Senate
2 October 1975

29th Parliament · 1st Session



The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Justin O’Byrne) took the chair at 10.30 a.m., and read prayers.

page 907

PETITIONS

The Clerk:

– The following petitions have been lodged for presentation:

Australian Government Insurance Corporation

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

  1. 1 ) That Parliament should reject the Bill currently before it to establish an Australian Government Insurance Office.
  2. That while there is a need to establish in Australia a natural disaster fund to provide compensation for property damage and other losses resulting from disasters such as earthquakes, floods and cyclones, such a fund can be established, as in other countries, using the medium of the existing private enterprise insurance offices.
  3. That a plan for such a fund was submitted to the Treasury in October 1974.
  4. That no reasons for the establishment of an Australian Government insurance office (other than the desire to provide non-commercial disaster insurance and Australian Government competition with private enterprise) have been given by the Government.
  5. That there is already intense competition between the existing 45 life assurance offices and between over 260 general insurance companies now operating in Australia, and that further competition from a Government office would only be harmful.
  6. That the insurance industry is already faced with

    1. the effects of inflation,
    2. increased taxation on life assurance offices.
    3. the effects of recent natural disasters.
    4. other legislative measures already in train or in prospect by the Government, e.g. the National Compensation Bill, a National Superannuation Plan and improved Commonwealth Public Service superannuation.
  7. That as taxpayers your petitioners are greatly concerned at the huge costs (far more than the $2 million initial capital and loan funds which it is proposed will be allocated) of establishing an Australian Government insurance office.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Senate will reject the Bill.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Senator Sir Kenneth Anderson and Senator Primmer.

Petitions received.

Postal and Telephone Concessions for Pensioners

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

That the decisions of the Australian Government:

  1. to depart from its 1972 election promise that basic pensions would be related to average weekly earnings and never be allowed to fall below 25 per cent thereof, and
  2. to increase postage costs and the costs of installation and annual rental of telephones, will seriously add to the economic burdens now borne by those citizens who are wholly or mainly dependent on their pensions.

Your petitioners are impelled by these facts to call upon the Australian Government as a matter of urgency to review the abovementioned decisions (a) and (b), and to determine:

  1. That pensions be related to average earnings as promised by the Prime Minister in his 1972 policy speech, and
  2. That no charge be made for installation or rental on the telephones of those pensioners entitled to a PMS card.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray, by Senator Douglas McClelland (2 petitions). Petitions received.

Australian Government Insurance Corporation

To the Honourable the President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled. We the undersigned citizens of Australia by this humble petition respectfully showeth. We respectfully call on the Senate to pass the Australian Government Insurance Bill for many reasons, these being constant attempts by various means, of private insurance companies not to honour or to try to escape their contracted responsibilities. Not the least of failures of private insurance companies is the constant tragic lack of performance by such companies during natural disaster such as the Brisbane floods, the Darwin cyclone etc., this latter alone establishes an urgent need for an Australian Government insurance corporation.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray, by Senator Bunton. Petition received.

Fraser Island

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

That whereas the natural environment of Fraser Island is so outstanding that it should be identified as part of the World Natural Heritage, and whereas the Island should be conserved for the enjoyment of this and future generations, your petitioners humbly pray that the members, in Parliament assembled, will take the most urgent steps to ensure:

  1. that the Australian Government uses its constitutional powers to prohibit the export of any mineral sands from Fraser Island, and
  2. that the Australian Government uses its constitutional authority to assist the Queensland Government and any other properly constituted body to develop and conserve the recreational, educational and scientific potentials of the natural environment of Fraser Island for the long term benefit of the people of Australia.

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

Fraser Island

Senator POYSER:
VICTORIA

-I present the following petition from 82 citizens of Australia:

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

That whereas the natural environment of Fraser Island is so outstanding that it should be identified as part of the World Natural Heritage, and whereas the Island should be conserved for the enjoyment of this and future generations.

Your petitioners humbly pray that the members, in Parliament assembled, will take the most urgent steps to ensure:

That the Australian Government uses its constitutional powers to prohibit the export of any mineral sands from Fraser Island, and

that the Australian Government uses its constitutional authority to assist the Queensland Government and any other properly constituted body to develop and conserve the recreational, educational and scientific potentials of the natural environment of Fraser Island for the long term benefit of the people of Australia.

And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.

Petition received and read.

page 908

QUESTION

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

page 908

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN PRISONERS IN YUGOSLAVIA

Senator GREENWOOD:
VICTORIA

-Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs confirm that over the last 2 years large numbers of Australian citizens have been imprisoned in Yugoslavia, either without charges being laid against them or on trumped up charges of anti-State activities consisting of membership of bodies such as soccer clubs in Australia. Is it a fact that a number of Australians are currently imprisoned in Yugoslavia? Has the Government at any time protested at the imprisonment of Australians in Yugoslavia? Will the Minister lay on the table of the Senate the text of any such protest?

Senator WILLESEE:
Minister for Foreign Affairs · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I am not aware of how many people of either Australian or dual nationality are imprisoned in Yugoslavia and whether charges have related to their membership of soccer clubs. I shall find out the figures and let Senator Greenwood know. I shall also check on the second point of Senator Greenwood’s question as to what negotiations we have had, what protests have been made and what efforts have been made to see these people.

page 908

QUESTION

BUS ACCIDENTS

Senator POYSER:

– I direct my question to the Minister representing the Minister for Transport. I refer to the comments by the Coroner, Mr Leo, in the Cooma Coroner’s Court, following the death of 2 men in July when a bus plunged down a ravine near Thredbo. The Coroner suggested that all buses should carry tachographs- I have checked the pronunciation of ‘tachographs’ with the Minister for Science- to record speeds at which the vehicles travelled and which would also indicate the speed when a bus left the road. Can the Minister say whether transport authorities are prepared to consider the Coroner’s proposals and whether there is a plan to require safety belts in all touring buses?

Senator BISHOP:
Postmaster-General · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

-A11 I can tell the honourable senator at this stage is that I understand that the Australian Transport Advisory Committee has considered in particular the question of accidents involving buses which are occurring too frequently. Over the last 18 months, the Committee has made a number of regulations. More recently, in August, it adopted by consent a regulation that buses should have brake inspections. This has been enforced. Before that, the Committee also formulated and agreed upon what was to be a uniform inspection code. The problem of course is that most of these things have to be agreed to within the States. The uniform code was determined by concensus. In addition, I understand that the Minister has been promoting the idea that the provision and wearing of seatbelts not only by drivers but also by passengers ought to be enforced. Structurally, the vehicle ought to be inspected and supervised for safety standards generally speaking. Proposals also are being considered in respect of the style and strength of seating. The Advisory Committee has had these things in mind. As to whether the Minister himself or the Advisory Committee has recommended the enforcement of the use of tachographs on each vehicle, I am not sure. All I can do is ask the Minister to advise me in connection with that part of the question.

page 908

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN DAIRY CORPORATION EMPLOYEES

Senator WEBSTER:
VICTORIA

-Will the Minister for Agriculture interest himself in the fact that a number of experienced and highly respected employees of the Australian Dairy Corporation recently have been summarily dismissed? Does the Minister acknowledge that competence in duty and knowledge of a trade are attractive qualifications in executive members and employees of any business concern? Will the Minister, on behalf of these dismissed employees who may be disadvantaged in the present economic climate, have some investigation made and satisfy himself that the replacements to the positions are made in the interests of the Corporation and not for personal aggrandisement and that, more particularly, the actions which have occurred recently are in the interests of the dairy industry?

Senator WRIEDT:
Minister for Agriculture · TASMANIA · ALP

-I would refer Senator Webster to an article in Butter Fats and Solids, the official journal of the Victorian Butter Manufacturers Association, on the newly appointed Australian Dairy Corporation. I specifically suggest to him that he read the article because the editor of that magazine who wrote the article said that he does not sit on either side of the political fence. He gave an impartial assessment of the appointments which have been made to the Corporation. I might say that he paid a very obvious compliment to the Australian Government for the expertise and the quality of the people which it has now placed on the newly formed Australian Dairy Corporation in contrast to those who occupied those same positions on the old Dairy Board and who were appointed by the previous Government. It has been drawn to my attention that some dismissals have taken place on the staff of the Corporation. 1 have already asked the newly appointed chairman to give me some information about this matter, and I am meeting him in Melbourne on Monday to discuss that amongst other matters.

page 909

QUESTION

DRUG SMUGGLING

Senator MCAULIFFE:
QUEENSLAND

– My question is addressed to the Minister for Police and Customs. No doubt the Minister has seen or heard of Press reports of a substantial amount of cannabis having been found by a fisherman on a lonely island off Geraldton on the western coast of Western Australia. Can the Minister provide the Senate with any further details concerning this find? More importantly, what action is being taken by his Department to prevent the smuggling of drugs in remote areas along the Australian coastline?

Senator CAVANAGH:
Minister for Police and Customs · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

-Surveillance of the Australian coastline is a problem. The possibility of smuggling drugs along our unoccupied coastline has been one of the concerns I think of all Ministers for Customs over the past years. It is one of my great concerns. We have tried to patrol the coast as much as possible with limited manpower and facilities. We have used both military and chartered aircraft from time to time to try to patrol the coast. The Department has recently taken delivery of an ocean-going patrol boat and after some trials it will be used for patrolling the north-east coast of Australia. Later this year we hope to take delivery of a second such patrol boat which will patrol the north-west coast of Australia.

As regards the drugs found at Geraldton, it is thought that there was about 100 lb of marijuana. It was in a container which obviously had been specially made for dumping from ships to be picked up by other lighter ships and taken ashore. It was an aluminium container with a battery in the bottom and a light on the top so that it would show up in the night. The container came ashore. It was discovered by a party of fishermen. During the night someone got to the container and recovered a lot of the marihuana. As the matter is still under investigation and as some charges may be laid, there is very little more that I can say on the question. I assure the honourable senator that this matter of drug smuggling is one of our concerns. We are doing everything possible in accordance with the Budget restrictions at present and our ability to get suitable aids for the purpose of searching the coast.

page 909

QUESTION

INCOME TAX AVERAGING SYSTEM

Senator SCOTT:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Does the Minister for Agriculture still maintain that the income tax averaging system for primary producers has not been eroded by the August Budget? Is it not a fact that dependants’ allowances and concessional deductions have been excluded and that taxation therefore must be higher?

