

Mr. WILCOX.-In its general study of waste disposal, the State Development Committee recommended that another committee should be established to report specifically on the subject. The Government accepted that recommendation and established another committee, and subsequently accepted its recommendations~ which I have already outlined. They were announced by the Premier last month. In view of that it is clear that neither the Government nor the Minister for Local Government has failed to tackle this problem.

The Government believes private industry should deal with the disposal of liquid wastes. That belief is based on the concept that industry should be responsible for the disposal of wastes which are generated by it. I do not think any member of the Opposition would challenge tha t concept.

Mr. GINIFER.-That is a furphy. Mr. WILCOX.-What is a furphy? Mr. GINIFER.-Saying that the

Board of Works should not do the job.

Mr. WILCOX.-The honorable member for Deer Park has not heard what I have said, so I shall repeat it: This proposal is based on the concept that industry is responsible for the disposal of wastes which are generated by it. I add that the cost involved is' part of manufacturing costs.

I am informed by the Chairman of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works that the attitude adopted by the Government is consistent with the policy which is followed in England, the United


States of America and Europe. I am also informed that for years many industries have carried out paf!tial liquid waste treatment on their premises to bring the waste to a standard which is acceptable for it to be disposed of through the normal sewerage system. There is no reason why the practice should not be continued. Private industry provides tankers and trucks for the collection, transport and disposal of liquid wastes by private agreement, and this proposal will simply extend that practice.

In many cases it would be more economical for industry to continue the practice of collection and transfer of waste to the Brooklyn depot than to carry out on-site disposal or partial disposal. In any case, the choice remains with the industry. I t is well known that there is keen competition by private enterprise to provide this plant.

Mr. WILTON.-Of course there would be.

Mr. WILKES.-How does Brambles Industries twist the arm of this Government? Will they get the ,tender?

Mr. WILCOX.-I understand the problem of members of the Opposition. They hate private enterprise, and consequently are completely biased and have an unreal approach to this matter.

Mr. WILKES.-Will the Government give the tender to Brambles?

Mr. WILCOX.-I know nothing about the tenders.

Mr. WILKES.-It will be scandalous if Brambles gets it.

Mr. WILCOX.-If members of the Opposition have direct allegations to make concerning Brambles, they should have put them in the motion. I propose to deal with the motion before the House. If members of the Opposition wish to make allegations, let them do so. I now refer to doubts which may be held by members of the Opposition concerning the adequacy of the area of the site of this plant.

Mr. WILToN.-We have never expressed concern about it.

Mr. WILCOX.-But one has to anticipate a bright thought coming from a member of the Opposition at some time. As it is conceivable that the area could prove to be inadequate, the Government has taken action by examining other suitable locations for a plant, and land which could be suitable has been purchased.

I am glad that honorable members may feel that they have stirred me a little on this subject. I make no bones about the fact that this is not a valid attack on the Minister for Local Government; it is a straight-out attack on private enterprise. I am not concerned to hedge or to consider allegations about a company which is not mentioned in the motion with which the House is now dealing, and I have no hesitation in asserting that there has been no failure by the Minister for Local Government in this matter. Indeed, I state categorically that the Government would be acting unwisely if it were to ignore the possibility of inviting private enterprise to accept, at its own cost, the responsibility of disposing of waste which it has produced.

Mr. WILKES (Northcote).-The reply of the Minister of Transport is in keeping with most of the replies that he gives in the branch office in this House on behalf of the Minister for Local Government. He is only the office boy who represents that Minister. The Opposition is tired of the way in which matters of local government are dealt with in this House.

The Minister of Transport has overlooked several important matters, the first of which is that at no time did the State Development Committee recommend in its report that a departmental committee should be established to investigate the disposal of industrial and com-


mercia I wastes. The report of the State Development Committee stated-

The disposal of industrial and commercial waste, some of what may be offensive, or even dangerous, in character is presenting particular problems, and such matters will be the subject of detailed comment in the Committee's final report.

The committee has not yet presented its final report and the project should not be proceeded with until then. I suggest that this has been a matter of decision by the Cabinet, as has been the decision to prevent the Board of Works from conducting the disposal plant.

The Board of Works is not opposed to handling this plant. In fact, members of the board feel that it is their responsibility, and that they should be responsible for the control and disposal of industrial wastes in Victoria. Any private enterprise can establish disposal plants if it can obtain a licence from the Environment Protection Council and 'if it complies with the conditions of that licence. Many industries will do this rather than transport waste to Brooklyn.

The House has not been provided with details of the plant at Brooklyn. The Government has acted behind closed doors and treated this as a butter-and-egg job for private enterprise. The board issued a newsletter on 23rd September saying what it had been instructed to say by the Government.

The Board of Works should have been given an opportunity of establishing the plant but not from loan moneys which have been appropriated to it, because any further call on those funds would result in fewer sewerage connections. The Treasury should allocate additional loan funds to the board from its undistributed funds of approximately $14 million for the establishment of this plant because the board is the proper authority for this work. But what does the Government do? It saddles the board with many functions that it should not have. The Board of Works is a freeway constructing

authority, and instead of being responsible for the disposal of industrial wastes it competes with the Country Roads Board. Yet the Government main tains that there is no waste of money and manpower or duplication of planning between the two bodies.

The Board of Works should be responsible for the operation of this plant. Final responsibility for disposal of industrial wastes rests with the board, and it should be its complete responsibility. The people of Altona will be incensed when the facts on this proposal are made known. Up until now those facts have not been made clear. It appears that it is the intention of the Government to allocate this project to private enterprise and I suggest, and make no apology for doing so, that Brambles Industries Ltd. will be the successful tenderer.

Mr. STEPHEN .-Will Brambles Industries Ltd. be the best company to do the job?

Mr. WILKES.-Brambles Industries Ltd. will get the job whether or not it is the best company to do the job. I understand that the project is to be built -in two stages but I am not clear on who will be the controlling authority. I am alsO' led to believe that the first stage of the project will not be capable of handling the disposal of all industrial wastes and it could be two or three years before an adequate plant is in operation to deal with this urgent problem. If there is any urgency about the construction of the plant the Board of Works should be the responsible authority for it.

Apparently the Government is now tending to ,move away from its original intention because 'it realizes that the area available at Brooklyn might not be large enough to cope with all the industrial waste from the metropolitan area. The Government has apparently now taken an option over or bought another site for this purpose. Why does the Government not give the Board of Works control of this project? The reason for this is obvious. The


Government has no intention of trying t'O get the board 'Out of its financial quagmire. An industrial waste disposal plant would be a lucrative operation which could be am'OrNzed by the Board of Works over ten or fifteen years. Industrial organizations will have no alternative but to dispose of their waste materials at this plant. At present the Board of Works is paying more than 60 cents in the $1 in interest and redemption charges and if it were given the opportunity of operating a waste disposal plant it could reduce its loan commitments over the years by utilizing the revenue that would be obtained from operating a waste disposal plant.

Instead of examining the financial situation of the board 'and coming to the conclusion that the board could obtain a large amount of revenue by operating a disposal plant, the Government has decided to hand the operation over to private enterprise. However, it intends to ask the board to call for tenders for the construction of the plant and to supervise the construction. After it has done the job the Government will forget about the board ,and will hand the project over to private enterprise. The only control the Government will have over the other plant will be that the land will be owned by the Board of Works. It is not known whether the plant will eventually revert to the people of Victoria or to the Government but presumably it will not.

The State Development Committee went into considerable detail when it undertook an inquiry into the need for a plant to handle liquid industrial waste, and I compliment the committee on the job it did.

Mr. WILTSHIRE.-That inquiry related only to the disposal of domestic waste.

Mr. WILKES.-If the honorable member for Syndal will wait for a moment I shall advise him that on 21st June, 1971, the State Development Committee took evidence from Mr. Wilks from the Board of Works who advised the committee that a

problem concerning the disposal of industrial waste existed in the metropolitan area. M'r. Wilks advised the committee that at present the board was receiving a good deal of untreated substances into' its sewers. These substances include cyanide solutions, tannery wastes, sulphate of lime, oils, kerosene, detergents and bio-degradable materials, many of which had not been treated as they should be. When the plant is completed industries will have somewhere to dispose of their liquid industrial wastes which at present are going into council depots or into' the streams and watercourses in and around Melbourne.

The point I am making is that the Board of Works has to cope with these materials at present and therefore has some technical knowledge on how to dispose of them. The board certainly would have more technical knowledge on this subject than would Brambles Industries Ltd. or any other company. However, the attitude of the Government is that it will not even consider giving the board this responsibility. Did Cabinet call before it the chairman of the board or its senior engineers 'and ask them whether in their opinion the board would be capable of running and maintaining this plant?

Mr. WILTON.-The Labor Party asked them and they said they could.

Mr. WILKES.-They were not called before Cabinet to express their opinions but the Labor Party asked them if they would be prepared to run this plant and they said that they would be because it is a natural corollary to their existing work. At present the Board of Works disposes of sewage 'and industrial wastes and it would be quite capable of extending its facilities. The Government will not give this task to the board because it is ·a lucrative project for private enterprise and the Government is committed to assisting private enterp'rise.

If the Minister of Transport has any idea that the motion seeks to achieve any more than to give the


Board of Works this responsibility, he has been misinformed. The Government will not be in office long enough to regret the action that it is taking on this occasion.

Another important feature of this project is that it has never been referred directly '10' Parliament. The only reference to it is in a newsletter circulated by the Board of Works to municipalities and members of Parliament. That indicates the cavalier way in which the Government treats this Parliament. If it were not for the infomlation that was provided in the newsletter circulated by the Board of Works, honorable members would have no information on what the Government intends to do about this project. Tenders for the plant were called before the State Development Committee presented its final report to Parliament despite the fact that the committee said that the disposal of industrial wastes would be the subject of detailed comment in its final report. Private enterprise organizations are getting itchy feet; they want to get in on the ground floor of this project before there is a change of Government or before, by some remote chance, the Government changes its attitude and decides that this lucrative enterprise should be controlled by the Board of Works and not by private enterprise. The Government should re-appraise the situation and the Minister should not dabble in something that he knows very little about. Instead of talking about branch offices the Minister should give reasons why the Government w·ould not give this job to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board ofW orks. He should not be giving the House fOT the first time details that have already been contained in a newsletter circulated by the Board of Works.

I commend the motion to the House and demand that the Government reassess 'its policy on this matter in the interests of the Board of Works and of the people of Victoria.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister for Conservation) . -If there is a branch office in this House it is a branch office of Socialism, because the main point of the Opposition's argument is not whether a centralized industrial waste disposal plant is needed but whether it should be provided at the expense of the taxpayer or by private enterprise. The Government's policy on the ultimate policing of the Environment Protection Act is that the polluter will pay for the disposal of industrial waste, which is primarily a private enterprise problem. There is no suggestion that within the establishment of 'a centralized industrial disposals treatment centre private enterprise anywhere in Victoria will have to use it. Once private enterprise organizations are licensed under the Environment Protection Act they will be required to assess their own economic situation and determine whether it is preferable to build their own treatment works or to continue to utilize services established by private enterprise as they have in the past. The establishment of a disposal plant by private enterprise is not new and it is proper that private enterprise should be involved in the disposal of industrial waste because many companies have in some w'ay or another utilized private enterprise operations in the past for the discharge of their industrial wastes.

It is the view of the Government that in the proper policing of the Environment Protection Act private enterprise should be encouraged in some way to establish centralized industrial waste dispoisal treatment plants so that those companies which, for economic reasons or because of limitations of sites, cannot establish their own plants to meet the requirements of the licensing provisions, should have other treatment plants available to them.

Mr. EDMuNDs.-That was never envisaged in the original legislation.


Mr. BORTHWICK.-If it was never envisaged, how was it proposed to bring about a tightening in the standards for the disposal of waste? The whole basis of the philosophy behind the Environment Protection Act is a licensing system for the discharge of wastes with the polluter paying the cost. This is fundamentally a private enterprise problem and there is no reason why the State as a whole' should have to pay for these facilities. It is ridiculous to suggest that all that is needed is the !transfer of $5 million or $6 million of loan funds from the public sector to: the Board of Works to finance this project when in fact private enterprise can raise this money from within its own resources. Surely when there is a large backlog in sewerage works in Victoria it is much better to allocate an additional $5 million or $6 million from loan funds to the Board of Works to enable that backlog to be reduced. Certainly, the money should nO't be used to help private enterprise.

Honorable members should examine what is happening in other parts of the world to meet the requirements that the public puts on private enterp,rise in the disposal of industrial waste. At Samia in Ontario, Canada, private enterprise has established a plant to help cope with the environmental problems similar to those being encountered in Victoria. In England, at Ranham on the Thames Estuary, the industrial waste treatment plant is operated by private enterprise. The plant proposed to be established outside Johannesburg will be operated by private enterprise. In fact, I do not know of any sophisticated industrial waste treatment plant of the type envisaged that has ever been established by a public authority to assist priv,ate enterprise; to my knowledge, such plants have always been established by private enterprise because they are part of the over-all problem of private enterprise.

IMr. HOLDING.-Is it not also the Government's problem?

,Mr. BORlIHWICK.-1t is the Government's problem to the extent that it will, through the Environment Protection ~uthority, set standards which industry must meet. Industry has the alternative of meeting those standards on their own sites or establishing private enterprise treatment plants.

