House of Representatives
23 May 1978

31st Parliament · 1st Session

  1. House of Representatives
  2. 31st Parliament
  3. 1978

Mr SPEAKER (Rt Hon. Sir Billy Snedden) took the chair at 2. 15 p.m., and read prayers.

page 2327

QUESTION

DEATH OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR ROBERT GORDON MENZIES

Mr MALCOLM FRASER:
Prime Minister · Wannon · LP

– As all honourable members will know, on Monday 1 5 May we saw the death of a great Australian. The loss to the nation is a heavy one, and I move:

That this House express its deep regret at the death on15 May 1978 of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Gordon Menzies: Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle; Knight of the Order of Australia; Companion of Honour; Queen’s Counsel; Fellow of the Royal Society; a member of the Victorian Legislative Council from 1928 to 1929; a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1929 to 1934; Deputy Premier of Victoria from 1932 to 1 934; a member of this House for the Division of Kooyong from 1934 to 1966; founder and for many years Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia; a Minister of the Crown for over 25 years; and Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941, and from 1949 to 1966; places on record its appreciation of his long and highly distinguished service to the nation and tenders its profound sympathy to his widow and family.

Sir Robert Menzies was born 83 years ago in the small Victorian town of Jeparit. By his own ability, his own determination, his own courage and his own will he became one of the greatest Australians this nation has brought forth. His towering influence helped to mould this nation. He stood uncompromisingly for the abiding traditions and values of Australia. His temporary defeat in 1941 served only to lift him and to reveal his extraordinary resources of energy, the strength of his beliefs and the fortitude of his spirit. He led Australia through the boom years of the 1950s and into a period of unprecedented national development in the economy, industry, agriculture, the arts and learning.

Sir Robert’s rise to eminence was meteoric. In 1917 he graduated in law from the University of Melbourne with great distinction and one year later- at 23 years of age- he was admitted to the Bar. Within a remarkably brief period at the Victorian Bar in which his practice ranged over industrial, common and constitutional law Menzies built a formidable name as a brilliant legal intellect and an outstanding advocate. His greatest triumph as a young barrister was his remarkable appearance in 1920- at 25 years of age-in the celebrated Engineers Case. After that historic case, in which he successfully stood alone against several notable King’s Counsel, he appeared in many famous constitutional cases before the High Court and the Privy Council. This outstanding constitutional lawyer had few rivals and in 1929- at 34 years of age- he became Australia ‘s youngest King ‘s Counsel.

In all Sir Robert’s days his love for the law never waned. But it was no narrow interest. For him law and civilisation were inseparably bound together. Opportunities to speak and write on law and public affairs were always welcome to him. At the age of 72, when most professional scholars have put down their pens, he made a distinguished contribution as scholarinresidence at the University of Virginia, where he lectured on the Australian Constitution with all the authority, clarity and wit we knew so well. It is scarcely surprising that a man of such formidable talent for the law and such high regard for its sanctity should be chosen to serve as Attorney-General in both the State and Federal spheres or that he should have distinguished those ministries with his commanding legal experience.

Sir Robert turned to politics in 1928. He first entered the Victorian Parliament, where he served nearly six years. Characteristically, he quickly made his mark as parliamentarian and Minister, holding several portfolios, and within four years, at the age of 37, he became Deputy Premier. In 1934 he contested and won the seat of Kooyong and held it for the next 32 years. His unfailing interest in his constituents and his commitment to them earned him their loyalty, their trust and their admiration. Immediately upon his election to Federal Parliament, Sir Robert was appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Industry, portfolios he held until 1939. In that year -just five years after his election the the House of Representatives- he became Prime Minister. His first Prime Ministership was from 1939 to 1941, and in that time he administered the portfolios of Treasury, Defence Co-ordination, Trade and Customs, and Information. These were years of extraordinary activity in which Sir Robert had achieved what for many men would have been the work and ambition of many lifetimes. But his finest years were yet to come.

History has recorded that the United Australian Party splintered, turned from its leader and fell apart. Inevitably there was a change of government. The trials of these years may have left most men embittered and unnerved. They served only to spur Menzies to embark on a program of reshaping, rebuilding, remodelling and reassessing the needs of those Australians who had pinned their faith to a Liberal alternative. He struggled with adversity and won. From the ashes of the United Australia

Party and through the vision and undaunted determination of one man- Sir Robert Menziesthere arose the Liberal Party of Australia. This was a party which he designed to serve all Australiato govern for all Australians- owing no special allegiance to any group or section.

He travelled Australia’s length and breadth persuading and inspiring. In 1949 he triumphed. The Liberal and Country parties won office and remained undefeated for 23 years. That period is now a matter of history. Above all, it is the history of Menzies.

Menzies’ return to the Prime Ministership in 1949 came at a time of great domestic and international uncertainty. Depression and war had had a devastating effect. The world was tired of conflict, fearful for the future. But for Menzies these were to be the years when all that he had passed through was simply preparation for his finest hours.

His great task was to restore the confidence and stability of a nation recovering from the rigours and the distress of war, and this he did. Drawing on his considerable will, knowledge and experience, he guided Australia for 16 years with the steadfast hand of a leader sure of his ground and sure in the judgment of the Australian people. His years of strong and stable government gave strength and confidence to this nation, to the Australian people, and set this country firmly on a course of recovery and uprecedented development.

Sir Robert was recognised by all as one of the Queen’s men. He saw clearly the place of the Crown in the Australian body politic, and stood by the principles of constitutional monarchy which are the fundamental base of our political life. Many people will recall Her Majesty’s first visit to this country in 1954 and how she was escorted with dignity and with a profound sense of the occasion by her Australian Prime Minister to the opening of this Parliament. We are all honoured by the gracious tribute Her Majesty has now paid to her former Prime Minister. It will be a source of comfort to Sir Robert’s family.

Sir Robert’s rich sense of the nation’s history, his vision of its vast potential, his evident love for its soil and its people, his presence and his eloquence ensured that Australia’s place in international affairs would become more firmly established, more widely known. He was one of the Commonwealth’s most eloquent spokesmen, and in time became one of her best loved statesmen. He attended the Prime Ministers’ Conferences in London, striving through difficult and changing times to consolidate Commonwealth ties and to strengthen Australia’s relationship with Britain. His admiration and respect for the country that had fathered the traditions of the rule of law, the country of Blackstone, of Milton, of Shakespeare and of Burns, earned him a special place in the hearts of the British people. Undoubtedly, the stature of Australia’s Prime Minister during these years greatly added to the international prestige and influence of this nation.

His attachment to the Commonwealth did not blind him to the changing reality of new international horizons. As one of the founders of ANZUS and the South East Asia Treaty Organisation, he was fully aware of the need to consolidate Australia’s natural bonds with its neighbours. He was equally aware that we should retain our relationship with the more powerful and more distant nations of the world. He conducted his relationship with both the new and old friends with ease and assurance. His loyalty and reliability was never in question and he brought his great authority to every council. He earned the respect of all.

Upon his retirement, Sir Robert was invited to name two achievements for which he would most like to be remembered. He nominated his Government’s encouragement of tertiary education, something in which he had had a close personal interest, and the development of the national capital. Learning was for Sir Robert Menzies the cardinal privilege and his consuming passion because he believed that where there was learning there could be wisdom. Sir Robert established the Australian Universities Commission and encouraged the growth of the Australian National University. He was convinced that all Australians should have opportunities to share in a full educational experience and his Government presided over a vast expansion in tertiary education in this country. Again, it was characteristic of his pride in the nation that he should wish to enhance its capital. The Canberra of today, the city of lakes and fine public buildings, is a great and enduring monument to his vision.

Mr Speaker, such were the achievements and stature of the man that it was to be expected that some would say he was a distant political figure, but he won the respect not only of his political supporters but also of those who never voted for his Party. To his friends he was a warm and delightful companion. To those who served him he was always courteous and considerate, and to his family he was a constant symbol of devotion and love. He endeared himself to Australians from all walks of life by his love of cricket and, in Victoria by his support of the Carlton Football Club.

Australians will have many memories of Sir Robert Menzies: Memories of him as a Prime Minister who led this country for 16 consecutive years; memories of him as a Prime Minister who strove to enrich the resources, the opportunities and the talent of this nation; memories of him as a Prime Minister who cemented and extended our relations with Britain and the Commonwealth; memories of him as a Prime Minister who continued to nurture our relations with other allies such as the United States of America; memories of him as a Prime Minister who saw the need for and fostered the highest standard of professionalism and intergrity in the Public Service; memories of his consumate skills as an orator, his mastery as a political tactician, his unerring sense of political timing and his integrity.

Mr Speaker, anyone who had the pleasure to hear Sir Robert speak will remember his devastating wit. He had the rare ability to make a jibe at his own expense. He once recalled that on the previous Sunday he had read the lesson at the Presbyterian Kirk, a reading which had included the Ten Commandments. ‘To a practising politician’, he said, ‘I know of no document more disturbing- unless it be the Sermon on the Mount’. But, above all, his. parliamentary colleagues will remember him for his abiding belief in our great democratic principles, in the central role of Parliament and in the rule of law. He was a champion of the concept of responsible government in the Westminster tradition. Over many years he strove to develop our Cabinet system into that which we know today.

In the past few days I have received numerous messages of condolence and sympathy from leaders around the world. President Carter has referred to Sir Robert as ‘a great statesman whose leadership and influence extended far beyond Australia’. Prime Minister Callaghan has written of ‘His courage, his devotion to duty and his wisdom (which) have ensured him an honoured place in the history of our time ‘. There is one message which I should like to read in full, for it captures in essence the feelings expressed by many during the last week. It is from Mr Lee Kwan Yew, Prime Minister of Singapore, and reads:

I send you my condolences on the death of Sir Robert Menzies. He was one of the great men of his era.

He had a commanding presence, a powerful intellect and a rare eloquence.

His robust approach to life enabled him to make more than Australia ‘s contribution to the world ‘s quest for peace and stability in an age of rapid and revolutionary changes.

He has left his imprint on the history of Australia and of the region.

Mr Speaker, in 1937 Sir Robert was created a Privy Councillor. In 1951 he was created a Companion of Honour. In 1 963 the Queen created Sir Robert a Knight of the most ancient and most noble Order of the Thistle. In 1965 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society. In 1966 after his retirement from politics, he was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, following in the path of Sir Winston Churchill. In 1976 Sir Robert was created a Knight of the Order of Australia- the first Australian to receive that accolade.

The honours showered on him over many years are a fitting tribute to Sir Robert’s stature as an Australian and Commonwealth statesman. As generations pass it is easy to forget those who have gone before. But Sir Robert Menzies has left an indelible mark upon countless facets of Australian life. He will be remembered as a leader, a statesman, a scholar, an ally, a friend, and to his family as a loving and devoted husband, brother and father. He gave to each of these roles the full measure of his being. To this one man- Robert Gordon Menzies- Australia owes an immense debt. It is a debt which future generations of Australians can honour by holding fast to the virtues he brought from his forebears and carried into his life- the virtues of sincerity, integrity, loyalty, steadfastness and courage. And we can honour him by following his example of unstinting service to this nation, serving all the people and working to reinforce those fundamental values which unite us as one nation, as one people. I believe that Sir Robert would wish to be honoured by no more than this. Mr Speaker, we are in the midst of mourning Robert Gordon Menzies, but we should also console ourselves that here was a great man who left a great name for himself and for this country. What more can we possibly ask of any citizen than this?

Mr HAYDEN:
Leader of the Opposition · Oxley

Mr Speaker, the late Sir Robert Gordon Menzies became in his lifetime what few people ever achieve. From a modest family background he became an outstanding student and an eminent practitioner at the Bar. He achieved early entry to the Victorian Parliament, and became a remarkably young Deputy Premier of the State of Victoria at 34 years of age. He proceeded to the national Parliament, immediately entering the Ministry, and became Prime Minister at the still young age of 45 years. From 1949 to 1966 he served a record unbroken term as Prime Minister.

Regardless of the differences which one might have had with his political views and policies, one has to concede- I do so in generous measure- that in those 17 years of service as Prime Minister of Australia he proved himself to be a masterful political tactician and a shrewd and effective parliamentarian. The course in the national Parliament from his entry in 1934 up to 1949 was not without its hurdles for him, nor would anyone suggest he found it, nor even caused it to be, uneventful. The period from 1941 to 1949 must have been a somewhat fretful one for him in many ways. It was, however, in this period that he so successfully refashioned the disintegrating conservative political forces in this country into a cohesive and lasting political party- the Liberal Party. It was a remarkable achievement and now, some 30 years after its formation, that Party continues to function with the longest continuity of public service of any conservative national political party in the nation’s history. Another of the late Sir Robert Menzies’ important political successes was to draw the Country Party into a lasting national coalition with his Liberal Party.

These were no small achievements, especially for a man whose sharpness of intellect gave him, according to record, an impatience with so much of the time consuming, mundane, but important basic organising and arranging which is part of the political scene. The period 194 1 to 1 949 gave him, it would seem, time to reflect on his earlier political setbacks and to regenerate his political thinking and tactics. When I entered this Parliament after the 1961 election the late Sir Robert Menzies was then close to the end of a long and significant career. He had just survived a remarkably close election. I remember the period well. It was not only the time of my first election to this House but also the occasion of the rather novel experience of discovering, on the good advice of the then right honourable member for Kooyong, that the honourable member for Moreton (Mr Killen) was ‘magnificent’.

I leave the history of the late former right honourable member for Kooyong ‘s service in public office, spanning nearly half a century, to those better qualified than I am to write, more fittingly, as a suitable epitaph to a long and notable career. I restrict myself to those last five years during which he served in this Parliament while I was here. One’s recollection is of a big, robust man who obviously revelled in the action of the parliamentary scene. This was the period of serious economic rethinking after the 1961-62 recession when the Vernon Committee of Inquiry was set up to recommend on the development of future economic policy. Re-equipment of the Air Force with a new tactical bomber was entered into as a matter of great urgency. The controversial commitment to the Vietnam war was made. Some initiatives were also undertaken in the field of education.

Right to the very end of his parliamentary career the late Sir Robert Menzies was in the thick of public debate over measures he proposed or had undertaken. He was never faint hearted; nor did he hesitate to put his case firmly on the issues he took up. Perhaps the most enduring recollection I have of him, apart from his readiness to enter into the rough and tumble of parliamentary exchange with a quick and entertaining verve- I seem to recall being bruised a few times in such unwise encounters in my earliest years- was his clear, consistent and impressive devotion to the parliamentary institution. In this, I believe, he displayed a respect for the parliamentary system since lost but which could well be rescued with advantage to its reputation and influence in the community.

Let me quote the comment of one observer of the late and former right honourable member for Kooyong:

Sir Robert Menzies was one of the most effective politicians in Australia ‘s history. He had a way of identifying the attitudes of the average Australian and appealing very vividly, clearly, and incisively to those attitudes, showing a skill and understanding that I didn’t suspect he had.

He didn’t appear to have the common touch. I thought he was consciously or naturally aristocratic and it surprised me to find out he had an ability to know what the average man felt. I don’t know how he did this, but I would say he had a good deal of natural flair for it.

The quotation is important because it comes from a man whose political values were as different from those of the late Sir Robert Menzies as is the quality of chalk from that of cheese. Yet they are the comments formed from the careful, long and fair minded assessment of a political opponent and they are clearly the comments of respect. The commentator was the former honourable member for Lalor, Dr Jim Cairns, quoted in A. Colin ‘s Mr Prime Minister: Australian Prime Ministers 1901-1972.

The Opposition joins the Government in expressing its condolences at the passing of Sir Robert Menzies and extends its deepest sympathies to his widow, Dame Pattie Menzies, and to members of his family.

Mr ANTHONY:
Minister for Trade and Resources · Richmond · NCP/NP

– I feel very proud to be associated with the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm

Fraser) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) in speaking to the condolence motion before the Parliament. I am proud to be able to speak on behalf of the National Country Party, because of my party’s long association with Sir Robert Gordon Menzies and because of my personal association with him. I probably knew Sir Robert as long as any member in this House. I, along with a few other honourable membersyourself included, Mr Speaker, the right honourable member for Lowe (Sir William McMahon) and the Minister for Primary Industry (Mr Sinclair)- were selected and served in his ministries. My father served in Sir Robert’s first Ministry before the war and also in his post-war Cabinets. I feel that I can speak about Sir Robert Menzies, and in doing so I classify him as Australia’s greatest statesman, a brilliant orator, an outstanding parliamentarian and a great leader.

Sir Robert’s funeral last Friday was a remarkable occasion for this nation. We saw people from throughout Australia and from around the world pay a triumphant tribute to this great man. Thousands of people lined the streets. Many of them expressed their sorrow. The remarkable thing about that occasion was that it was some 12 years after he departed from political life. As we all know, most politicians are forgotten the day after they retire. Not Sir Robert Menzies. He had welded for himself a lasting place in the history of this nation. It is a matter of history that the close relationship which everybody knows existed between Sir Robert and my party in the 1950s and the 1960s had been, in earlier years, not always a happy one. There is no doubting that the relationship between Sir Robert and the Country Party during the years of the coalition in the 1950s and 1960s was a matter of great significance to him and, I believe, to Australia. I think it is worth recalling some of the things he said to the nation on the day he retired from office, on 20 January 1966. He referred to the immense loyalty he had enjoyed from both partiesthe Liberal Party of Australia and the Country Party- and went on to say:

It is not always understood that over these years the stability of government, the continuity of government . . . have been based upon an alliance between my party and the Country Party which in all these years has never been broken, and in the whole of which I have been profoundly indebted to the members of both parties who, though they may be critical and, of course, undoubtedly are from time to time, have been staunch and loyal.

Sir Robert’s answer to a question about what he saw as his most lasting achievement was most important, especially to members of my party.

He referred firstly to the creation of the Liberal Party in 1 944 and then said:

I look back with great satisfaction on the fact that there has been a fruitful and constant alliance with the Country Party . . . We have for all these years been a joint government. I have had the most tremendous loyalty not only from Country Party Ministers- in particular Mr McEwen, who is a most distinguished man- but also its private members. It is not always easy to have a marriage of this kind.

He went on to say:

If at any time over these years I had come back with an absolute majority of the Liberal Party on the floor of the House, I still would have said to the Country Party, ‘I want you to be in’.

There are people who tried to deny the magnitude of the contribution that Sir Robert Menzies made to Australia while he was Prime Minister. They bring forward the fatuous argument that there is nothing of real significance for which he can be remembered. That is obviously untrue. Australia’s progress in fields such as education, national development and trade during the Menzies-Fadden and the Menzies-McEwen period makes that quite clear. If these critics are saying that Australia under Menzies lacked drama, lacked division and lacked instability, if they are saying that Australia under Menzies enjoyed solid economic and social progress, enjoyed political stability unmatched in any other country, enjoyed full employment and enjoyed inflation rates which, if we had them today, would make us the envy of the world, these critics are unconsciously pointing to the things for which Sir Robert deserves to be remembered.