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

– I think a question on this matter was asked some time ago. I indicated then that the effect of the change in the taxation system was designed to apply to all Australians and not to any one section. I am quite sure that no one section of the Australian people would expect to derive from the system benefits which others did not derive. As to the specific details of the effect that the new system has on the averaging arrangements for primary producers, this is a matter which 1 would need to refer to the Treasurer to get a specific answer. But what I have said is that the averaging arrangements for primary producers have not been affected by the Budget. If there have been effects under the rebate system on the averaging plan for primary producers, it is a matter which I would need to ascertain precisely from the Treasurer and I shall do so. I will advise the honourable senator accordingly.

page 909

QUESTION

EMPLOYMENT OF SCHOOL LEAVERS

Senator McLAREN:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I direct a question to the Minister for Labor and Immigration. I ask: Has he seen a Press release dated 1 October 1975 from Mr Street, the Opposition spokesman on labour matters, which alleges that the Government seems determined to add to Australia’s record unemployment and that school leavers are being discouraged from even looking for jobs? Mr Street says that officers of the Department of Labor and Immigration are telling school leavers there will be no jobs available next year and advising them to register for unemployment benefit immediately the school year has finished. Mr Street claims that even young people who have specific jobs to go to, such as student nursing, have been given this advice. Can the Minister advise the Senate on the truth of these allegations?

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Yes, I have seen the news item to which the honourable senator refers. I must say that I was surprised that a gentleman like Mr Street- I mean that seriously- could so misrepresent the facts. I think it arises out of a misunderstanding of the functions of the Commonwealth Employment Service in the matter of school leavers. My Department is not discouraging school leavers from looking for jobs. The Commonwealth Employment Service has a duty to advise its clients regarding their possible entitlement to social security benefits. This is particularly important in the case of school leavers who have had no previous experience with the labour market and are often unaware of their entitlements. The Commonwealth Employment Service operates a youth employment program which includes both group and individual counselling of young people in schools. I am pleased to say that Mr Street has been able to confirm that the officers of my Department are doing their job of advising young people properly. I would be disturbed if this were not so.

What I should emphasise is that advice regarding unemployment benefits forms part of a package of advice which includes encouragement in seeking employment. The Commonwealth Employment Service youth employment officers give advice to school leavers on the avenues through which they may obtain employment, on the best method of application and the like. The program culminates in active assistance to school leavers by referral to prospective employers. The Commonwealth Employment Service is, at the moment, undertaking a national campaign seeking from employers vacancies suitable for school leavers.

In passing, I must comment on the inference of Mr Street that if school leavers are advised of their entitlement to unemployment benefit, they will choose not to work. I think that is a gratuitous reflection on the attitudes on most young Australians. By and large school leavers are not interested in unemployment benefit. What they want is satisfying employment and both the Government and the community must do everything possible to encourage and assist them.

page 910

QUESTION

MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY

Senator MISSEN:
VICTORIA

– I address a question to the Minister representing the Minister for Manufacturing Industry. Has the Minister seen or is he aware of the full page advertisement which appeared on page 23 of the Australian Financial Review of 16 September this year offering the General Motors-Holden’s plant at Woodville in South Australia for outside contracts to make use of idle capacity? Is this the first time in history that Australia’s largest manufacturer of motor vehicles has been forced to offer excess capacity to outsiders? What is the Government doing to alleviate the position that this discloses?

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I am an avid reader of the Australian Financial Review but it is not often I get to page 23. So I have not in fact seen the advertisement referred to by the honourable senator. As the question was asked of me in a representative capacity, I ask the honourable senator to bear with me. I will take it to the Minister and let the honourable senator have an early reply.

page 910

QUESTION

MEDIBANK

Senator DONALD CAMERON:
Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

– I direct my question to the Minister for Social Security. In view of the recent publicity about the unexpectedly high number of claims being received by Medibank, I ask the Minister whether the number of claims is higher than expected. Are the payments to meet the claims higher than expected?

Senator WHEELDON:
Minister for Repatriation and Compensation · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP

– As one would expect with so much opposition to Medibank, a number of statements of this kind have been made after its introduction. However, the claims against Medibank are, in value, under $8m a week. It was predicted that the level of claims against Medibank would be more than $l4m a week when it was operating fully. If honourable senators are interested, I can give the current figures on claims. I think they would show that the predictions which were made and the statements which are now being made are quite false. In July, 160 000 claims were made against Medibank. The total cost was somewhat less than $ 13.5m. In August almost 3 million claims were made against Medibank. The total cost was somewhat less than $30m.

page 911

QUESTION

PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

Senator BESSELL:
TASMANIA

– Can the Minister representing the Minister for Health confirm the statement attributed to Dr Everingham that one in five Australians requires psychiatric treatment at some time in his or her life? The ratio of psychologically disturbed people is so startling that Professor Graham Duncan of Adelaide discussed the matter on the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s Notes on the News last week. If the Minister agrees that one in five Australians needs psychiatric treatment, what provision is likely to be made for the 35 to 40 members of Federal Parliament who may be included in that category?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

– I am conscious of the fact that Senator Bessell, sitting on the side of the Senate that he does, would be more aware of the problem than those on this side. I must confess that my impression was that the percentage in the Parliament would have been somewhat higher than the national average. I am gratified to learn that it is as low as it is. If the figures which Senator Bessell gave are correct, some provision ought to be made. I do not know whether it would fall within the jurisdiction of the President or the Usher of the Black Rod or whether a resident psychiatrist ought to be made available to senators, but I shall take up this matter with the Minister for Health and see whether provision could be made to have any of the problems worrying Senator Bessell and his colleagues dealt with under Medibank.

page 911

QUESTION

ABORIGINAL LOAN FUNDS

Senator BONNER:
QUEENSLAND

– My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Is it a fact that the Aboriginal Loans Commission is currently out of funds? If the answer is yes, can the Minister tell the Senate when the Government will make funds available to this very important section of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs?

Senator CAVANAGH:
ALP

– The claims upon the Aboriginal Loans Commission have been such that 1 can well imagine its being out of funds. 1 recognise the disaster to Aboriginal communities if it is out of funds. When the Government will make available additional funds to the Aboriginal Loans Commission depends on Appropriation Bill (No. 1 ) being passed by the Senate.

Senator Baume:

– It has not come to the Senate yet.

Senator CAVANAGH:

– It has not come to the Senate. I believe everything is being done to get it to the Senate. I do not know whether funds are available for the Aboriginal Loans Commission to make loans until such time as the Bill comes to the Senate, but the responsibility for ensuring that the Commission has the necessary funds is as much on Senator Bonner as it is on myself.

page 911

QUESTION

AGED PERSONS HOMES

Senator GRIMES:
NEW SOUTH WALES

-Has the attention of the Minister for Social Security been drawn to the allegation made in a letter in the Sydney Morning Herald of ‘29 September 1975 that funds for the Australian Government’s aged persons housing program had been directed towards meeting the cost of Medibank? Is there any truth in this allegation?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

-My attention has been drawn to this letter. It was from a Mr Tom O’Mahony who, I am distressed to see, has an Irish name, and who is described as the senior partner of O’Mahony, Neville and Morgan, a firm of architects. He said that the architects are not being paid because of funds being directed to provide for what he refers to as ‘the huge cost of Medibank and similar policies’. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in this allegation. The funds are quite separate. Very large sums of money- I have the figures here but I will not go into the details as I think all honourable senators are aware of them- have been made available for aged persons institutions under both the Aged or Disabled Persons Homes Act and the Aged Persons Hostels Act. Provision has been made to ensure that in those cases where out of pocket expenses, including architect’s fees, have been incurred by persons involved in the building of these homes and hostels, they are being met. The allegation is completely incorrect. It has no substance whatsoever. The funds of the Health Insurance Commission are totally separate from the funds which are involved in the provision of aged or disabled persons’ homes and hostels.

page 911

QUESTION

ACTU-SOLO ENTERPRISES PTY LTD

Senator CHANEY:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister representing the Prime Minister prepared to lay on the table of the Senate today all the departmental files relating to the transfer to ACTU-Solo Enterprises Pty Ltd of the parcel of 420 2 1 5 barrels of indigenous crude oil, including all the papers and files relating to previous attempts to secure government approval for the transfer of this crude oil?

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

-I will pass that request to the Prime Minister.

page 912

QUESTION

INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORTS ON RURAL INDUSTRIES

Senator MAUNSELL:
QUEENSLAND

– Will the Minister for Agriculture identify the Industries Assistance Commission reports on rural matters which are still to be received by the Government? When are they expected to come to hand? Is each report being considered separately or is the Government delaying decisions until all the reports are received?

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

-The only Industries Assistance Commission report which is pending and on which the Government is awaiting advice is the report on the beef industry. The Commission is conducting other inquiries at present into the fresh fruit industry, apples and pears, dried fruits, the dairy industry and rural research. If the honourable senator would like a detailed list of them I will certainly supply it. I assume that that is the essence of what the honourable senator is seeking.

Senator Maunsell:

– I asked whether they would be considered separately or whether the Government is waiting for them all to come in.