Certain factors have not been considered. The first is that the technology required to neutralize industrial waste of the type involved is relatively new; few people and few groups in public authorities or outs'ide public authorities have the expertize, knowledge and background to do it effiCiently. Secondly, in the kind of financial arrangement which exists in the Federation of Australia-where it is imperative to attract as much outside capital for these kinds of works as possible -why should the Government divert m'illions of dollars of public funds into this type of scheme when finance is urgently required elsewhere? I have mentioned examples in Canada, England and South Africa, where private enterprise is operating such schemes.

The Socialist members of the Opposition believe that in all instances all operations of this type can be performed only by some form of State authority. It 'is suggested that industry will have to pay through the nose for this service. Members of the Oppositi'on overlook the fact that the Board of Works will enter into a lease of the land and can write into the terms of the lease any form of restriction on the operation of the plant. That will prevent the exploitation of the public or of private industry. There is no difficulty about writing into a lease conditions which will protect the public interest.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-Is the Minister referring to the subject before the Chair?

Mr. BORTHW'ICK.-Very much so, Sir. The honorable member for Broadmeadows suggested that private enterprise would not be efficient


in operating such a plant. The efficiency of private enterprise or of the Board of Works will be governed by the Environment Protection Authority which win lay down standards. If the Board of Works takes liquid waste into its sewerage system, it will do so on the standards laid down by the board. Where incineration and scrubbing of toxic emissions are necessary, these activities will be licensed by the Environment Protection Authority just as private enterprise will be licensed in any other area of emission control.

The honorable member for Broadmeadows suggested that -a plant operated by private enterprise would not be efficient. Nothing could be further from the truth, because the operators, in the same way as anybody else, will have to meet standards laid down by the Environment Protection Authority. I ·am not critical of the Board of Works or suggest that there is any inefficiency in its operations, but any person who is conversant with the problems of the environment must realize that the tasks which face the board in the next eight or ten years are enormous. The Government freely admHs that backlogs exists in the fields of environment protection in which the Board of Works is involved. This has been stated publicly. To s·addle the Board of Works with a highly specialized and technical problem, as well as an additional financial burden, would have the effect of slowing down the provision of a treatment plant, operated by specialist staff, which is urgently required now.

The Board of Works freely acknowledges that it has not the chemical engineering skills needed to operate this specialized and sophisticated treatment plant. This facility is required if the Environment Protection Act is to be implemented in an efficient manner. Furthermore, private enterprise needs such a plant available to it

with the least possible delay. I reiterate that this problem is essentially one for private enterprise. The individual factory operator will be required under the Act to meet certain standards. Although the community as a whole will benefit, it is a private enterprise cost which should be borne by private enterprise investment.

An expenditure of some millions of dollars wHI be involved. At this stage it is considered that about two million gallons a month - or 24 million gallons a year - of industrial waste requires some form of treatment by neutralization, oxygenation or in some instances incineration to dispose ·of toxic waste. Nobody is absolutely certain at this stage what the total quantity to be tre.ated is, but if private enterprise establishes a treatment plant on land leased by the Board of Works the Government considers that the people will get the best of two worlds - private capital investment, under standards laid down by public authorities. and assistance as a whole in the general environmental programme of the Environment Protection Authority.

It is sad when members of the Opposition base an argument on a SociaHst philosophy which would divert urgently required public borrowing funds into ·fields where private capital could be invested to assist private enterprise to solve its own problems. The philosophy and thinking ·are wrong, as they are on so many occasions when the business of the House is delayed by adjournment motions which frequently have little strength. I support the Minister for Local Government. I consider that the motion moved by the Opposition has no substance whatever. Through its expert committee, the Government is at present considering applications from persons who wish to be registered for this proposal and who have lodged tenders for the design, operation and management of a private enterprise, centralized waste disposal


treatment plant. This procedure f.ollows the pattern already set in at least three ather cauntries. The result will be of great value to private enterprise ,and will serve and benefit the people of Victoria.

Mr. SIMMONDS (Reservair).The Minister foOr Canservatian has expressed cancern at the matian moved by the honorable member for Broadmeadows. I point aut that members af this House wauld nat have had the oppartunity of discussing this important subject if the honarable member had nat ,moved his motian. The hanarable gentleman also expressed concern at the concept of public enterprise serving the needs af private enterprise. 'His assertian must· fall a little short af f.act because if any Government has used the resources of public enterprise lin the interests of private enterprise this Government has done So' mare than most others.

To discuss this motion and the contentian that the Baard of 'Works should be the autho~ity to' operate the propased treatment plant requires some understanding of the extent of the problem. The Minister for Canservation indicated that about two million gallons a month is the quantity 'Of liquid trade waste. This is the quantity which has already been collected by four private contractors, and does not accaunt far prabably dauble that quantity which has nO't been callected and treated. It is a fact that, because there is no facility to handle liquid trade waste, industry virtually came to a standstill recently. I shall nat go intO' that questian because most honorable members will be aware of the difficulty thraugh pUblicity given to it in the media.

The question is: Who is going to treat industrial waste, and how is the plant to be financed? The question af finance is not quite relevant to' the motian because, if the Baard af Works aperated the treatment plant, undoubtedly persans whO' handle liquid industrial waste wauld be abliged to' pay in the

same way as everybody else in the community for other services. This is an industrial prablem. It is anly caincidental that industry in this State is operated largely by private enterprise and by multi-national ,monopolies. The likely successful tenderer in this case wauld be in that category. These days there is a new enterprise in industry, a new commodity in the Capitalist systemtechnalogy, which is being sold.

The SPEAKER (Sir Ve'mon Christie).-Orcter! I invite the honorable member to' cansider the ma'tian, which has to do with the Baard of Works.

Mr. SIMMONDS.-The Board of Warks is considering the prablem of liquid trade wastes, and the moNan asserts that the baard should aperate the treatment plant. I am simply painting aut that there are now new farms af technO' logy, one of which is the handling of industrial waste from the pracesses af other forms of technalogy, and that this is an increasing prablem.

It is a fact that the persans whO' are marketing this cammodity and who, in this instance, would be selling it to the Baard af Warks are already in the field. As an example, I quote an extract fram Che'm'ical Engineering af 17th November, 1969. The article stated that it was estimated that by the end of January, twa mare treatment plants would be operative in the United States of America and that at le.ast twenty other plants were in variaus stages of design. it pointed aut that f.our companies headed the current cantract-w.aste-dispasal activity and that about $U.S. 10 millian in potential plant investments was involved. Among these companies was RoHins-Purle, Inc., whose activit.ies in Australia are carried an by Brambles Industries Ltd. through Purle Waste Disposals Aust. Pty. Ltd.

I mention this to indicate that in other Capitalist countries the problems of production have to be dealt with by private enterprise. Private enterprise production is playing


havoc with the environment. The method advanced by the Opposition of coming to grips with the problem is for it to be dealt with by a responsible authority-the responsibility coming back to Parliamentcarrying out the work and being in a position to determine not only standards but also cost, because whether an industry is owned by public enterprise or private enterprise the cost of dealing with effuent from the industrial processes is a prime criterion. If the proposed treatment unit is to be used to maximize pro'fit, no doubt the question of cost will be fundamental. Doubtless after ten years this plant would have secured a monopoly on the disposal of liquid trade wastes, and nobody in his right mind would undertake a similar operation that would not survive after ten years' opera tion. So it comes back to the price of the product. If there is no competition with only one owner, and if the State has no say in its operation because the matter is not referred to Parliament, the price will be based on the maximization of profit, not on ,the basis of service to industry or of dealing with the ecological problem.

Built into this is the concept of what resources or materials are used in industry. If it is made easier to use materials that produce pollutants, it may be that industrial processes will have a more significant effect on the ecology, and even if the present situation continued the utilization of this plant could affect the ecology without adequate supervision and price fixation. In other countries pollution from local trade wastes is enormous. For instance, in 1970 the Rhine River carried some 8,500 kilos of mercury, 1 million kilos of arsenic and 200,000 tons of cadmium. Towards the end of last year the pollution of this river, aggravated by the lowering of the waters because of an exceptional drough t,endangered the supply of drinking water, particularly that of Rotterdam. Pure water was imported from Norway and sold in the city at 1.12 florins a 2-litre bottle. This

is an instance of the capacity of private enterprise to capitalize on pollution. It is of no concern to private enterprise that it should be a service to the community.

Private enterprise is concerned only to maximize profits, and profits will be necessary to enable it to reinvest in this type of plant. If a private company constructs this plant in one State of the Commonwealth it will eventually extend to other States and establish similar plants and, as in the United States of America, there will be a chain of plants with varying capacities. One can assume that if a company is allowed to establish a plant in Victoria the same company will ultimately move its operations to other States, using Victoria as a base for its operations.

The honorable member for Broadmeadows and other Opposition speakers have established a strong case to answer, but the Minister for Conservation has not answered the fundamental question, which is that of the ultimate control in the interests of the community. It is not answering the question to say that there is control by virtue of the conditions of the lease. The conditions of operation of the plant are critical, and it is the responsibility of this Parliament to ensure that the plant operates in a manner which provides for economic production in industry and for necessary safeguards to ensure that there is no discrimination in industry generally. Honorable members would have to be completely naive to believe that a plant of this description could not discriminate against industry. It can be done in the form of charges. The present system of collection of trade wastes by a number of individual contractors operating tankers could be sup'erseded by the company which operates the waste treatment plant having a fleet of tankers to collect the trade wastes.

The situation in other States is no better than in Victoria. It has only been with the co-operation of 'industry that consideration of this subject, together with the setting aside

740 Melbourne and Metropolitan [ASSEMBL Y.] Board of Works.

of a site .to deal with a large quantity of trade wastes, has been undertaken and has reached the present position. During the past six months there has been adequate ventilati~n of this matter through the medIa. There is the additional evidence. that municipal tips in this State WIll not receive liquid trade wastes.

There is a privately operated tip at Tullamarine which is at present overloaded. This fact has also affected the over-all situation.

Mr. STEPHEN .-What has this to do with the motion?

Mr. SIMMONDS.-It refers to the fact that the Board of Works should provide the capacity to deal with liquid trade wastes and should have authority over the terms and conditions laid down to control a privately-operated company erecting a liquid trade waste plant and to ensure that the company will not discriminate against persons who se.ek to use the plant. At present WI th the Tullamarine plant overloaded it is difficult to get access to the plant. One can imagine people having to pay-perhaps not in a normal business sense but engaging in some sort of deal around the corner-to ensure that the waste is accepted when in certain circumstances it should not be.

Adequate control of the types and quantity of wastes which go into this sort of waste disposal plant is needed. The Environment Protection Authority will have control over the standards, but the Board of Works has the responsibility of dealing with the effluent which finally leaves the plant. I believe it is logical that the Board of Works should have this responsibility but it should also have the responsibility of consider~ng what goes into the plant, how it IS treated and how it is dispersed so that the output does not endanger the system or the environment.

Finally, this plant will probably not have sufficient capacity to accommodate all the needs of the metropolitan area. It may be that

pipelines will be introduced into the plant to take away the effluent after bringing the product or liquid trade waste into it. The question to be asked of the Government is: How much further damage can be done by this activity if this concept is developed? A complete investigation of all aspects of the proposal should have taken place long before tenders were called. The motion ably moved by the honorable member for Broadmeadows is allowing public debate at least to some extent on an issue which should have been discussed some time ago. I support the motion.

Mr. WILTSHIRE (Syndal).-For the past two or three years the State Development Committee has been investigating the disposal of wastes generally. The report referred to by honorable members earlier in the debate related merely to domestic wastes. It was an interim report presented because the domestic scene was becoming disturbed as the result of no areas being made available for the disposal of waste. The report has nothing to do with the motion before the Chair. It is somewhat misleading to quote from a document which merely refers to something in passing and states that la ter there will be a full report.

The debate has centred on whether private enterprise. or the Board of Works should be the operating authority. Only four firms in the world are capable of handling the liquid trade wastes that industry puts out and it is unreasonable to expect the Board of Works, without any experience. to handle a plant like this. Melbourne is far ahead of Sydney in this aspect of planning. Sydney has not even set aside land on which to put a plant, and with the numerous queries that have been raised, the matter has become bogged down. The committee investigating the problem in Sydney has published two questionnaires which need to be answered, together with a lot of other things, before tenders can be called.


Viotoria set up a high-level committee comprising heads of departments and representatives of the Board of Works and industry generally. That committee recommended as a suitable site an old sanitary depot situated at Brooklyn, comprising about 100 acres of which 25 acres could be used for the plant. It is adjacent to the sewer to take the liquid wastes. The site is ideally situated and will not be used for a number of years for any other purpose. The committee allowed tenders to be called on the basis of the site being provided. Classified information, which should not have been used, has been used in this debate. Although an honorable member has said that a monopoly will be set up, between 40 and 50 different firms are looking at the possibility of tendering.

Mr. HOLDING.-I thought the honorable member said that only four companies in the world would be capable of operating a plant.

Mr. WIL TSHIRE.-I did say four, but there are affiliations of various sorts, and the fact remains that between 40 and 50 firms are now interested in tendering. The honorable member for Reservoir stated that the plant at Tullamarine was overloaded. That is not true, because the committee--

Mr. WILTON.-It stinks. The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon

Christie ).-Order! The honorable member for Broadmeadows has taken part in the debate, which is not the question of disposal but the question of the Board of Works.

Mr. WIL TSHIRE.-I was leading up to the reasons why there is a need to decide now who is to work it. The plant at Tullamarine is not affecting anybody. Monitoring has been carried out by means of bores put down around the perimeter of the area. Because of the precautions taken, the site can be used for a considerable time yet. The statement by the honorable member for Broadmeadows about flooding is partly true; somebody dug a chan-

nel from a flooded roadway and allowed a lot of water to run into the tip. This is the only occasion on which there has been trouble in the area. The water has taken some time to evaporate. It cannot be pumped out because it is contaminated and therefore must be evaporated.