No other Australian has occupied the place that Sir Robert Menzies held. Whether people were for him or against him they regarded him in a way in which no other Australian has ever been regarded. I think the only way to describe his unique place in Australian life and history is to say that he was an institution. The meaning of the word institution in this context is very simple but I think it is appropriate. It means a familiar object. Sir Robert was a familiar object. To many Australians he was the government. He was the rock on which our stability and our security were built. To the world, Menzies was Australia. To those who knew him personally there are many memories one could reiterate today. I go back to when I was a young school boy, having to view some movies of his travels overseas. I recall them as not being very exciting. I remember him most as Chairman of Cabinet. Many stories are written about him being a very frightening man; certainly he was a taskmaster. Whenever he placed responsibility on Ministers he expected them to perform. He was very humiliating to a Minister who had not done his homework and tried to bluff his way through. He inculcated into members of his Ministry the need for integrity and honesty which I believe will last for a long time in the Australian political scene.

I remember clearly his great interest in the development of the national capital while I was Minister for the Interior. Modern Canberra is greatly indebted to him. Canberra was stagnant for years and years until Sir Robert Menzies decided that this was the national capital and needed to be reflected as such to Australia and the world. He took upon himself the responsibility of a revived Canberra by developing the lakes and bridges, building the National Library and making it the great capital which it is today and of which we are all proud. I shall always think of Sir Robert Menzies as being a Queen’s man. His allegiance to the Queen and his readiness at all times to defend the monarchy was something for which he deserves great credit. He was not defending the monarchy because of any personalities, but as a lawyer and as a person who understood the Constitution of Australia. He knew that, inherent in our democratic system, in our parliamentary way of life and in our common law, it was necessary to recognise the monarch if we were to preserve that system. When I visited him on one occasion during his retirement I quite clearly recall him telling me about the various other types of parliamentary systems around the world and finishing his remarks by saying: ‘Give me another one that is better than ours. If it is not, why should we want to change our situation?’

No tribute, no testimonial, to Sir Robert would be complete without reference to Dame Pattie. Like so many of us in Parliament who rely heavily upon our wives, so did Sir Robert Menzies. Dame Pattie was the perfect example of what a parliamentarian’s wife should be. She gave to Sir Robert Menzies strength, encouragement and support in the heavy duties and onerous responsibilities he had as leader of the nation. To her I pay a great tribute. On this sad occasion I express sympathy on behalf of all the members of my party and myself. I should like Dame Pattie to convey those sympathies to the members of her family.

Sir William McMahon:
LOWE, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

-I think it is fair to say that I knew the late right honourable member for Kooyong for longer than any other person in this House. I certainly knew him as far back as 1934 when he was a practising lawyer. I remember him from before I became a member of the firm Allen Allen and Hemsley.

They acted for the Legislative Council, the Upper House, in New South Wales to prevent its dissolution. And that the Governor of New South Wales had the power to dismiss Mr J. T. Lang, the Premier. We acted for Mr Trethowan and others of the Upper House who were the petitioners. Sir Robert gave advice to Sir Dudley de Chair which was contrary to the case we supported. For once we won. The Upper House survived.

I knew Sir Robert in other capacities. The firm handled one of the most important patent suits of all time. So much royalty was involved for our clients that we took the case from various State courts to the Federal court and then to the Privy Council. During that case I was informed that R. G. Menzies was slowly but surely convincing the Lords Justices of Appeal, the Privy Council, that there was no invention which could be patented. Sure enough, regrettably, he turned out to be right. I did not like him for a long period but had to swallow my pride subsequently. I believed at that time-I believed so more strongly later on when I was associated with him as a minister- that he was, with Sir Owen Dixon, one of the two greatest jurists ever produced in Australia. He was a delight to listen to in the courts. He was always persuasive and he always had charm. It was to be said of him that he usually won. Those were my first experiences with him.

I then had a passing acquaintance with him when the Liberal Party was being formed. The United Australia Party organisation in New South Wales had disintegrated. Two Liberal Parties were formed and later merged. Sir Robert then took control and amalgamated them and other like-minded parties in other States spread throughout Australia into one organisation.

I come now to the Parliament itself. Naturally I knew of his contribution in the banking case, one of the great cases in Australian history. In the House Sir Robert paved the way for the defeat of the Chifley proposals for bank nationalisation. The final decision again came from the Privy Council. I remember when the Communist Party Dissolution Bill was being debated in the House. I was sitting where the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) is sitting now waiting to answer the Labor Party. Sir Eric Harrison came in and said: ‘Can I have a look at your notes, son?’. He then painstakingly tore up all the notes and said: This will be your moment of trial; and one of decision. You are rotten when you read but not too bad when you speak without notes’. After that speech I was invited by Sir Robert to join the

Cabinet. I had to wait for some weeks, during which time I was informed on a couple of occasions that somebody else might be appointed in my stead. Then I received advice from a Cabinet Minister. I went to Ezra Norton of the Daily Mirror and sought his support. Within a couple of days I became a member of the Cabinet. I say that in the presence of my colleagues to let them know that I learned in those days that there always is someone able to give us guidance of a very helpful kind.

I remember the morning he asked me to become a member of the Ministry. I was at the Balmoral Naval Base. He said that I would be Minister for the Navy and Minister for Air. Somewhat reluctantly I said: ‘That does not appeal to me very much, Sir. What is wrong with the Treasury?’ I thought that he would have a fit of hysterics, but he replied: ‘I don’t think I would have the courage to talk to dear old Artie about that’. I managed to survive in those years as Minister for the Navy and Minister for Air, I do not know how, because on at least three occasions I made major and successful decisions without informing Cabinet. As an example, I allowed the war criminals from Manus Island to go back to Japan without informing Sir Robert, and I gave approval for a £2 program for the Sydney dockyard without telling the Cabinet but with the approval of the Treasury officials. I can assure you, Mr Speaker, they were memorable days. I stuck it out, but only because I had the support of Sir Arthur Fadden and Sir Eric Harrison.

I do not want to proceed on that line for too long, but I want to give the reasons why I believe Sir Robert must be remembered and what his main achievements were. First, I must stress that he changed the outlook of the Commonwealth Parliament to the Constitution. Some amendments had already been made through placitum (xxiiiA) of section 51 of the Constitution, the Evatt amendment which dealt with social welfare and health services. Apart from that, in those days the Federal Parliament was truly a Federal Parliament and did not believe in interfering where the rights and responsibilities were obviously those of the States. Slowly but surely Sir Robert changed this attitude. One of the great constitution changes, therefore, was that over a wide range of activities Sir Robert took action which I believe involved and ensured development and growth in Australia and, through that, set us on the road to achieving a unity that otherwise could never have been achieved or achieved so quickly.

There was his attitude to education, which he liked to take pride in himself as his greatest achievement. I put it no higher than third because there were other things that he did as well. I can remember Artie Fadden coming into Cabinet and saying: ‘What do you think, mates? I have to announce that we are giving aid to the church schools in Canberra, and he did not even tell me before he left’. I can also remember that in a Cabinet meeting I was pressing strenuously to get aid for independent schools and it looked as though I had lost. I was supported by Sir Garfield Barwick. Suddenly I mumbled: Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing, Sir, if when you go to the Christian Brothers in Waverley you give them aid for their libraries and their science blocks?’ He said that that was a wonderful idea. A couple of days later we had the wonderful announcement. The Prime Minister will know that the Federal Government then went on to provide aid for independent schools.

Sir Robert was a remarkable man, and I must stress that no one paid greater attention to employment and unemployment than he did. He established a totally new attitude to unemployment, and as Minister for Labour and National Service I was aware of this. If he saw the rate of unemployment growing to around 1 per cent close to the Christmas period, we would meet to see what we could do to ensure that it was kept low. The matter of pensions was another of his great preoccupations. In those respects he was a remarkable man. Above all, he had an instinct for economic trends. On at least two occasions he took independent action to ensure that changes were made which improved the trends in the economy. He acted despite the opinions given by the Department of the Treasury and despite the opinions that had been accepted by other members of the Cabinet.

In regard to foreign affairs, we lived in times that were temperamental and tempestuous. I remember when he was either in the United Kingdom or going through to Canada and he was asked to be the chairman of the committee dealing with the Suez crisis. Available members of the Cabinet were asked to meet in the British Empire Society- he had asked six or seven of us to be there each with a telephone- to discuss the chairmanship with him. Despite what has been said, we strongly urged him, led by Sir Arthur Fadden, not to do so. We felt that on occasions such as that one is likely to be undermined. That is exactly what happened. Sir Robert was Prime Minister during the time of the Korean war; he was Prime Minister during the time of the conflict in South East Asia. He and Sir Percy Spender were responsible for ANZUS and the

South East Asia Treaty Organisation. The international changes in those days were of a kind that other than during world wars we had not had to face before and have not known since.

As a man, Sir Robert was a person of considerable charm. If one had the good fortune to divorce oneself from politics and go to dinner with him you would find a person of kindness and charm. He loved laughter; he loved pleasure; and he loved children. I remember him suggesting to me that I should read Beatrix Potter’s books, and I did. At his suggestion they were the first books I gave to my children when I thought they were able to understand. I must speak of Sir Robert as an unbelievably remarkable person, a very great man. He was probably the most eloquent speaker I have heard. For all these reasons I am glad that I have been able to associate myself with the Prime Minister and other people who have spoken from this side of the House. I must also pay my tribute to Dame Pattie. Wherever Sir Robert went one could be certain that Dame Pattie would be there as his helper and counsellor. She would make certain he remembered young children and the women of this country whenever major decisions were being made.

Mr LYNCH:
Minister for Industry and Commerce · Flinders · LP

– I express my deep regret at the death of Sir Robert Menzies and convey my condolences to Dame Pattie and her family. I cannot refer to Sir Robert as a former parliamentary colleague because my election to this House took place shortly after his retirement in 1966. My personal association with him commenced when I became the vice chairman of the Kooyong electorate committee on which I served during the last few years of Sir Robert’s term as member for Kooyong. I am indebted to the advice and guidance which he so generously gave to me at that time as well as subsequently, upon my election to this House. Sir Robert Menzies will rank as one of the great Australians of this century. His formidable achievements as statesman, parliamentarian, jurist and administrator have been referred to by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and other speakers.

I take this opportunity to pay my tributes to those achievements and, as deputy leader of the party which he founded, to recognise the formidable contribution which he made to the nation. I also pay a particular tribute to Dame Pattie Menzies. Her support for and encouragement of Sir Robert were unfailing, and her graciousness was unmatched. The nation owes her, along with Sir Robert, an enduring appreciation.

Mr LUCOCK:
Lyne

-As a member of this House and as a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, I regard it a privilege to support the motion which has been moved by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser). Much has been said of Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, and much has been written about the contribution that he made to the political and national life of this country and to the international field. I believe two factors above all others should be emphasised: Firstly, his absolute integrity which has never been questioned and has always been an example to new members of this Parliament; and, secondly, his vision for Australia and all sections of the people. We all recall so well the words that I think can truthfully be applied to him: ‘He walked with kings yet kept the common touch ‘.

The great strength and the inner power which came from the support of Dame Pattie Menzies and the home influence are examples to all of us in this day and generation. We watched that lovely person as she entered the church, sad and yet so serene, with proud memories of the achievement of her partner. From that I believe we all realised that here was part of the strength of the man whom we honoured on that day. All these things were bound up in the certainty of a great reformed faith which set the foundations for community responsibility and service to the people. Much has been said and I do not want to labour the point but I pay a tribute to a friend, a colleague and a true son of Australia. I join with others in sending condolences and prayers to Dame Pattie and her family at a time when they must be proud of the one whom they loved and who served this country.

Mr SINCLAIR:
Minister for Primary Industry · New England · NCP/NP

– I support the motion moved by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) which has been supported by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and the Minister for Trade and Resources (Mr Anthony), the leader of my party. As a statesman, a parliamentarian, a lawyer and a man, Sir Robert Menzies dominated the political scene in Australia for many years. He made a tremendous contribution to it personally and through this chamber. Those of us who sat here with him recall the degree to which he dominated this place by his oratory and the manner of his parliamentary performance. I believe that, perhaps more than in his performance within the chamber, his contribution to Australia lay in the manner in which he presided over successive governments that developed this country into what it is today. Abroad he was seen, admired and respected as the epitome of this country at a time of change. As my leader has said, Dame Pattie was the epitome of the perfect wife of a parliamentarian. She is a wonderful person and all honourable members admire her greatly, both in her fortitude, in her present sadness and in the way in which for so long she helped Sir Robert in the performance of his public and private duties. To her and her family I would also like to extend my personal sympathy.

Mr BRYANT:
Wills

-Only a handful of honourable members from this side of the House here this afternoon were members during Sir Robert Menzies’ term of office. Over the long period in which I knew him and the longer period in which I knew of him, I always regarded Sir Robert Menzies, both privately and publicly as a gracious person. One would not ordinarily apply that term to someone who was such a vigorous political opponent. I recall that on the first occasion on which I used that term about him in my electorate I was chided by my political supporters. But he was accessible to people from our side of the House who wanted to approach him as the Prime Minister or on some parliamentary matter and on such occasions he was gracious in dealing with the matters placed before him.

I recall approaching him during a period in the development of Aboriginal advancement policies and asking him to see the Aboriginal people themselves so that they could discuss the matter with him, He agreed to do so. He concurred with the idea that their fares ought to be met. He met them in the Cabinet room and they had a lengthy discussion. I learnt a technique of politics from that. I saw on that day, for the first time, that he actually saw this as a matter in which he should deal with the people directly, in a personal, human way. That does not mean that he did not often deal with other matters in that way. In politics it is terribly important to remember that human issues can only be learned and discharged by actual human confrontation and consultation. So, on a day such as today people are inclined to remember all those acts of grace and those matters on which they concurred over the long period of association with him.

There is likely to be built up an aura of nostalgia about the period in which I entered this Parliament. It was a time of great tumult in Australian politics. I hope that when people remember the current period they will think of those who sit here today in a parliamentary sense in a similar way to the way in which they think of the people who were here when I came to office. I refer to people on the other side of the House such as Sir Robert Menzies himself, Sir Arthur

Fadden, Sir Eric Harrison and Mr Anthony, and to people on our side such as Dr Evatt, Arthur Calwell, Reg Pollard, Eddie Ward, Leslie Haylen and Allan Fraser. I consider them to have been men of great parliamentary stature. I hope that when people look back in 20 or 30 years’ time they will see that we had people of that stature.

I would say that the evaluation of him from my side of politics would be that his contribution to the Australian scene was stability. He was a man with a conservative nature. His objective in politics was to continue the status quo with amendments. I would say from this side of the House- perhaps many of his friends from the other side would say it also- that the amendments to the status quo were driven on him, accepted and carried through, often as tentatively as possible. However, the point was made here this afternoon by someone on the opposite side of the chamber that at least he did expand the area of activities of this Parliament. He did that gradually but it happened. I suggest that some of the things which are happening now represent a reversal of that trend.

We need to remember, however, that his life was not one of total victories. He had lost touch with the Australian psyche when he left office in 1941. That was not a temporary situation; it was eight years before he came back into office. It should be remembered that in the great tumult of the early 1950s and the confrontation in the community over civil rights, and in particular over the Communist Party Dissolution Bill and so on, he locked horns with another very great Australian in Dr Evatt. On that particular issue Dr Evatt was the victor. But that is the way politics goes. Early in his political career I think Sir Robert was pretty ruthless in the pursuit of his aims. In later years, during my time in the Parliament, he mellowed. He was the master of the scene. He was a giant amongst his contemporaries, particularly those who sat on the same side of the House as he did. That is no reflection on those people because he was a long survivor.

On this occasion I recognise that the Menzies family has lost a person who must have meant an enormous amount in the family life. He meant a good deal in Australian life also. I think that one of the factors of our democracy is that we feel that even those who are on the side of politics different from our own, even those who in the political sense we hold in great contempt or hatred, are part of our own lives. So this afternoon I record my regret at the passing of a gracious Australian, a man who I think held more to stability than to progress. I think that is the way in which he will be registered in the record books. But he was a man who, whenever faced with a proposition at close quarters, would decide both on the side of justice and on the side of mercy. I think we should remember that one does not win much in the political scene in Australia unless one pursues one ‘s aims with persistence, and often with ruthlessness. I think they were characteristics which he had. But, as I say, they were tempered with acts of grace, whenever the occasion arose, in dealing with his colleagues. On afternoons such as this I heard him pay compliments and tributes to people about whom I could think of little to say.

I know that these remarks will be passed on to his family, members of whom I know. I recall occasions when his grandchildren met him outside Parliament House. Those occasions gave one a different picture of the man in his family life. I recognise that on occasions such as this we make evaluations which are probably clouded more with nostalgia and regret than with objectivity; but I have no doubt that, even those who hold the political views that I do, which are in vigorous opposition to those he held, will still register their regard for those achievements of which we approve and even, in many cases, some of which we disapprove.

Mr GRAHAM:
North Sydney

-I shall take only a few moments of the time of the House in supporting the comments that have been made by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden), and the other speakers who have made a contribution this afternoon. I was privileged in three parliaments- the nineteenth, the twentieth and the twenty-second parliaments, between 1949 and 1958- to sit in this place behind the former right honourable member for Kooyong, Robert Gordon Menzies. I agree with all of the comments that have been made because most of them have been made at the personal level, having regard to personal contacts. I felt that my contribution might be of a slightly more personal nature by my pointing out that, apart from his greatness, apart from his statesmanship, apart from those great qualities to which we have paid respect this afternoon, he was a very human person. He had a great sense of humour. He was not without some familiarity with personal physical suffering, and in his family life from time to time he was subjected to great stresses that were tragic in their nature. I say this because I know that these pressures had to be faced coincidentally with the great struggle to lead this nation of ours along the proper path. He also had to sustain his family. He had the support of that great lady, Dame Pattie, whom the great majority of people who have known her will always respect. I can say that over the many years since 1949 I have never heard one single word of criticism of that magnificent lady.

As I have said, the former Prime Minister was a man with a great sense of humour. He was a raconteur and after dinner speaker par excellence. On suitable occasions he could talk to members of the Parliament about great figures in other parliaments, such as Lord Birkenhead. He talked about cricketers with an affection that was unrivalled. In my judgment he understood so much about the game of cricket that one would believe that had it been possible for him to be a cricketer, he could have known distinction in that field.

Mr Speaker, I hope that you will convey my comments to Dame Pattie and to Sir Robert’s family. He lived to a great age, after all, from 1894 to 1978. It was with great satisfaction that he would have witnessed his own family growing up and expanding, the growth and the development of his grandchildren and his family embarking upon a road of distinction. I am happy that that is the case, and I am sure we all are.

Mr PEACOCK:
Minister for Foreign Affairs · Kooyong · LP

– As the present member for Kooyong I naturally wish to be associated with the motion and to confirm again my sympathy to Dame Pattie and the Menzies family. Over the last week very many tributes have been paid to Sir Robert, both in Australia and overseas. It is worth remembering that had he not outlived most of his distinguished contemporaries there would have been even more tributes from eminent sources. Three of his outstanding characteristics in my view are worthy of particular mention. Firstly, I refer to his political courage, his willingness to take unpopular courses, to express unfashionable views and even to undertake tasks for which the chances of success were less than even, because he thought it was necessary and right. Secondly, I refer to the breadth of his political perspective. There have been few Australian politicians less parochial or less constricted by ideological blinkers. In international politics he brought Australia into a larger league, not stridently, not raucously, but with a realistic appreciation of how we could fit into such a larger scene. Thirdly, I refer to his respect for language in politics. By this I mean more than that he made great speeches. In his speaking, in his writing, in his thinking about politics Sir

Robert was concerned to match words to substance, to mean what he said, to say what he meant, to respect his audience. In a world in which rhetoric threatens to become an end in itself, in which public relations threaten to displace substance and jargon constantly presses on good English, this is not a negligible virtue.