Senator WRIEDT:

– I am sorry; I missed the last part of the honourable senator’s question. Currently before the Government there are 4 IAC reports. It is a matter of discretion and Government policy whether they are dealt with individually or collectively. My view is that they ought to be dealt with collectively in their overall impact on the rural sector. The reports which are yet to come, particularly those in respect of, say, the dairy industry or the fruit industry, could and almost certainly will be dealt with separately. Before the Commission there are currently 2 inquiries on superphosphate- the one on new lands and the one on the general reference- and the inquiry on income stabilisation. The pending report on beef and also the one on brucellosis, I think, are best dealt with collectively and that is almost certainly what the Government’s approach will be.

page 912

QUESTION

IMPORTED CHILDREN’S BOOK

Senator COLEMAN:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Is the Minister for Police and Customs aware of a Press report in the Sunday Times of 3 1 August that an imported children’s book containing misleading information that a known highly dangerous toadstool is harmless has gone on sale in Australia? What action has the Minister taken in respect of this matter?

Senator CAVANAGH:
ALP

– My attention was drawn to the report and as a result I got my Department to make some investigations. I have been advised that it has made inquiries from the Australian distributor of the imported book. It was learnt, at the time that the printing error was discovered overseas, that sales of the book had been made only in Victoria. The distributors have taken immediate steps to recall the book from retailers. In addition, action was started to trace and recall those copies of the book which were sold to the general public.

page 912

QUESTION

DEMONSTRATION AT INDONESIAN EMBASSY

Senator GIETZELT:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs been drawn to the occupation yesterday of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra by a group of demonstrators protesting against alleged clashes between Indonesian and Fretilin forces inside Portuguese Timor? Can the Minister advise the Senate whether the Government has any information on the repeated clashes in the border areas?

Senator WILLESEE:
ALP

– Yesterday afternoon a group of some 50 people, many of them students, occupied the ground floor of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra. They were protesting against alleged actions of the Indonesian armed forces which, according to one Press report, clashed with Fretilin forces inside Portuguese Timor. The demonstrators left the Indonesian Embassy after 2 hours. The demonstration was peaceful. Officers of the Australian Capital Territory section of the Australia Police were in attendance throughout. The Government has no information to confirm the Press report that there have been clashes between Indonesian and Fretilin forces inside Portuguese Timor. The Government is aware of course that tension has been building up in the border areas. Clashes between rival Timorese factions inside Portuguese Timor have spilled over into Indonesian Timor several times since 24 September. A number of mortar rounds were fired upon the Indonesian village of Motaain on 24 September. Subsequently Indonesia announced that it was reinforcing its forces on the Indonesian side of the border.

The problem in the border areas is complicated by the large scale refugee problem which has arisen. The Government understands that some 40 000 people from Portuguese Timor have fled across the border to take refuge in Indonesian Timor. These figures have been confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross which also reports that a high proportion of the refugees are women and children.

The Goverment regrets the deterioration of the situation in the border areas. Its consistent view has been that the solution to the problem of Portuguese Timor should be sought through peaceful means and that restraints should be exercised by all parties concerned.

page 913

QUESTION

BUILDING INDUSTRY

Senator BAUME:

– Is the Minister for Labor and Immigration aware of a recent survey among 66 architectural firms in Sydney indicating that 322 of their 800 architects and draftsmen face dismissal before Christmas because of current restricted work load and almost no forward contracts? In view of the known relationships whereby each hour spent at a drafting board multiplies into approximately 20 hours employment on site and approximately 100 hours total employment in the building and associated industries, and in view of the fact that the conditions in architecture give early warning of general building conditions I ask: What is known of employment prospects in the building and associated industries in the months ahead? Is progressive massive unemployment imminent in these industries? What plans does the Government have to reduce the impact and suffering such unemployment will cause?

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I have not read the news item referred to by the honourable senator but if he seeks to make the point that there are depressed conditions in the building industry, as I have said in response to similar questions he will have no contest with me. I freely acknowledge, and the Government freely acknowledges, that things are far from what they should be. We would like them to be better. We hope that the measures we are taking will cause an upturn in the near future and, as I say whenever a question such as this is addressed to me, I am also open to offers from the Opposition of information on how to help.

page 913

QUESTION

POSTAL COURIER SERVICE

Senator DRURY:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– My question is directed to the Postmaster-General. Recently the PostmasterGeneral advised the Senate that an Australia Post courier service would be introduced in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and that terminal services would be set up simultaneously in other capital cities. Is the Minister now in a position to advise when the services will commence? When is a complete courier service proposed for Adelaide?

Senator BISHOP:
ALP

– Having been involved in the early stages with Mr Hancock of my staff in the settling of industrial matters relating to the new services, I am anxious to see that they start as early as possible. I am assured by the Commission that that cannot be done for technical reasons before early February, when those 3 capitals will be serviced completely by a courier service. At the same time there will be terminal facilities, and in Adelaide there will also be sufficient vehicles available to supply a complete courier service for that ciy. It is hoped that as soon as possible after that service starts it will be extended to all capital cities. It is not anticipated that there will be any problems in relation to the private courier services operated because the market indications are that the Post Office courier services have plenty of room for expansion. I am anxious to see the service operate as quickly as possible and I will talk again to the Commission to see whether it is possible to expedite the service.

page 913

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CONTROL BOARD

Senator YOUNG:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

-I ask the Minister representing the Minister for the Media whether he has seen a report in Wednesday’s Australian Financial Review to this effect:

It was also suggested yesterday that the Government was considering removing the ACTU secretary, Mr Harold Souter, from Government boards of which he is a member for his part in the ACTU-Solo affair.

I ask also: Are today’s Press reports that Mr Souter resigned yesterday as a member of the Australian Broadcasting Control Board before he could be fired by the Government correct? Is it also a fact that Mr Bill Davies of the Broadcasting Control Board is also resigning to take up an appointment in South Australia? Is the Minister also aware that by effluxion of time, Mr Wright, the Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, will be retiring on 15 March 1 976, as will Mr Williams on 1 February 1 976?

Government senators- Hear, hear!

Senator YOUNG:

– I take on board the cries of Hear hear’ that came from Government senators. Will the Minister ask the Minister for the Media, Dr Cass, to give an assurance that Mr Wright and Mr Williams will be given the opportunity to continue as board members and that all new appointments to the Australian Broadcasting Control Board will be made on ability and expertise and not on a political bias or philosophy which could jeopardise the effective functioning of the Board, particularly in relation to the changing situation in the television industry and the further establishment of radio in Australia?

Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

-The honourable senator would know that the matter of appointments to government boards and statutory bodies is one for the Government to determine as a matter of Government policy. Future appointments to the Broadcasting Control Board will be made in conformity with the Government’s policy of appointing people of expertise and experience to all statutory boards.

page 914

QUESTION

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Senator BUTTON:
VICTORIA

– My question is addressed to the Minister for Social Security. Has his attention been drawn to an article which appeared in the Bulletin on 6 September and entitled Fraser ‘s Faceless Men’? I am curious as to whether the Minister, if he has seen the article, can tell the Senate whether he regards the description ‘faceless men’ as a fair and accurate description. Secondly, can he inform the Senate whether any of the people concerned are in receipt of or are eligible for age or disability pensions?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

– I did see the article and there were photographs of these peoplethere were a number of them- and they did appear to have faces. Whether or not they would have been better off if they had been faceless I would not care to comment at this time. They are not entirely faceless, I would have thought, as far as the general public is concerned because they are well remembered for many notorious acts such as sending troops to Vietnam and buying the FI 1 1 aircraft. If any of them are at present in receipt of age or disability pensions I feel it would be improper for me to reveal this because of the policy of confidentiality which the Department of Social Security and the Department of Repatriation and Compensation follow.

Senator Greenwood:

– I rise on a point of order, Mr President. The question is not a proper one and the Minister is indicating by his answer that he is treating it with triviality. Questions must relate to matters of public affairs with which the Minister is concerned. My submission is that this is a question of purely political content with a degree of humour attached to it, that it is a waste of time and a denial of the right of Opposition senators to ask questions of serious import. Government senators and Government Ministers should recognise that fact. I submit that the question is out of order entirely.

The PRESIDENT:

– On a similar point of order taken yesterday I did ask that questions be brief and I asked the Minister to use his discretion in answering the questions briefly. It has been the practice that if the Senate itself complains about a question or an answer then some action has to be taken. I ask the Minister to be as brief as possible in answering.

Senator WHEELDON:

– I shall be and 1 can assure you, Mr President, that this is not a Dorothy Dixer. All I would say in passing is that were any of the faceless people to apply for a disability pension- losing a face is a disability in some instances- the appropriate departments would give them the sympathetic consideration that all similar applicants are given in similar cases.

page 914

QUESTION

REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

Senator JESSOP:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

-Is the Minister for Labor and Immigration aware that the Coober Pedy Progress Association was promised a grant of $40,000 by the Government under the Regional Employment Development scheme? Is he also aware that this Association made arrangements to purchase a building from Maralinga for reerection at Coober Pedy for community use on the assumption that the Government would honour its obligation to provide this finance? Is it a fact that the Department has now informed this body that the grant will not be forthcoming because the well has run dry? Can he say how many other organisations throughout Australia have been placed in a similar position which has created serious financial embarrassment for the organisation to which I have referred?

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– I find it somewhat curious that the Opposition is now showing such a tender regard for the Regional Employment Development scheme. I would remind the honourable senator that a couple of Liberal State governments have challenged the legality of the RED scheme in the High Court. It was a scheme that was subject to continuing criticism from the other side of politics while it was in full flight. Yes, it is a fact that a great number of the RED scheme projects for which approval had been given have been cancelled. This is part of the general pruning of the deficit which the Government sought to achieve in framing its Budget. There is a curious lack of coherence in the criticism of our Budget that we receive from the Opposition. For instance, we are accused constantly by Mr Fraser of keeping the deficit too high. I assume from the question asked by Senator Jessop and from various other questions that have been directed to the curtailment of the RED scheme that what the Opposition really wants us to do is to increase the deficit. I wish that they would make up their minds and let the people of Australia know just what sort of a budget they would have to expect from a government composed of the present Opposition.

Senator JESSOP:

-Mr President, I would like to direct a supplementary question to the Minister for Labor and Immigration.

The PRESIDENT:

– Yes.