As soon as this area is full, a plant should be working somewhere, and the high-level committee comprising the top officers of the Public Service decided to call tenders. However industry itself does have a responsibility. Industries licensed by the Environment Protection Authority should be responsible for the final dispersal of all wastes that will be created. Up to a year ago most municipal councils accepted liquid trade wastes but one council after another has refused to take these wastes with the result that there is now only the one tip available, that at Tullamarine.

Action must be taken quickly, because with new environment standards. and no municipalities accepting this noxious waste some provision must be made. New standards have to be determined and it is realized that private enterprise will have to run the plant. Another plant will be needed on the southern side of Melbourne and possibly' a further installation will be required on the northern side. One honorable member mentioned the possibility of a pipeline. This may be needed because the wastes that cannot· be treated in the plant at Brooklyn may be piped and further treated. Therefore, another larger and more comprehensive treatment plant will be needed.

The honorable member for Reservoir should know a lot about this matter because he is a member of the State Development Committee, but he confined himself to saying what should be done by private enterprise. A reading of the relevant legislation revea'ls that the council has the responsibility of removing all trade wastes. The liquid

742 Melbourne and Metropolitan [ASSEMBLY.] Board of Hrorks. .

waste has been picked up by private enterprise and paid for by industry, because the council faBed to do it. Private enterprise now continues to use the sewers to dispose of acceptable waste.

Probably the major income of the Board of Works is derived from industry. Every day some industries discharge large quantities 'Of wastes into the sewerage system, and this is monitored and policed regularly to ensure that no damage is caused to the pipes and that n'Othing is done to inhibit the effectiveness of the bacteria which break down the effluent. This wHI be done at Brooklyn. The sewerage line will be set on Board of Works property and will be monitored and policed. Anything harmful can be referred to the board. Safeguards will be written into the agreement. There will be a standard charge for everybody, and no private or public enterprise may vary the charge. I cannot understand the argument of the Opposition in that regard because at present nobody in the Board of Works has the required knowledge. That knowledge is obtainable only from private enterprise. I t has never been shown in any part of the world that public enterprise is as cheap and efficient as private enterprise.

Mr. WHITING (Mildura).-Members of the Country Party have taken considerable interest in the debate on the motion moved by the honorable member for Broadmeadows. The major point in the motion is that the Minister for Local Government failed to request the Board of Works to prepare a scheme to establish, operate, -and mainta,in a tre·atment plant for the disposal of liquid industrial wastes. It w'Ould be unthinkable that the Government has not explored every possible avenue of disposal. If that had been done, -a scheme could have been prepared by the Board of Works.

Members of the Country Party intend to support the motion solely on the basis that the Board of Works

has a responsibility to dispose of all wastes and should enter into the field of the treatment and disp-osal of industr,ial wastes. The suggestion by the honorable member for Syndal that this must be done immediately appears to be a panic m'ove. Surely for the past 'five years the Governm-ent would have been aware that this problem would arise. If something has not been done in that time I believe the planners of the Board of Works and the Local Government Depart-ment have fallen down on the job.

Some of the problem's referred to by members of the Opposition 'indicate that serious dangers could be involved in the refusal to receive wastes unless it is made obligatory on the company which sets up the treatment works to receive them. The honorable member for Syndal said that conditions could be written into the leasing agreements, but in view of the fact that at this stage there are no similar leasing agreements in Victoria one would be drawing a long bow to hope that all the dangers that could exist would be covered by leasing agreements. These agreements would still have to be enforced if the company concerned decided that it did not want to receive a particular type of waste.

The other matter concerning the Country Party is that although the State Development Committee -and my colleagues and I regret that a member of the Country Party in this House is not on that committee - is at present conducting an inquiry into the disposal of industrial commercial waste, the committee has not yet presented a report to Parliament.

'Mr. WILKEs.-The Government has acted in indecent haste.

Mr. WHITING.-This would appear to be so. The Government has allowed the Board of Works to call tenders without inquiring about the contents of the final report and recommendations of one of its committees. ,Jf the committee system 'is


to continue, it should opera'te properly. The Country Party supports the motion.

Mr. GINIFER (Deer Park).-I support the motion and ·commend the honorable member for Broadmeadows on his initiative. In a question on notice by myself today relating to this project, I asked the responsible Minister to make a statement to the House before the proposition was proceeded with. In answering the question the Minister did not comment on the prospect .of a S'tatement being made. The House is indebted to the honorable member for Broadmeadows, because without his initiative members would not have had the opportunity of discussing the matter today.

At present in the western suburbs of Melbourne five chemical industries in five separate locations are pouring liquid effluent into the aquifers in such significant quantities that the groundwater is being severely polluted. The pollution is so bad that the aquifers have become clogged. At this juncture I do nOit intend to canvass the problems because it is expected that they will be solved when the waste disposal unit which has been discussed is established in Brooklyn.

'I take issue with the suggestion of the honorable member for Syndal that the Board of Works is too inadequate in its structure, in its engineering staff, and in its qualified pers'onnel, to make a worthwhile contribution to the plant. To a large extent the Board of Works has been the responsible agent when new chemical industries have been established, particularly in the western suburbs of Melbourne. In conjunction with the Department of Health the board has been responsible for policing the pollution controls and the effluent which is being discharged from plants into the Kororoit Creek and other streams. . It is the ~ontention of the Opposi

tIon that, gIven the opportunity, the Board of .Works could match any form of prIvate enterprise in building

and operating a unit for the disposal of liquid wastes. The Opposition contends also that pri¥ate enterprise is primarily interested in this venture as an opportunity of maximizing its returns on invested capital. On many occasions the proposition has been put to the House that the Government is becoming bankrupt, and that it is unable to raise revenues locally because of Australia's taxation syste,m. If private enterprise is interested in establishing this type of undertaking, surely public enterprise, backed and supported by the Government, could satisfactorily conduct a liquid waste disposal unit. Any profits which would normally accrue to private en terprise could accrue to public enterprise and be used for the general welfare of the State.

Accordingly, members of the Opposition commend the motion of the honorable member f.or Broadmeadows. We believe that the Board of Works is ideally suited to call tenders and have the disposal unit built, and that it has the capacity to conduct the unit to the satisfaction of all sections of the metropolitan area.

The House divided on the motion for the adjournment of the House (Sir Vernon Christie in the chair)-

Ayes 26 Noes 38

Majority against the motion .. 12

AYES.

Mr. Amos Mr. Bornstein Mr. Broad Mr. Curnow Mr. Doube Mr. Edmunds Mr. Floyd Mr. Fordham Mr. Ginifer Mr. Holding Mr. Kirkwood Mr. Lewis

(Dundas) Mr. Lewis

(Portland)

Mr. Lind Mr. Lovegrove Mr. McDonald

(Rodney) Mr. Mitchell Mr. Shilton Mr. Simmonds Mr. Trewin Mr. Turnbull Mr. Whiting Mr. Wilkes Mr. Wilton.

Tellers: Mr. Fell Mr. Jones.

744 Health (Amendment) lASSEMBLY.] Bill.

NOES.

Mr. Balfour Mr. Billing Mr. Birrell Mr. Borthwick Mr. Burgin Mr. Dixon Mr. Dunstan Mr. Evans

(Ballaarat North) Mrs. Goble Mr. Hamer Mr. Hayes Mr. Jona Mr. Loxton Mr. McCabe Mr. MacDonald

(Glen Iris) Mr. McLaren Mr. Maclellan Mr. Manson Mr. Reese Sir George Reid Mr. Rossiter

Mr. Scanlan Mr. Smith

(Bellarine) Mr. Smith

( Warrnambool) Mr. Stephen Mr. Stokes Mr. Suggett Sir Edgar Tanner Mr. Taylor

(Balwyn) Mr. Taylor

(Gippsland South) Mr. Templeton Mr. Thompson Mr. Trethewey Mr. Wheeler Mr. Wilcox Mr. Wiltshire.

Tellers: Mr. Crellin Mr. Guy.

PAIRS.

Mr. Mutton Mr. Trezise

Mr. Rafferty Mr. Meagher.

COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION.

The SPEAKER (Sir Vernon Christie).-I remind honorable members that the annual meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will be held at 8 p.m. in the Legislative Council committee room. I shall resume the chair shortly after that meeting finishes.

The sitting was suspended at 6.34 p.m. until 8.42 p.m.

HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL. Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of

Health), by leave, moved for leave to bring 'in a Bill to amend the Health Act 1958, the Medical Act 1958 and for other purposes.


first time.

BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS (REGISTRATION) BILL.

Mr. RAFFERTY (Minister of Labour and Industry) moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act 1970.


a first time.

HEALTH (AMENDMENT) BILL. Mr. ROSSITER (Minister of

Health).-I m'ove-That this Bill be now read a second time.

This measure is one of the Bills to amend the Health Act which from time to time are presented to Parliament to overcome difficulties which have become apparent in the operation of the Act. The Act deals with a large number of subjects which in the aggregate affect the lives and welfare of every member of the c'0mmunity. The Bill deals with twelve of these subjects. The only method whereby the measure can be explained is for each of the operative clauses numbered from 2 to 13 inclusive, to be dealt with separately.

Clause 2 is introduced to make it legally possible for the Mental Health Authority established under the Mental Health Act 1959 to assume control of a branch of the Department of Health set up to provide services for alcoholics and drugdependent persons. On 18th December, 1968, the Alcoholics and Drugdependent Persons Act 1968-No. 7772-received the assent of the Governor in Council.

Under that Act, a comprehensive service was t'0 be set up within the Department of Health for the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts, and the provisions of the Act were to take the place 'Of those of the Inebriates Act 1958. The new Act envisaged the establishment of a variety of institutions.

On 3rd June, 1970, a submission was made to the Public Service Board detailing a proposed staff establishment for the new Alcoholics and Drug-dependent Persons Services Branch. The proposal was that the staff would be appointed pursuant to the Public Service Act and that the Mental Health Authority would be in charge of the new branch and responsible t'0 the Minister of Health and to the permanent head of the department.

Subsequently, the Public Service Board expressed reservations about the legality of the Mental Health

Health (Amendment) [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Bill. 745

Authority assum-ing c'0ntrol of any branch other than the Mental Hygiene Branch. Discussions have been held with the Crown Solicitor and the Deputy Crown Solicitor, both of whom have indicated that it would be desirable to remove all doubt in the matter by making provision in the Health Act, under which the new branch was created, for the Mental Health Authority to take control of that new branch.

The clause will amend section 6 of the Health Act t'0 permit the Mental Health Authority to assume control of the Alcoholics and Drug-dependent Persons Services Branch by Order in Council and will also make provision to revoke or vary any such order. In addition, by paragraphs (b) and (c) of the clause, opportunity is being -taken to correct section 8 of the Health Act by substituting the title "Mental Health Authority" for the former one "Mental Hygiene Authority" .

Clause 3 deals with the provisions of Division 2 of Part V. of the Act, which a-re concerned with the maintenance of the health of pers'ons employed in dangerous trades. The Department of Health recently sought to consolidate and bring up to date the Lead Workers (Medical Exam-ination) Regulations 1953. However, Parliamentary Counsel pointed out that the regulation-making powers dealing with compulsory m·edical examinations of workers at risk contained 'in section 108 'Of the Health Act a-re restricted -to workers where there is a radiation hazard although these regulations, even before the amendment of the Health Act in 1961 t'O cover the possible effects of radiation, have always provided -for compulsory medical examinations on entry into and when leaving the industry and from time to time when employed in it.

To regularize this situation, the clause will amend section 108 to extend the regulation-making powers at paragraphs ( ec) 'and ( ed) of subsection (1) to apply to exposure to

Session 1972.-28

dangerous substanoes in the course of employment. This am'endment, if approved, will allow consolidation of the Lead Workers Regulations.

Clause 4 deals extensively with Division 3 of Part X. of the Health Act. This division provides for the registration of private hospitals by the Hospitals and Charities Commission and the supervision of the operation of such hospitals. The Commonwealth Department of Health, because of the introduction of nursing home benefits payable in respect of elderly persons receiving care in homes where they require only occasional medical attention, has sought the co-operation of State authorities in adopting some form of classification of private hospitals which will enable this type of home for the elderly to be readily separated from hospitals for medical, surgical, and m'aternity cases.

At the present time the Hospitals and Charities Commission has no power to register an establishment providing nursing care for the aged and infirm as anything but a private hospital. Public confusion has arisen in this and other States as to what constitutes a private hospital for the purpose of refunds from the Hospital Benefits Association and simHar funds. Quite often persons have entered an establishment registered as a private hospital by the State only to find that it is approved by the Commonwealth Department of Health as a nursing home only and that there is no entitlement to a refund.

The clause will substantially amend Division 3 of Part X.Hospitals-of the Health Act and provide for the Hospitals and Charities Commission to register private hospitals and class them either as hospitals providing treatment for short-term and acutely ill patients or as nurS'ing homes providing care and some treatment for longterm aged or infirm patients. The new section 186 proposed by the Bill will provide regulation-making powers to control the use of the

746 Health (Amendment) [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

words" nursing home" and will prevent the use of the words "private hospital" or " hospital" by a nursing home. It is not lintended that there should be any lowering of existing standards in nursing homes.