In the Anglo-Saxon tradition I believe we have been taught to think of conservatism and liberalism as alternative and opposed positions. Sir Robert Menzies’ career is a salutory reminder that they are not necessarily so. He was certainly conservative, somebody who valued what was tried, tested and familiar. But what he wanted to conserve were essentially liberal values and liberal institutions. His commitment to those values was not doctrinal or theoretical; it was based on long experience and the fact that they had evolved gradually and were the products of a particular historical tradition. It was a fully earned commitment, immune to changing fashion and confident in itself. In substance, Sir Robert Menzies combined all the essential qualities of leadership: Courage, judgment, integrity and dedication. Such qualities are frequently found in part in other men; Sir Robert had the rare combination in full.

It is no exaggeration to say that there is a particular grief in the minds and hearts of the overwhelming majority of people who reside in the suburbs which make up the electorate of Kooyong. Constituents felt great pride in the fact that they were represented by Sir Robert Menzies. To many members of parliament that would be the highest accolade. On all occasions either when one was with him in that electorate or when one listened to the views that were expressed quoting him one felt great pride flowing through the constituents of his electorate. It is fair to say that he in turn felt great pride in representing them throughout his 32 years as their member.

I shall always be in the debt of Sir Robert Menzies for his original interest in me when I was only a law student and standing as a condidate for the former seat of Yarra, which continued through the various positions I held as either President of the Victorian division of the Liberal Party or a member of this Parliament. It was of course an honour to know him, it was an honour to receive his advice, and it was an honour to follow him in this Parliament.

Mr FISHER:
Mallee

-I rise to record a tribute on behalf of my constituents in the Mallee electorate to the late Sir Robert Gordon Menzies. On 20 December 1894, R. G. Menzies was born to his storekeeper parents, James and Kate Menzies in the rear of their shop in the small north-western Victorian town of Jeparit. Sir Robert’s years in Jeparit were spent attending primary school at the small rural school where even in those early years his schoolmates today remember his aggressiveness at play and his ability and eagerness to participate in public discussion and debate. The influence of his family in developing an interest in and finally an ambition for a political career must have been significant. His father was a president of the local shire and ultimately became a member of the Legislative Assembly in Victoria, serving as the member for Lowan. One of his father’s brothers also served in that Parliament. Mr Sydney Sampson, who was his mother’s brother, also served from 1906 to 1919 as a member of the House of Representatives for the electorate of Wimmera, an electorate geographically identical to the electorate of Mallee that I now represent.

Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister of Australia during this nation’s period of greatest growth and development. Political commentators and historians may wish to argue the effects of his influence upon the factors in this period but no one can deny his capacity of intellect and ingenuity and his effect on administrative stability. In these matters he has not been surpassed in Australian politics. Sir Robert Menzies has had, and will have, many monuments erected in his honour. But the most enduring monuments and achievements, however, will not be represented in granite or by plaques. The development of Canberra as the nations capital and the extension of Commonwealth responsibility into the field of education, particularly at the tertiary level, must rank as enduring policy achievements.

On Tuesday, 16 May, the councillors and staff of the Dimboola Shire meeting that day in Jeparit adjourned to the Menzies memorial erected in 1966 by the community to honour this small town’s famous son. In a short ceremony the community of today recognised a man of stature who became a great national figure and a world statesman. It recognised a lifetime of public service and the loyalty and personal sacrifice of this great man’s wife and family. To Dame Pattie, her son and daughter and to Sir Robert’s 10 grandchildren, the people of the Mallee and the Wimmera express their sincere condolences.

Mr SHIPTON:
Higgins

-I speak today as the late Sir Robert Menzies’ local member and as one whose electorate now includes part of Sir Robert’s former electorate. Much attention has been given, and properly, to his role as Prime

Minister and statesman, but I want to talk of his belief in the role of private members in this place. He had a passionate belief in the responsibility and the role of individual members of the House of Representatives. He regarded himself as a constituent, and felt that lus views, which were still strong and current, were no more important than anybody else’s views. That is the measure of the man. I am grateful for his interest in me as his local member. A man of his status and experience need not have taken an interest in the new local member but he did.

He had a great belief in this House. He was a child of it. He became a giant in it and we talk of his legend today. He was a humble person. There was a story in last Saturday’s Melbourne Sun by journalist Bruce Wilson who recalled getting Sir Robert’s autograph at the Windsor Hotel as a young man many years ago. I know of another story, that of a 12 year old girl who drove him up and down the elevator at the Windsor on two or three occasions, with an anxious mother waiting. That was the measure of the man again, that he would let this little girl take him up and down in the elevator. I know that story to be true for the girl is now my wife.

He had a continuing interest in current events, in the progress of Australia and the future of Australia. I am sorry to say that, whilst I agree with what most of the honourable member for Wills said, he was wrong in one regard: Sir Robert Menzies was still current. His thoughts were still current. His belief was in the future of Australia. But, whilst he had those views, he was not anxious to impose them on anybody; they were there for those who wished to benefit from them. His belief in this House lasted with him until the very end. When he had finished his day’s reading he listened to the broadcasts of this House. His interest in this place was paramount and with him to the very end. The spirit of Menzies was rekindled last week. Let us reflect in the weeks and months ahead and consider an appropriate national memorial or monument to him. Finally I refer to his family. In doing so Mr Speaker, I note that his daughter Heather and three of his grandchildren are in the gallery here today. It is not easy for the family of a public figure to share that public figure with the nation, but I thank Dame Pattie and his son Ken and daughter Heather for allowing the nation to share their sadness and to pay tribute to its famous son last Friday.

Mr CONNOLLY:
Bradfield

-I wish to be associated with the Prime Minister’s motion of condolence on the death of Sir Robert Menzies and to express my deep sympathy to Dame

Pattie and to his family. I had the honour to meet Sir Robert for the first time when I, too, was 12 years old. Like most of my colleagues here I grew up during the Menzies era and he always remained for us the brightest star in the Australian firmament. While we can- in fact, mustleave history to judge his works and deeds, there can be no doubt that he has earned a lasting place in the hearts of the vast majority of the Australian people. Sir Robert walked in no man’s shadow. He was the quintessence of an outstanding national leader, a man of whom we could be and were immensely proud.

Last Friday week in Sydney we inaugurated an oration, given by Lord Hailsham, in Sir Robert’s name. We wanted to do him due honour in the twilight of his life. We were not to know then how short the day would be, but happily Sir Robert did live to see that, 12 years after his retirement from public life, the people of Sydney had not forgotten him. He very kindly sent us as his representative his daughter Heather to be with us on that occasion.

Sir Robert Menzies loved poetry. As I searched for words to express my feelings adequately and to make a small contribution to his verbal epitaph on this occasion, I came upon these words, which I believe adequately express the essential characteristics of Robert Menzies, the man:

He has achieved success who: Has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, Who has gained the respect of intelligent men, the trust of women, and the love of little children, Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, Who has left the world better than he found it, Who has never lacked appreciation for earth’s beauty nor failed to express it, Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had, Whose life was an inspiration, his memory a benediction.

Mr SHORT:
Ballarat

-Mr Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Ballarat I wish to join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and other speakers in expressing our sadness at the passing of Sir Robert Menzies and extending to Dame Pattie Menzies and her family our deep sympathy on their loss. The citizens of Ballarat held a memorial service for Robert Gordon Menzies last Sunday evening in the church in which he worshipped as a boy. It was a fitting service for several reasons, but particularly because much of Robert Menzies’ formative years were closely linked with Ballarat and district, and throughout his entire life he continued a close association with and appreciation for the city. It is to this association that I would like to refer briefly today, because Robert Menzies’ grandfather settled in Ballarat on his migration from Dumfries in Scotland in 1855, and it was in Ballarat that Sir Robert’s father was born. His mother was also from the district. Her name was Kate Sampson. She was born in Creswick, a small town only 10 miles from Ballarat. Robert Menzies’ family lived in Ballarat for many years, his father being a coach painter at that time. His three elder brothers and sister were born there. His parents did not in fact move from Ballarat until about two years before his birth in 1894.

Several of Robert Menzies’ early school years were spent in Ballarat. He attended Humphrey Street primary school, which still exists and which is only 200 yards from my electorate office. He then attended Grenville College before winning scholarships to Wesley College in Melbourne and from there to Melbourne University. While attending school in Ballarat he lived with his widowed grandmother in a small cottage in the centre of the city. Robert Menzies was in later years a very frequent visitor to Ballarat, a city of which he said ‘I always come to with pleasure and leave with reluctance’- a city of which in his book Afternoon Light he said ‘had many years ago developed a civic sense of beauty, the products of which are still notable ‘.

I had the privilege of working within close range of Sir Robert Menzies during the final two years of his Prime Ministership, when I was private secretary at that time to his much-loved and loyal deputy, the late Harold Holt. Even though I was a young and very junior cog in the machine of government at that time, I shall always recall with great gratitude that Sir Robert Menzies still took the trouble to speak to me when he saw me. He was the same with all his own staff and with all those with whom he came into contact. In passing, on this occasion I would also like to extend my sympathy to Miss Hazel Craig who was a devoted secretary to Sir Robert Menzies over a very long period.

Whilst mourning the passing of Sir Robert, I do not believe that this should be a time for grief; rather, I believe that this is a time for pride and for giving thanks. As a citizen of Ballarat, I take pride in the fact that Robert Menzies’ life was so closely linked with my city. As a citizen of our nation, I give thanks that we were blessed with having in our midst a man of such ability, wisdom and dedication to improving the well being of all the citizens of Australia. He was a man to whom all Australians will say ‘Thank you. We will not easily forget you because it is unlikely we will see a man of your stature in the fullest meaning of that term pass our way again for a very longtime’.

Mr Peter Johnson:
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND · LP

-I add my support to the motion of condolence moved by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and supported by the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden). The death of a truly great Australian is a rare event, and the death of Sir Robert Gordon Menzies is such an event. Australia has lost a great statesman. His family has lost a husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Many thousands of Australians have lost a true friend, and a number of present and former members of Parliament have lost a former colleague. As I look around this House, it is with the realisation that a significant number of members from both sides of the House grew up under the Prime Ministership of Sir Robert Gordon Menzies. This wonderful man gave so much to Australia. The debt and gratitude that this nation owes are beyond measure. The most notable achievements included sound government after a terrible war, the rebuilding of Australia’s war torn industries and the development of Australia’s newly discovered riches.

The growing importance of Australia in a world context was assisted and guided by the steady, firm and sure hand of a man who had the vision and belief of what our potential as a nation and a people was. My gratitude for Sir Robert Gordon Menzies knows no bounds. I add my deepest sympathy and prayers to those offered to Dame Pattie Menzies and her family at this time of sorrow. I wish that my few words be added to those already spoken here today. I do this of my own volition and on behalf of the many people who reside in the federal division of Brisbane who knew and loved him.

Mr SPEAKER:

-It is unusual for a Speaker to accord himself the privilege of speaking in the House, but I do so today on a rather special occasion, as we all know, to support this motion of condolence. I knew Sir Robert Menzies when I was a young candidate in Fremantle, aged 22. He went out of his way to enable me to speak to an audience which was larger than I had ever seen before, let alone spoken to. He encouraged me and won from me an admiration for hum which lasted his life. I spent time with him in Melbourne Scots, a very fine organisation I will have the House know and one which is dear to me. Other people feel as deeply about it, including leading politicians such as the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and the Premier of Victoria. They were very pleasant times for us all in the company of Sir Robert.

It was my privilege to serve in his last Ministry. He had the wisdom, some would say, or he made the mistake, others would say, of asking me to be his Attorney-General. He telephoned me and said: ‘Billy, would you be willing to be my Attorney-General?’ I hesitated for about a millionth of a second and answered yes. So I was able to serve him, learn from him and carry my admiration to new pupils. He was a great man in the Cabinet. He did not dominate it other than by his sheer intellectual capacity. He gave leadership in the Cabinet. He gave leadership to the Ministers and the Parliament. Outside the Cabinet room, the ante-room was a place to which Ministers liked to go and hear from him the lore of the Parliament. Much was to be learnt there from him, for he was a great parliamentarian. This chamber had a deep significance to him in the constitutional sense, in the political sense and in the national sense. It was here that he was at his best, He recognised the importance of the institution of Parliament for the maintenance of the political stability of the nation, and he contributed to the development of this Parliament in a way which all of us might emulate.

As a parliamentarian, he deserves our thanks and appreciation. He deserves that thanks and appreciation as a national statesman. As human beings, we might remember that the greatest achievement that Australia had was during the 1950s when we evolved social standards, industrial standards and achievement standards of a kind that we had not known for a century. One needs to go back in history 100 years to the decade of the fifties of the last century and the great gold rush to find any comparable period of growth and development of the nation. In the 1950s, under his leadership, the foundation which will carry us through into a great nation of the next century was built. So much of this is due to him and his understanding of the need for Australia’s social patterns to expand, diversify and to be enriched by the great migrant flow that came to this country under his national leadership.

I had the privilege also to know his wife, Dame Pattie, a very dear lady and one who can give the same example to the wives of parliamentarians that Sir Robert Menzies himself gave to members of Parliament. I support the motion. I ask that honourable members show their approval of the motion by standing in their places.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honourable members standing in their places.

page 2340

QUESTION

SIR ROBERT MENZIES MEMORIAL TRUST

Ministerial Statement

Mr MALCOLM FRASER:
Prime Minister · Wannon · LP

– by leave- The question has arisen as to the way in which, as a nation, we might best mark and commemorate, now and for posterity, the great contribution of the late Sir Robert Gordon Menzies to the nation. There has already been enthusiastic and helpful discussion on this by some public figures and by some newspapers, and I am indebted to them. A preparatory committee has already begun work, directed to the creation of a special appeal and fund to be known as the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Trust, and I am happy to announce to the House the general direction and scope of the arrangements that are in mind.

The appeal will be established on an Australia-wide basis, and the funds resulting will be applied to objectives of a practical and continuing kind within the particular interests of Sir Robert Menzies. He had no static view of Australia and he would wish, as those who contribute will, that the funds should be spent in terms of future benefit to Australia. The objectives are still to be finally determined, but it can be said already that the fund will be designed to assist Australians of all ages- but especially the young- to obtain in serious and worthwhile directions, academic training or practical experience or opportunities to compete which they might otherwise be unable to obtain.

Some of the particular interests identified with Sir Robert Menzies and which might therefore be drawn within the purposes of the fund are the law, with particular reference to constitutional matters and Federal-State relationships, studies concerned with Australia ‘s role within the British Commonwealth and with Australia-Britain relations; studies of Australia and the United States; studies of relations between Australia and the Pacific nations. Another possibility which would have been of interest to Sir Robert Menzies and from which major benefit would accrue is to bring to Australia for public meetings or special consultations, speakers of distinction or young persons of promise and interest to us.

There are two other matters at least, one is the development of skills in the use of the English language, since we all know he loved the English tongue. The other is sport of many kinds because as he watched it and took interest, it gave him a particular and agreeable relaxation and companionship.

Although much more discussion will be needed, I am able to say now that the appeal and the fund will be under the authority of a national committee and a series of State committees.

It is my honour to have been asked to accept the office of National President. Leading Australians will be invited to accept office with me in connection with the Trust. It will be necessary, in addition, to have a strong and operative executive national committee and a series of State executive committees.

I am pleased to announce that Sir William Vines has accepted office as head of the national committee with the title of National General Chairman. Sir William Vines has a high record of achievement in Australian commercial and agricultural communities and of service to government, both Commonwealth and State, involving all political parties over a long period. He will be assisted as Deputy National General Chairman by Sir Walter Leonard.

The other members of the Executive Committee will be similarly distinguished people, representative of the States as well as the Commonwealth, and, it is hoped, from a variety of callings and backgrounds. To assist this Committee, a distinguished public servant and close confidant of Sir Robert’s for many years- Sir John Bunting- will be co-ordinator.

Sir Robert Menzies was the leader of one political party. But he was, at the same time, a representative and a leader of all the people. He sought to serve the whole community- as the fund now in mind will do and in fact must do.

page 2341

ADJOURNMENT

Mr MALCOLM FRASER:
Prime Minister · Wannon · LP

– I suggest that the House do now adjourn.

House adjourned at 3.47 p.m.

page 2342

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

The following answers to questions upon notice were circulated:

Advertising (Question No. 29)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) What sum was spent by his Department on advertising and services during the period (a) 1 1 November 1975 to 13 December 1975; (b) 14 December 1975 to 30 June 1976; (c) 1 July 1 976 to 30 June 1 977; and (d ) 1 July 1 977 to date.
  2. What was the cost of each campaign undertaken.
  3. Under which item of expenditure were funds allocated.
  4. Which advertising agencies or consultants were used for each campaign.
  5. What was the total sum paid to each agency or consultant for each campaign.
  6. ) How was each agency or consultant selected.
  7. What is the estimated cost of advertising and promotion of Government programs and services for1 977-78.
Mr Street:
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations · CORANGAMITE, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. 1 ) The sums spent by the Department on advertising and services during the periods in question were-
  1. ) The cost of each campaign undertaken was-
  1. Funds for all Departmental advertising have been allocated from the Department’s information services vote.
  1. and (5) In view of the amount of advertising placed and the time involved in extracting and preparing information for the numerous campaigns, I suggest that the honourable member contact the Director, Information Services of my Department, if he has a question on any specific campaign.
  2. All advertising was placed through the Australian Government Advertising Service or their nominated agencies as directed in Finance Circular 74/ 1 7.
  3. Departmental advertising, marketing the CES and the Government’s manpower training programs to employers, is estimated to cost $ 1 , 423,000 for 1 977-78.

Antarctic Marine Living Resources (Question No. 116)

Mr E G Whitlam:
WERRIWA, NEW SOUTH WALES

am asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

Has Australia been in touch with any countries that are not parties to the Antarctic Treaty concerning the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources pending the entry into force of the definitive regime for their conservation recommended by the Ninth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in London (2 9 September-7 October 1977).

Mr Peacock:
LP

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

Many countries have expressed their interest in the general question of the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources. Australia has been involved in some multilateral discussions about this, especially in the context of the Food and Agricultural Organisation.

However, the definitive regime which the honourable member refers to is presently being negotiated by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties. It was agreed at the Ninth Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in London last year that a Special Consultative Meeting be convened in order to elaborate a draft definitive regime. This meeting began its work in Canberra from 27 February-16 March. It will continue its task in Buenos Aires in July. Our discussions on the regime for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources have consequently been confined to the Antartic Treaty Consultative Parties.

Electoral: Allocation of Radio and Television Time to Political Parties- Northern Territory (Question No. 164)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) How much time was made available to broadcast election speeches or political advertisements in respect of each political party on each radio broadcasting station and television station in connection with the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly election on 1 3 August 1977.
  2. What was the percentage distribution of time purchased by parties and candidates on those broadcasting and television stations.
  3. What were the costs charged for this time and what was the percentage distribution of these costs between parties and candidates.
Mr Staley:
Minister for Post and Telecommunications · CHISHOLM, VICTORIA · LP

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

On the basis of information provided to the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal by licensees of commercial broadcasting and television stations, and by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the following tables have been prepared to show the details requested under parts ( 1 ), (2 ) and (3) of the question. These tables show details of radio and television broadcasts of election speeches and political advertisements for the period 14 July 1977 (date of issue of writs) to 13 August 1977.