Senator JESSOP:

-Is it a fact that the Coober Pedy Progress Association has been left high and dry because of the refusal of the Government to honour its obligations? I did not enter into any debate concerning the legality of the matter, when I asked my question. I believe that these people are seriously embarrassed. I ask that question of the Minister.

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– If the honourable senator is looking for simple answers, the world is simple only to the simple minded. Society is complex and therefore complicated answers are often required. I regret every Regional Employment Development project that had to be abandoned just as I regret every shortcoming in expenditure that is involved in trimming our sails. But the fact is that we judged that we did not have the money to pay out on the RED schemes, many of which had been already approved. I very much regret that Coober Pedy falls into that category. If there are special circumstances, special hardships or an outlay of money that cannot be recovered, I would invite the honourable senator to give me the details of the matter and I will see whether any amends can be made. I was not trying to score any cheap points off him. I was merely explaining the dilemma in which the Government finds itself in respect of the RED schemes. I regret that these schemes have had to be curtailed.

page 915

QUESTION

CROSSBOWS

Senator MULVIHILL:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Has the Minister for Police and Customs noticed the appearance of a new type of United States manufactured crossbow with fibreglass components that launches an arrow with much greater velocity? Mindful of its lethal qualities against Australian wildlife, will he have this weapon banned from entry into Australia?

Senator CAVANAGH:
ALP

– I am not aware of the importation of the crossbows to which the honourable senator refers. The question of the prohibition of the importation of crossbows has received consideration by my Department. There is little point in refusing the importation of such weapons while they can be produced and sold in Australia. The constitutional power of the

Australian Government relates only to importation. I understand that the honourable senator’s interest in this matter relates to the effect which crossbows may have on wildlife in Australia.

Senator Mulvihill:

– And on a person’s backside too.

Senator CAVANAGH:

– And on people. For any ban to be effective it must be a State action. The Police Minister’s Conference held in Canberra on Friday last considered the advisability of putting some ban on replica firearms which could be used in a holdup. Being replicas they are not dangerous but they could be used in a hold-up to frighten someone into handing over money. The unanimous decision of the Conference was that the police commissioners should study the matter and refer back to their State governments. The Conference supported the proposal that there should be through State and Commonwealth legislation a complete prohibition on such replica weapons that could be used to frighten. Two aspects are involved; one is their importation and the other is their manufacture and sale in Australia.

Senator MULVIHILL:

– I ask a supplementary question. I did not quite follow the latter part of the Minister’s answer. Do I understand that the Australian police feel that it does not matter if someone gets a shaft from an Australian crossbow in his buttocks?

Senator CAVANAGH:

– I suppose it depends whose buttock it is fired into. It is a matter of concern but we cannot prohibit the use of crossbows by import restrictions. The prohibition has to be on manufacture and sale as well as on importation.

page 915

QUESTION

NATIONAL COMPENSATION SCHEME

Senator DURACK:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– My question is directed to the Minister for Social Security and Minister for Repatriation and Compensation. Is it the intention of the Government to reintroduce legislation for the national compensation scheme in some form during the present session? If so, will the Government, before introducing the legislation, announce what method of funding the scheme will be used?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

-The Government has not yet determined what action will be taken on this matter. As one may have gathered from some Press reports which appear from time to time, all of us have people who seem to be prepared to talk to newspapers about these things. However, discussions are going on but there has not been any determination made by the Government as to what future course it will adopt on this matter. As soon as a decision has been made it will be announced and I trust that at the time a decision is made there also will be a decision and an announcement made about the means of financing the scheme.

page 916

QUESTION

NURSING HOMES AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

Senator WALSH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– My question is directed to the Minister for Social Security and relates to Medibank. Has he seen an article in the Financial Review of 1 October which states that, under the Medibank hospitals agreement signed at the end of September by the New South Wales State Government, nursing homes and pyschiatric hospitals which previously qualified for hospital benefits will be excluded from hospital benefits under Medibank? Can he advise the Senate whether there is any truth in this allegation?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

-This is a rather complicated question which has been raised a number of times in the Senate. It involves the treatment of people in psychiatric nursing homes and requires a little detail in its explanation. I have read the article. The Australian Government provides a quite distinct and separate funding and benefit system for nursing homes- that is, distinct from the Medibank scheme. In fact, it was in operation before Medibank was introduced. Most of the legislation was based on legislation which in fact had been introduced by the previous Liberal-Country Party Government. The Aged Persons Hostels Act, for example, was an Act of that previous Government. There will be a substantial increase in the rate of nursing home benefits, as distinct from hospital benefits, in New South Wales from 13 November next, but again that has nothing to do with Medibank; it is a separate arrangement.

The situation with regard to psychiatric hospitals is that where those institutions are conducted by or under the control of State governments they are excluded from Medibank agreements. Under the arrangements which prevailed before the introduction of Medibank patients in government psychiatric institutions were not eligible for hospital benefits. However, there were some difficulties, as one can imagine, in definition in these questions of borderline cases and some patients in 3 psychiatric institutions in New South Wales were paid hospital benefits. With the introduction of the hospital side of Medibank under the agreement which was signed recently by Mr Whitlam and Mr Lewis and which will come into effect on 1 November the opportunity has been taken in New South Wales, as it has been in other States, to correct these anomalies that existed in the past and to bring the payment of hospital benefits into accord with the legislation.

The whole question of the financing of government psychiatric institutions is to be examined by a working party comprising representatives of each of the State governments as well as the Australian Government. The patients in privately run psychiatric hospitals and in the psychiatric wards of public hospitals remain eligible for hospital benefits. This is not a new problem. It is a problem which existed under the previous National Health Act arrangements and it is a problem which does require some resolution. We are confident that in a spirit of co-operation and compromise between the Australian Government and the States we will be able to resolve the remaining difficulties which face us.

page 916

QUESTION

MEDIBANK

Senator GUILFOYLE:
VICTORIA

– I direct a question to the Minister for Social Security. It also relates to the signing by New South Wales of an agreement in relation to the hospital side of Medibank. What is the anticipated cost of the service under Medibank for this financial year?

Senator WHEELDON:
ALP

– I am not quite sure about Senator Guilfoyle’s question, Mr President.

Senator Guilfoyle:

– I am inquiring about the cost to the Australian Government of the agreement which has been signed by New South Wales and which will be operative from 1 November.

Senator WHEELDON:

– As far as it applies to New South Wales?

Senator Guilfoyle:

– Yes.

Senator WHEELDON:

-I have the figures. In fact, I think I have the figures amongst the documents that I have in my hand at the present time. I would prefer to give an accurate answer to Senator Guilfoyle on this matter rather than try to delve through these papers or give a figure out of my head. I undertake to give an answer as soon as possible.

page 916

QUESTION

TORRES STRAIT

Senator PRIMMER:
VICTORIA

– My question is directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Can the Minister advise the Senate whether any progress has been made in negotiations with the Papua New Guinea Government over the future of the Torres Strait?

Senator WILLESEE:
ALP

– We remain committed to negotiation with Papua New Guinea on the distribution of resources and the division of jurisdiction in the Torres Strait. In so doing, we seek to accommodate the interests of all the parties affected- Papua New Guinea, Queensland, Australia and, of course, the Torres Strait Islanders themselves. On 2 April 1974 the Premier of Queensland proposed an international marine park for the Torres Strait area which would protect the environment and control commercial activities. Discussions between Australian and Queensland officials are proceeding on an environmentally protected zone along these lines in the hope of producing agreement on a special regime for the Strait.

On 23 September the Queensland Premier referred to the amicable discussions between Queensland and Australian officials. Now that Papua New Guinea has become independent it will be for Papua New Guinea and Australia to negotiate a treaty embodying the new regime. The Queensland Premier has endorsed such an approach. On the Papua New Guinea side, the Prime Minister of that country, in his Press conference of 16 September, expressed his confidence that the Queensland Government and the Federal Government would come to some common agreement with Papua New Guinea. The Australian Government is keen to reach agreement with Papua New Guinea and has every expectation of progress towards the resolution of this issue as soon as the constitutional problems are overcome.

page 917

QUESTION

RIVER MURRAY SALINITY

Senator LAUCKE:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– I address my question to the Postmaster-General, representing the Minister for Environment. At a recent meeting of the South Australian Irrigators Association grave concern was expressed at the continued delay in implementing recommendations of the Gutteridge Haskins and Davey 1970 report on salinity in the River Murray. The report inter alia advocated the early removal of evaporation ponds from the river basin and pointed out that the implementation of these works in South Australia provided the most economical method of achieving a substantial improvement in water quality in South Australia. I appreciate the advice I have received from the Minister for Agriculture in respect of the activities of the working party which is investigating problems of salinity in the Murray. But further to that information I now ask the Minister who represents Mr Berinson in this place to ensure that urgent consideration is given to the removal of these evaporation ponds in the Murray Basin to which I have just referred.

Senator BISHOP:
ALP

-A11 1 can do is to refer the honourable senator’s question to the Minister for Environment. Obviously the question relates to a matter which would not fall within the responsibility of only one Minister but I am glad that the honourable senator has drawn my attention to the report. To be frank with the honourable senator, I have not studied the report yet. But I shall ask Mr Berinson to examine it straight away in order to see to what extent I can advise the honourable senator.

page 917

QUESTION

PRIVATE WOOL BUYING

Senator MELZER:
VICTORIA

– Is the Minister for Agriculture aware of reports that increases in private wool buying are undermining the auction system? Is the situation as serious as claimed and, if so, what is being done to curtail private wool buying?