The clause will also extend and clarify the regulation-making powers in respect of private hospitals, whether hDspitals Dr nursing homes. This will enable clear regulations to be made covering the requirements fior privately owned private hospitals of all types. The existing regulationmaking powers have not been varied' fior many years, during which time the requirements for hDspitals, in the light of modern medicine, have increased tremendously. The approval of these new provisions will enable the present Private Hospital Regulations, which were made in 1931, tD be brought up to date.

Clause 5 deals with variations in the provisions relating to tempDrary public buildings which were 'introduced into the' Health Act in 1954. Te~porary ~ublic buildings, in the ma'In, comprIse tents and marquees used .for public purposes. 'Difficulties have arisen in administering sections 194 to 197 of the Act as -it has proved difficult to decide when a tent or marquee comes within the exemption included in the definitiDn ?f a temporary public building, that IS, where accommodation is provided for fewer than 50 persons. Because c()uncil .officers have to approve the erectio"n of any temporary public building, there is a tendency to treat as temporary public buildings even rel~tively small tents and marquees WhICh really 'invnlve little or no public health risk.

The proposed amendment, aims to continue to control the use of tents and marquees of a specified size which need some control because of the number of people whO' may gather therein, and to exempt smali tents and marquees from these controls where any substantial risk to members of the public gathering in them is not involved.

Mr. Rossiter.

Clause 6 of the Bill deals with the somewhat vexed question of amusement structures. Until the present, certain amusement structures have been supervised by the department by regarding them -as temporary public buildings in the broadest meaning 'Of the term.

Consolidation of the Public Building (Amusement Park Structures, '[<ravelling Shows, etc.) Regulations 1955 was recently proposed but advice was received from Padiamentary Counsel, and later cnnfirmed by the Crown SolicitDr, that amendment of the Health Act appears to be necessary t'O enable many Qif these structures to be supervised and reviewed periodically. The Commission of Public Health has considered the remarks made by Parliamentary CDunsel and the Crown Solicitor and has reCDmmended that in the public interest these structures should be kept under regular supervisiDn.

This is a complex field to administer and the type of structures involved ranges frO'm large ferris wheels with comparatively complex machinery to small rides, sometimes inv.olving no machinery at all. These structures are frequently run by itinerant shDwmen. Although the existing staff of the department is at present insuffiC'ient to cope with the proposed registration of the struc.tures, it is felt that 'in the public interest proper controls should be provided over these structures, particularly in view of the increasing trend towards the use of mechanized rides 'Of one sort or another at school fetes and so on, and the use of very large structures for amusement.

The clause proposes that amusement structures shall be registered and that the proprietor shall have an inspection .of the structure by a qualified engineer when necess'ary and when required by the Commission of Public Health. A procedure for the notification 'Of accidents 'involving these structures is also included. Because of the necessity to'

Health (Amendment) [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Bill. 747

treat amusement structures separately from temporary public buildings, a whole new division-Division lA of Part XI.-of the Health Act consisting 'Of twelve sections, numbered 200A to 200L, has now had to be drafted. Bas'ically, these new sections will deal with amusement structures in much the same way as has been done for some years past when they have been treated as public buildings.

Clause 7 will amend the provisions of Part XIA., sections 208A to 2081 of the A'ct, relating to child-minding centres. In 1964, a new Part was inserted in the Health Act, which established stringent conditions on any premises which were to be used to conduct the business of child minding. Control of these premises and of the type of care that children would receive whilst. being cared for in them was imposed following a tragedy in which a number of children perished in a fire whilst they were being minded.

Since that time a number of persons have been convicted of conducting premises for child-minding purposes in contravention of the Health Act. However, when a prosecution was recently proposed against a person allegedly conducting a place where child minding was carried out put which was not registered, advice was received fro-m the office of the Crown Solicitor criticizing the drafting of the definitions contained in the Health Act of the terms "childminding centre" and "business of child minding". The advice also stated the success of future actions against persons considered to be conducting unregistered premises for child-minding purposes could be in doubt for a variety of reasons and particularly in respect of proving that the children being minded were urider six years of age.

The matter was examined by the Commission of Public Health which considered the practical difficulties of proving that the children were under six years of 'age, unless the

mother of each child was subpoenaed to give evidence as to the exact age of the child whom she had placed at the centre. The commission recommended that the provisions of the Health Act be suitably am·ended to enable the department properly to enforce the provisions of the Act. As a result of discussions with Parliamentary Counsel to enable this to be done, this clause contains certain proposals to amend Part XIA. of the Health Act by adding certain provisions setting out what will constitute prima facie evidence of child minding for fee or reward and the age of the children c'oncerned. These are contained in new section 208FA. to be added to Part XIA.

Clause 8 is introduced as a serious attempt to restrain certain boarding house and lodging house proprietors from misleading the public by improperly advertising that the house concerned is particularly fitted out to care for aged persons. To some extent this provision is a corollary to the provision of clause 4 relating to the separation 'Of nursing homes and hQspitals operated privately.

Some boarding houses by the use of terms such as 'matron in attendance, nursing sister available and a variety of others are implying that they are providing nursing home accommodation when, in .fact, they are not recognized by the Commonwealth Department of Health as such. The new provisions, new sections 211A and 215A, will make it an offence for any person to advertise a boarding house or a common lodg'ing house in any way which implies that nursing care is available or that it is 'a nursing ho-me.

Clause 9 will introduce a new provision into the Health Act to enable prem'ises used for the storage and sale of food to be closed temporarily when they are found to be in an unclean 'Or insanitary condition. The Health Act contains a number of effective prOVISIons to enable premises to be closed in the event of danger to the community. Part ~V. of the Act deals with infectious

748 Health (Amendment) [ASSEMBLY.] Bill.

diseases 'and provides strong powers to close premises 'in this connection -section 133 in particular ..

Part XIX. of the Health Act provides that the registration of premises may be suspended or revoked on the seoond or any subsequent conviction of every person for an offence against the Act. However, what seems to be lacking in the Act is 'a pTovision to require a proprietor tQ remedy unclean or insanitary conditions existing in premises handling food for human consumption and if necessary to close the premises until this is done. This position was highlighted recently when ;an inspection of the Prince Mark Hotel at Doveton was undertaken by a local health inspector in oo'mpany with 'a licensing supervisor of the Liquor Control Oommission. This 'inspection disclosed that the premises were in a most unsatisfactory and dirty condition and could be regarded as constituting a danger tIQ health. Under section 85 of the Liquor Control Act 1968 the licensing supervisor was able to issue an immediate closing order on the premises until the unsatisfactory conditions were rectified. The closing order was issued under the Liquor Control Act on health grounds even though the licensing supervisor concerned had neither the training nor the experience to be able to make such a decision.

The Commission of Public Health has recommended that the Health Act should be ,amended to allow the Chief Health Officer, upon the certification of a district health officer of the department, to order the closure of premises.

Clause 10 will vary the legal machinery by which new editions of the British Pharmacopoeia may be adopted for use ,in Victoria by the medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy professions. The legislative machinery for the adoption in Victoria of the British Pharmacopoeia is at present contained in sections 118 and 119 of the Medical Act

Mr. Rossiter.

1958. The wording of these sections is now obsolete and up-~odate wording is now being meluded -in the Health Act, with consequential repeal of the existing Part IV. of the Medical Act. It is proposed that in future the adoption of amendment's to the British Pharmacopoeia will be approved by the Governor in Council, upon the recom'mendation of the Commission of Public Health.

Clause 11 will repeal the existing section 291 of the Health Act 1958. This section provides .for a defence of "reasonable precautions". This provis'ion was introduced many years ago to protect small storekeepers whQ did everything they could reasonably be expected t'O do to ensure that foodstuffs sold by them were not contaminated.

The Commission of Public Health recently considered repres'entations from the City of Melbourne to the effect that the defence provided by section 291 allows 'an escape route for a defendant who is able to present a certain amount of evidence that reasonable precautions were taken against contravening the Health Act in respect of Toad, drugs, substances and articles. It was furthers~m~ed~the oo~~th~ this escape is more readily available to large compariies by virtue of their large operating techniques and sheer volume of output than to sma'll shopkeepers.

The City of Melbourne subm'itted details of a recent prosecution against a leading retailer for alleged contravention of sections 231 and 238 of the Health Act in regard to the sale of a nut loaf 'in which a nail was embedded. The loaf was actually baked by the bakery division of the retailer. In this prosecution the magistrate accepted the defendant's claim that it had exercised "all reasonable precautions". Subsequently the council appealed to the full Supreme Court and the magistrate's decision was upheld involving the council in costs estimated to be in the vicinity. of $10,000 ..

Health (Amendment) [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Bill., 749'

The removal of the exculpatory provisions of section 291 of the Health Act has been the subject of similar representati'ons to the Commission of Public Health by a number of councils over the past ten years. However, on previous occasions advice has been received from the Corown Solicitor that the evidence submitted would not justify a recommendation for amendment or deletion of the provisions in relation to "all reas'Onable precautions" 'as the Crown Solicitor at that time considered that the courts had either ignored certain of the provisions of the section or had failed to give each provision its proper meaning and in these circumstances the Crown Solicito~ ha.d advised that if properly applIed It would be very rare for a defendant to be able to show that he had acted innocently.

This situation has changed in the light of the case now referred to by the City of Melbourne and the present Crown Solicitor, Mr. Downey, has reviewed all of the previous correspondence and representations in relation to the defence provided under section 291. The Crown Solicitor has n'Ow advised the Commission of Public Health that the Supreme Court judgment has clearly interpreted the provisions of section 291 and he is of the opinion that the difficulties encountered by informants in obta-ining convictions against defendants for 'Offences in contravention of Part XIV. of the Health Act, when ,exculpatory provisions of section f91 are invoked, are likely to remaIn.

The Crown Solicitor has stated that whether or not in the field of public health legislation, there should be exculpatory provisions of general application for a variety of offences in contravention of the Health Act such 'as are contained in section 291 and which may be availed of by defendants is really a question of Government policy. The Crown Solicitor goes 'On to' say tha1t in the field of public health, and especially in relation to the sale of adulterated food, it :is nct uncommon to find

that legislatures have created offences of strict liability without any exculpatory provisions such as' are found in various parts of the Victorian Health Act.

Inquiries by the Commission of Public HeaUh have disclosed that' there are no similar eXCUlpatory provisions contained in the health legislation of other States. It would appear that in other States the view has been taken that the imposition of strict liability is required in the public interest. The Commission of Public Health supports the representations by the City of Melbourne that the Health Act be appropriately amended to remove the difficulties being encountered with section 291 of the Health Act. The Bill seeks to do this by the repeal of the section.

Clause 12 seeks to correct what might be termed an improper use by a council of the powers of section 383 of the Health Act whereby a council may' increase rates by 2·5 cents in the $1 above the statutory limitation on rates fixed by the Local Government Act. This was a provi": sion to enable councils t'O obtain sufficient funds from rates to provide' health services. Under sections 60 and 61 of the Health Act, councils have power either to make and levy a rate or make a charge for the collection of garbage, rubbish, 'nightsoil 'and so on, but in the case of the special health rate under section 383, it may only be levied on the value of the whole of the rateable property. Consequently, where urban land is concerned, even though the health services benefited only one family, the charge for those services could be quite high.

The Doncaster, Templestowe and Warrandyte Primary Producers Association has made representations concerning the action of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe in exercising its powers in :the terms of section 383 of the Health Act 1958 and thereby increasing the general rate of the municipality by an amount

750 Ansell Transport [ASSEMBLY.] Industries Committee.

of 2·5 cents in the $1. on the unimproved capital value of properties in the area as a health rate. The Local Government Act was amended in 1969 to allow a differential general rate to be charged in respect of general rates for urban farm land. The Health Act does not at present allow a differential health rate to be charged for urban farm land. '. A detailed submission from the

Primary Producers Association together with comments on the matter by the City of Doncaster and Templestowe were considered by the Commissiori of Public Health. The commission recommended that the Health Act be amended to provide that a municipal council may have a similar discreti'on in relation to the fixing of rates for urban farm land as no'w applies under the Local Government Act. . The final matter which will be dealt with. in this amending Bill relates·to. the present necessity for pfficers' ·bfthe Liquor Cont'rol Commission.to attend court to prove that a particular:person is the holder of a l,icence .. to sell or dispose of liquor even though. this point is not in dispute. Clause .13 has been included in ,the Bill at the request of the ~'iquor Control Commission to relieve officers of the c.ommission from having. 'personally to produce the appropriat~ register in court to prove the defendant holds a licence. to sell and dispose of alcoholic liquo:r. Actions involving this procedure usually relate to contraventions 'Of the Cleanliness. :(F'Opd, Drugs and Substances) ~egulations, that is, dirty glasses in hotels 'or failure to supply a clean gla~s with each serve or to contravention of the Goods Act 1958, for example, "watering the whisky". I commend the .Bill to the House. . On the motion of Mr. DOUBE

(Alb~rt' P.ark) , . the debate was 'adjourned.:

It· was ordered that the debate be adjourned- until Tuesday, October31.

Mr. Rossiter.

ANSETT TRANSPORT INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE.

REPORT: IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATION.

The debate (adjourned from September 20) was resumed on the motion of Mr. Wilton (Broadmeadows)-

That this House concurs with the recommendation of the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the takeover scheme proposed by Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. in relation to Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. that an examination of the relationship of Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. to the transport industry in Victoria should be undertaken by a Select Committee of this House.

Mr. A. W. TAYLOR (Balwyn).~ Select Committee of the LegislatIve Assembly was originally established to examine the proposed takeover of Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. by Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. and it proposed a temporary restriction on the exercise of voting rights. However, on 26th May, Sir Peter Abeles, the chairman of directors of Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. indicated by letter that no proposed offer existed.