Electoral: Allocation of Radio and Television Time to Political Parties -South Australia (Question No. 165)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) How much time was made available to broadcast election speeches or political advertisements in respect of each political party on each radio broadcasting station and tele vision station in connection with the State election in South Australia on 1 7 September 1 977.
  2. What was the percentage distribution of time purchased by parties and candidates on metropolitan and country commercial broadcasting and television stations.
  3. What were the costs charged for this time, and what was the percentage distribution of these costs between parties and candidates.
Mr Staley:
LP

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

On the basis of information provided to the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal by licensees of commercial broadcasting and television stations, and by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the following tables have been prepared to show the details requested under parts ( 1 ), (2) and

of the question. These tables show details of radio and television broadcasts of election speeches and political advertisements for the period 25 August 1977 (date of issue of writs) to 14 September 1977.

  1. ) Time purchased by parties and candidates

Shortage of Skilled Labour (Question No. 236)

Mr Willis:
GELLIBRAND, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 1 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) To which occupations does Statement No. 2, page 10, of the Budget Papers for 1977-78 refer in noting that despite the high overall incidence of unemployment, labour is reported in short supply in a number of skilled occupations.
  2. 2 ) What action is being taken to end these shortages.
Mr Street:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Labour is in short supply in a number of skilled occupations. However, these shortages are distributed over a number of locations. The skilled metal and electrical occupations are those most affected. Details of the occupations in which there are shortages are provided in the Department of

Employment and Industrial Relations’ publication ‘Employment Prospects by Industry and Occupation’, February 1978.

  1. Action to overcome the shortages is being taken through the immigration program, a number of training programs, including CRAFT, and initiatives taken by the Government to increase resources for technical education.

Unemployment Figures: Seasonal Adjustment (Question No. 237)

Mr Willis:

asked the Treasurer upon notice, on 1 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) In view of the statement by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations that the peak in unemployment at the end of January 1978 was higher than anticipated, does he still adhere to his statement reported in the Financial Review of 24 January 1978 that unemployment will start falling in seasonally adjusted terms this year.
  2. As seasonally adjusted employment figures are no longer published, how will he or anyone else know if seasonally adjusted unemployment is falling or rising.
  3. Are seasonally adjusted unemployment figures compiled although not published; if so, does he intend to recommence their publication in the near future.
Mr Howard:
Treasurer · BENNELONG, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

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

  1. 1 ) As stated in the recent Commonwealth Submission to the National Wage Case the Government’s view is that expansion of employment may well gather sufficient momentum to bring about a stabilisation and then a gradual reduction in the underlying level of unemployment as 1978 progresses.
  2. Seasonally adjusted employment figures are published by the Statistician.
  3. The Statistician is keeping the matter of seasonal adjustment of the survey unemployment series under review. I refer the honourable member to the Statistician’s latest release on survey unemployment for a discussion of the problems in the seasonal adjustment of the series.

Attorney-General’s Department; Expenditure on Travel and Subsistence (Question No. 271)

Mr Morris:
SHORTLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 1 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) What amounts of travel and subsistence expenditure of the Attorney-General’s Department were spent on (a) overseas and (b) domestic travel during 1 976-77.
  2. What percentage of total expenditure on travel and subsistence did each of these amounts represent.
  3. Did this question first appear on the Notice Paper of5 October 1977 as Question No. 1657 and remain unanswered at the dissolution of the last Parliament.
Mr Viner:
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister · STIRLING, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

– The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) The amounts expended on fares and travelling allowances excluding car hire in 1 976-77 are set out below.

    1. Overseas travel, $82,926.
    2. b ) Domestic travel, $1,1 54,039.

  2. The percentages of the Department’s expenditure on travel and subsistence, excluding car hire, were:

    1. Overseas, 6.7 per cent.
    2. Domestic, 93.3 per cent.

  3. Yes.

Attorney-General’s Department: Domestic Air Travel (Question No. 460)

Mr Bungey:
CANNING, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

What sum was paid by the Attorney-General’s Department or by Departments formerly encompassing the functions now performed by the Attorney-General’s Department, to each airline for air travel within Australian during 1976-77.

Mr Viner:
LP

– The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

Purchase of Newspapers and Publications (Question No. 483)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) How many copies of (a) each daily newspaper and (b) each weekly publication are purchased by (i) the Head Office and (ii) other offices of his Department.
  2. What was the cost of these purchases during 1976-77 .
Mr MacKellar:
Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs · WARRINGAH, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

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

I refer the honourable member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to Question No. 468 (Hansard, 4 April 1978, page 978).

Purchase of Newspapers and Publications (Question No. 493)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) How many copies of (a) each daily newspaper and (b) each weekly publication are purchased by (i) the Head Office and (ii) other offices of his Department.
  2. What was the cost of these purchases during 1976-1977.
Mr Garland:
Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Resources · CURTIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

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

I refer the honourable member to the Prime Minister’s answer to Question No. 468 (Hansard, 4 April 1978, page 978).

Government Offices: Tea Making and Distribution (Question No. 519)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Productivity, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

  1. How many (a) full-time and (b) part-time staff are employed on tea-making and distribution in (i) the Head Office and (ii) other offices of his Department .
  2. What was the cost in 1976-77 of (i) salaries and (ii) other charges in the provision of tea services in his Department.
Mr Macphee:
Minister for Productivity · BALACLAVA, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. (i) Cost in 1976-77 of salaries: $1 18,644 (Head Office $69,358, Other Offices $49,286).
  1. Cost in 1976-77 of other charges in provision of tea services: Nil (Recoverable from consumers).

Nuclear Reactor (Question No. 597)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 9 March 1978:

Are there any plans by the Government to:

de-commission the HIFAR reactor and

construct another reactor at the Australian Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Lucas Heights; if so, when will the Parliament be provided with full details of the plans including an estimate of the costs involved.

Mr Newman:
Minister for National Development · BASS, TASMANIA · LP

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

  1. and (b) There are no plans to de-commission the HIFAR reactor. The Government has however authorised the AAEC to commence a design-cost study for a new isotope production and research reactor to replace the HIFAR reactor. Such a reactor, if approved, would not be operational before the mid-1980s. No estimate of the cost and time-table of the project will be available until the design study has been completed in about 1 980-8 1 .

Defence Projects (Question No. 604)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 9 March 1 978:

Has the Government given approval to any work or undertaking which would require the application of the Approved Defence Projects Protection Act 1947; if so (a) what are the works and undertakings and (b) when was approval given for each.

Mr Killen:
Minister for Defence · MORETON, QUEENSLAND · LP

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

The Government has not given approval for any work or undertaking which would require the application of the Approved Defence Projects Protection Act 1947.

Australian Broadcasting Commission: Short Term Employment (Question No. 667)

Dr Cass:
MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 15 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) What outside contract labour has been used by the Australian Broadcasting Commission during the last 2 years.
  2. ) What has been the cost to the Commission of hiring this labour in each of those years.
Mr Staley:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The ABC regularly employs on contract or other formal short-term engagement, a wide range of talent including actors, actresses, musicians, writers, production staff, news and public affairs correspondents and cinecameramen.
  2. 1975-76-$6, 124,000; 1976-77-$5,5 17,000.

Reopening of Diplomatic Missions (Question No. 709)

Mr Hurford:
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 16 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) On what important national grounds did he seek the reopening of the Embassy to UNESCO in Paris and the Consulates at Los Angeles and Bombay (Hansard, 2 March 1978, pages 347 and 348).
  2. ) Will he table a copy of his letter to the Prime Minister recommending the reopening of those 3 posts; if not, why not, and will he outline the relevant facts given in that letter.
  3. Did his Department include any arguments advocating the reopenings in its submission to the House of Representatives Expenditure Committee prior to that Committee reporting on overseas representation in May 1 977; if not. why not.
  4. What have been the costs incurred in closing the 3 posts in the last 2 years and what are the estimated costs of the reopenings.
  5. Has his attention been drawn to a report estimating that the cost of reopening the Consulates is $440,000; if so, is there any substance in this report and what is the cost involved.
  6. Has his attention also been drawn to a report that one of the costs of the reopening of the Embassy to UNESCO was the removal of the furniture chosen by the architect from the Ambassador’s residence and its replacement by the then prospective Ambassador’s personal furniture; if so, is there any substance in this report and what was the cost involved.
Mr Peacock:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Bombay- Our relations with India in all fields have developed since 1976 and, during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of India, the Australian Government confirmed its interest in continuing to develop ties with India.

Consular, commercial and immigration activities from the areas formerly handled by the post in Bombay, have all increased since its closure in 1976. In addition, we have a major continuing commitment to aid programs in India which require administrative support. Bombay is the major Indian city apart from the capital, New Delhi, its major commercial centre and a regular port of call for Qantas services to and from Australia. Qantas has three eastward and three westward flights a week to and from Bombay, and the number of Australians travelling through has increased quite dramatically.

Reopening a Consulate-General in Bombay will provide a valuable second channel for representation and contact with Indian regional authorities and important business interests, constitute an additional consular facility for Austalian travellers, and facilitate handling of migration matters in the area.

Los Angeles- Since the Consulate-General was closed in June 1976, the expansion of Australian consular, trade, information and general political activities in the United States has meant that the Consulates-General at San Francisco and Chicago which took over the areas previously handled from Los Angeles have borne a disproportionate responsibility which is now judged handled better on the spot.

In 1976, Southern California’s trade totalled$US17.3 billion (about the same as Australia’s total trade) and 66 per cent of it was with Asia from where we face intensive and growing competition which needs to be met.

The problems associated with obtaining visas by mail from San Francisco have had some impact on our tourist potential in Southern California. The additional burden on the Australian Tourist Commission in Los Angeles needs to be relieved. At present, about 4,700 seats are available each week on flights from Los Angeles to Australia. Australian tourism to the United States (with associated consular work) is expected to increase dramatically in the next few years.

A major world exposition is to be held at Los Angeles in 1 98 1 in which Australia will need to participate if it intends to bid for the venue of Expo 88. An office of substantial status will need to be established at Los Angeles well before 1981 to provide preliminary facilities for the Australian Exhibit Organisation.

UNESCO- UNESCO is a major international organisation with more than 140 member governments and significant activities in almost every field of education, science, the social sciences, culture, communications and development. The scope of UNESCO’s programs has been steadily increasing and the extent of our own involvement in these programs has widened significantly, particularly in the Asian and Pacific region. The appointment of a full-time Ambassador will assist Australia ‘s contribution to the development of UNESCO’s future programs and help ensure that our own growing interests in these programs are reflected in them. UNESCO is the most politically sensitive of the UN Specialised Agencies and the political aspects of Australia ‘s role in the Organisation have assumed increased importance. It is appropriate that this and the other factors noted above should be recognised by the appointment of a full-time Ambassador to UNESCO.

On the withdrawal of the previous full-time Ambassador to UNESCO late in 1976 his functions reverted to the Ambassador to France.

Since that time significant areas of consultation and cooperation have opened up between Australia and France and continue to develop steadily, including our relationship with the European Communities, nuclear matters, cultural relations, defence exchanges and our interests in the South Pacific, Antarctica, the Middle East and Indochina. As a result, the Ambassador to France cannot without prejudice to his principal functions give to UNESCO the attention that its importance in the international community and its significance to Australia deserve.

  1. No. My letter to the Prime Minister is a classified document. Arguments put forward in that letter are outlined in ( 1 ) above.
  2. While no specific proposals for opening posts were made in my Department in the Review of Australia’s Overseas Representation, a set of criteria used in deciding whether to establish a mission or post was submitted. Decisions to open the posts were taken against these criteria.
  3. Financial arrangements consequent upon the closure of the posts at Los Angeles and Bombay and in regard to UNESCO are as follows:

UNESCO: No accommodation and property services costs were incurred in the withdrawal of the Ambassador to UNESCO in 1976.

The estimated accommodation and property costs involved in reopening the above posts are as follows:

  1. ) Yes. See (4) above for the actual cost of reopening.
  2. No.

Attacks on Diplomatic Premises (Question No. 767)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 4 April 1 978:

  1. 1 ) What have been the dates, places and nature of attacks on diplomatic and consular premises or representatives since his predecessor’s answer on 25 October 1972 (Hansard, page 3256; 20 April 1972, page 1869 and 16 August 1972, page 257).
  2. Have there been (a) prosecutions or (b) convictions in respect of any of the attacks.
  3. What has been the cost of (a) repairing and (b) protecting the premises of diplomatic missions and consular posts since the answer on 2 5 October 1972.
Mr Peacock:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) and (2). Details of attacks on diplomatic and consular premises or representatives since my predecessor’s answer on 25 October 1972, and prosecutions and convictions in respect of these attacks are shown in the following list.

(3)(a)$5,812;(b) Approximately $3,600,000.

Department of Education: Non-English Speaking Clients (Question No. 793)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

Which of the positions in the Department of Education have been identified as those where at least 10 per cent of the occupant’s time is spent dealing with clients in a language other than English (Hansard, 2 June 1977, page 2529, and 4 April 1978, page 969).

Mr Staley:
LP

-The Minister for Education has provided the following reply to the honourable member’s question:

The Department of Education has six positions of Assistant Grade 1 located in Darwin locally designated Home Liaison Officer. The work of these officers involves considerable contact with non-English speaking parents of students attending schools. These parents are mainly of Greek, Italian and Timorese origin and competence in any of their languages is stressed as a desirable qualification for recruitment purposes. Preference is given to applicants with the appropriate language skills. Where it is not possible to recruit persons with the appropriate language skills then every effort is made to appoint persons who can effectively communicate with non-English speaking parents despite the lack of competence in the parents ‘ native language.

In addition, there are just over 300 Aboriginals employed in the delivery of educational services who use their own vernacular as well as English in their normal duties.

Employment of Public Servants after Retirement (Question No. 797)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

When Dr W. A. S. Butement resigned as chief defence scientist did he seek or receive the approval of the then Minister for Supply to become a director of Plessey Pacific Pty Ltd.

Mr Killen:
LP

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

Dr W. A. S. Butement was Chief Scientist (not Chief Defence Scientist), Department of Supply. There is no record of Dr Butement having sought or been given approval to become a Director of Plessey Pacific Pty Ltd following his resignation from the Service on 3 1 December 1 966.

The honourable member would appreciate that there was at all relevant times no obligation on Dr Butement to seek or receive the approval of the Minister.

Transport Costs (Question No. 816)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. Did he tell me in answer to question No. 1748 (Hansard, 23 February 1977, page 406) that several studies involving the estimation of transport costs were underway, and at that stage he was unable to say whether any of the studies would result in formal reports and be tabled.
  2. If so, what is the nature of these studies.
  3. Can he now say whether any of these studies have resulted, or will result in formal reports and be tabled.
Mr Nixon:
Minister for Transport · GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. and (3) Since I detailed work being undertaken by the Department of Transport and the Bureau of Transport Economics in my answer to question No. 1748 (Hansard, 23 February 1977) two further studies have been completed and tabled. These are, ‘Cost Recovery in Australian Transport 1974-75 ‘ and the ‘Darwin and Northern Territory Freight Transport Study ‘.

Other BTE studies in progress are an updating of the Index of Road Construction Prices’ which provides a basis for determining the impact of changes in factor prices, a study of ‘Transportation of the Australian Wheat Harvest’ (now in the final stages of report preparation) and a ‘Rural Products Movement Study’ (expected to be completed later this year). I will consider the matter of publication of these reports after they have been presented to me. I have generally adopted the position that the results of BTE studies should be given as wide a circulation as possible.

Pensioners Resident Overseas (Question No. 823)

Mr Stewart:
GRAYNDLER, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) How many (a) age and (b) invalid pensions are being paid to former Australian residents living overseas.
  2. In what countries are these people living and how many are in each country.
  3. What is the total cost to the Australian taxpayer of these pensions.
  4. What are the rules covering the portability of Australian social security pensions.
Mr Hunt:
Minister for Health · GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES · NCP/NP

– The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) At 20 February 1978 (a) 6,854; (b) 2,541.

In addition, 1,188 wife’s pensions were paid overseas to wives of age and invalid pensions at that date.

  1. The latest date for which information is compiled in the form sought by the honourable member is 30 June 1977. The numbers of age and invalid pensions paid overseas, by country of residence, at that date were:
  1. 1976-77, $17,725, 160; 1977-78 (9 months), $18,450,217.
  2. The for portability of Social Services pensions are set out in Part IVAA of the Social Services Act. The general position is that a pension once granted in Australia is continued once the pensioner leaves Australia. Conditions for payment are substantially the same as apply in Australia but supplementary assistance and fringe benefits are not available abroad.

Aid to Countries Accepting Refugees (Question No. 838)

Dr Klugman:
PROSPECT, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

What financial help has the Government given or offered to other countries accepting refugees and evacuees from Indo-China and East Timor?

Mr Peacock:
LP

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

Most countries accepting refugees for permanent settlement from Indo-China and East Timor are developed countries and therefore would not require financial help from Australia.

Australian bilateral assistance to developing countries who may have accepted refugees from Indo-China and East Timor is not specifically aimed at helping those countries resettle refugees, but is intended to promote their economic and social development.

Most of Australia’s financial contributions to help with the care and re-settlement of refugees have been channelled through the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which has a mandate to seek solutions to the problems of refugees. Australia makes regular annual contributions to UNHCR and in 1978 Australia will contribute $740,000 to UNHCR ‘s General Program from which UNCHR’s worldwide refugee activities are funded. Funds are allocated from this source for assisting refugees including those from Indo-China and East Timor.

Immediately after the cessation of hostilities in IndoChina Australia contributed $4m to UNHCR programs in Indo-China in the period 1974-75. More recently, Australia has made substantial contributions to UNCHR’s Special Program for Indo-Chinese refugees in Thailand and other countries in Asia, including the boat people. In 1977, Australia contributed $ 1 m and in 1 978 $ 1 .3m.

Australia also gave $250,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1975, and $250,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross in 1 976 for the relief of refugees in East Timor and Indonesian Timor.