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

– The problem of private wool buying has been evident in Australia for some years now. It has become a problem since the introduction of the floor price scheme which is currently operating in the auction room in Australia. The Government has given a lot of thought to this matter in conjunction with the industry. There is conflicting evidence, some to show that the private buying system is undermining the auction system and other evidence to suggest that it is not. The principal reason that the Government has not acted to restrict the activity of private buying is that it believes the wool grower has the right to have an option as to whether or not he sells his wool through a private buyer or through the auction system. However, if evidence does show- I think the evidence may be increasing- that the operations of the private buyers are having an undermining effect on the operation of the floor price scheme, the Government will be obliged to take up the matter with the industry with a view to seeing what might be done to ensure the stability of the floor price system.

page 917

QUESTION

ACTU-SOLO ENTERPRISES PTY LTD

Senator GREENWOOD:

-My question is directed to the Minister representing the Prime Minister and refers to the finding of the Royal Commission inquiring into the petroleum industry that the ACTU-Solo Enterprises Pty Ltd transaction was not approved by the Government because the Government was not told the full facts. Has the Government taken any action to implement the findings of the Commission? If it has not, does it propose to take any action to prevent the balance of the crude oil in the transaction being allocated? Does it propose to take any action to prevent Allied Petrochemicals Pty Ltd from benefiting by a sum in excess of $ lm as a result of the deception practised? Does the Government propose to take any action to prevent the unfair competition in which the ACTUSolo company is engaged as a result of its deception?

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

– I am quite sure that the Government would not condone any illegal or improper actions which might have been undertaken by the ACTU-Solo organisation. I understand the Prime Minister has made his position clear on behalf of the Government. It is one which I am sure would be endorsed by Government supporters.

Senator Cavanagh:

– He answered 3 questions today in the other House.

Senator WRIEDT:

– I am not aware of statements which Senator Cavanagh says have been made today at question time in the House of Representatives. I am not in a position to make any judgment on the findings of the Commission, but I understand that yesterday Mr Bowen made a statement on the matter. There are a series of questions involved in Senator Greenwood’s question and I think that they ought to be referred to the Prime Minister for a proper answer.

page 918

QUESTION

PRICES JUSTIFICATION TRIBUNAL

Senator McINTOSH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– I direct my question to the Special Minister of State. Is it a fact that some critics of the Prices Justification Tribunal claim that it has had no noticeable influence on prices and others accuse it of damaging business confidence by keeping prices too low? Can the Minister say what influence, if any, the Prices Justification Tribunal has had upon the level of prices charged by companies?

Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

-The 2 matters raised by Senator Mcintosh in his question indicate a case of the critics confounding one another, as I suggest that both of the allegations could not be true. Indeed, I suggest that neither of them is true. As regards the Tribunal’s effect on prices, yesterday I tabled in the Senate the annual report of the Prices Justification Tribunal. The figures set out in that report clearly show that, if the Tribunal had not existed, in at least 7500 cases last financial year companies would have been free to increase prices without having to justify their actions and in many instances without significant competitive restraints. The annual report of the Tribunal shows that of the 7500 price proposals that were received by the Tribunal last financial year, more than 16 per cent were reduced or withdrawn altogether.

In addition, I think that if the honourable senator peruses the report he will see that about 700 complaints that suppliers had increased their prices were referred to the Tribunal either from members of the public or on advice from prescribed companies. Whilst it is true that the Tribunal says that because of lack of sufficient evidence a large number of these cases could not be followed through nonetheless in about 60-odd cases the prices were reduced as a result of the Tribunal’s investigations. In some cases the lower prices were accompanied by refunds to consumers. I suggest that the effectiveness of the Prices Justification Tribunal in keeping prices at a fair and competitive pace is beyond doubt.

page 918

QUESTION

SOUTH VIETNAMESE STUDENTS

Senator CARRICK:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– I direct my question to the Minister for Labor and Immigration. It refers to the urgent desire of South Vietnamese students and others of that nationality in Australia to obtain permanent residence for themselves and their close relatives. It refers also to the statement by the Minister in reply to a number of questions of mine some 3 weeks ago that he would shortly be able to announce the Government’s policies on this matter. I ask the Minister: What reasons exist for the delay in this matter, particularly as immediate decisions were made regarding people from East Timor and Chile? Is the Minister aware that the New Zealand Government has not found such difficulty and has granted permanent residence to South Vietnamese students upon the completion of their studies? I ask whether the Minister for Education, Mr Beazley, was stating Government policy when he wrote by letter dated 2 June:

There is no extradition treaty between Australia and Vietnam, North or South. Consequently it is legally impossible for any Australian Government to send anybody to Vietnam.

If so, why are there undue delays which are agonising to many students and their relatives?

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Although such a matter would normally fall within the jurisdiction of my portfolio, the Prime Minister has taken decisions about South Vietnamese students under his wing.

Senator Carrick:

– You told me otherwise the other day.

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP
Senator Carrick:

– Yes, you did. I asked you whether that concerned your portfolio.

Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– If there is a misunderstanding between Senator Carrick and myself about this matter, I should like to clear it up now. Decisions about the fate of South

Vietnamese students are taken primarily by the Prime Minister. I am as anxious as Senator Carrick that there should be some finalisation about their position, and 1 will urge the Prime Minister to reach a decision in the near future.

page 919

QUESTION

ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY

Senator KEEFFE:
QUEENSLAND

– My question is directed to the Special Minister of State. I ask the Minister whether it is a fact that the Industries Assistances Commission and its predecessor, the Tariff Board, have been inquiring into the aluminium industry for some time. Could the Minister advise whether a final report on this industry has yet been received from the Commission and, if so, when it will be publicly released?

Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

-The honourable senator might know that the Industries Assistance Commission, and before it the Tariff Board, have had under study 3 references on the aluminium industry dated 1969, 1971 and 1973, and I understand that printed copies of the Commission’s final report will be available within the course of the next few days. When the report becomes available I will be tabling and releasing it, not only for the Parliament but also for general distribution. The honourable senator might be aware that the Commission regards this report as being a highly significant one because it is the first major report which has been prepared by the Commission on the basis of the draft report procedure which was introduced earlier this year. In other words, the Commission drew up certain draft conclusions, presented them to the industry for consideration or comment, and as a result of that consideration and comment the Commission has now prepared the final report.

The draft report procedure, as I have said before, is an extremely desirable development and one which I hope the Industries Assistance Commission will give consideration to applying in the future to all, or if not all to most, cases or reports dealing with long term assistance matters. I expect to be discussing this matter with the Chairman of the Industries Assistance Commission the week after next, upon my return from Nauru. Whilst the honourable senator makes inquiries about the aluminium industry, I noted that the Commission released a draft report on the telecommunications equipment industry last week, which of course covers a significant sector of the electronics industry, and I hope that that industry will be offering its comments and considerations on that draft report.

page 919

QUESTION

CRAIG COLLECTION

Senator RAE:
TASMANIA

– My question is directed to the Special Minister of State, or alternatively to the Minister for Police and Customs, whoever prefers to answer it. I refer to the statement by the Special Minister of State last Tuesday to the Estimates Committee that he and the Minister for Police and Customs had been discussing taking action to prohibit the export from Australia of all or part of the Craig collection of Tasmanian: which is for auction in about a fortnight’s time in Launceston. I now ask whichever Minister chooses to answer: Has any further step been taken to determine whether any such orders will be issued?

Senator CAVANAGH:
ALP

– There was a request from the Tasmanian Government for the purchase for the Hobart Museum of a number of items from the Craig collection which is coming up for auction. The Australian Government thought that it was a matter for the State Government. Anything of an historic nature associated with the foundation and the settlement of Australia is prohibited from being exported from Australia. That regulation will apply to anything in this collection. We have asked various people in the museum what items come under this prohibition so that we can notify prospective buyers that if they purchase such items they will not be permitted to export them from Australia. That regulation still applies, and my Department is now trying to draw up a list of the items which come under that regulation. People will not be permitted to export those items from Australia.

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

-I ask that further questions be placed on notice.

The PRESIDENT:

– I have had a request from Senator Willesee and Senator Bishop for an opportunity to answer questions that have been previously asked.

page 919

QUESTION

MR MARKO NAZOR

Senator WILLESEE:
ALP

– I have some information on the question that Senator Greenwood asked me yesterday about Mr Nazor. The Australian Embassy in Belgrade has been making approaches to the Federal Secretariat for Foreign Affairs in Yugoslavia about the arrest of Mr Marko Nazor since 18 June. Information about the arrest of Mr Nazor was originally given to the Embassy by his wife. Senator Greenwood ‘s claims that Mr Nazor is under a death sentence and that Mrs Nazor has been imprisoned are incorrect. The most recent advice from the Australian Embassy in Belgrade is that the Yugoslavian authorities have informed the Embassy that: (a) Investigation procedures against Mr Nazor were completed on 29 September and a charge had not been brought; (b) the trial has not yet begun; it will probably be public and, if so, there would be no objection to attendance by Australian consular officials; and (c) Mrs Nazor had not been accused of any offence.

The Embassy stressed the need for full information on the nature of the charges and reemphasised its strong desire to attend the trial. The Embassy also made strong representations for access to Mr Nazor. The Australian Embassy will continue to pursue all avenues available to it to assist Mr and Mrs Nazor.

There are one or two other points I would like to make. One is that this is not merely a problem between Australia and Yugoslavia. It is Yugoslavia’s policy and therefore it applies to all countries. Its policy makes it just that more difficult to make any breakthrough in this regard. The other point I regretfully make is that from the way in which Senator Greenwood handles these problems it is fairly obvious, I think, that he is more interested in exacerbating a very difficult problem between 2 countries rather than in the life and liberty of the individuals concerned.

page 920

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

Senator GREENWOOD:

– I rise to seek leave to make a personal explanation. That is a gratuitous and insulting remark.