The committee considered these aspects of the matter and felt that if there was no proposed takeover thep, within the wording of the resolutIOn of the House, it was very doubtful whether the committee could proceed with an inquiry. At that. stage Ansett Transport IndustrIes Ltd. asked for permission to make a submission to the committee. Representatives appeared before the committee and presented the report which is now in the hands of honorable' members. Meanwhile, an agreement was reached between the boards of Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. 'and Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. on a restriction of voting rights between the companies, more or less on the basis that for 23'4 per cent of the shares the total voting rights of Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. would be restricted to 10 per cent.

Ansett Transport (10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Industries Committee. 751

The matter was referred to the Stock Exchange of Melbourne for consideration, and it would not affirm its approval of the arrangement. The report to which I have referred was submitted to Parliament. Last week Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. advised Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. that it would agree· to a new agreement concerning a restriction of voting rights, the only difference being that although there was a limit of 10 per cent of shares to be used for voting rights, if there was any other shareholder with a holding of 10 per cent, Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. would be allowed to use the same percentage as that shareholder.

The Stock Exchange of Melbourne has indicated that approval of this proposal may be forthcoming. The pJ;'oposal is before the committee of the stock exchange tonight. I believe that if the exchange agrees to the proposal, it will be only a matter of submitting the proposals to the shareholders, particularly to the shareholders of Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. I do not know where, beyond that issue, the interest of Parliament lies. However, I indicate that, as chairman of the original committee, I support the committee's report. I suggest that a Select Committee should be re-established but that it should have a broader basis. I consider that the committee should be enabled to investigate all factors relating to shares in Ansett Transport Industries Ltd., that there should be an extension of the date affecting the restrictions of voting rights which was laid down originally, and that it should be extended beyond 30th November.

Mr. WILCOX (Minister of Transport) .-1 desire to propose an amendment to the motion before the House to give effect to the recomlIienda tions contained in the report . of the committee to which reference has· been made. I particularly draw the attention of hon-

orable members to clauses 9 and 10 of the report, which is dated 16th August, 1972. Clause 9 reads-

Committee is of the opinion that an examination of the principles proposed by A.T.!. in its submission and embodied in the agreement between the companies would extend the nature of the inquiry considerably beyond the terms of reference given to it by the House. Clause 10 reads-

A further written submission dated 3rd August, 1972, was received from A.T.l requesting that the Parliament enact legislation to ensure a restriction on voting rights of shareholders in A.T.!. (see Appendix B). However, this matter appeared to be outside the terms of reference of your committee and evidence was not called on this aspect. To accord with the recommendations of the committee, I move- .

That all the words after "Ansett Transport Industries Ltd " (where first appearing in the motion) be omitted with a view to inserting in place thereof the words, "and considers that a Select Committee of this House should inquire as to whether· or not the agreement made or proposed to be made between Ansett Transport Industries Ltd. and Thomas Nationwide Transport Ltd. is in the public interest and whether or not any legislation is required to facilitate the operation of any such agreement". There is mention in the report of an agreement, but I see no reason for going into details about it. The honorable member for Balwyn has referred to consideration of this mat-. ter by the Stock Exchange of Melbourne, ·and I think it is a subject which should be considered by the committee if, after this motion has been dealt with, a committee is appointed. If a committee is appointed, it will be necessary for ~he House to enact legislation, since ·the previous committee does not now ex-ist.

On the motion of Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds), the debate was adjourned.

It was ordered that the debate be adjourned until n~xt day.

LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS) BILL~ The debate (adjourned from Sep

tember 27) on the motion of Mr. Borthwick (Minister· of Lands) for the second· reading of· this Bill was resumed.

752 Land (Residence [ASSEMBLY.] Areas) Bill .

. Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).The purpose of this Bill is to effect a change to a situation which has existed for more than 100 years and which concerns the holders of a miner's right who are also eligible to be granted a miner's residence area. That is an area of Crown land which is made available to the holder of the miner's right so that he can establish premises on it. I understand that the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat were established to a large e~tent under this system of land tenure.

On the advice of the Lands Department, the Government has decided that this method of dealing with areas of land of the size required to accommodate a private residence is archaic. It has also been established that many of the original grants, permits or residence rights which were issued are not now in the hands of the original receivers. Properties have been sold or transferred to other owners, and as the Minister indicated in his second-reading speech many owners of residences established on this type of land would not now have had any direct connection with the mining industry.

The Government has taken the view that it is desirable to ensure that no further residence area titles are granted, and this is provided for in the Bill. The measure also provides that until 1983 people living in these residences win be able to carry on in the same way as they have in the past. They will be able to sell their properties or mortg.age them. From January, 1983, onwards if ·a resident wishes to dispose of his property or mortgage it, it will be necessary for him to have the property declared freehold. A system is provided in the Bill to assist him to do this.

II understand that a system of doing this is now in operation and many people have exercised their rights under this prov-ision, but from 1983 onwards there will be some

compulsion on the residents to freehold their properties, particularly if they want to sell or mortgage them. Although the legislation proposes a form of compulsion it also provides a system under which assistance will be given to a resident to make his land freehold. A v.aluation of the property will be made by an assessor from the Lands Department and the occupier will re·ceive a 50 per cent equity in that valuation. The remaining 50 per cent will become the purchase price of the area and terms of purchase will be worked out on the basis of the valuation. The Bill provides a formula to enable this to be carried out.

-Members of the Opposition offer no objection to the Bill. We accept the fact that the need to continue this type of res-idence a'rea no longer exists because many of the present residents would have purchased their homes from other people and they would have had no direct connection with the mining industry.

The honorable member for Midlands has taken a personal interest in ~his Bill becaus·e a significant portIon of the City of Bendigo is within his electorate. He has had some discussions with his constituents who were seeking an opinion on how they would be affected by the Bill. In view of the discussions I have had with the honorable member for Midlands and wirth Mr. Lepp, of the Lands Department, on behalf of the Opposition I support the Bill.

However, there is one point to which I direct the attention of the Minister. "It relates to the clause which deals with the establishment of the purchase price. This is to be based on the valuation determined by an assessor from the Lands Department. I thought the Government would have taken the opportun'ity of bringing about uniformity of valuations by providing that the valuation shall be made by the ValuerGeneral. The Government appointed the Valuer-General with a view to bringing about uniformity of valuations and I thought the Government

Land (Residence [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Areas) Bill. 753

would have had valuations made by the Valuer-General to obtain uniform valuations for residence area titles. I offer that comment as ·a mild form of criticism but I do not propose to submit an amendment along those lines. Perhaps the M.inister might give the proposal some consideration bef<>re the Bill is dealt with in another place. The Labor Party has no other objection to the Bill.

Mr. A. T. EVANS (Ballaarat North) .-1 hope that tonight the House will pass legislation on which representations were made by residents of Ballarat in 1935. On that occasion a former Premier of Victo'ria, the Honorable T. T. Hollway, together with a well known and leading citizen of Ballarat, Mr. Edgar Bartrop, put forward several proposals that would have resulted in legislation similar to that now being considered.

·Mr. B. J. EVANs.-That shows how slow the Government is.

Mr. A. T. EVANS.---Ilt was the predecessor of the honorable member for Gippsland East, the late Sir Albert Lind, who, as Minister of Lands at the time, did not accept the proposals put forward by the residents of Ballarat. This Bill will remove a number of anomalies and relieve several inconveniences which have been experienced in some of the former mining areas of Victoria. .Many difficulties and problems arose when people in those areas wished to freehold their land to subdivide it.

Perhaps the House should first examine the interesting history of residence areas because possibly there is no other part of Victoria's legislative history which is so closely related to the colourful g<>ldmining era in Victoria. I have some copies of the Victorian Gazette back to 1851. These papers contain the first references to miners' rights. Residence areas were known as miners' rights until legislation w·as passed in 1935. In the Victorian Gazette of 16th August, 1851, it is stated that a licence would be issued to people who were to dig for and

disturb the soil in search of gold, metal or ore. They would be permitted to do this on the payment of a reasonable fee, which at that time was one pound ten shillings a month to be paid 'in 'advance. Another interesting pO'int is that on 3rd December, 1851, the licence fee for one month was increased to three pounds.

'Mr. TREwIN.-That resulted in the Eureka Stockade.

Mr. A. T. EV!ANS.-That is so. It led to' the Eureka affair. Honorable members know that this legislation was being enforced by Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe. In order to colleot this revenue for the State the police went out on what were known as "joey" ra·ids on the miners to determ-ine whether they had licences. In 1853 the first reference is made to residences on miners' rights. 'In that year in a copy of the Gazette there is a reference to one IQf the penalties for mining or residing on goldfields without authority. It states -

Any person not being the holder of a lease or licence under this Act who shall mine or employ any other person to mine or who be in a mining partnership with any person who shall mine for gold in any land whatsoever in the Colony of Victoria and any person not being the holder of a lease or licence duly empowering him in that behalf 'and not being an authorized person within the meaning of this Act who shall follow any business or become resident upon or at any of the mines or goldfields on waste lands of the Crown shall be liable to conviction before any two justices of the peace to the penalties following ... That is the first reference to the fact that miners were residing on the fields.

'In an Act to amend the laws relating to' goldfields which was passed in 1855 - this was the first legisl'ation relating to the goldfields following the Eureka Stockade affair of 3rd December, 1854-the following provision appears:-

The miners' right shall be in force for the period of twelve months from the date thereof and shall during the said period authorize the holder to mine for gold upon any of the waste lands of the Crown and to occupy (except against Her Majesty) for the purpose of residence in connection with the object of mining so much of the said lands as may be prescribed under the rules and regulations . . .

754 Land (Residence [ASSEMBL Y.] Areas) BilL

This indica tes ·tha t a picture is emerging whereby miners were being accepted as residents on their own areas.

In 1865 there was an inquiry during the terms of office as ~ttomey-General of Mr. H. S. Chapman and the Honorable G. Higinbotham, and apparently there was some difference of opinion. This emphasizes the point that throughout the 120 years in which miners' rights have existed there has been dissatisfaction over landholding by miners. Like the previous speaker, I agree that the provision should have been amended many years ago. Mr. Chapman ruled- .

I think under the 7th section of the Gold Fields Act, the holder of a miner's right who has put up buildings is entitled to have them valued, if it be of a "substantial and permanent character." The 3rd section authorizes the .holders of the miners' rights to erect buildings for "either of th.e purposes" named in the clause, i.e. for" mining purposes" or for "residence," but not any other purposes.

Mr. Higinbotham ruled-I am of opinion that a miner's right does

not authorize a person not engaged in mining to hold land for residency only.

Mr. WILToN.-Does that rule still stand?

-Mr. A. T. EV ANS.-Not since 1935, as the honorable member would b~ aware. Legislation introduced in 1935-this will be of interest to the honorable member for Midlandsremedied a defect which had persisted since 1898. It had been 'discovered that some people who held residence areas were not the holders of miners.' rights. In one case three people held residence .rights to the one block of land. That is an example of the confusion that existed at that time. Hansard of August, 1935, reports this statement-

In 1898, for example, there was passed an amending Mines Act which secured occupants of residence areas in their areathat is, secured to them such title as they possessed for occupation, and provided also tha t those areas could not be resumed withaut compensation. It was regarded by .those who took up residence areas after the passing of the Act that they were covered

by it, but when, in 1928, certain areas in the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk, and the Parish of Sandhurst, were exempted from being taken up as residence areas, a certain dispute arose between, I understand, two rivals for an area, and the matter went to the Warden's Court. The warden decided that nobody had a title to this area, and that areas taken up since 1898 had no legal title. Although I understand that the Order in Council which had been passed in 1928 to exempt areas in those districts was recalled, the decision of the warden, which was upheld by higher authorities, was that all residence areas which had been secured since 1898 had no title. This legislation will remedy that position as far as the City of Bendigo, the Borough of Eaglehawk, and the Parish of Sandhurst are concerned. The honorable member for Broadmeadows has mentioned his interest in this legislation. From research I carried out two weeks ago I learnt that there were 2,879 residence areas in the City of Ballarat and the Borough of Sebastopol, 50 in Creswick, 22 in Blackwood and 13 each in Clunes, Beaufort and Egerton while 10 remained at Gordon.

Mr. B. J. EVANs.-What about . other parts of the State?

Mr. A. T. EVANS.-I am sure the honorable member for Gippsland East will be able to speak for himself on these matters unless he takes the same indifferent attitude to this as he does to other matters in his electorate. In 1963 inquiries were made to me by people who were endeavouring, even 'at tJhat time, to get away from the pollution and growing social problems of Melbourne for building blocks at Trentham and Blackwood. Inquiries were . made for residence areas to enable " week-enders " to be erected but these applications were not being granted because one of the qualifications to obtain a residence area was that the person must live on the area full time. This Bill will now allow these areas to be available for freeholding at a reasonable price assessed by the Lands Department assessor. These people will now contribute to the development of these small picturesque former mining areas.

Land (Residence [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Areas) '. Bill. 755

Recently publicity has been given to actions taken by the Torrens League. For more than 30 years the Torrens League has been pressing for this type of legislation. I mention a letter that I received in December, 1969, from the then Minister of Lands, Sir William McDonald. I had made representations on behalf of the Brown Hill Progress Association and the City of Ballarat for legislation of this nature and I had asked the Minister what steps had been taken to proceed with the earlier representations. The reply I received stated, in part-

This matter has been under examination . by the department for some time. As far back as 25th August, 1967, in response to representations made on behalf of an organization calling itself the Torrens League, I suggested to the Honorable Murray Byrne, M.L.C., that a fully documented submission setting out the aims of the rightholders concerned and those of the Torrens League be submitted to me. However, this information has never been received.