Pensioners: Fringe Benefits (Question No. 861)

Mr Hodgman:
DENISON, TASMANIA

asked the Minister, representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. 1) Is it a fact that when a single pensioner’s outside income exceeds $33 per week and a married pensioner couple’s income exceeds $57.50 per week, all fringe benefit entitlements of that pensioner, or pensioner couple, completely cease.
  2. If so, were the figures of $33 and $57.50 per week set in 1973.
  3. Have the figures been subject to any review by the Government or any other body since that date to take into account increases in the cost of living.
  4. Has consideration been given to the introduction of a scheme to taper-off fringe benefits as soon as income reaches a specified figure instead of the present system whereby all fringe benefits cease immediately the figures of $33 and $57.50 a week are exceeded.
  5. Is it a fact that persons in receipt of State superannuation are, with the exception of New South Wales, not permitted to renounce their increases of superannuation where to accept an increase would lead to forfeiture of all pensioner fringe benefit entitlements.
  6. In view of the widespread use of the pensioner medical service card for transport concessions, local government rates rebates, etc and the obvious injustice of the present system where many pensioners who have enjoyed fringe benefits over a number of years suddenly lose them as the direct result of a superannuation increase, to which a prudent spouse has contributed many thousands of dollars over many years of working life, will the Government give urgent consideration to reviewing the present system in pre-Budget discussions with a view to (a) substantially increasing the present levels of $33 and $57.50 respectively, (b) possibly indexing the figures to take into account future increases in the cost of living and (c) possibly introducing a tapering-off system whereby pensioners do not lose all fringe benefit entitlements in one fell swoop.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. Entitlement to Commonwealth pensioner fringe benefits ceases when income, other than pension, reaches $33 a week for a single person or $57.50 a week for a married couple.
  2. Yes.
  3. Yes.
  4. Yes. Because of the nature of the services and concessions available to pensioners holding a Pensioner Health Benefit card, there would be major difficulties in providing for entitlements to be ‘tapered’ as non-pension income increases; the proposal would also involve additional cost to revenue. Alternative options relating to fringe benefit entitlement are under consideration by my Department.
  5. 5 ) The question whether persons receiving State superannuation are permitted to renounce increases in their superannuation is a matter solely for the State Governments. It is understood that the New South Wales and Victorian State Superannuation Boards have discretionary power to withhold superannuation increases or part thereof.
  6. Matters relating to eligibility for pensioner fringe benefits will be reviewed in the context of the 1978-79 Budget, along with the whole range of programs of Government expenditure.

Defence Establishments: Housing (Question No. 867)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 6 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) What expenditure has been incurred by his Department for maintenance and improvements to existing domestic accommodation used by the Defence Services at the (a) Holsworthy, (b) Moorebank and (c) Ingleburn areas, since December 1975.
  2. By what percentage have the rents increased for the different categories of accommodation involved.
  3. How many houses have had running hot water both in kitchens and bathrooms separately installed after completion.
  4. How often are houses inspected for repairs and improvements.
  5. How many complaints have been received from servicemen and their families in relation to the standard of accommodation available.
Mr Killen:
LP

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

On the assumption that ‘domestic accommodation ‘ means housing my reply to the question is:

1 ) In that context the expenditure incurred by the Department of Defence on maintenance and improvements to housing in the Holsworthy, Moorebank and Ingleburn areas since December 1 975 is $354,648. (Note the figures cover the period January 1976 to June 1978 and include estimated expenditure to the end of the financial year 1977-78).

Initial Group Rent Scheme (GRS) rents were levied in April 1976 based on costs as at December 1975. An increase in rents, in the order of 40 per cent, was applied in June 1977. No increase in rents has been made in 1978 but Cabinet has approved increases of 9.6 per cent to be applied in July 1978.

Under GRS there are seven groups into which all service married accommodation is grouped. Rents for each group by year and percentage increases are as follows:

  1. (a) No Commonwealth owned married quarters have required the installation of hot water in kitchens and bathrooms after completion.

    1. Of the NSW Housing Commission houses occupied by Army personnel in the Holsworthy, Moorebank and Ingleburn area, 467 required modification to extend the hot water services to the kitchen and laundry. Work has been progressing on this since January 1977 and should be completed by the end of 1 978.

  2. (a) All Commonwealth owned dwellings are inspected annually by Army housing staff and on change of tenancy. Further inspections occur for cyclical maintenance purposes. Tenants may request urgent and minor maintenance as the occasion arises.

    1. In respect of NSW Housing Commission dwellings, Commission representatives inspect the premises annually and on change of tenancy. Again individual tenants may request attention to urgent and minor maintenance by the Commission through local Army housing staff.

  3. It is not possible to provide statistics relating to complaints received about the standard of accommodation but under the Group Rent Scheme tenants have the right of appeal against the rental charged for the dwelling they occupy. Since the appeals system was introduced in early 1977 there have been six appeals from tenants in the Holsworthy, Moorebank, Ingleburn areas.

Social Security Benefits, Kingston Electoral Division (Question No. 869)

Mr Chapman:
KINGSTON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister, representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 6 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) How many persons in the Electoral Division of Kingston currently receive pensions or other benefits from the Department of Social Security.
  2. How many persons are receiving each type of pension or benefit.
  3. How much in total is being paid for each type of pension or benefit for recipients in the Electoral Division of Kingston.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1) It is estimated that at 30 June 1977 there were 14,160 persons in receipt of Social Security pensions in the Electoral Division of Kingston. In addition, it is estimated that as at August 1977 there were 2,270 unemployment, sickness and special benefit recipients in the Electoral Division of Kingston. This represents the latest information available.

(2)-

  1. Information showing the amount of expenditure on pensions and benefits in the Electoral Division of Kingston is not available.

Veterans’ Pensions, Kingston Electoral Division (Question No. 871)

Mr Chapman:

asked the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, upon notice, on 6 April 1 978:

  1. 1 ) How many persons in the Electoral Division of Kingston currently receive pensions from the Department of Veterans ‘Affairs.
  2. How many persons are receiving each type of pension.
  3. How much in total is being paid for each type of pension for recipients in the Electoral Division of Kingston.
Mr Garland:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) There are 5,857 people in the Division of Kingston in receipt of pensions from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
  2. The number of persons in receipt of each type of pension is shown in the table below. It should be noted that these figures are not mutually exclusive, as some pensioners are in receipt of more than one type of pension.
  1. The information requested is not readily available in the form sought. The total amount of fortnightly pensions paid to recipients in the Electoral Division of Kingston is $332,943.__

New Zealand Peas and Beans (Question No. 881)

Mr Lloyd:
MURRAY, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 7 April 1 978:

Has his Department received any complaints about alleged dumping of New Zealand peas and beans which is contrary to the spirit of NAFTA and the special Pea and Bean Panel; if so, what action has been taken.

Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

Concern has been expressed to my Department and to myself regarding the low prices at which frozen peas from New Zealand have recently been sold or offered for sale to Australian importers.

The action taken in this matter is recorded in the answer given by the Minister for Trade and Resources to question No. 880 which appeared on page 1948 of the House of Representatives Hansard of 5 May 1978.

Mr Wiley Fancher: Payment of Telephone Accounts (Question No. 896)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 7 April 1978:

On what dates, by what persons and in what amounts have payments been made to Telecom in respect of the $ 1 7,000 debt incurred in Australia and overseas in the name of Mr Bjelke-Petersen’s emissary, Mr Wiley Fancher (Hansard, 10 November 1976, page 2S18, 7 December 1976, page 3458, 10 March 1977, page 131, 31 March 1977, page 882, 2 June 1977, page 2603, 14 September 1977, page 1150, 15September 1977, page 1165, 13 October 1977,page 2056 and 2 November 1977, page 2746).

Mr Staley:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

I am advised that the Australian Telecommunications Commission does not disclose details of telephone accounts and their payment on the basis that these should be treated as being in commercial confidence. This is of course except for those disclosures which are necessary for legal action to recover unpaid accounts. I understand that this was the position also taken by preceding Ministers responsible for these matters.

Pensioners: Fringe Benefits (Question No. 897)

Mr Neil:
ST GEORGE, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister, representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 10 April 1978:

How many persons in each of the age groups (a) 65, (b) 66, (c) 67, (d) 68 and (e) 69 years whose income in addition to the pension exceeds the fringe benefits means test level of $33 per week per single person or $57 per week per married couple, receive a part pension.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

The following table outlines statistics of fringe benefit eligibility for age and invalid pensioners aged 65 to 69 years as at 26 December 1977. Corresponding information in respect of widow pensioners is not available. As at 26 December 1977 there were 3, 100 widows aged 65 to 69 years, of whom an estimated 3,000 were eligible for fringe benefits.

Housing for Army Personnel, Ingleburn Area (Question No. 912)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 1 1 April 1 978:

  1. 1 ) How many service dwellings have been provided in the Ingleburn area (a) by the New South Wales Housing Commission under the Housing Agreements and (b) by direct Commonwealth purchase or construction.
  2. How many dwellings in each category (a) conform to or (b) are being brought to the Services’ Scales and Standards of Married Quarters.
Mr Killen:
LP

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

  1. 1) (a) The NSW Housing Commission has provided 61 houses for Army personnel in the Ingleburn area under Commonwealth-State Housing Agreements.

    1. The Commonwealth has purchased or constructed a total of 230 married quarters in the Ingleburn area.

  2. (a) (i) All 6 1 houses of the New South Wales Housing Commission in the Ingleburn area have been improved to an acceptable standard, although in most houses the toilet and bathroom are not separate as required by Services Scales and Standards of Accommodation.

    1. Of the 230 Commonwealth owned married quaters 56 conform to current scales and standards of accommodation 2 requires some work to bring them up to standard and this will be undertaken as soon as practicable 172 are prefabricated houses erected in the period 1950-1958. Where it is considered economical to do so they will be brought up to standard and this work is expected to commence this month-. Where it is considered uneconomical to undertake upgrading, consideration will be given to providing replacement housing.

Health: Provision of Full Information to Patients (Question No. 949)

Mr Barry Jones:
LALOR, VICTORIA · ALP

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Has his attention been drawn to a document entitled The Patients’ Bill of Rights’ issued by the Medical Consumers ‘ Association of New South Wales.
  2. ) If so, does the document assert that a patient is entitled to full information on the state of his or her health and the treatment undertaken. .
  3. Will he arrange for this or a similar document to be provided for all hospital patients upon, or prior to, hospital entry.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The answer to the . honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) Yes, although as I understand it, the document is still a draft.
  2. Yes.
  3. 3 ) The distribution of the Association ‘s document, or any similar document, to hospital patients would be a matter for the health authorities that administer public hospitals and for the boards of management of private hospitals. The Medical Consumers’ Association of NSW should, therefore, approach these organisations. However, I might add that the Australian Council on Hospital Standards, on which the Commonwealth is represented, aims to promote, through its voluntary hospital accreditation scheme, improved quality of patient care in Australian hospitals. Guidelines that pay increasing attention to staff/patient relationships are being developed within the accreditation scheme.

Defence Service Homes (Question No. 1012)

Mr Armitage:
CHIFLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

Why do ex-servicewomen fail to qualify for Defence Service Homes loans when they fulfil the same criteria as exservicemen who are eligible under the Defence Service Homes Scheme.

Mr Garland:
LP

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

The provision of the Defence Service Homes Act apply equally to men and women. Accordingly, ex-servicemen and women are required to meet the same qualifying conditions.

Ministerial Travel Overseas (Question No. 1013)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

Has he travelled overseas since 1 1 November 1975.

Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

Yes.

Ministerial Travel Overseas (Question No. 1014)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

Has he travelled outside Australia by aeroplane or a ship since 1 1 November 1-975.

Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

Yes.

Ministerial Travel Overseas (Question No. 1017)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 3 May 1 978:

Has he travelled overseas since 1 1 November 1 975.

Mr Killen:
LP

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

Yes.

Ministerial Travel Overseas (Question No. 1018)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 3 May 1 978:

Has he travelled outside Australia by aeroplane or ship since 1 1 November 1975.

Mr Killen:
LP

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

Yes.

Nuclear Waste Disposal and Storage (Question No. 65)

Mr Uren:
REID, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 22 February 1 978:

  1. Has the Australian Atomic Energy Commission conducted any studies into nuclear waste disposal or storage in Central Australia.
  2. Does the Government have any knowledge of any private companies which may have conducted studies into nuclear waste disposal or storage in Central Australia; if so, which Commonwealth Government Departments have knowledge or oversight of these research projects.
Mr Newman:
LP

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

  1. No.
  2. I am not aware of any private companies which have conducted studies into nuclear waste disposal or storage in Central Australia.

Australians of South Sea Island Descent (Question No. 139)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) Did the Royal Commission on Human Relationships (a) report that Australians of South Sea Island descent are not eligible for the special benefits introduced for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in fields such as education, health and housing unless they claim to be Aboriginals, a claim which many feel is a denial of their own origin and (b) recommend that action should be taken to extend to them eligibility for benefits now available to Aboriginals.
  2. When did his Department receive the Royal Commission’s report and recommendation.
  3. When was the interdepartmental committee on South Sea Islanders established.
  4. What departments and authorities were represented on it.
  5. ) What were its terms of reference.
  6. When did it report.
  7. When will its report be tabled.
  8. Have the reports of the Royal Commission and interdepartmental committee been furnished to the Queensland Government; if so, when.
  9. What steps have been taken to remove the hardships and anomalies which the Royal Commission and interdepartmental committee found.
Mr Viner:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. Yes.
  2. My Department obtained a copy of the Royal Commission’s report on 7 December 1977.
  3. The interdepartmental committee on South Sea Islanders was established in 1 975 on the initiative of the then Prime Minister, the Hon. E. G. Whitlam. Following the 1975 election, approval to continue the operation of the Committee was given by the Minister for Social Security in April 1976.
  4. The IDC comprised the Departments of Social Security (convenor), Prime Minister and Cabinet, Employment and Industrial Relations, Education and Aboriginal Affairs.

  5. The terms of reference of the Committee were as follows:

    1. to estimate the numbers of South Sea Islanders in Australia and examine their demographic distribution;
    2. to assess the economic and local characteristics of the Islanders and to decide if they are in any way disadvantaged as a group, relatively to other groups in the Australian community; and
    3. to evaluate their special needs, if any, and to recommend appropriate forms of government assistance to meet their needs.
  6. 6) The IDC reported to the Minister for Social Security in July 1977.
  7. and (9) I understand that the Minister for Social Security is now considering possible action arising from the report of the IDC on South Sea Islanders and its recommendations and will be making an announcement soon.
  8. 8 ) As the Government is still considering the report of the IDC the Queensland Government has not been given a copy of the report. I understand that the report of the Royal Commission was furnished to the Queensland Government early in December 1977.

Registration of Births and Deaths: Identification of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (Question No. 140)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

Following discussions which the Government has had with authorities in all States on the separate identification of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the births and deaths notification forms used by the various State governments, which States have agreed to introduce the necessary changes (Hansard, 12 October 1977, page 2054).

Mr Viner:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

None of the States have introduced changes in their birth and death notification forms so that Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders may be separately identified. Several of the States, however, have suggested that they will follow the Federal Government’s lead in this matter. In this connection, the Minister for the Northern Territory has advised the Minister for Health that appropriate amendments to birth and death notification forms in use in the Territory could be effected by administrative action. Accordingly, the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the Northern Territory is in the process of adjusting the information sheets so that Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders may be separately identified. An amendment to the Australian Capital Territory Registration of Births and Marriages Ordinance 1963 is required to enable Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders to be identified. My colleague the Minister for the Capital Territory has informed me that a Bill for an Ordinance is being drafted for presentation to the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly.

Copyright (Question No. 169)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) Was the previous Attorney-General seeking a general agreement by Ministers for Education, vice-chancellors of universities, principals of colleges of advanced education, authors, librarians, publishers and the Copyright Council on the copying of authors’ publications in educational institutions.
  2. If so, what progress has the present Attorney-General achieved in this matter.
Mr Viner:
LP

-The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s questions:

  1. The report of the Copyright Law Committee on Reprographic Reproduction (the Franki Committee) contained certain proposals with regard to the copying of authors’ publications in educational institutions. My predecessor as Attorney-General took steps to explore with the persons and groups mentioned the question whether a consensus existed in regard to the proposals or was achievable.
  2. While there is a large measure of agreement, differing views are held on some aspects of the matter. 1 am hopeful however that the Government will soon be able to introduce legislation that will receive support from most of the interested persons and groups.

Taxation and Estate Duty: Gifts of Works of Art (Question No. 174)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Home Affairs, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

Did the interdepartmental committee which was set up in October 1975 to investigate taxation concessions or other incentives to encourage the arts and their patrons and which reported in May 1977 consider (a) allowing gifts of works of art for exhibition in parks or squares or buildings open to the public as deductions for income tax purposes or (b) exempting bequests of this kind from estate duty (Hansard, 8 November 1977, page 3139, question No. 1213 (3) ).

Mr Ellicott:
Minister for Home Affairs · WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

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

In conformity with the practice of previous Governments, the matters considered by Interdepartmental Committees and their reports are not normally made public. The scheme adopted by the Government applies only to public art galleries, libraries and museums. In response to a question from the honourable member on 13 April 1978 I indicated that difficulties would arise in drawing the line in relation to tax deductions if the scheme was extended to include public places and buildings.

I believe it would be beneficial to the community however, if the institutions participating in the scheme of Tax Incentives for the Arts were to set aside suitable material from their collections which would be available for display in parks, squares or buildings open to the public.

A proposal for an Art Bank, which I am currently considering, might be a better medium for assisting greater public access to works of art and other cultural material. I hope that we can advance the establishment of an Art Bank in the ensuing 12 months and I will ensure that the honourable member ‘s suggestion is carefully considered.

The Government has already announced that estate duty will be abolished in relation to all property in the estates of persons who die on or after I July 1 979.

Electoral: Campaign Expenditure (Question No. 242)

Mr Young:
PORT ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 1 March 1978:

In respect of the declarations required under section 1 5 1 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, will the Minister supply the following information concerning each Minister of the present Government: (a) what sum did each Minister receive in donations during the 1977 election campaign, (b) what sum did each Minister spend on his campaign in his electoral division, or, in the case of senators, in his State, (c) does any Minister know of any sum spent by his political party or by any person on his behalf during the 1977 campaign; if so, what were the amounts, (d) did each Minister spend any sum on (i) newspaper, (ii) radio and (iii) television advertisements; if so, what are the details, (e) what was the cost of printing each Minister’s how-to-vote cards and (f) what was the cost of the printing and distribution of other literature on the Minister’s behalf throughout his electoral division, or in the case of senators, his State, during the campaign.

Mr Street:
LP

– The Minister for Administrative Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

I refer the honourable member to my answer to Question No. 200 (House of Representatives Hansard, 30 March 1976, page 1162).