The PRESIDENT:

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

Senator GREEN WOOD:
QUEENSLAND

-My concern in this matter, as I related to the Senate the other day, arose from newspaper information initially. I was unaware that a man had been held in gaol incommunicado for a period of 3 months until the newspapers revealed the fact. Subsequently, I was informed of what had been related to my informant from other people that the man was under a death sentence. I sought to have that confirmed in the space of three or four hours available to me. I was unable to get that confirmation. I raised the matter on the basis as appears in Hansard, to get information from the Minister as to whether or not that allegation was true. That is what the Hansard record reveals. The Minister has sought the information and he has given the information. I assure him that I will not be intimidated into being silent when there are growing numbers of people whose imprisonment in Yugoslavia and other countries is becoming known and the inactivity of this Government is also becoming known. I hope that the Minister will be active and that he will be persistent. But I do not believe that he will achieve the results which everyone wants to have achieved by pussy-footing with a Communist government. I would hope that he would protest publicly, vigorously and persistently because it is only by shaming these governments by public exposure of what they are doing that we are likely to get results. That has not been an attitude which the Minister has been taking.

page 920

QUESTION

CANBERRA BUSINESS PREMISES: RENTS

Senator BISHOP:
ALP

-Yesterday, Senator Withers asked me, in my capacity as representing the Minister for the Capital Territory, the following question:

  1. ls it a fact that a Government shop in Downer is more than 2 years behind in its rent as at this date?

If the answer is yes, what steps are being taken to recover the outstanding rent?

  1. In regard to the successful bid on 27 August last of $24,200 annual rental for the supermarket site at Evatt, does the Minister propose to reduce the rent in future years if the lessees are unable to maintain the rent charged?

Mr Bryant supplied the following answer:

  1. Yes. A judgment for outstanding rent has recently been obtained in the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court against the lessees. An offer to pay the outstanding liabilities in full has been received and payment is expected to be made within the next few days
  2. No. The advertised terms of lease provide:

    1. for the amount bid to be payable annually for the first 6 years of lease;
    2. b ) that the rental becomes due for reappraisal at the end of the sixth year and at the end of each subsequent 3 years but that it will not be reduced below the rent initially bid.

page 920

AUSTRALIAN DRIED FRUITS CONTROL BOARD

Senator WRIEDT:
ALP

– (Tasmania- Minister for Agriculture)- I present the annual report of the Australian Dried Fruits Control Board for the year ended 30 June 1975.

page 920

AUSTRALIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Senator BISHOP:
PostmasterGeneral · South Australia · ALP

For the information of honourable senators I present a report prepared by the Australian Advisory Committee on the Environment entitled Postal Land. The report is dated July 1975.

page 921

DARWIN CYCLONE TRACY RELIEF TRUST FUND

Senator CAVANAGH:
South AustraliaMinister for Police and Customs · ALP

– For the information of honourable senators I present the report on the Darwin Cyclone Tracy Relief Trust Fund for June 1975.

page 921

DEFENCE SERVICE HOMES SCHEME

Senator CAVANAGH:
South AustraliaMinister for Police and Customs · ALP

– I present the interim report of the operations, other than insurance, in relation to the Defence Service Homes scheme for the year ended 30 June 1 975.

page 921

AUSTRALIAN HOUSING CORPORATION

Senator CAVANAGH:
ALP

– (South AustraliaMinister for Police and Customs)- I present an interim statement on operations, other than the Defence Service Homes scheme, relating to the Australian Housing Corporation Act 1975 for the year ended 30 June 1975.

page 921

ELECTORAL RE-DISTRIBUTION (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) BILL 1975 [No. 2]

Second Reading

Senator WILLESEE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Foreign Affairs · ALP

– I move:

Because of the nature of these Bills and because we are getting fairly familiar with them, I ask for leave to incorporate the second reading speech in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no dissent, leave is granted. (The document read as follows)-

This Bill is designed to implement the electoral divisions in South Australia having the names and boundaries approved in respect of that State by the House of Representatives on 21 May 1975. An identical Bill was introduced into that House on 29 May 1975 and passed the same day. lt was introduced into and rejected by this chamber on 10 June 1975. As honourable senators are aware, the report by the Distribution Commissioners for the State of South Australia was laid before both Houses of the Parliament on 15 April 1975, pursuant to section 23A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, together with suggestions, comments, and objections lodged with the Distribution Commissioners pursuant to sections 1 8A and 2 1 of that Act. A motion for the approval of the re-distribution proposed in that report was passed by the House of Representatives on 21 May 1975, but was negated by the Senate on the following day.

The Electoral Re-distribution (South Australia) Bill is one of five Bills designed to implement the Distribution Commissioners’ proposed electoral divisions for South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. These Bills are necessary because of the uncompromising attitude adopted by the Opposition parties towards the re-distribution proposals for each of the 5 States concerned. The Government believes that the effecting of these re-distributions has become a matter of urgent necessity in order to provide equality of representation for every elector. The Government is not prepared to wait until 1977 or 1978 to effect a re-distribution, even supposing that future Distribution Commissioners could produce proposals which would please both the National Country Party and the Liberal Party.

For the information of honourable senators, I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard a statement showing the enrolment as at 29 August 1975, for each electoral division in South Australia.

ATTACHMENT

This Bill provides a challenge to the Opposition parties in this chamber. We invite them to support the basic democratic principle of practical equality of representation which is the basis of this proposed legislation. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Withers) adjourned.

page 921

ELECTORAL RE-DISTRIBUTION (TASMANIA) BILL 1975 [No. 2]

Second Reading

Senator WILLESEE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Foreign Affairs · ALP

– I move:

That the Bill be now read a second time. 1 ask the Senate to allow me to incorporate the second reading speech in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no dissent, leave is granted. (The document read as follows)-

This Bill is designed to implement the electoral divisions in Tasmania having the names and boundaries approved in respect of that State by the House of Representatives on 21 May 1975. An identical Bill was introduced into and passed by that House on 29 May 1975, and was introduced into and refused a second reading by this chamber on 10 June 1975. As honourable senators are aware, the report by the Distribution Commissioners for the State of Tasmania was laid before both Houses on 17 April 1975, pursuant to section 23a of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, together with suggestions, comments and objections lodged with the Distribution Commissioners in accordance with sections 18A and 21 of that Act. A motion for the approval of the proposed re-distribution was passed by the House of Representatives on 2 1 May 1 975, but was negated by the Senate on the following day.

For the information of honourable senators, I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard a statement showing the enrolment as at 29 August 1975, for each electoral division in Tasmania.

ATTACHMENT

I have already indicated in the course of my remarks on the first of the 5 Electoral Redistribution Bills, the purpose of these Bills, and I do not propose to reiterate those remarks. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Withers) adjourned.

page 922

ELECTORAL RE-DISTRIBUTION (QUEENSLAND) BILL 1975 [No. 2]

Second Reading

Senator WILLESEE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Foreign Affairs · ALP

– I move:

I seek leave for the second reading speech to be incorporated in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no dissent, leave is granted. (The speech read as follows)-

This Bill is designed to implement the electoral divisions in Queensland having the names and boundaries approved in respect of that State by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1975. An identical Bill was introduced into and passed by that House on 29 May 1975. It was introduced into the Senate on 10 June 1975 and was denied a second reading on the same day.

As honourable senators are aware, the report by the Distribution Commissioners for the State of Queensland was laid before both Houses on 17 April 1975, pursuant to section 23A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, together with suggestions, comments and objections lodged with the Distribution Commissioners in accordance with sections 18A and 21 of that Act. A motion for the approval of the re-distribution proposed in that report was passed by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1975 but was negated by the Senate on 27 May 1975.

For the information of honourable senators, I incorporate in Hansard a statement showing the enrolment, as at 29 August 1975, for each electoral division in Queensland.

ATTACHMENT

In Queensland, enrolments as at the end of August ranged from 98 520 in the division of

McPherson to 46 735 in the division of Maranoa. Thus, in that State, one seat at present has more than twice as many electors as another. This is denial of the very essence of democracy and a travesty of the electoral process. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Withers) adjourned.

page 923

ELECTORAL RE-DISTRIBUTION (VICTORIA) BILL 1975 [No. 2]

Second Reading

Senator WILLESEE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Foreign Affairs · ALP

– I move:

I seek leave to incorporate the second reading speech in Hansard.

Mr PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no dissent, leave is granted. (The speech read as follows)-

This Bill is designed to implement the electoral divisions in Victoria having the names and boundaries approved in respect of that State by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1 975. An identical Bill was introduced into and passed by that House on 29 May 1975. It was introduced into the Senate on 10 June 1975 and refused a second reading by this chamber on the same day.

As honourable senators are aware, the report by the Distribution Commissioners for the State of Victoria was laid before the House of Representatives on 13 May 1975 and before the Senate on the following day, pursuant to section 23a of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, together with suggestions, comments and objections lodged with the Distribution Commissioners pursuant to sections 18a and 21 of that Act. A motion for the approval of the redistribution proposed in that report was passed by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1975 but was negated by the Senate on 27 May 1 975.

For the information of honourable senators, I incorporate in Hansard a statement showing the enrolment as at 29 August 1975, for each electoral division in Victoria.

ATTACHMENT

I have already indicated, in the course of my remarks dealing with the first of these five related electoral redistribution Bills, the purpose of these Bills and there is no need to reiterate those remarks in dealing with this Bill. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Withers) adjourned.

page 923

ELECTORAL RE-DISTRIBUTION (NEW SOUTH WALES) BILL 1975 [No. 2]

Second Reading

Senator WILLESEE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Foreign Affairs · ALP

– I move:

I seek leave to incorporate the second reading speech in Hansard.

The PRESIDENT:

-Is leave granted? There being no dissent, leave is granted. (The speach read as follows)-

This Bill is designed to implement the electoral divisions in New South Wales having the names and boundaries approved in respect of that State by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1975. An identical Bill was introduced into and passed by that House on 29 May 1975. It was introduced into and refused a second reading by the Senate on 10 June 1975.

As honourable senators are aware, the report by the Distribution Commmissioners for the State of New South Wales was laid before the House of Representatives on 13 May 1975 and before the Senate on the following day, pursuant to section 23a of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, together with suggestions, comments and objections lodged with the Distribution Commissioners pursuant to sections 18a and 21 of that Act. A motion for the approval of the redistribution proposed in that report was passed by the House of Representatives on 22 May 1975 but was negated by the Senate on 27 May 1975.