It was at· that stage that I took up the matter on behalf of Ballarat City Council and Brown Hill Progress Association and sought the advice of a highly 'respected citizen of Ballarat, Mr. Titheridge. He 'and I compiled a submission to the Minister and it is on that submission that the present legislation has been framed. These propositions were farreaching but the present Minister of Lands, in his wisdom and with the help of Mr. Lepp and Mr. Ken McAllister, has produced wider legislation than my original proposals. I pay a tribute to Mr. McAllister because for many years during his time with the department he has handled intricate legislation which has enabled the Lands Department to function properly. I pay tribute to the talents of Mr. McAllister and the conscientious way in which he carried out his duties on behalf of the Lands Department, particularly in regard to Bills which have been presented to this House in the past.

In March, 1971, I received a letter from Mr. Edgar Bartrop proposing certain amendments and I am pleased to note that one of the most

important clauses incorporated in the Bill is based on his recommendation. This clause removes the concern of many people and safeguards the rights of pensioners. In Ballarat some pensioners live in old cottages on residence areas. They are unable to maintain these old cottages and if they were forced to apply to have them made freehold·' .it would be impossible for them to bear the cost. The legislation will now permit them to remain in the cottages on the residence area, and they will not need to be freeholded while they' occupy the premises. This ·overcomes a problem which was causing concern to pensioners. . . . .

This housing problem 'of pens'ioners will eventually be handled by another method. There is a strong move in Ballarat for more 10w7renfal elderly citizen units t.o' be' con~ stnicted. Pensioners living ort residence areas in old' homes are unable or find it difficult to maintain them. It is pleasing to learn !hat t~e new Minister of Housing IS makmg moves for more low-rental elderly citizen residences to be coni structed, and I hope that in the next few years more' pensioners will move out of these old' homes. However, enactment of ·the Bill will mean that a number of people will' be able to stay in their present accommodation on residence area's by paying only 50 cents a year. In ·the past it has been a satisfactory arrangement

These areas have also be'en transferred to other members of the family without paying any legal costs or stamp duty. However, it has been a burden and inconvenience to the department. The department could not keep up with the modern trends of land tenure without changing the system, and this Bill will overcome that aspect alone. 'As I mentioned earlier, when one looks at the available land in Ballarat, one finds that there are many vacant blocks close to shopping centres and in valuable residential areas. Those blocks cannot readily be made freehold because of the l~w in, its present form. Many new AustralIans have paid' nearly

'756 Land (Residence [ASSEMBLY.] Areas) Bill.

as much for:a' residence area as, they would for', a _ freehold block. I be-

'lieve the Minister is showing understanding in providing that the blocks can be freeholded on a value of 50 per cent of the muniCipal valuation. But I would seek his assurance on another' point. I draw his attention to sub:..section (6) of proposed section 174, which provides-

The . lessee shall not assign or mortgage his interest in the land without the consent of the Secretary for Lands. I trust the Minister will give sympathetic consideration to any such application. Some widows hold , considerable areas of land which could be subdivided into three or four building blocks but they are not in a financial position to arrange a subdivision. If these people present a case to the Minister that this land should be subdivided, I hope the honorable gentleman will consider assigning that land so that it can 'be subdivided and they can then receive some benefit from the land which perhaps has' been in the family for upwards of 100 years. I should also like to see the assignment of the lease permitted before the full purchase price has been paid. If provision is not made for this, there will be many blocks of land in the City of Ballarat which cannot be subdivided and made available for housing. Because of this anomaly the land will have to remain as it is until it has been fully paid for, and only then will subdivision be possible. I commend the Minister for taking the initiative to clear up this matter after so many years.

Mr. SHILTON (Midlands).-The history behind this legislation has been thoroughly covered by the Minis,ter of Lands and by the honorable member for Ballaarat North. It has been stated by the honorable member for Broadmeadows that Opposition members support the Bill. We do so because we believe it brings up to date something which should have been brought up to date' at least eighteen years ago. That is a condemnation of the Government of the day. I am 'concerned because,

although provision has been made for the occupants of residence areas to purchase the land at a set value at a particular time on very generous terms, over periods ranging from 10 years to 40 years and with repayments of about $50 per annum, ma'ny of the residents in the Bendigo area are pensioners. Although $50 is a small amount to honorable members it is a lot of money for a pensioner to find in a year.

Mr. BORTHWIcK.-They can remain as they are.

Mr. SHILTON.-By interjection the Minister suggests pensioners can remain as they are, but like everyone else they wish to leave what they have to their families. This is what I am asking the Minister to clarify, although I understand from the Lands Department that pensioners will be able to will or de~d land to a beneficiary.

Mr. BORTHWlcK.-That is correct. Mr. SHILTON.-That is not spelled

out in the measure, and it was not stated in the second-reading speech. However, if the honorable gentle .. man gives that assurance I shall be delighted and I am sure there will be no objections from the Bendigo ele'cto!f!ate or the members who represent 'Part Qr all of it.

Mr. TRETHEWEY (Bendigo).I have listened with considerable interest to the history of residence areas asenundated by the honorable member for Ballaarat North. Bendigo owes its existence to the discovery of gold in 1851, as a result of which people went to Bendigo and Crown lands were made' available to the miners on which to erect their residences. These Crown lands were known as miners' rights for which in those days the miners paid five 'shillings a year. This enabled them to remain on the premises and to carry on their work as miners in the area. Later the name" miner's right" was changed to "residence area ", still with the same payment of five shillings or 50 cents which has continued up to the present.


It is interesting to read in the second-reading notes circulated by the Minister that previously . when miners died or transferred to other locations they left their old dwellings on these miners' rights and they deteriorated. It became no one's obligation to ensure Ithat the land was properly cleared. Provision will now be ,made to ensure that it is the responsibility of the people who leave these areas to remove all buildings and improvements at their own expense. Should they fail to do so, the Lands Department can carry out the work ,and charge the people for the cost of the removal of the buildings and other improvements.

It is pleasing to note that it is now possible for a residence area to be converted into freehold at an appraised value less 50 per cent. This is to the benefit of holders of residence 'areas, and the fact that the land has been made freehold will enable owners to arrange mortgages and otherwise encumber the land. At present, 'as is stated in the second-reading notes, the State Savings Bank and one or two other institutions lend money on residence area properties, but other financial institutions, such as building societies, are diffident about granting mortgage rights to residence area holders. The financial position of holders of residence areas will now be greatly improved.

It is good to he-ar from the Minister that the Tights of pensioners will be preserved if they are unable to meet the cost of freeholding their property. Although it was not written into: the Bill this matter is cleared up following the statement made by the honorable member for MicHands that pensioners can remain in residence areas for as long as they wish.

As at 1st July, 1972, there were 1,537 residence area rights in Bendigo, 3,045 in Ballarat, and 213 in other former mining districts. Many people will benefit from the passing of the legislation. They will have

the opportunity of freeholding their residence are-as, and this will be of considerable advantage not only to the people who desire to obtain finance from the lending institutions but also to the owners of residence areas when they decide to sell them. It is easier to sell property on freehold land.

I commend the Bill and thank the Minister for introducing it and bringing the Act up to date. Residence areas have proved of advantage to the past generation but in the present day of progress a change in this form of tenure is desirable. I wish the Bill a speedy passage and trust that the people concerned wi'll be pleased with the result.

Mr. STEPHEN (Ballaarat South).As a member representing a large, former mining area on which m'any residence areas abound, it is incumbent on me to speak on this measure. I support the Bill, as have honorable members who have already spoken. When speaking of residence areas, one is automatically dealing with history. In the Mines Act of 1884 the opportunity was given to holders of residence areas to freehold their holdings. In 1865 the cost of a miner's right, as it was called at that time, was reduced to five shillings. In 1892 it was reduced to two shillings and sixpence.

With the transfer 'Of re;sidence areas or miners' rights to within the provisions of the Land Act, the price returned to five shillings. In 1935 they became residence areas. In the past there has not been much incentive for many of the holders of residence areas t'O fre-ehold. I welcome the provision that a 50 per cent reduction will be made in the appraisal price as an added incentive to cle'an up the problem in the former goldmining dis!tricts. Problems are involved because some of the residence 'areas cut across town planning 'schemes and the obvious desire for subdivision in some areas. Most lending institutions now accept residence areas as security for a mortgage. From my research I discovered that only the .War Service

758 Land (Residence [ASSEMBLY.) Areas) Bill.

Homes Division is reluctant to lend money on residence areas. Nevelitheless, the propos'at to freehold residence areas is a major improvement.

Plenty of safeguards are contained in the measure. One or two matters that have been raised during the debate may cause concern, but I am sure the measure is a genuine endeavour to overcome any problems which may exist and that almost everything has been covered. As all members representing Ballarat and its surrounding districts are in favour of the measure and have been working closely with the Minister over the past few years on the matter, and as members representing the Bendigo district have indicated their approval of the proposed legislation, I am sure it will meet with the general approval of the community and will be recognized as an effort by the Government to obviate some of the anomalies 'and drawbacks which have existed with residence areas in Victoria.

Mr. TREWIN (BenaUa).-Members of the Country Party support the measure. This evening honorable members have had the opportunity of listening to experienced members from the areas where residence areas exist. I am sure that when ihis measure is written into the annals of Parliament it wHI be recorded as an indication that the Lands Department of the day, headed by the wOlithy Minister, met the needs of the residents of the old mining areas. Manv amendments have been made to the Land Act to enable people to become squatters, to obtain miners' rights and then to become selector~. It is recognized that the Lands Depalitment has 'always been progressive in its thinking to enable the State to develop to a reason·able degree so that a person can earn a living as a miner, from agricultural pursuits or even from urban development. As a result of progress being made in Bendigo and Ballarat, where most residence 'areas exist, it is necessary that areas of land

which could not be utilized to their fullest under the present tenure should now be available for further development. As was explained by other honorable members, the measure has been so worded and defined that the tenants of the residence areas will receive just con'sideration.

Members of the Country Party support the Bill. We believe many other small townships throughout Victoria, especially in central Victoria, where most of the residence 'areas exist, will also gain some benefi t from the proposed legislation.


The Bill was read a second time, and committed, pro forma.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands) presented a message from His, Excellency the Governor recommending that an appropriation be made from the Consolidated Fund for the purposes of this Bill.

A resolution in accordance with the recommendation was passed in rommittee and ad,opted by the House.

The House went into Comm'ittee for the consideration of this Bill.

Clause 1 was agreed to. Clause 2, relating to the insertion

of a new Division 11.

Mr. BORTHWICK (Minister of Lands).-I thank honorable members for their worth-while contributions to the second-reading debate. I particularly appreciate, and I am sure the Lands Departments does also, the very kind references to Mr. Ken McAllister, who recently retired from the department, and Mr. Stan. Lepp. Mr. McAllister literally gave. a lifetime of service to the Lands Department and was one of the few senior public servants in this State who' had a complete in depth historical understanding of intricate Acts which can be described almost as the original Acts upon the change of Victoria from a Colony to a State. This officer will be sadly missed in public


administration. I 'appreciate the rem'arks made by honorable members about these two fine 'Officers.

The honorable 'members for Midlands and Bendigo referred tD the retention of residence area rights by pensioners. Under this measure, the existing situation will oontinue until 1983, after which time any person, in effect, will be able to retain a residence area right. This will include pensioners alth'Ough categories 'Of persons are not referred t'O. If such persons want to encumber their interest 'Or sell or transfer their interest, after 1983, regardless of whether they are pensiDners, the land will have to become freehold land. However, they can continue in residence and pay the 50 cents per annum as pensioners or, fDr that matter, any other category, withDut any problem arising.

So l'Ong as the residence area remains within the estate, there will be n'O problem. However, on the transfer from the executor tD the beneficiary, the land will have to become freehold Iland. I reassure honorahle Imembers that the rights of pensi'oners will he prDtected. I have no doubt that it would be difficult fDr a penS'ioner '1'0 move 'into a new type 'Of tenure, even though it might 'Only require the payment of $50 per annum, and most pensioners would prefer the change in land tenure to occur after their death.

Mr. CURNow.-What about surveys?

Mr. BORTHWICK.-In many instances surveys will be very difficult and will in fact eause a great deal 'Of work for the department in some areas. I recognize the problems involved.

The honorable member for Ballaarat North referred to assignments of interest. In 'most circumstances, the departm'ent will not 'withhold consent to assignments Dr to mortgages. The

provision is retained in the measure to enable the department to keep its records clea'r on the relative interests.

The honorable member for BroadmeadDWS suggested using the ValuerGeneral for the original :appraisals. The Land Act gives the Minister of Lands the 'right to appoint appraisers and the honO'rabl'e member suggests that the existing prDvision ShDUld be amended to nominate the Valuer-General. The Government seriously considered this 'm'atter. In this instance, we are dealing with 4,800 'Odd areas 'Of land which are valued under local government valuations and which, sinee the establishment of the Valuer-General's Office, have become univorm throughout the State subject t'O revaluatiDn every few years.