Prohibited Imports: Preventive Measures (Question No. 329)

Mr Lionel Bowen:
KINGSFORD-SMITH, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 1 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) Are search teams available at Port Kembla to locate prohibited imports; if not, why not.
  2. Was the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare in 1976 informed of the intelligence, surveillance and legal enforcement work carried out by the preventative section of his Department; if not, why not.
  3. Has there been a change of emphasis within his Department which has lessened the role of the prevention screen function since the evidence was given to the Senate Standing Committee.
  4. How many aircraft passengers who entered and left Australia in 1977 were subject to a body search for narcotics or other restricted goods.
  5. How many complete body searches were made as against a mere supervisory search.
  6. Is the dog drug detection unit restricted in particular to baggage halls and/or passenger terminals; if so, what other detection operations are taken to locate narcotics or other restricted goods.
  7. How many pre-clearances were issued for cargo before arrival in Australia during 1977.
  8. Was this cargo searched for prohibited imports upon or after arrival in Australia; if so, what percentage volume of cargo was searched.
  9. Are special enforcement officers the only personnel authorised to give pre-clearances; if not, what guarantees are there that the cargo has been properly cleared to prevent unauthorised entry of goods.
  10. 10) Does the Government have in mind the use of preventative officers on military vessels and aircraft to act in respect of civil matters such as illegal immigration, fishing, smuggling, illegal ship or aircraft entries.
Mr Fife:
Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs · FARRER, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. Search teams, as such, are not maintained at Port Kembla. Where, in accordance with assessed priorities, intelligence suggests an increase in activity, be it searching or patrolling, additional resources are deployed from Sydney.
  2. In the evidence submitted, the Department outlined the areas of its functional responsibility, including intelligence surveillance, employed in combating the illegal drug traffic into Australia namely-

Narcotics Bureau

Prevention Operations Group

Coastal Air & Sea Operations Support Group

Central Intelligence & Information Bureau

Automatic Data Processing Branch

  1. No.
  4. No, detector dogs also operate at the mail exchange, on the waterfront (including vessels) in freight sheds, container terminals and other places.
  5. Apart from a limited trial with Sydney KingsfordSmith air cargo which has now finished, the only formal preclearance arrangement is for certain New Zealand goods. During 1 977 the number of lines of cargo making use of this facility totalled thirty-one thousand two hundred and fortyeight.
  6. Experienced officers check documentation for New Zealand goods covered by the scheme for community protection aspects which include prohibited imports. There is also a system of programmed physical checks for imported cargo generally.
  7. No, release of cargo whether pre-cleared or otherwise is a clerical function. Additionally, importers must obtain permission to participate in the pre-clearance scheme and a requirement for them is to enter and pay duty on goods within seven days of arrival. Failure to observe requirements may result in the permission being withdrawn. Post-audit systems are in operation in the three Australian ports through which the scheme operates to ensure that the correct entry documentation is produced.
  8. Preventive officers are involved in the use of Defence Vehicles from time to time in pursuing specific Customs alert situations.

Insurance (Question No. 338)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) Which companies which were already carrying on insurance business at 1 August 1974 and therefore were entitled to carry on business under the Insurance Act 1 973 unless refused an authority have since been refused an authority.
  2. Which companies which were not carrying on insurance business as at I August 1974 have applied for an authority.
  3. Which of these applications have been (a) granted and (b) refused.
Mr Howard:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The following are companies which were carrying on insurance business at 1 August 1974 and have subsequently been refused an authority under the Insurance Act 1973 to carry on insurance business:

Atlantic Underwriters Pty Limited

The Bell Insurance Co Pty Ltd

J & T Gun Insurers Proprietary Limited

Institute of Mercantile Agents Limited

Mill Insurance Company Limited

Saltergate Insurance Pty Limited

Victorian Wheatgrowers Corporation Limited- (Trad ing as Wheatgrowers and General Insurance Company).

  1. The following are companies which were not carrying on insurance business as at 1 August 1974 and have applied for an authority under the Act to carry on insurance business:

All States Insurance Company Pty Limited

Ansvar Australia Insurance Limited

Appalachian Insurance Company

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

Australian American Assurance Company Limited

Bishopsgate Insurance Australia Ltd formerly The Steadfast Insurance Company Limited

Canberra Insurance Company Proprietary Limited

The Chiyoda Fire & Marine Insurance Company

Limited

DJ’s Finance Insurance Limited

The Eastern United Assurance Corporation Limited

English & American Insurance Company Limited

The Exchange Insurance Limited

FM Insurance Company Limited

General Surety & Guarantee Co Limited

Kemper Insurance Company Limited

Mutual Acceptance (Insurance ) Limited

Norwich Winterthur Insurance Australia Limited

Palmdale-AGCI Limited

RACV General Insurance Pty Ltd

Royal Insurance Australia Limited

The Security and General Reinsurance Company Limited

Sentry (UK) Insurance Company Limited

Service Extension Insurance Pty Ltd

Sphere Insurance Company Limited

Storebrand International Reinsurance Company of

Australia Pty Limited

Unione Italiana de Riassicurazione

The Western Australian Insurance Company Limited.

  1. Of the companies listed in (2) above, All States Insurance Company Pty Limited was refused an authority under the Act to carry on insurance business and the following have been granted an authority:

Ansvar Australia Insurance Limited

Appalachian Insurance Company

Australian American Assurance Company Limited

Bishopsgate Insurance Australia Ltd formerly The Steadfast Insurance Company Limited

Canberra Insurance Company Proprietary Limited

The Chiyoda Fire & Marine Insurance Company Limited

The Eastern United Assurance Corporation Limited

English & American Insurance Company Limited

FM Insurance Company Limited

Kemper Insurance Company Limited

Mutual Acceptance (Insurance) Limited

Norwich Winterthur Insurance Australia Limited

Palmdale-AGCI Limited

RACV General Insurance Pty Ltd

Royal Insurance Australia Limited

The Security and General Reinsurance Company

Limited

Sentry (UK) Insurance Company Ltd

Service Extension Insurance Pty Ltd

Sphere Insurance Company Limited

Storebrand International Reinsurance Company of Australia Pty Limited

Unione Italiana de Riassicurazione.

Reciprocal Enforcement of Court Judgments (Question No. 342)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 2 March 1 978:

With which countries have arrangements been made for the reciprocal enforcement of court judgments. (Hansard, 16 February 1971, page 92, and 31 May 1972, page 3372).

Mr Peacock:
LP

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

I am informed that Australian States and Territories have entered into arrangements under their respective legislation for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments with the following ‘ countries ‘-in the terms of the relevant legislation.

page 2360

TASMANIA

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Endorsement) Act 1962

Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Western Samoa.

page 2360

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance 1955

Bahamas, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Honduras, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies, (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Western Samoa.

page 2360

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Countries proclaimed pursuant to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance 1954

Bahamas, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Honduras, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Western Samoa.

page 2360

VICTORIA

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments Act 1962

Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Western Samoa.

page 2360

QUEENSLAND

Countries declared pursuant to the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act 1959

Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St Helena, St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island, Western Samoa.

page 2360

NEW SOUTH WALES

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1973

Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Western Samoa.

page 2360

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments Act 1971

Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Columbia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands and Dependencies (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Group), Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gibraltar, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Manitoba, Montserrat, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla, St Helena (with Ascension and Tristan de Cunha), St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Western Samoa.

page 2360

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Countries declared pursuant to the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1962-1965

Antigua, Bahamas, Basutoland, Bechuanaland, Bermuda, British Honduras, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Federal Republic of Germany, Fiji, France, Ghana, Gilbert Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Zealand, Norfolk Islands, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saint Christopher, Nevis and Anguilla, St Lucia, St Vincent, Saskatchewan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Western Samoa.

Artificial Insemination (Question No. 370)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 7 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) Has the Attorney-General ‘s attention been drawn to the article entitled ‘The law and artificial insemination with donor semen (AID)’ by Dominica Whelan, barrister-at-law, Family Court of Australia, in the Medical Journal of Australia of 14 January 1978.
  2. If so, will the Attorney-General raise the legal problems involved with the State Attorneys-General with a view to amending legislation relating to the status of children as recommended by the author.
Mr Viner:
LP

– The Attorney-General has provided the following answers to the honourable member’s questions:

  1. Yes.
  2. The subject of artificial insemination was considered by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General in February 1978. The legal, medical and social issues arising from the practice of artificial insemination are extremely complex and warrant investigation by a law reform commission. Commonwealth and State Ministers with responsibilities for health and welfare matters are currently being consulted on appropriate terms of reference for such an inquiry.

The Standing Committee also has under consideration, as a separate exercise, a review of existing State legislation on the status of children to see whether a uniform approach is possible. Furthermore, the Commonwealth is currently preparing legislation to abolish the status of illegitimacy for the purpose of Commonwealth legislation and in the Australian Capital Territory.

Department of the Treasury: Domestic Air Travel (Question No. 446)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

What sum was paid by his Department, or by departments formerly encompassing the functions now performed by his Department, to each airline for air travel within Australia during 1976-77.

Mr Howard:
LP

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

Payments in 1 976-77 as shown in the accounting records of my Department were:

The foregoing figures include payments on account of Treasury Central, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Taxation Office, Taxation Boards of Review,

Valuation Boards, the Foreign Investment Review Board and the Insurance Tribunal.

Department of Aboriginal Affairs: Domestic Air Travel (Question No. 452)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

What sum was paid by his Department, or by Departments formerly encompassing the functions now performed by his Department, to each airline for air travel within Australia during 1976-77.

Mr Viner:
LP

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

Payments made to airlines in 1976-77 as shown in the accounting records of my Department were:

Department of Business and Consumer Affairs: Domestic Air Travel (Question No. 462)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

What sum was paid by his Department, or by departments formerly encompassing the functions now performed by his Department, to each airline for air travel within Australia during 1976-77.

Mr Fife:
LP

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

(1)-

  1. ) Charter flights undertaken by the Department are not included in the above figures.

Government Offices: Tea Making and Distribution (Question No. 520)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 9 March 1978.

  1. How many (a) full-time and (b) part-time staff are employed on tea-making and distribution in (i) the head office and (ii) other offices of his Department.
  2. What was the cost in 1976-77 of (i) salaries and (ii) other charges in the provision of tea services in his Department.
Mr Fife:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. (i) Head office-10 full-time attendants, (ii) Other- 1 full-time attendant- 10 part-time attendants.
  2. (i) $1 14,309.48. (ii) Other than salaries, there are no significant direct expenditures associated with tea and coffee making. There are some small administrative costs but these are not readily identifiable.

Statutory Rural Marketing Authorities : Interest Charged on Advances (Question No. 531)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 8 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) What rates of interest have been charged by the Rural Credits Department of the Reserve Bank for advances to statutory rural marketing authorities during the last 4 years.
  2. Did he receive representations from the Australian Wheatgrowers Federation in February 1978 requesting a reduction 1 per cent in interest; if so, what action has been taken on the representations.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. Since July 1974 the range of rates charged by the Rural Credits Department of the Reserve Bank for advances to statutory rural marketing authorities has been 9.3-10.0 per cent per annum. The range of rates prior to that was 7.0-7.2S per cent per annum; that range applied from September 1973.
  2. ) Representations on this matter have been made by the Australian Wheatgrowers Federation to the Minister for Primary Industry, who has referred them to me. I expect to be sending a reply shortly.

National Trachoma and Eye Health Program (Question No. 608)

Dr Everingham:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 9 March 1978:

  1. Did he receive a request or requests from the Queensland Premier to have two field workers suspended or sacked from the national trachoma survey and eye health program in late 1977; if so, what was the substance of the Premier’s complaints against field workers in the program.
  2. ) What action did he take in response to the complaints.
Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) and (2) It is in accordance with usual practice that the nature of communications which may or may not have passed between a Prime Minister and a Premier should be treated as confidential. My Government is keen to see the fight against trachoma pursued vigorously. However, as already pointed out to you by the Minister for Health in answer to your question upon notice No. 646 (Hansard, 5 April 1978, page 1082), it is essential for such a program to be effective to have the co-operation of the relevant State Authorities. It is expected that the program will recommence in Queensland on 17 May 1978.

Building Societies: Insurance of Deposits (Question No. 671)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 15 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) Which department provides the chairman of the interdepartmental committee on the insurance of deposits with building societies (Hansard, 8 March 1978, page S02).
  2. ) What are its terms of reference.
  3. When was it established.
  4. ) When is it expected or required to report.
  5. 5 ) Is it authorised to consider the proclamation of Pan IV of the Financial Corporations Act 1 974 which covers permanent building societies (Hansard, 18 March 1976, pages 771-2; 6 April 1976, page 1337; 5 October 1977, page 1622; 18 October 1977, page 2062 and 26 October 1977, page 2387).
Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) and (2) Treasury provides the chairman of a working party that has been established to report generally on the matter of a deposits insurance scheme.
  2. The working party was constituted on 17 February 1978.
  3. While no specific date has been set for the working party to report, it can be expected to report at the earliest date consistent with full discussion and consultation with officers of the State Governments and financial institutions.
  4. The question of Proclamation of Part IV of the Financial Corporations Act is not encompassed within the working party’s task.

Housing Outlays (Question No. 677)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Environment, Housing and Community Development, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 978:

Why were Federal Government outlays on housing $24,300,000 smaller in the 8 months to 28 February 1978 than in the 8 months to 28 February 1977.

Mr Groom:
Minister Assisting the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations · BRADDON, TASMANIA · LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

The net reduction estimated at the time of the Budget is more than accounted for by the run-down in expenditure on housing by the Darwin Reconstruction Commission and the functional re-classification for budget purposes of some other expenditure on housing in the Northern Territory. Expenditure on housing that is financed from the allocation in 1 977-78 to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly is accounted for under the General Public Services function rather than the Housing function.

Natural Disaster Insurance Scheme (Question No. 680)

Mr Jacobi:
HAWKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 15 March 1978:

In view of the fact that a Natural Disaster Insurance Scheme has been under intensive examination since February 1974, when can Australia expect concrete proposals relating to a viable Natural Disaster Insurance Scheme to be tabled in the Parliament.

Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

Work is proceeding in accordance with the arrangements announced in Parliament on 8 December 1976 by the then Minister Assisting the Treasurer, Mr Eric Robinson. The Technical Committee established to undertake relevant technical examinations has recently completed a report and the Working Party, which is co-ordinating work and policy advice on this matter, is in the process of assessing that report. A Mitigation Committee has also been established to provide advice on appropriate mitigation policies directed at improving natural hazard risks. The Mitigation Committee, which includes State and local government representatives in view of their significant responsibilities in this field, is in the early stages of operation and it will be some time before the first results of that Committee ‘s work will be available.

At this stage it is not possible to provide an indication as to when the Government will be in a position to announce firm decisions. I should stress that the matter is a highly complex one.

Lucas Heights Atomic Research Establishment: Apprentices (Question No. 688)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 15 March 1978:

What has been the annual intake on a trade category basis of apprentices at Lucas Heights Atomic Research Establishment since the project ‘s inception.

Mr Newman:
LP

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

Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing (Question No. 699)

Mr Uren:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 16 March 1978:

  1. 1 ) Did he state in reply to a question without notice on 14 March 1978 dealing with nuclear fuel reprocessing, that if the United Kingdom does proceed with a reprocessing plant at Windscale it does not run counter to the fuel cycle evaluation program or the Australian Government’s nuclear safeguards policy.
  2. Did he also say that President Caner’s more recent actions have been moving in the same direction; if so, will he give details of where President Carter made his public statements reversing his policy of opposition to the reprocessing of nuclear fuel waste.
Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

  1. The International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Evaluation (INFCE) is studying how nuclear power could help to meet the world’s energy needs without compromising nonproliferation objectives. Reprocessing and plutonium management and recycling are amongst the topics under study.

The British Foreign Secretary, Dr Owen, has noted that INFCE is scheduled for completion in 1980 and that, since the proposed Windscale plant would take at least ten years to come into operation, this will allow the outcome of INFCE to be taken into account.

As to Australia’s safeguards policy, this is not affected by a British decision to proceed with a new reprocessing plant. It is a firm condition of the supply of Australian uranium that we retain the right of prior consent to any reprocessing of nuclear material derived from that uranium.

  1. When I referred to President Carter’s policy, I referred to safeguards. On 10 March President Carter signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act passed by Congress, which legislates for safeguards provisions similar to the Australian safeguards policy which I announced in this House on 24 May 1977.

Pensioner Health Benefits: Hearing Aid Attachments for Telephones (Question No. 764)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister, representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 4 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) What concessions or assistance measures are provided for persons entitled to pensioner health benefits.
  2. In particular, what concessions or assistance measures are provided for the installation of hearing aid equipment on telephones.
  3. If no such concessions or assistance measures for the installation of hearing aid equipment on telephones are provided will the Government consider taking steps to provide concessions or assistance.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) All holders of Pension Health Benefit cards, including those with hearing difficulties, may qualify for the following Commonwealth Government concessions:

Exemption from the Medibank Levy; Pharmaceutical concessions; Hearing Aid and Optometrical concessions; Reduced Telephone Rental; Reduced fares on Commonwealth Railways, Commonwealth Omnibus Services and the Australian National Shipping Line. If they reside in the A.C.T. or the Northern Territory they may also qualify for concessions on the use of the Ambulance Service, Home Nursing Service, Legal Aid and reductions in housing rents, land rates and water rates.

  1. and (3) There are 3 attachments designed to assist persons with hearing difficulties currently in use in Australia:

    1. Deaf Aid Telephone- This is a volume control attachment which assists persons with partial hearing. It is rented to the subscriber for $4 a year.
    2. Gliding Tone Caller- This is an attachment designed to assist persons with hearing within certain sound ranges and pitches. It calls them to the telephone by emitting a series of sounds with varying pitches. It is rented to the subscriber for $3 a year;
    3. Hearing Aid Coupler- This is an electronic device fitted to the ear-piece of the telephone. It emits signals which can be picked up by any modern hearing aid. It is rented to the subscriber for 30 cents a year.

The installation cost of any of these attachments is $25.

Persons using these attachments, who are in possession of a Pension Health Benefit card, would generally be granted a one-third reduction of the rental of their telephone service. There are limits to the resources available for social services and the Government is directing assistance to those in greatest need. Nevertheless the honourable member’s suggestion will be given consideration at the appropriate time.

Human Rights Inquiry: Mr Justice Staples (Question No. 777)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 4 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) What has been the itinerary of Mr Justice Staples in his inquiry, which the Attorney-General’s predecessor requested him to undertake on 26 December 1976, into the practices, procedures and laws which other countries have adopted for the protection of basic human rights.
  2. On what dates and subjects have reports been received from His Honour.
Mr Viner:
LP

-The Attorney-General has provided the following answers to the honourable member’s questions:

  1. Mr Justice Staples arrived in Vancouver from Australia on 5 July 1977. In Canada he visited the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec and Halifax. In those cities His Honour met with Government officials, judges, institutions and groups concerned with human rights. These meetings were arranged by the Australian Consul-General through the Canadian Depanment of External Affairs. His Honour entered the United States of America on 1 December 1977 where he visited, on the East Coast, the cities of Washington, New York, Boston, Albany and Philadelphia. In the south he has visited the States of Tennesee, Mississippi and Louisiana. He has met with legislators, judges, lawyers, police officers, civil rights and race relations workers, and legal aid bodies and has had discussions with officers of the State Department, the Department of Justice, Depanment of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Contracts Compliance Program, the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Depanment of Labor, the Library of Congress, and a number of other agencies, and has had discussions with officers of the Supreme Court of the United States, and several other courts, civil and criminal. The Judge departed Washington on 17 April 1978 for Dublin where he will commence the European pan of his inquiry.

  2. The dates and the subjects of the reports that have been received from Mr Justice Staples are listed hereunder:

    1. September 1977-Arrest and Bail. The Bail Reform Act of Canada and its relevance to the Criminal Investigation Bill 1977.
    2. September 1977- A Lawyers Canadian Scrapbook, August-September 1977.
    3. October 1 977- Civilian Prosecutors in Canadian Courts.
    4. October 1977-The Canadian Concept of Human Rights. A handbook for Australian legislators, Volume 1 -the ideas, Volume 2- the activity.