For the information of honourable senators, I incorporate in Hansard a statement showing the enrolment as at 29 August 1975, for electoral division Division in New South Wales.

ATTACHMENT

The Government believes that, as with the proposals for South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria, the redistribution proposals for the State of New South Wales are the fairest ever laid before this Parliament and merit the unqualified support of this chamber. I commend the Bill to the Senate.

Debate (on motion by Senator Withers) adjourned.

page 924

ADJOURNMENT

Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– To enable the various Senate Estimate Committees to resume their sittings, I move:

The PRESIDENT:

– Before putting the question I advise honourable senators that the Estimates Committees will meet as soon as possible. The bells will be rung for 3 minutes prior to the Committees sitting. Estimates Committee A will meet in the Senate chamber, Estimates Committee B in committee room No. 1 and Estimates Committee G in committee room No. 3.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 1 1.53 a.m.

page 925

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The following answers to questions were circulated:

Election Broadcasts (Question No. 596)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Media, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What were the reasons that commercial radio and television stations were able to provide detailed information to the previous Minister as to election broadcasting while the Australian Broadcasting Commission could only provide simple aggregate times in answer to a Question of Mr F. Reynolds, M.P., on 2 1 April 1 975.
  2. Will the Minister provide a detailed answer beyond the information given in the preamble to the previous Minister’s answer to Mr Reynolds.
Senator McClelland:

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

  1. 1 ) The ABC does not broadcast political talks on radio and television on individual stations, as is the case of the commercial stations. It broadcasts the same talks over its national or state networks, so a statement of aggregate times provides the best analysis available.
  2. Aggregate times for radio and television broadcasts for the 1972 and 1974 elections were provided in answer to House of Representatives question No. 1916 (Hansard, pages 1917-1937 of 21 April 1975). The ABC has now been able to undertake a detailed survey in respect of the five Federal elections proceeding 1972, dating back to 1964. These are outlined as follows, and for the reason given in ( 1 ) above again take the form of aggregate times.

Drugs (Question No. 678)

Senator Baume:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Does all promotional literature to be issued with drugs for human use require approval of the Therapeutic Goods Branch of the Department of Health before printing and distribution.
  2. What staff exists in the Branch to examine and approve material.
  3. What is the average delay involved in obtaining such approval.
  4. Does the cost of printing necessary enclosures often exceed the cost of the medication.
Senator Wheeldon:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) The Director-General of Health may require all promotional literature issued with imported drugs for human use to be submitted for approval before printing and distribution. In practice, and to avoid inordinate delays which might result from staff limitations, this requirement is only applied routinely to those new drugs which have been the subject of departmental evaluation and to older drugs where particular problems have arisen.
  2. ) The examination of this material is mainly undertaken within the Drug Evaluation Section by the officer responsible for the evaluation of the drug concerned and is usually done at the time of the original evaluation. There are currently nine Medical Officers from an establishment of eighteen engaged in the evaluation of this material along with their other duties associated with the approval of new drugs for clinical trial or general marketing in Australia. The remaining nine positions of the establishment have not been filled due to a lack of suitable applicants and this situation may be influenced in the future also by the staff ceilings imposed on the Public Service recently.
  3. 1 regret there have been considerable delays in the past in obtaining such approvals. Any average period quoted for the delays would not be meaningful as they vary widely, depending on the extent of evaluation required of the product information which must be incorporated in the promotional literature. However, steps have been taken with a view to minimising these delays particularly where amendments to existing promotional literature based on approved prescribing information are involved. In these cases it is hoped that approvals may be granted more quickly than previously.
  4. I have no information on the costs of printing the necessary enclosures. However such information could be sought under the proposed amendments to the National Health Act as per the National Health Bill (No. 3) 1975 currently before Parliament.

Mercury in Fish (Question No. 683)

Senator JESSOP:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice:

  1. Is it a fact that the Minister has stated that recent studies have shown that the proportion of methyl mercury present in Australian fish varies from 46 per cent to 99 per cent of the total mercury present; if so, does the high proportion of methyl mercury occur only in certain species and do these species have total mercury levels.
  2. What was the most commonly occurring percentage of methyl mercury within the range of 46 per cent to 99 per cent.
  3. Have the studies referred to by the Minister been published; if not, when and where will they be published.
  4. Is the Minister aware that, although a considerable amount of knowledge of the human toxicology of mercury poisoning is available for use in establishing acceptable limits of dietary intake, much of this knowledge has come from studies of the Minamata and Niigata incidents in Japan, that is, from situations where gross pollution had occurred, and where other metal pollutants such as lead, copper and arsenic were also present and the possibility of a synergistic effect having occurred exists.
  5. Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to reports from Finnish scientists who have studied the blood and hair content in fish consumers and have been led to conclude that the actual risk of mercury poisoning from fish seems to be remarkably lower than expected.
  6. Is the Minister also aware of the results of research published overseas which indicate that the toxicity of even comparatively high levels of naturally accumulated mercury in fish from non-polluted environments may be considerably modified and reduced by natural protective mechanisms in the fish, to the extent that Japanese scientists, working on the problem of mercury in fish, now consider such naturally occurring mercury to bc non-toxic as distinct from that occurring as results of high levels of pollution.
  7. Has any work been done in Australia to determine the actual danger to the population from eating fish containing mercury.
  8. Are any studies anticipated in view of the need to have a better understanding of the safety of the food being consumed by people in Australia.
Senator Wheeldon:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Yes. Larger predator varieties of fish with a mass of the order of a thousand kilograms such as sharks and marlin, have a higher total mercury concentration in their tissue than do smaller varieties, and the proportion of this total mercury which is present as methyl mercury is less than in smaller species. Conversely, smaller varieties of fish have a lower total mercury concentration in their tissue than do larger varieties but a larger proportion of this total mercury exists in the methyl mercury form.

An approach is being made to the New South Wales Government requesting the release of further information on surveys undertaken by their laboratories on mercury in the most commonly consumed species of fish in New South Wales.

  1. 90-99 percent.
  2. 3 ) Some results have been published in ‘ Rivers ‘, Pearson & Schultz, Bulletin of Environmental Contaminants and Toxicology, Vol. 8, p. 257-266 (1972) and in Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 4, p. 57-61 (1975). For work being carried out by State authorities, the honourable senator’s question might well be directed to the appropriate State Government.
  3. The knowledge of the human toxicology of mercury has been built up over hundreds of years, having been described as early as 1567. The effects of both acute and chronic mercurial poisoning were known before the Minamata and Niigata incidents. Inorganic mercury poisoning was described in a detailed study in 1935. This type of poisoning is characterised as the ‘ mad hatter’s disease ‘.

Acute poisoning of human beings by organic mercury compounds was first reported in the 1920s. This was followed by reports of numerous other cases in the succeeding decades which resulted in investigations of the toxicology of organic mercury compounds in animals in the 1940s and 1950s.

Further details may be found in ‘Toxicity of Industrial Metals’ by E. Browning, published in 1961, ‘Mercury in the Environment’ (CRC Press), published in 1972, ‘Health Hazards of the Human Environment’ (World Health Orgainzation), published in 1972, and ‘Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants’, by G. L. Waldbott, published in 1 973.

The Japanese epidemics drew attention to methyl mercury poisoning as a public health problem and directed research towards the environmental pollution aspects. Swedish research with human volunteers indicates that there may be a degree of individual variation in sensitivity to methyl mercury, and it is known that naturally occurring levels of selenium in fish can help to reduce the toxicity of methyl mercury. A full account appears in ‘Selenium in Biology’, in Annual Review of Pharmacology, Vol. 15, published in 1972.

I am not aware of any proven evidence that there is any synergistic effect between mercury and lead, copper or arsenic, or that any toxic agents other than mercury were implicated in the Japanese incidents.

  1. Although my attention has not been drawn to reports from Finnish scientists, I am aware of studies by Swedish scientists, reported in Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 25, in August 1972. These studies indicated that a relationship does exist between exposure to methyl mercury, by ingestion of fish, and blood mercury level. A correlation between blood mercury levels and levels in hair was also seen. The report stated that it appears that the assumptions concerning the levels of mercury in the blood and hair to be expected following consumption of contaminated fish are reasonably accurate. Current Swedish restrictions in fish consumption are based on these levels. What was not known with any certainty was the level of mercury in the blood and hair which correspond to the onset of clinically detectable symptoms of mercury intoxication.

The United States Federal Register of 6 December 1974, reported that, in 1970, a study group of 10 scientists concluded, on the basis of their experience in Sweden and Finland where there had been a great deal of investigation regarding mercury hazards, that the FDA action level of 0.5ppm was a sound basis for the protection of the health of the public.

  1. I am aware of a report by Dr Yamaguchi and others at the Kurume University School of Medicine in Japan, published in the United States Health Services and Medical Health Administration Health Reports in October 1 97 1 . This report recognised that fish caught in unpolluted natural waters contain a certain amount of methyl mercury. The report suggested that the amount of fish consumed significantly influences the mercury content in scalp hair, particularly the methyl mercury content. The report said that the actual effect on the health of people of alkylmercury from fish caught in a natural environment will have to be examined in detailed intensive studies. lt is known that studies in Sweden in 197 1 and Finland in 1969 did not reveal any cases of clinical methyl mercury poisoning resulting from fish consumption, despite the high blood mercury and hair mercury levels in some cases. Swedish workers indicate that this is related to individual variations in sensitivity to mercury poisoning. This was reported by Skerfving in Food and Cosmetic Toxicology. Vol. 10 in 1972.
  2. The National Health and Medical Research Council has recommended that the Australian and State Departments of Health should undertake a further ‘market basket’ survey along the lines of previous surveys conducted during 1970 and 1974. The survey is to ensure the continued monitoring of the residues of certain pesticides and heavy metals in selected foods which are typical of average dietary habits.