If the legislation were t'O nominat'e the Valuer-General, because of the generous terms involved, 'a tremendous amount of work would be placed on the shoulders of that 'Officer, WhD already has sufficient work to do. As Minister of Lands, whenever a dispute has arisen concerning the sale or exchange 'Of land in country areas and 'a pers'On has claimed the appraisal by the appraiser appointed by the Minister to be inaccurate, I have invariably requested the Valuer-General, as an appraiser for me, to determine the price. In s'Ome cases the price has been higher than the one 'Objected to and in some it has been lower. I give an undertaking that if a dispute 'Occurs over appra'isals, as a matter 'Of practice-I believe this is a uniform approach by all Government departments in this type of situation-I will be guided by the Valuer-General.

In fixing these prices as required under the Land Act, because IOf the uniform approach in valuations through the Valuer-General's Office, the appraisers will base their appraisals on municipal valuations. Whilst I appreciate the reasoning behind the suggestion, t'O Wl"ite it into the Act could well create a tremendous amount of work fDr the


Valuer-General, especially as in many instances the land has a very low valuation. I am not speaking now of areas within the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, but more particularly of land around the hamlets referred to by the honorable member for Ballaarat North, where a minimal sum of money is involved. It hardly seems appropriate to request the Valuer-General to handle cases of this sort. If a dispute arose, I would appoint him as 'an apprais'er to 'arbitrate for me.

The clause was agreed to, as were the remaining clauses.

The Bill was reported to the House without amendment, and passed through its remaining stages.


The debate (adjourned from September 27) Dn the motion of Mr. Borthwick (Minist'er of Lands) for the second reading of this Bill was resumed.

Mr. AMOS (Morwell).-This Bill contains two major amendments to the Land Act. The provisions contained in clause 2 will inseIt eight new sections into the tAct to allow for the licensing of 'landing stages, jetties and boat-launching ramps in the Gippsland 'lakes area. The other major amendment is contained in clause 3 and will allow for the construction and management of marinas in the area. The reasons for the introduction of the Bill and the proposed amendments to the Land Aot were adequately explained by the ,Minister in his secondreading speech. The honorable gentleman pointed out that at present there is no way in which licences can be granted for launching ramps and je'tties within the Gippsland lakes area and that in the past permissive occupancy has been given for this purpose. This has been a clumsy method of handling the procedure, and it is some time since any new permissive occupancies were granted.

lIn regard to the need to construot and manage marinas within the Gippsland lakes area, I point out that the fourth progress report of the State Development Committee in 1967 -68 on the economic development of Gippsland, with particular reference to the control, maintenance, promotion and development of the Gippsland lake~, recomm:ended a number of changes which should be made to the statutes for the control of the Gippsland lakes area. I compliment the committee on that portion of its report. I am grateful that at least this measure dealing with boating facilities on the Gippsland lakes has been introduced into the House by the Minister for Conservation.

Paragraph 28, which appears on page 6 of the report of the State Development Committee, states that the GippsJand lakes have some 250 square miles of navigable waters and have truly unlimited potential for boating and other aquatic sports. That is a true statement of the position. As most honorable members are aware, the Gippsland lakes are the "Gold Coast" not only for Gippsland residents but for many other people. It is an excellent holiday spot and a beautiful area for people seeking to enjoy the sport of boating, and many hundreds of thousands of persons have visited the lakes since they were discovered by Angus McMillan in 1839. The realization that more and more people are turning to boating as a pleasure sport and that more provision must be made for launching ramps and jetties in the Gippsland 'lakes area led to the introduction of this Bill.

Although one may congratulate the Minister on bringing forward the measure at this time, one cannot oongratulate the Government on its tardiness in not implementing some of the other major recommendations contained in the report of the State Development Committee, one of which was tha t certain measures should be introduced so that the

Land (Jetties and [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Marinas) Bill. 761

full economic development and promotion of the Gippsland lakes can take place.

In handling this BiB on behalf of the Opposition, I took it upon myself to write to some of the municipalities in the Gippsland lakes region to seek their comments on the measure. The Shire of Bairnsdale replied to my letter, stating, inter alia -

The council has discussed the proposed legislation with our local member, Mr. Bruce Evans, M P. Mr. Evans has been requested to seek an addition to the legislation of a clause whereby provision is made for payment to the municipal council of an inspection fee on the lodging of an application for a jetty, landing stage, etc. It is felt that the council should be entitled to some recompense for the time spent by council staff in investigating and reporting on applications for these licences.

Any assistance you may be ab1e to give towards this end would be appreciated. There is no need for me to detail the reasons why Bairnsdale Shire Council felt it necessary to request this addition to the Bill. Suffice for me to say that I support this principle, and I am sure the honorable member for Gippsland East will go into more detail on this point.

I consider that two provisions in the Bill require further clarification. Proposed new section 140B, which is contained in clause 2, deals with the notice of intention to apply for a licence setting out the purpose for which and the land in respect of which such licence is sought. It provides that the notice shall be published by the applicant in a newspaper circulating in the district in which the land is situated and be posted by the applicant in a conspicuous pl1ace on the land for frourteen days after the publication. This procedure will enable the general public to be made fully aware of the person's intentions and is necessary because the land concerned is Crown land or public land.

I foreshadow an amendment relating to any objection which may be made by an opponent to an applicant being granted a licence to construct and operate a private jetty or launching ramp on Crown land. I shall

deal with the amendment in greater detail when the appropriate clause is reached in Committee.

Another point relates to clause 3, which provides for the construction and control of marinas. Sub-section (3) of proposed new section 222c provides that before constructing a marina a municipality shall enter into an agreement with the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Dands. Sub-section (4) provides-

Such an agreement may provide for inter alia-

(i) the control care and management of the marina;

I do not suppose anybody would object to that provision-

(ii) the construction operation and maintenance of the facilities to be provided;

Again, I do not think anyone would raise any m:ajO'r 'objection-

(iii) the granting of concessions to operate facilities for and consistent with the purposes of the marina;

I understand that under this prov-ision it is envisaged that the management committee, which in effect will be the municipality concerned, would be lonking to perhaps an oil company to supply petrol bowsers or petrol and oB for boats, or to someone to start a kiosk to provide facilities for the general public. The remaining paragraphs provide-

(iv) the granting of permits for the use of the facilities of the marina; and

(v) the maintenance of structures and facilities within the marina.

'I se~k an assurance from the Minister on these provisions. I trust that the person or organization granted a concession to operate certain facilities at a marina will not also be the authority which will grant the permits. I do not believe that is the intention, but I seek an assurance from the Minister on that point.

A further major provision in the Bill relates to' the establishment of the Aquatic Clearance Fund to be derived from licence fees. I understand that the purpose of the fund is to make moneys available for the


removal of obstructions in the Gippsland lakes area, and I further understand that by " 'Obstructions" is meant the decaying and rotting jetty 'structures already in the area. 1 should like some additional information from the Minister on the estimated amount which will be available in the fund in a two-year period and whether or not the fund could be used for the removal not only of obstructions such as old jetties or launching ramps but also of weed and so on.

Members of the Opposition have no major objecNon to the Bill. However, we seek an assurance from the Minister on the construction and management of marinas and the honorable·. gentleman's comments on the amendment 1 have ~ore-. shadowed to the proposed new sec-tion 140B. .

.. Mr. B. J. EVANS (Gippsland East) .-1 must confess that 1 was slightly disappointed when in his explanatory second-reading speech the Minister chose not to dilate, as he put it, upon the beauty and attraction of the Gippsland lakes. 1 know that the honorable gentlem'an, together with m'any 'Of our colleagues in this Chamber, is wen aware of the wonderful tourist attraction of the Gippsland lakes system, how vital it is to the proper development of the region which surrounds it and to the recreation facilities not only for the whole of Victoria but also for many other parts of the Commonwealth. Naturally, those of us who are resident within the surrounds of the Gippsland Ilakes have been looking to the Government for many years to give a lead in assistirig the developm·ent of this wonderful asset. We realize that it is a fairly delicate sort of an asset which must be developed with great thought and common sense or it can be destroyed.

'It is unfortunate that in some respects the Gippsland lakes system has deteriorated over recent years. To some extent the deterioration is due to the absence of any system of

collection. and disposal of rubbish dumped by boat owners at various picniC spots and the like around the lake. Unfortunately, in the absence of any proper rubbish disposal system, boat owners are inclined to drop their rubbish into the water, and this constitutes a serious form of pollution. It is hoped that in the not-too-distant future the Government will appreciate that this problem is beyond the resources of the municipalities which bound the Gippsland lakes, of which there are several, and that there is a need for co-ordination in patrolling the area and the collection of rubbish around the lakes. That subject is a little outside the scope of the Bill, which 1 welcome because it has been urgently needed for some considerable time since somebody determined that permits for the permISSIve occupancies for the construction of jetties would no longer be issued. 1 confess that since that time the Minister has handled this difficult situatiDn with a degree of understanding and common sense which I have not always found amongst Ministers.

The proposed legislation will overcome the need to look at things diplomatically. The Minister will have the necessary legislative authority to issue licences in ithe first instance for the construction of jetties, landing stages, and similar structures. For people resident 'On the islands in the Gippsland lakes, for example at Mosquito Point which is across the lake from Metung, jetties are a necessity. They are needed for travel to and from work and to and from entertainments in the evening. There is no other adequate access. At Mosquito Point there is no other access a t all. There is access to Raymond Island by ferry, but the hours of operation of the ferry are not always suitable to the residents. When the ferry is not operating, rowing boats or motor boats are used and jetties are essential.

Land (Jetties and [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Marinas) Bill. 763

The proposed legislation will be welcomed and I cannot see many problems attaching to it. As was indicated by the honorable member for Morwell, I discussed this question with the Shire of Bairnsdale. I also discussed it with the Shire of Tambo, another municipality which is keenly interested in the measure. A,s was indicated in' the letter referred to by the honorable member, the Shire of Bairnsdale wants provision made for an inspection fee. It believes that if it is required to report on a proposal for the construction of a jetty, it should be recompensed for the cost involved. It relates the proposed fee to one imposed for inspections under the Uniform. Building Regulations. I have discussed this matter with the Minister and, no doubt, in due course the honorable gentleman will indicate his attitude to the suggestion. Depending on that, I will determine whether there is any point in putting forward an amendment d~ring the Committee stage.

I am also concerned with proposed section 140D to be inserted in the principal Act by clause 2 of the Bill. The proposed section has an openended provision for the determination 'Of a fee to be charged for the issue of a licence. It provides-

Every licence shall specify the purpose for which it is granted and shall be subject to such covenants conditions reservations and restrictions and to the payment of such rent as is specified in the licence and to the payment of a contribution to the Aquatic Clearance Fund. In years gone by, there have been some discussions within the Public Works Department on the levying of some form of fee for mooring facilities at public jetties. I appreciate that ,this provision has a slightly different context. There has been some argument on the proposal for a charge to be made for a jetty, particul'arly on whether the charge should r.elate to the actual length or the effective length of the jetty. In some cases, a jetty may have to be 100 yards long to reach w,ater deep enough for a boat to be moored. In another case, it may need to be

only 6 feet long. I hope that when the department is determining the charge to be made it will relate it to the effective and not the actual length of a jetty. The owners of jetties in the Gippsland lakes are concerned with this pOint. The ~atter was raised with the Minister when he visited the area shortly after taking up his new portfolio. The Minister indicates to me that a charge of 50 cents an effective. foot length will be considered under the legislation.

Mr. BORTHWICK.-I will review that figure.

Mr. B. J. EVANS.-Now the Minister has me worried. I sincerely hope that the honorable gentleman will listen to representations on this point in the way he has heard representations in the past and will make a reasonable decision. I am sure that he realizes how important it is. Portion of the fee is to be allocated to the Aquatic Clearance Fund. I support this as a desirable proposal but, like the honorable member for Morwell, I query the wording of the provision. I am concerned about the purposes for which the money in the fund will be used. The Bill simply states that the levy will be used for the clearing of obstructions in the streams and lakes referred to in the 17th Schedule. In effect, they constitute the Gippsland lakes area.

Obstructions can take many different forms. I wonder whether the reference is meant to cover trees which have drifted down the river and are blocking it. Many obstructions of that type could properly be dealt with by river improvement trusts. There could be some conflict of interests. I first thought the reference to obstructions meant derelict piers and jetties which are eyesores, are dangerous, and which should be removed. Their removal would be a desirable use of the money in the fund. If the money is to be used to remove trees which have lodged in a river, and which present a


problem to certain bodies, the money will not go far. I should like some clarification on this point.

A tree m·ay lodge 'On the bed of the Mitchell Riv'er between the silt jetties. The Mitchell River Improvement Trust may not be particularly concerned even though the 'area is within its boundaries because not much in the way of rates is payable to the t'rust from the extremities of the silt jetties. In this situation it might be proper for the PlOrts and Harbors Branch tiQ dear the obstruction. This highlights another issue which was raised by the honorable m,ember fQr Morwell.

The m·easure is a sm'all step in solving the problems of the Gippsland lakes. I support the honorable member for Morw'ell in urging the Government to resolve quickly the problem of the proper management and control of the Gippsland lakes area. It cannot be managed effectively with the division 'Of responsibility, as I have -indicated in a small way, in relation to the rem'Oval 'Of an 'Obstruction in streams and lakes.

The provisions IQf the Bill deal with the construction 'Of a m'arina. That is a modern word which is defined in the measure. An urgent need exists for this type of structure. I envisage some problem in years to come fior future Ministers of Lands in determining where demand exists, the capabilities of private jetties and where a marina is needed properly to cope with the number of boats to be moored. I can think 'Of a number of places around the Gippsland lakes where a jetty c'Ould be constructed foor every block of a frontage of 50 feet. I see the Minister 'Of Lands shaking his head; he ·,implies that this w,ould not Ooccur. He may not be Minister 'in twelve months' time, and who is to know what sort 'Of control m'ay be imposed by a future Government? This power is to he given not 'Only to the present Minister but to future Ministers. It would be possible for a future M-inister to grant permission for jetties to be constructed by two adjoining owners. I concede that a problem CQuid ,exist.