Weedicides: Possible Association with Birth Defects (Question No. 784)

Mr Hodges:
PETRIE, QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. Has his attention been drawn to recent claims that aerial spraying of weedicides 245T and 24D have been linked to the binh of deformed babies in the town of Yarram, Victoria.
  2. Has his attention also been drawn to a report by the World Health Organisation which revealed that compounds of TCDD which are used in the weedicides have caused deaths and defective births; if so, does he or his Department have a copy of that report.
  3. Is he able to say if there have been claims in New Zealand that birth defects could occur with the use of 245T; if so, has his Department made any assessment of these claims.
  4. What companies market these weedicides in Australia.
  5. Is the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation making any investigation into these particular weedicides.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: (1)Yes

  1. My Department has received from the World Health Organisation a draft document entitled ‘Environmental Health Criteria for Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD)’. While the document contains references to conflicting reports concerning possible association of the substance with alleged still-births and congenital malformations in Vietnam, it does not contain any confirmed report of deaths or defective births from environmental exposure to the chemical. It should be pointed out that TCDD is not used as such in weedicides nor is it used as such commercially. TCDD occurs as a contaminant in 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, a chemical used in the production of 2,4,5-T. The National Health and Medical Research Council at its Eightieth Session in April 1975 recommended that 2,4,5-T containing more than 0.1 mg/kg of TCDD should not be permitted for use as a herbicide in Australia. Analyses since then have shown that these levels are not being exceeded either in preparations containing 2,4,5-T or in the raw substance.
  2. It was suggested in April 1977 that the occurrence of clusters’ of neural tube defects in the South Taranaki, Northland and Waikato areas in New Zealand were related to the use of 2,4,5-T. This was investigated by the New Zealand Department of Health in consultation with experts in genetics, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology. It was concluded that there was no evidence to implicate 2,4,5-T as a causal factor in human birth defects. The report on this matter was examined by my Department.
  3. The following companies in Australia manufacture 2,4-D:

Chemical Industries, Kwinana, Western Australia.

Nufarm Chemical Pty Ltd, Laverton, Victoria.

Union Carbide Australia Limited, Sydney, NSW. 2,4,5-T is manufactured by Chemical Industries, Kwinana, Western Australia.

  1. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has in the past investigated the use of the two herbicides to control weeds of crops and pastures. However, the Organisation has not studied their relationship with human health. The National Health and Medical Research Council which is an advisory body to the Commonwealth and States undertakes a continuing review of pesticides, from a human health point of view, in Australia.

Department of Health: Non-English Speaking Clients (Question No. 801)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

Which of the positions in his Department have been identified as those where at least 10 per cent of the occupant’s time is spent dealing with clients in a language other than English (Hansard, 2 June 1977, page 2529 and 4 April 1978, page 969).

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

My Department has identified 108 positions of Assistant and Hospital Assistant located in the Northern Territory in which the occupants are estimated to spend at least 10 per cent of their time dealing with clients in a language other than English. These positions are occupied by Aboriginals who deal with clients in their own vernacular in the conduct of their normal duties. In addition, there is one position of Clerical Assistant, Grade 6, Welfare Officer, at Alice Springs Hospital in which at least 10 per cent of the occupant’s time is spent dealing with clients in a language other than English.

Prime Minister’s Overseas Visit, May-June 1977 (Question No. 811)

Mr Morris:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

What are the names and designations of all those persons (a) who comprised the party that departed Australia to accompany him on his trip abroad, during the period 26 May 1977 to 28 June 1977 and (b) who accompanied him on (i) flight QF 5 Melbourne/Singapore on 26 May 1977 and (ii) QF 4 Honolulu/Sydney on 27 and 28 June 1977.

Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

On the visit abroad referred to by the honourable member I was accompanied for part or all of the visit, by Mrs Fraser, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and a member of his private staff, eight officers from various departments and eleven members of private staff, a consultant physician and three security officers.

On the first flight referred to by the honourable member I was accompanied by Mrs Fraser, three members of private staff, the consultant physician and two security officers. On the second flight referred to by the honourable member I was accompanied by Mrs Fraser, four members of private staff, the consultant physician and two security officers.

Employment of Public Servants after Retirement (Question No. 818)

Mr West:
CUNNINGHAM, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) What position in the then Department of Social Services was held by Mr Allan George Moyes, the son-in-law of the Director-General, when he resigned from the Public Service.
  2. ) On what date did he resign.
  3. When he resigned did he seek or receive the approval of the then Minister for Social Services to take employment with IBM Australia Ltd.
  4. On what dates and for what equipment has the department entered into contracts with (a) IBM Australia Ltd and ( b) other suppliers of computers.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

– The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) At the time of his resignation from the Public Service, Mr Moyes held a relatively junior position which was designated as ‘Inspector’.
  2. Mr Moyes tendered his resignation on 7 September 1953, with a request that it take effect from the close of business on 20 November 1 953.
  3. No. This was neither required nor appropriate in the circumstances.
  4. The Department acquired its first punch card equipment from International Business Machines Limited under a contract entered into approximately one year prior to the resignation, at a time when Mr Moyes was overseas in pursuance of a post-graduate scholarship. Further orders were placed for additions to this equipment at various times. The first IBM computers were ordered for the Department in 1967 after public tenders had been called and examined by an independent purchasing authority. Additions to the IBM computer equipment were acquired at various times between 1967 and 1974. Between 1974 and 1977 the depanment acquired computer equipment to the value of $6.7m by public tender from three other suppliers- NCR, Honeywell and Memorex.

Aborigines, Western Australia (Question No. 833)

Dr Everingham:

asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. Has the Western Australian Government kept him informed of legislative proposals to deprive Oombulgurri Aboriginals of self-management, land rights and control of mining.
  2. Will he promptly inform the House of all developments in discussions between the parties concerned.
Mr Viner:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) I am not aware of any such proposals.

The Western Australian Minister for Community Welfare has communicated with me about proposals to amend the Regulations made under the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act in relation to the authorisation of entry to Aboriginal reserves in Western Australia. Consultations are continuing. The Western Australian Government is also consulting with the Western Australian Aboriginal Lands Trust.

  1. I will inform the House at the appropriate time of any significant developments in this matter known to me.

Commonwealth Public Works (Question No. 853)

Mr Les McMahon:
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Construction, upon notice, on 5 April 1978:

  1. 1 ) What public works have commenced, or are likely to commence, in 1978.
  2. What are (a) the locations, (b) the expected costs and (c) the expected completion dates of these projects.
  3. What is the expected new employment created by these projects.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. The total value of capital works committed or expected to be committed to construction by the Department of Construction in the first six months of 1978 is approximately $269m.

This figure relates to the programs undertaken by the Department of Construction for all Civil Departments, the Defence Department and the Postal and Telecommunications Commissions, but does not include programs for other authorities, and some of which the Department may carry out on an agency basis.

In addition the total value of Capital Works committed or expected to be committed by the National Capital Development Commission in the first sue months of 1978 is approximately $35m. This figure includes that part of the NCDC works program undertaken by the Department of Construction.

No information can be given for the remainder of 1978 as the works programs for the 1978-79 financial year are now being formulated.

  1. This part of the honourable member’s question involves a very large volume of detailed information. As indicated by the magnitude of the figures I have quoted in ( 1 ) above a great number of individual projects is involved. There are approximately SOO major projects each of a cost exceeding $15,000; in addition there are of the order of 1,000 minor works.

To collect and assemble this information on an Australian wide basis would be a major task involving a considerable administrative effort in time and cost, which I am not prepared to authorise. As a measure of assistance however I would refer the honourable member to Budget Paper No. 5 the ‘Civil Works Program’ which covers the wide variety of works involved in excess of $40,000 for the financial year 1977-78.

If the honourable member wishes to know details of any particular project, I will be pleased to provide further information.

  1. It is not possible to accurately quantify the new employment that will be generated by the above works programs as:

The level of on-site employment on projects varies significantly throughout the currency of each project. For example the largest single project commenced in March 1978 is the Australian National Animal Health Laboratory (ANAHL) at Geelong. As this project gathers momentum it will directly employ at various stages an estimated 200 to SOO men on-site.

It is not possible to assess the secondary employment these projects will generate in the supporting industries and factories.

In broad terms on average rates the commencement of some $269m in the first half of 1978 will require something in excess of 5,000 man years on-site. The new employment component to a large extent depends upon the volume of current programs coming forward and the replacement of old works being completed.

A better way to quantify the situation is to compare the program for this financial year with the last. In 1977-78 the Department will have commenced new works totalling some $380m. This compares with commencements of $240m in 1 976-77. Even excluding the ANAHL project this represents an increase of $59m or 25 per cent. In real terms there is an increase of about 1 7 per cent.

Medical Benefits: Hearing Aids (Question No. 878)

Mr Barry Jones:
LALOR, VICTORIA · ALP

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 7 April 1 978:

  1. 1 ) Is it a fact that hearing aids cost between $300 and $700 and that no health insurance fund will provide cover for aids to assist hearing impairment.
  2. What assistance is available, except to pensioners and children, for the provision of (a) amplified telephone installation and rental charges thereon and (b) hearing aid equipment for radio or television.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. 1 ) Yes. The costs quoted for fitting and supply of commercial hearing aids are approximately correct.

Benefits for hearing aids are not available from Standard Medibank or from the basic medical and hospital benefits tables provided by private health insurance funds.

However, there are several funds that offer supplementary benefits towards the cost of hearing aids.

The position is that the health insurance legislation deals primarily with the operation by funds of the basic (standard) medical and hospital benefits tables. It makes no specific provision for the operation of supplementary benefits tables.

For this reason the Government has maintained the policy in relation to supplementary benefits of largely allowing private funds to determine for themselves the nature and extent of supplementary benefits they may wish to offer, and the terms and conditions applicable to the payment of those benefits. The Government’s role in respect of supplementary benefits is largely one of approving the benefits and relevant contribution rates in the context of financial viability of the table.

  1. ) There is no assistance available.

Aboriginal Affairs: Arrangements with the States (Question No. 90S)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 1 0 April 1978:

On what dates and with which State Governors has the Governor-General entered into arrangements under the Aboriginal Affairs (Arrangements with the States) Act 1973.

Mr Viner:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

The Governor-General signed agreements, pursuant to the Aboriginal Affairs (Arrangements with the States) Act 1973, with the Governors of four States as follows:

Western Australia- agreement signed on 3 April 1974;

South Australia- agreement signed on 14 February 1975;

New South Wales- agreement signed on 30 September 1975;

Victoria- agreement signed on 22 November 1974.

Torres Strait (Question No. 908)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 1 1 April 1 978:

Will he bring up to date the chronology of Government actions on Torres Strait issues incorporated in Hansard on 9 October 1975 at page 1996 (Hansard, 9 December 1965, page 3881, 15 September 1966, page 918, 2 November 1967, page 2746, 3 April 1968, page 786, 13 August 1969, page 241,9 September 1 969, page 1017,21 April 1 970, page 1409, 1 April 1971, page 1411, 13 September 1971, page 1219, 5 October 1971, page 1909, 7 December 1971, page 4142, and 9 May 1972, page 2 194).

Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

Since 1975 considerable progress has been achieved in the Torres Strait negotiations. The chronology of developments concerning the ministerial negotiations with Papua New Guinea is contained in the statement which the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Mr Somare, and I issued on 4 March 1976; the joint statement issued by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Peacock, and the then Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister, Sir Maori Kiki, on 5 June 1 976; my address to the Queensland Liberal Party Convention on 3 October 1976; the Joint Communique which Mr Somare and I issued on 1 1 February 1977; the joint statement issued by Mr Peacock and the Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister, Mr Olewale, on 10 February 1978; Mr Peacock’s statement of 31 March 1978; the joint statements which Mr Peacock and Mr Olewale issued on 14 April 1978 and 29 April 1 978; Mr Peacock ‘s statement of 7 May 1 978; and Mr Peacock’s statement to Parliament on 1 1 May 1978.

Refugees from South East Asia (Question No. 930)

Mr Simon:
MCMILLAN, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 13 April 1978:

  1. How many refugees have entered Australia from South East Asian countries since 1 July 1977.
  2. ) Of those refugees entering Australia, how many have been granted permanent residence.
  3. How many of the refugees (a) were gainfully employed as at 1 April 1978, (b) have been gainfully employed in the past but are not now employed and (c) are in receipt of unemployment benefits.
Mr MacKellar:
LP

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

  1. Between 1 July 1977 and 30 April 1978, 4322 IndoChinese refugees have entered Australia. This figure includes 1016 boat people who have arrived here without prior authority.
  2. With the exception of the 1016 boat people, who have still to have their status determined, all of the abovementioned arrivals were given migrant entry visas and have permanent resident status in Australia.
  3. This information is not available at present. However, the Government has approved a survey of the settlement experiences of Indo-Chinese refugees.

River Murray Waters (Question No. 938)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 13 April 1 978:

  1. 1 ) Did his predecessor say in answer to question No. 636 (Hansard, 2 June 1977, page 2535) that the Special Working Group of the River Murray Commission was proceeding to draft amendments to the River Murray Waters Agreement as a matter of urgency; if so, can he say when the amendments will be introduced into the Parliament.
  2. Have State Governments completed the Salinity Mitigation works recommended under sub-paragaphs 9. 1 (i) (a) and (b) of the River Murray Working Party report.
  3. Have State Governments upgraded their water quality monitoring programs along the lines recommended by the Water Quality Committee to the River Murray Working Party and have the recommendations contained in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Committee’s report been put into effect.
  4. Have improved extension and technical services, which were recommended in conclusion 8.2.3 by the Committee on Irrigation Farm Practices to the Working Party, been instituted by the Victorian and South Australian Governments.
  5. Which committees have been established by the River Murray Commission since the Working Party report was presented to the Government in October 1975 and what is the function of each committee.
  6. Are the committees referred to in pan (5) required to make reports; if so, what provision has been made to make their work public.
  7. What progress has been made in the control of water hyacinth on the tributaries of the River Murray.
  8. What funds have been provided by the Federal Government for administrative costs, capital works, maintenance operations and special projects on the River Murray system for each of the last 5 financial years.
Mr Newman:
LP

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

  1. Yes; draft amendments are now being considered by the River Murray Commission prior to recommendation to governments. It is too early at this stage to predict when the amendments will be introduced into the Parliament. (2)I understand that South Australia has completed control works at Renmark Reservoir and that groundwater interception and disposal works on the New South Wales side of the river in the Mildura-Merbein area are well advanced. I refer the honourable member to my answer to a recent question without notice by the honourable member for Mallee (Hansard, 12 April 1978, page 1421) regarding proposed works on the Victorian side of the river.
  2. ) I am advised that a water quality monitoring program based on the recommendations of the Water Quality Committee has been developed by the River Murray Commission and is being implemented by the respective State water authorities. Recommendation 4 of the Committee’s report is still under consideration. Recommendation 5 is being implemented through the Water Quality Committee now established by the River Murray Commission.
  3. Responsibility for extension and technical services rests entirely with the respective State Governments and the honourable member’s question would be more appropriately directed to those Governments. However on 3 March this year I announced the appointment of consultants to undertake a study of salinity and drainage problems in the Murray Valley and these aspects will be considered.
  4. 5 ) The following committees have been established:

Water Quality Committee- To provide technical advice to the River Murray Commission on water quality matters within its area of concern including the establishment and operation of a water quality monitoring network, to enable it to assume an effective co-ordinating role.

Water Resources Planning and Management CommitteeTo provide advice as requested by the River Murray Commission on general planning, future development, sharing and accounting of water resources available to the Commission, and on hydraulic operating procedures and any other aspects related to the regulation, operation and management of the Commission ‘s water resources.

Catchment, Floodplain and River Management CommitteeTo advise the River Murray Commission on protection and conservation of the Hume catchment, river channel remedial works, aspects of floodplain use and development which have an influence on the conveyance of regulated and flood flows, navigability of the river and its recreational use.

Environment Advisory Committee- To advise the River Murray Commission on matters concerning the environment referred to it by the Commission.

  1. Under their terms of reference the committees are required to report directly to the River Murray Commission. Any decision to make the work public will be a matter for the River Murray Commission which in terms of the River Murray Waters Agreement is required to report annually on its proceedings.
  2. The New South Wales authorities have reported that measures taken to eradicate a severe infestation in the Gingham watercourse near Moree had so far reduced the density of the infestation by 80 per cent and the overall area by 15 per cent. There have been no reports of any serious outbreaks elsewhere in the Murray-Darling system.
  3. Under the River Murray Waters Agreement, the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia each meet one quarter of the construction and administration expenses of the River Murray Commission. The three States share the operating and maintenance costs of completed works. The following funds have been allocated to the River Murray Commission by the Federal Government in each of the last five financial years including 1977-78, during which the major cost has been associated with the construction of Dartmouth Dam:

Tamils in Sri Lanka (Question No. 947)

Mr Martin:
BANKS, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Is he able to say whether the Government of Sri Lanka presently is deporting large numbers of Tamils from Sri Lanka to southern India and whether the number of Tamil refugees exceeds 400,000.
  2. Is he also able to say whether the Indian Government is attempting to help these refugees; if so, by what means.
  3. What steps is the Australian Government taking to assist the Indian Government with this tragic refugee problem by providing technical, monetary or any other form of assistance.
  4. If no steps are being taken, why are they not being taken.
  5. Is the Government prepared to accept any of these refugees in Australia; if not, why not.
  6. Is the Government prepared to use its influence with the Sri Lankan Government to stop this deportation program; if so, what steps does the Government propose to take.
Mr Peacock:
LP

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

  1. In 1964 it was estimated that there were 975,000 Tamils of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. These people were descended from Indian Tamils taken to Sri Lanka during the latter part of the 1 9th century as plantation labourers and are distinct from the Sri Lanka Tamils whose forbears have inhabited parts of Sri Lanka for centuries. Sri Lanka ‘s Indian Tamils are stateless persons. In agreements between the Indian and Sri Lankan Governments signed in 1964 and 1974 it was agreed that of these 975,000 Sri Lanka would grant citizenship to 375,000 (plus their natural increase) and India would agree to the repatriation to India and grant Indian citizenship to 600,000 (with their natural increase). This has been taking place in a phased program over a number of years. The decision on whether to seek Sri Lankan citizenship or repatriation to India is one for the individuals concerned to make, there being no provision for compulsory repatriation.
  2. The Indian Government has been active in providing assistance to those who opt for repatriation. This assistance includes financial grants, loans, training, and other assistance.
  3. The resettlement program is principally of bilateral concern to the two countries and, as far as the Australian Government is aware, neither has sought the involvement or assistance of third countries in it.
  4. In providing assistance to developing countries it has long been Australia’s policy to respond to the priorities decided by recipient countries. Should either India or Sri Lanka consider that resettlement rates a high priority as an objective of Australian assistance then we would consider their approach.
  5. 5 ) As the matter is one of resettlement already covered by agreements between India and Sri Lanka it is unlikely that the question of applying for refugee status in Australia would arise.
  6. The Australian Government does not propose to intervene in the resettlement program amicably agreed between India and Sri Lanka.

Child Care Centres: Equipment Grants (Question No. 948)

Dr Jenkins:
SCULLIN, VICTORIA

asked the Minister, representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) What is the maximum sum provided for equipment per child place in a child care centre under the Child Care Act.
  2. How long has the amount been fixed at this level.
  3. Has the amount provided been sufficient to meet the total equipment costs of centres constructed within the last 3 years.
  4. Has the Minister any information to indicate that the standard of equipment installed at new centres is being reduced as a result of the fixed limit on equipment subsidy.
  5. When will the present level of subsidy for this equipment be reviewed.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) There is no maximum sum set under the Child Care Act 1 972 for equipment grants. The Act provides for the approval of the individual items of equipment a sponsoring organisation proposes to purchase, and the determination of an appropriate level of grant not in excess of the cost of the equipment which it is proposed to purchase.
  2. See(l).
  3. The level of funds provided has been sufficient to enable sponsoring organisations to purchase sufficient equipment to meet State licensing requirements for child care centres. The objective of this grant is not to totally equip a centre but to enable a centre to commence operation with a suitable amount of equipment.
  4. No information has been received which indicates that the standard of equipment installed at new centres has been reduced because of the current level of funding available.
  5. A review of the procedures relating to equipment grants is being undertaken by the Office of Child Care.

Rehabilitation Services (Question No. 953)

Mr Willis:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Is it intended that the Victorian Health Commission will assume any rehabilitation responsibility presently held by the Commonwealth Government.
  2. Is planning proceeding to regionalise rehabilitation services, especially in the western region of Melbourne; if so, what stage has it reached.
  3. What role will the Sunshine Hospital complex have in regard to rehabilitation services, and when will it commence to undertake that role.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. No.
  2. My department has recently been giving preliminary consideration to the need to provide, in the long term, for additional Commonwealth rehabilitation services within the metropolitan area of Melbourne including, in particular, the western regions of the city. It is stressed, however, that these investigations are at a very early stage of development
  3. 3 ) Any current or future planning for the further development of Commonwealth rehabilitation services and facilities on a regional basis would have regard to the existence of all health, education and welfare services and facilities within the region. The CRS has long recognised the advantages to its handicapped clients of establishing close working relationships between the staffs of its rehabilitation facilities and those of major hospitals in the region, as well as, for example, community health centres, special schools, local governmental and voluntary agencies for the handicapped, etc.

Queensland Government Arts Complex (Question No. 962)

Mr Hodges:

asked the Minister for Finance upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

Is the Federal Government providing any funds for the construction of the Queensland Cultural Complex; if so, what are the amounts involved.

Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

I assume the honourable member is referring to the Queensland Government Arts Complex. I have been advised that this is a State project and that no Commonwealth funds have been provided for its construction.

Imports: Letters of Credit (Question No. 970)

Mr CLYDE CAMERON:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

What was the total amount of letters of credit established for import transactions in each of the years 1969-70 to 1 976-77, inclusive.

Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

The amounts of documentary letters of credit established by the major trading banks on behalf of Australian importers between 1969-70 and 1976-77 are:

Imports: Letters of Credit (Question No. 971)

Mr CLYDE CAMERON:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

What is the normal practice used by the Reserve Bank to advise the Government of (a) the amount of letters of credit established each month for import transactions and (b) the total amount of these letters current each month.

Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. Figures are made available to relevant areas of government;
  2. This information is not available.

Imports: Letters of Credit (Question No. 974)

Mr CLYDE CAMERON:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Is the Reserve Bank supplied with figures which enable it to calculate the total amount of letters of credit established for import transactions current at the end of each month.
  2. If so, what was the. total for each month from 1 January 1970 up to the latest month for which figures are available.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. No.
  2. Information not available.

Slovenia (Question No. 992)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Has his attention been drawn to a report in the Sydney Sun-Herald of 73 April 1978 that Mr Lyenko Urbanchich, a member of the New South Wales Executive of the Liberal Party and the President of its Ethnic Affairs Committee, sponsors a self-styled ‘ Free Slovenia ‘ movement.
  2. Can he give the history of any war-time separatists in Slovenia as his predecessor gave for Croatia (Hansard, 28 April 1971, page 2211, question no. 3219) and Slovenia (Hansard,! April 1971, page 1650, question no. 2796).
  3. Has Australian ever recognised the independence of Slovenia (Hansard, 28 April 1 97 1 , page 2211, questions nos 32 19 and 3218).
  4. Does the Government’s view on Croatia as pan of a united Yugoslavia (Hansard, 2 May 1978, question no. 769, page 1675) also apply to Slovenia.
Mr Peacock:
LP

– The answers to the honourable member’s questions are as follows:

  1. Yes.
  2. 2 ) Following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in 1 94 1 the former royalist governor of Slovenia, Ban Marko Natlacen attempted to negotiate with the occupiers for a separate Slovene state under German and Italian patronage similar to that afforded to the fascist puppet state of Croatia. The German and Italian governments decided however to divide Slovenia between themselves, two thirds being annexed to the German Reich and the remainder to Italy. The royalist governor was permitted an advisory role to the Italian occupation forces in Slovenia.

Though some royalist emigres, in the context of the post war situation, advocated an independent status for Slovenia and described themselves as in favour of a ‘Free Slovenia ‘ as some form of constitutional monarchy, the only coherent war-time force dedicated to the liberation and reconstitution of Slovenia was the ‘National Liberation Anti-Fascist Front’. This movement of all Yugoslav peoples was, however, dedicated to the re-establishment of a federal Yugoslav state in which Slovenia would be, as it is today, a constituent republic. Its leader was the current President of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito.

  1. No.
  2. Yes.

Passports: Mr Morris Glickman and Mr lga! Makler (Question No. 996)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

  1. Do Morris Glickman and Igal Makler hold current Australian passports.
  2. What country or countries issued the passports on which they departed from Australia in February and April 1978, respectively, for Israel. f
Mr MacKellar:
LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Records held by the Department of Foreign Affairs show that Morris Glickman was issued Australian passport K.725578 in June 1977 and Igal Makler was issued Australian passport H659873 in July 1974. Both passports are valid for 5 years from the date of their issue. Messrs Glickman and Makler utilised these passports when they travelled overseas on 25 January 1978 and 7 April 1978 respectively.

Extradition: Mr Morris Glickman and Mr Igal Makler (Question No. 997)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

Has extradition of either Morris Glickman or IR:al Makler yet been sought from Israel.

Mr Viner:
LP

-The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

No. I am informed that the activities of the two persons involve offences against State laws so that a request from the State concerned to initiate extradition proceedings would be essential. I have not yet received such a request.

Animal Health: Use of Tissue Culture Techniques (Question No. 1002)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Science, upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Will the Minister ensure that comprehensive facilities for modern tissue culture techniques will be available at the Australian National Animal Health Laboratory being established at Geelong, Victoria.
  2. Is it a fact that these, and other similar techniques, can be used for maintaining infectious organisms, and are considerably cheaper than the traditional methods using live animals.
  3. It is also a fact that tissue culture, organ culture and bacteria are being increasingly used in the preliminary stages of much research, thus saving live animal suffering as well as unnecessary costs.
  4. Will the Minister give an assurance that staff to be employed at the ANAHL will be fully conversant with these new techniques.
Mr Adermann:
Minister Assisting the Minister for Primary Industry · FISHER, QUEENSLAND · NCP/NP

-The Minister for Science has provided the following answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. 1 ) Comprehensive facilities for the most up to date tissue culture techniques will be available at the Australian National Animal Health Laboratory (ANAHL), Geelong.
  2. Tissue culture techniques are used for the growth of viruses. They are much cheaper, and more effective, than the infrequently used method of growing viruses in live animals.
  3. Monolayer, suspension, and organ cultures are used extensively in biological research, and for the production of virus vaccines. Live animals are only used to obtain essential information not able to be obtained by using other techniques.
  4. The staff to be employed at ANAHL will be fully conversant with the production and maintenance of tissue cultures and their use in fundamental and applied research.

Indonesian Policy Towards Papua New Guinea (Question No. 1003)

Mr Hodgman:

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice, on 3 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) Has the Government ‘s attention been drawn to the public comments of an Indonesian diplomat in Port Moresby that if Indonesia wanted to invade Papua New Guinea it would do it now when Papua New Guinea is still weak and that it would not wait until later when Papua New Guinea becomes strong; if so, what is the Australian Government’s attitude to this statement.
  2. Is he able to state whether the diplomat in question was saying out loud what the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has been thinking for some time.
  3. Will the Government, on the information in its possession, assure the people of Australia that they are not likely to see in Papua New Guinea a repeat performance of what is known to have happened in East Timor.
Mr Peacock:
LP

– The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: ( 1 ), (2), and (3) The Government is aware of the remarks attributed to the Indonesian Embassy to which the honourable member has referred. The Indonesian Government has stated as firm policy its support for the independence and sovereignty of Papua New Guinea. There is no information available to the Government to suggest that the Indonesian Government is considering any action contrary to that policy.

Immigration: Advisory Bodies and Authorities (Question No. 1043)

Dr Cass:

asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 5 May 1 978:

  1. What advisory bodies and authorities has he appointed?
  2. 2 ) Who are the members of these bodies?
  3. How often do each of these bodies meet and on what date did each last meet?
  4. What is the budget for each of these bodies in 1977-78.
Mr MacKellar:
LP

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

  1. The advisory bodies and authorities which I have appointed are:

    1. Australian Population and Immigration Council (APIC)
    2. Australian Ethnic Affairs Council (AEAC)
    3. National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
    4. National Ethnic Broadcasting Advisory Council (NEBAC)
    5. e ) State Ethnic Broadcasting Advisory Committees in N.S.W. and Victoria.

  2. ) The members of these bodies are:

    1. Australian Population and Immigration CouncilThe Hon. M. J. R. MacKellar (Chairman), M.P., Professor W. D. Borrie, O.B.E., Dr L. A. Brodribb, Dr D. R. Cox, Mr J. A. Gobbo, Mr R. J. Hawke, Professor W. P. Hogen, Mr J. A. Kiosoglous, Mr G. Lapaine, Professor J. D. B. Miller, Dr G. M. Neutze, Mr George Polites, C.M.G., M.B.E., Mr J. B. Reid, Dr A. Richardson, Mr H. J. Souter, A.M., Professor R. J. Walsh, A.O., O.B.E.
    2. Australian Ethnic Affairs Council- Professor J. Zubrzycki, M.B.E. (Chairman), Mr H. G. Ackaoui, Mr L. H. Colbourne, Mrs E. M. Di Stefano, Mr M. Dontschuk Aid. W. Jegorow M.B.E., Mr E. I. Kainu, Dr S. Kaldor, Mrs T. H. Karabatsas, Mr U. Larobina, Mr B. M. Noakes, Mr G. Papadopoulos, Mr G. N. Pappas, Rev. G. Sakellariou, M.B.E., Mr E. G. Salomon, Mr G. V. Scomparin, Professor C. G. Veliz, Mr A. M. Vella, Mrs H. E. Verolme, Mr R. Y. Wing, Mr E. A. Witts, Mr C. V. Zaccariotto, Mrs J. Zammit, M.B.E.
    3. National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)- Sir George Cartland, C.M.G. (Chairman), Professor Leonie J. Kramer, O.B.E., Mr M. Brandle, Professor J. Frodsham, Mr A. J. Garrick, Mr E. Gauntlett, Mr C. Kiriloff, Dr P. Martin, Mr V. Menart, Mr R. Rubichi, Dr G. H. Strauss.
    4. National Ethnic Broadcasting Advisory CouncilSir Arvi Parbo (Chairman), Professor M. Aroney, Mr A. Cerantonio, Mrs M. Gordon, Mr E. Incekara, Mr I. G. Mykyta, Mr R. Lord, Mr B. L. Murray.
    5. (i) SEBAC in N.S.W.-Mr P. Bosi (Chairman), Rev. Fr. N. Mansour (Deputy Chairman), Mr J. A. Birzulis, Mr P. G. Darmo, Mrs H. Eizenberg, Mr R. Gonzalez, Mrs L. Gustin, M.B.E., Mr A. Hee, Mr U. Honold, Mrs O. Katchan, Mr G. Kennedy, Mr S. Kerkysharian, Mr V. Lusic, Mr G. Messaris, Mr S. Pappas (Fr. Stephanos), Mr S. Pejsachowicz, Mr J. Seisun, Mr R. Treister, Mr I. D. Vickovich
    6. (ii) SEBAC in Victoria-Mr W. Schauble (Chairman), Mr P. Van Hest (Deputy Chairman), Mr V. J. Alekna, Mr J. S. Attard, Mrs M. Aydin, Mrs K. Bitsis, Mr A. Bloch, Ms H. E. Bogdan, Mrs A. Ceferin, Ms I. C. Csar Mr E. Djoumayia, Mr A. E. Doronila, Mr L. Kong, Mr C. J. Lancucki, Mr C. Melidonis, Mr N. Mirza, Mr 0. Obeid Mr G. Perissinotto, Mr O. Sandrin

  3. (a) APIC- The Council meets twice a year. The date of the last meeting was 3 April 1 978.

    1. AEAC- There is usually a meeting of the Council or one of the Committees on an average of once a fortnight. The last meeting of the Council was held on 1 8 April 1 978.
    2. NAATI- The full Authority usually meets every six weeks. The last meeting of the Authority was held on 1 7 March 1978.
    3. NEBAC- Meetings are usually held monthly. The last meeting was held on Friday, 3 1 March 1 978.
    4. SEBAC in New South Wales and Victoria-The SEBAC for New South Wales met for the first time on 4 May 1978 and at that meeting it was decided that Committee meetings would be held on a weekly basis for the first four weeks and thereafter on a monthly basis. The most recent meeting was held on 19 May 1978. The first meeting for the SEBAC for Victoria is scheduled for 22 May 1978. No decision has been made as yet on the frequency of meetings of this body.

  4. The appropriations for APIC, AEAC and NAATI for 1977-78 are $43,000, $32,500 and $29,000 respectively. The Special Broadcasting Service is responsible for funding the NEBAC and the SEBACs.

Staff Establishment-Office of National Assessments (Question No. 1127)

Mr Scholes:
CORIO, VICTORIA

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 9 May 1978:

What is the authorised staff establishment of the Office of National Assessments.

Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

The staff establishment of the Office of National Assessments as at 9 May 1978 is 55.

Commonwealth Serum Laboratories: Drug Prices (Question No. 1161)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 10 May 1978:

  1. 1 ) How do the percentages of price increases approved for Commonwealth Serum Laboratories compare with the industry average for (a) 1976 and (b) 1977.
  2. If the CSL percentage is higher than the industry average, what is the difference and how can it be explained.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

My Department does not compile statistics on a basis which would enable an answer to be provided to the honourable member’s question. To undertake a special exercise for this purpose would require a major resource allocation which, having in mind the current commitments of my Department, I am not in a position to authorise.

However, if there are some particular drug prices in which the honourable member is interested, I would be pleased to provide whatever information is reasonably available.

Advertising (Question No. 31)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) What sum was spent by his Department on advertising and services during the period (a) 1 1 November 1975 to 13 December 1975, (b) 14 December 1975 to 30 June 1976, (c) 1 July 1976 to 30 June 1977 and (d) 1 July 1977 to date.
  2. What was the cost of each campaign undertaken.
  3. Under which item of expenditure were funds allocated.
  4. Which advertising agencies or consultants were used for each campaign.
  5. What was the total sum paid to each agency or consultant for each campaign.
  6. ) How was each agency or consultant selected.
  7. What is the estimated cost of advertising and promotion of Government programs and services for 1 977-78.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

Treasury Central

1 ) Expenditure by the Central Office on advertising and services during the respective periods was as follows:

  1. ) The cost of each campaign undertaken was as follows:
  1. Funds were allocated under the following item of expenditure: 670-2-07 Treasury- Administrative Expenses- Incidental and other expenditure
  2. and (5 ) The advertising agencies and consultants used and the amounts paid to each for each campaign were as follows:

Orders made by the Treasurer in relation to foreign takeover proposals:

Insight Advertising Pty Ltd, $3,656.

Prosecution under the Banking (Foreign Exchange) Regulations:

The Age, $15.

  1. The selection of agencies or consultants was arranged through the Australian Government Advertising Service.
  2. The estimated cost of advertising and promotion for 1977-78 is $368,667.

Australian Government Retirement Benefits Office*

  1. 1 ) Expenditure on advertising and services during the respective periods was as follows:
  1. The total amount was expended in advertising vacant positions.
  2. Funds were allocated under the following item of expenditure:
  1. and (5) The advertising agency used was Federal Capital Press of Australia Pty Ltd.
  2. The selection of this agency was arranged direct with the approval of the Public Service Inspector’s office, Canberra.
  3. Not known.

Australian Taxation Office

  1. 1 ) Expenditure by the Australian Taxation Office on advertising and services during the respective periods was as follows:
  1. The cost of each campaign undertaken was as follows:
  1. Funds were allocated under the following item of expenditure:
  1. and (5) The advertising agencies and consultants used and the amounts paid to each for each campaign were as follows:

Lodgment of Income Tax Returns:

Australian Government Advertising Service, $5 1,423.

Health Insurance Levy:

Australian Government Advertising Service, $ 1 6, 108.

Change of Address:

Taylor O ‘Brien Advertising Pty Ltd, $ 1 97.

  1. The selection of agencies or consultants was arranged through the Australian Government Advertising Service.
  2. The estimated cost of advertising and promotion for 1977-78 is $42, 100.

Australian Bureau of Statistics

  1. 1 ) Expenditure by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on advertising and services during the respective periods was as follows:
  1. 2 ) The cost of each campaign undertaken was as follows:
  1. Funds were allocated under the following item of expenditure:
  1. and (5) The advertising agencies and consultants used and the amounts paid to each for each campaign were as follows:

Australian Year Book No. 61:

Berry Currie Advertising (NSW) Pty Ltd, $3,009.

Wangaratta Population Census Test:

Fortune ( Aust. ) Pty Ltd, $4 1 . 1976 Census Processing Centre Recruitment:

Balance of Payments and Foreign Investment Statistics:

Insight Advertising Pty Ltd, $ 1 , 69 1 .

  1. The selection of agencies or consultants was arranged through the Australian Government Advertising Service.
  2. The estimated cost of advertising and promotion for 1977-78 is $41,000.

Export of Live Sheep (Question No. 527)

Mr Bungey:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 8 March 1978.

  1. 1 ) How many live sheep have been shipped from Australia in each of the last 2 years.
  2. How many of these were (a) merino rams, (b) merino wethers, (c) vasectomised merino rams, (d) merino ewes and (e) other breeds.
  3. ) How many were loaded at each Australian port.
  4. What were the ports of destination.
Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1976-2,632,829; 1977-4,491,854.
  2. –

Electoral: Allocation of Radio and Television Time to Political Parties- Queensland (Question No. 166)

Mr E G Whitlam:

am asked the Minister for Post and Telecommunications, upon notice, on 22 February 1978:

  1. 1 ) How much time was made available to broadcast election speeches or political advertisements in respect of each political party on each radio broadcasting station and television station in connection with the State election in Queensland on 12 November 1977.
  2. What was the percentage distribution oftime purchased by parties and candidates on metropolitan and country commercial broadcasting and television stations.
  3. What were the costs charged for this time, and what was the percentage distribution of these costs between parties and candidates.
Mr Staley:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Election speeches and political advertisements.

On the basis of information provided to the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal by licensees of commercial broadcasting and television stations, and by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the following tables have been prepared to show the details requested under parts ( 1 ), (2) and (3) of the question. These tables show details of radio and television broadcasts of election speeches and political advertisements for the period 10 October 1977 (date of issue of writs) to 9 November 1977.

No time was purchased by parties and candidates on National Radio and Television Stations. The time provided was free of charge. {: type="1" start="3"} 0. Costs charged to parties and candidates

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 May 1978, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1978/19780523_reps_31_hor109/>.

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