Mr. B. J. Evans.

The Bill provides for administrative power. I hope future Ministers will have the common sense tlO implement the legislation and say that the stag,e has been reached where private jetties can no longer cope with the demand and that it will be necessary tooonstruct a marina or community Jetty fadHties. The Bill is deliberately drafted widely to give the flexibility needed for any Minister or Administration to be able to determine what is best in particular circumstances. It is not possible to draft a Bill to cover all eventualities. The provisilOn of a marina will be weloome in areas such 'as Metung. which has been striving for this facility for a long time.

Chinaman's Creek, an attractive arm oQf the lak,es near Metung, has been despoiled in recent years by the number of boats moored near the small inlet, and much 'Of the vegetation has been destroyed by people constructing small jetties to gain 'ace-ess t'O their boats. When Sir Horace Petty was Minister of Public Works, the trust at Metung had a considerable amount of money for a proposed boat harbor but there was no means by which the Government could agree to its constructioQn. That is an indication of the length of time that this facility has been needed at Metung.

I am pleased that the provisions of the Bill cOover the needs of Lake Tyers. Although strictly not part of the Gippsland lakes system, Lake Tyers is one of the Gippsland lakes. Recently I have spoken on a number 'Of oce-asions toO owners of a commercial launch on Lake Tyers who are plac,ed in an impossible position because they are ~equired by the Ports and Harbors Branch 'Of the PubHc Works Department toO have the boat inspected f.or safety purposes every twelve months. These people have repeatedly applied to the Public W,orks Department for the e-onstruction 'Of a slipway so that the boat can be inspect1ed. It is due for inspection on the 25th of this month. The owners are in an invidious position because one branch of

Adjournment. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Adjournment. 765

the department requires an inspection of the boat and the department oannot provide a slipway on which the boat can be slipped for inspection. These people will be grateful for this Bill, and I hope the department concerned will be forebearing ·enough not to insist on the inspection or deregister the boat under the Ports and Harbors RegulaHons until a slipway is oompleted. It is impossible to take the boat from Lake Tyers to La~es Entrance because 'Only 'Occasionally is Lake Tyers open to the sea. I am 'anxious for this legislation to be enacted because it will be of immens'e benefit to all people in the Gippsland lakes area.

The motion was agreed to. The Bill was read a s'ec'0nd time

and committed. Clause 1 was agreed to. Progress was reported.

ADJOURNMENT, STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION:

PROPOSED NEWPORT POWER STATION - QUADRAPLEGICS: ISSUE OF PARKING PERMITS-STATE SAVINGS BANK: HOUSING LOANS TO SINGLE WOMEN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: GARAGE FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL AT BROADMEADOWS-STATE MOTOR CAR INSURANCE OFFICE: INSURANCE OF MOTOR CYCLES -DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR AND INDUSTRY: LABELLING OF CLOTHING. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu-

cation) .-1 move-That the House, at its rising, adjourn until

tomorrow, at half-past Three o'clock. The motion was agreed to. Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Edu

cation) .-1 move-That the House do now adjourn. Mr. FORDHAM (Footscray).-I

raise a matter of concern to myself and to many persons in the community involving the sUing of the proposed power station at Newport. Last September Parliament received a report from the State Electricity Commission concerning the construction of a power station at Newport of '1,000 megawatts. . After discussion

Parliament passed legislation authorizing the State Electricity Commission to construct the power station. At that time there was no public response to the matter and no further investigations. It appeared to be a fairly simple proposition. Since then investigations have been carried out into the effects of the proposed power station on the local environment of Williamstown and on the wider environment of the metropolis. These investigations were initially undertaken by conservation groups centred in the Williamstown district and were carried out by highly qualified people. The results of the investigations suggest atmospheric pollution of the area by nitrogen oxide, and the further problems of steam fogs, and water and noise pollution.

This highly technical material has been forwarded to me, as has the detailed material that the State Electricity Commission has submitted. I make it plain that at all times the State Electricity Commission has been most helpful and understanding, but there is this conflicting technical material on the effects of the Newport power station on the environment. The material has been examined by the Clean Air Society and the Town and Country Planning Association, both of which have voiced their great concern. Local feeling is a matter of contention but it was certainly a major issue in the last council elections in Williamstown. Originally the Williamstown City Council did not voice concern on the issue, but it has reconsidered its stance. On 4th September, 1972, the council passed the following resolution :-

That this council inform. the Minister for Fuel and Power that this council calls on the Victorian State Government to conduct an investigation through the aid of the allparty Parliamentary Public Works Committee as to the siting of the proposed new Newport power station. On 2nd October, 1972, this resolution was reiterated at a further meeting. Since then numerous trade unions which will be involved in the construction and operation of the

766 Adjournment. , [ASSEMBLY.] Adjournment.

power station have considered the material put forward by the various parties and have also come to the view that the Public Works Committee would be the appropriate body to assess the situation.

Some time ago the Williamstown City Council asked the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization to examine various aspects, particularly the effects of steam fogs.' Although the organization has had .an officer working full time on the project for some months, it has been unable to complete its report because of the lack of material and evidence. It is in this context that I am putting forward this proposition.

The Labor Party has reconsidered its stance on the matter following the submission of this material. It has decided not to pre-judge the issue but to ask the Government to refer the matter to the Public Works Committee. As a matter of principle an independent body should examine the matter, and the Public Works Committee has been considered as the most appropriate. I hope the Minister will reconsider the issue because of its ramifications on the wider question of pollution throughout Melbourne and because of the concern of many people.

Mr. JONES (Melbourne).-I raise the case of an individual, Mr. Bernie Smallacombe, of Glenroy, aged 26 and a quadraplegic. He works at Ascot Vale and drives a specially fi tted motor car which he parks next to his place of employment in Baroda Street, Flemington. He parks on a nature strip, although he was careful to point out that he does not park on Mr. Arthur Calwell's nature strip. Mr. Smallacombe was charged with thirteen parking offences and was proceeded against by the Melbourne City Council. He intimates that the Melbourne City Council could not have been more courteous or helpful and at the prosecution yesterday in court-he

says he was unrepresented-the Melbourne City Council did all it could to help him and indicated it did not wish' to press for a penalty or for costs. In fact he was convicted and discharged without penalty or an order for costs.

There is an international sticker for quadraplegics which is recognized in most parts of the world, but I understand it has not yet in a sense been officially recognized in this country. The quadraplegic sticker is a yellow car sticker, not unlike the car stickers used by members of Parliament, with the outline of a wheelchair in black and two black dots. The' reason I ra1se this matter on the' adjournment' is to 'suggest that the ·Government might seriously consider having the Motor Registration Branch issue such stickers when a proper submission is made to it, with perhaps an affidavit with supporting evidence from the appropriate medical practitioners. Although parking is not within the ordinary jurisdiction of the State Governm'eht, it might' be prepared to make representations to city councils not to prosecute people when these stickers -are present

Mr. Smallacombe, in common with many other quadraplegics-I should not say many because there ar,e comparatively few-has to drive a specially fitted motor car. Owing to the nature of ~heir affliction, it is not possible for quadraplegics to park far away from where they work. Obviously one would like to see steps taken by the employers to assist them. The primary responsibility ought to be left with the employer to find parking spaces. But in Ascot Vale or Flemington there are no such spaces. Therefore, I ask the Government to seriously consider letting the Motor Registration Branch issue an officially recognized quadraplegic sticker and to make representations to municipal councils that persons having these stickers should not be charged with parking offences. It seems to me that this is a rnatter of genuine public concern, and that

Adjournment .. [10 OCTOBER, 1972.] Adjournment. 767

with a small amount of effort by the Government a ,considerable social benefit could .be achieved.

Mr. HOLDING (Leader of' the Opposition) .-1 'bring a matter to the attention of the Treasurer .. Although it should not be the function of the Government to interfere in the internal day-to-day running of the State Savings Bank, this week it was brought to my attention that a customer of the bank, a single woman who holds a prominent position in public life in her local community, approached the State Savings Bank with a view to obtaining a housing loan. She was informed by the local manager, presumably in accordance with the State Savings Bank policy, that single women were regarded as a poor risk and accordingly she could not be granted a loan. Subsequently she approached the Commonwealth Bank where she received quite different treatment. She was given a loan and told it was not even necessary to provide a male guarantor provided that she had proper letters of reference. It appears that an important matter of public policy is involved.

1 believe the Treasurer should 'indicate to the bank that it is the Government's view that in respect of advances for the purchase of homes single women should not be regarded as second-rate citizens. They should be trea,ted on exactly the same basis as anybody else who wishes to purchase a house, and there should be no presumptions against them. It would also be in the interests of what is, after all, the Victorian people's own bank. It s'eems singula!rly unfortunate that in this instance the woman concerned had to transfer her business to the Commonwealth Savings Bank.

Mr. WILTON (Broadmeadows).I direct a matter to the attention of the Minister of Education. On 30th September, 1971, the honorable gentleman advised by letter that he had approved of a special grant being made on a $1 for $1 basis towards the cost of the erection of a garage to house a bus which had

been donated by a local organization to transport children to and from the .special school at Broadmeadows. The original estimate of the cost of this work was $1,500 for which the school was to pay $750. Since that time, the cost has escalated to $3,000 and the school has had to find $1,500.

The Public Works Department has advised that the contractor has been allowed to withdraw from the project and that new tenders are to be called. This is a matter of concern to the people connected with the special school, because they are fearful that the cost will be greater, and they are incapable of raising more than the $1,500 which has been sent to the Education Department. 1 ask the Minister to examine this situation urgently in an endeavour to ensure that the contribution of the school will not exceed $1,500.

Mr. EDMUNDS (Moonee Ponds).I bring a matter to the attention of the Treasurer. I was advised today that the State Motor Car Insurance Office does no.t insure motor cycles under any circumstances, either comprehensively, against third-party property damage or general thirdparty risks. Having regard to the present boom in motor cycling, it seems to me that the insurance office could conduct e~tensive business in this field. From my investigations, it would appear to be a matter of departmental rather than Government policy.

I believe this is a matter which falls within the jurisdiction of the .Treasurer, and I ask the honorable gentleman to examine it. The State Motor Car Insurance Office covers all fields of motor car insurance, but the only motor ihicycles that it insures are those which belong to the Victoria Police. If the office can cover those machines, I cannot see any reason for its being unable to

'cover all motor cyCles. I ask the Treasurer to examine the matter and to issue a direction to ensure that the State 'Motor Car Insurance Office will provide this service to th~


public a service which is not being provided by many companies concerned with gener-al vehicle insurance.

Mr. W. J. LEWIS (pordand).On 19th September, I drew the attention of the House to incorrect labelling of garments. The matter was referred to the Minister of Health who, in turn, referred it to the Minister of Labour and Industry. I was told that I would be notified of the Minister's investigations into the matter, but that has not yet been done. I ask the Minister of Health whether in fact the matter has been referred to the Minister of Labour and Industry.

Mr. HAMER (Premier and Treasur~r) .-The matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition came as a surprise to me. I am not aware that single women are discriminated against by the State Savings Bank of Victoria in the matter of housing loans. The Government does not direct the bank on how to conduct its business, but I shall be glad to discuss the matter with the management of the bank, because I do not think that such an attitude is justifiable. I shall be glad to discuss details with the Leader of the Opposition.

The State Motor Car Insurance Office is within the jurisdiotion of the Chief Secretary, and I will discuss the question of comprehensive and third-party insurance of motor cycles with the honorable gentleman. I would be surprised if proposals for third-party insurance were rejected.

Mr. EDMUNDs.---Perhaps they were for comprehensive insurance.

Mr. HAIMER.~I wUI discuss the matter. It is the intention of the legisl!ation that thilrd-party insurance should be available for motor cycles as well as motor cars.

Mr. THOMPSON (Minister of Education) .-The honorable member for Melbourne made a reasonable suggestion in relation to the provision of a badge for quadraplegics who drive motor cars. I will draw the matter to

the attention of the Acting Chief Secretary. I might add that the Minister of Water Supply and Public Works pointed out that a badge of this type is already issued to limbless soldiers.

The honorable member for Broadmeadows raised the question of the erection of a garage to house a bus for the transport of students to a special school. The department will maintain the school's contribution at $1,500.

Mr. BALFOUR (Minister for Fuel and Power) .-The honorable member for Footscray raised the matter of the Public Works Committee holding an inquiry into the building of the Newport power station. Sonte five or six years ago the State Electricity Commission investigated a 'P~opos'al to build a power station there and took into account information which was available from overseas. Last September the com'mission presented a report which received considerable publicity and, finally, the Parliament enacted legislation which authorized the project. Since then certain commitments have been entered into and further invest'igations have been made. I believe that the commission can answer all of the doubts which have been expressed in relation to the effect that this station may have on the WHHa'mstown and metropolitan areas.

Honorable members will understand that the station cannot be built and cannot operate unless the necessary permits and licences are given by the Environment Protection Authority. The proper place for these people to express their doubts about the project is before that authority. Certainly, the commission will have to convince the authority that it ean carry out the work according to' the authority's specifications.

As I understand the Act, it is open for people who object to things taking place to go before the authority and put their case. That being so,

ijtgislntiut asstwbly....questions [26 september, 1972.] on notice. hon. murray byrne (minister for...

Documents