Following discussion with the Australian Government Analyst, it was decided to survey cereals, meat, fish (including shellfish) eggs and offal, butter, vegetables, fruit and canned goods including juices, fruits and vegetables (some of them intended for consumption by infants), condensed and evaporated milk. Sampling, which began on 26 February 1975 will cover each State capital city on a seasonal basis, with the last purchases to be made in midOctober 1975. The items are being cooked and subsequently blended at the School of Home Science. East Sydney Technical College, while the analyses for organochlorides and heavy metals including cadmium, lead, tin, zinc, arsenic and mercury are being carried out in the laboratories of the Australian Government Analyst.

The results of the 1974 survey were received in February 1975, and a detailed analysis of the results is currently taking place. A complete report will be available for the Eighty-first Session of Council in the latter part of 1 975.

Such surveys, by monitoring levels of mercury and other toxic residues in food, will assist in averting any danger to the population by drawing attention to any occurrence of unusually high levels of pollutants in food, including mercury in fish.

My Department is also keeping work in the international field under close attention, such as the 1972 Swedish study mentioned in (5), which was aimed at collecting some basic data needed for the evaluation of risks attending intake of fish with increased levels of methyl mercury.

Since there is no effective therapy for methyl mercury poisoning, prevention, as the only means of control, must be emphasised. Such means should be directed at the maximal reduction of controllable sources of mercury emissions to the environment and the provision of adequate regulations that minimise exposure of vulnerable sub-groups, such as children and pregnant women, to mercury from fish.

  1. See (7).

Immigrants: Political Activities (Question No. 690)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister for Labor and Immigration, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Have any non-Australian persons who have sought to enter Australia, been presented with a Government form containing the following declaration for their signature: ‘1 solemnly declare that if admitted to Australia, for permanent residence I will not engage in political activity of any kind and I will not permit my name to be lent or associated with any such prohibited activity’; if so, to which persons has this document been presented.
  2. In relation to each such person (a) where was it presented to them; (b) when was it presented; (c) who authorised the publication of such a document; (d) when was it authorised; and (e) when did this document first come to the Minister’s attention.
Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

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

  1. 1 ) and (2) The Prime Minister has indicated elsewhere that subject to their giving an undertaking along the lines mentioned a few Vietnamese associated with the former regime who sought refuge in Australia were approved for entry.

Indian Ocean: Soviet Naval Presence (Question No. 692)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice:

  1. Was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ Ambassador to Australia accurately reported as saying in August 1975 that the Soviet Union did not have any significant naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
  2. Does surveillance by Australia and her allies indicate that a Soviet naval presence in the Indian Ocean does and has existed over the last decade.
  3. According to Australian defence authorities, what number of Soviet ships known to be carrying out naval work have been present in the Indian Ocean in each of the last ten years.
  4. According to American defence and other authorities, what number of Soviet ships known to be carrying out naval work have been present in the Indian Ocean in each of the last ten years.
  5. Do all of the Governments of nations surrounding the Indian Ocean regard the Soviet naval presence as ‘not significant’; if not, which nations have held this view.
Senator Bishop:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Reports that the Soviet Ambassador to Australia said at a Press conference on 6 August that the Soviet Union did not have ‘any significant naval presence in the Indian Ocean ‘ have been brought to my attention. I suggest that the Ambassador is the person best placed to confirm whether or not he was accurately reported.
  2. to (4) Ships of the Soviet Navy have been present in the north western Indian Ocean since March 1968. The numbers and types of vessels involved vary, but short-term variations are not necessarily significant. Information for the period between August 1973 and February 1975 has been provided in my answer to House of Representatives Questions Nos 1524 and 1801 of 1974. There has been no significant change since February 1975.
  3. The governments referred to have not all commented in terms that enable a reply to this question. Few governments appear to see the Soviet deployments as a threat to their security. The deployments are, of course, in a part of the Indian Ocean many thousands of miles away from Australia. Many governments are concerned, however, that there should not be a competitive build-up in the naval deployments into the Indian Ocean of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. and there is wide spread support for the Australian proposal that these two powers agree on mutual restraint in their deployments.

Medibank (Question No. 699)

Senator Townley:
TASMANIA

asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What type of information relating to individual doctors is being stored in Medibank computers.
  2. Will a doctor be able to examine the stored information to determine ils accuracy.
  3. Which Government departments will have access to the information.
  4. Will any individuals have access to information relating to a doctor.
  5. How long will information relating to a doctor be stored.
Senator Wheeldon:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) The type of information relating to individual doctors that is being stored falls into three basic groups:

    1. Registration information which is held to establish that a person rendering the professional service is a Medical Practitioner as defined by the Health Insurance Acf.

Provider Code- a reference code allocated to each Doctor. Full name and Title (e.g. Dr. Mr. etc.) Sex.

Pensioner Indicator- records whether the doctor has given an undertaking to direct bill for eligible pensioners and their dependants.

State or Territory Registration No.

Period for which registration is current.

Specialties in which the doctor is recognised and the dates they are current.

  1. Practice location information held to enable Medibank Payments to be posted to doctors’ correct addresses.

Dates showing the period during which the doctor practised from that location.

Address of the practice.

Payment Group Information- used to make payments to another person or address where this has been requested by the doctor.

Hospital Number- indicates that this practitioner is in some way associated with a particular hospital.

  1. Information relating to medical services on which benefit has been paid, in addition to comprising certain of the information outlined in (a) and (b) above, and also comprises:

Patient Identifier

Provider (Doctor) Code Item Number Date of the service Amount charged Benefit Amount paid

Payment Code- indicates whether the benefit was paid direct to the doctor, to the doctor via the patient or to the patient.

Where a referral note is issued the following items are also held:

Patient Identifier Provider Code- the Doctor to whom the patient has been referred.

Referral Term- the period for which the referral is current.

Referral Category- treatment or opinion. Referral Date.

Information relating to individual doctors is also held in an aggregated statistical form which in addition to certain of the information outlined above shows for each doctor at each practice location and for each item of the fee schedule:

Number of services rendered

Sum of fees charged

Sum of schedule fees

Sum of Medibank medical benefits paid

Number of services where fee charged exceeds schedule fee

Sum of fees where fee charged exceeds schedule fee.

  1. to (5) These matters are the subject of the Health Insurance Bill (No. 2) 1975 currently before the House of Representatives.

Housing Inspection Service (Question No. 726)

Senator Missen:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) With reference to the Minister’s statements regarding the establishment of a housing inspection service, has the service been established; if so, (a) when was it established and ( b ) how many inspections have been done since that date.
  2. What charges are being made for inspections and is the service financially self-supporting.
  3. How many persons are employed by the service and where are they based.
  4. What steps have been taken or are proposed to bc taken to make home buyers aware of the existence of the service.
Senator Cavanagh:
ALP

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

  1. The Minister’s statements regarding the housing inspection service referred only to consideration of a proposal to establish such a service. This proposal is currently still under consideration.

Departmental Journalists (Question No. 757)

Senator Withers:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) How many journalists are employed in the Department and in commissions and statutory authorities under the Minister’s control.
  2. What position does each journalist fill and what is his or her salary.
Senator Cavanagh:
ALP

– The Minister for Housing and Construction has provided the following reply to the honourable senator’s question:

  1. (a) Department of Housing and Construction

    1. Journalist. Grade Al, $15,397
    2. Journalist, Grade A, $13, 159.
    3. Commonwealth Hostels Limited, Public Relations Officer, $12,7 15.

Departmental Journalists (Question No. 759)

Senator Withers:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Media, upon notice:

  1. How many journalists are employed in the Department and in commissions and statutory authorities under the Minister’s control.
  2. What position does each journalist fill and what is his or her salary.
Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Department of the Media:

As at 15 September 1975 the Department employed 129 journalists, of whom 93 were located within Australia, with a remaining 36 being stationed at Australian Information Service posts overseas.

Australian Broadcasting Commission:

As at 15 September 1975 the Commission employed 346 journalists in its News Division.

  1. 2 ) Department of the Media:

Journalists within the Department carry out a wide variety of information, publicity and public relations activities. Within Australia, 76 journalists are employed by the AIS, and provide a news and information service for other countries. The remainder provide individuals, groups and organisations with factual information on Australian Government legislation and activities. At overseas posts journalists perform duties involving the publicising and promotion of Australian economic and social development, culture and way of life.

Salaries are paid within the following range:

Journalist, Grade A4- $18,816 per annum; Grade A3-$ 17,676 per annum; Grade A2-$ 16,537 per annum: Grade Al- $14,815-15,397 per annum; Grade A- $ 12.564-13. 159 per annum: Grade B-S10, 647-1 1,169 per annum: Grade C-$8, 43 1 -8,955 per annum; Grade D-$6.930-7,456 per annum.

These rates are subject to the recent 3.5 per cent wage indexation adjustment.

Australian Broadcasting Commission:

Journalists fill the whole cross-section of positions necessary for efficient staffing of an integrated radio and television news service and are paid in accordance with the provisions of the ABC News Determination, negotiated between the Australian Journalists’ Association and the ABC, which provides for 5 grades of journalists:

Special ‘A’ Grading- $14,466 per annum: ‘A’ Grading-$12,225 per annum; ‘B’ Grading$10,405 per annum; ‘C Grading-$8,341 per annum; ‘D’ Grading- $6,942 per annum.

These rates are subject to the recent 3.5 percent wage indexation adjustment.

Indian Ocean: Soviet Naval Presence (Question No. 760)

Senator Missen:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Will the Minister bring up to date the information contained in his answer to Question No. 1801 (Vide House of Representatives Hansard, 15 April, page 1656) with respect to Soviet warships operating in the Indian Ocean.
Senator Bishop:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Information on Soviet naval ships in the northwestern Indian Ocean area has been provided in answer to House of Representatives Question on Notice No. 1524 of 12 November 1974, No. 1801 of 19 November 1974, and No. 1942 of 5 December 1974. Short term variations in the numbers or types of these ships are not necessarily significant. There has been no significant change since the information contained in the answer to Question No. 1801 was provided on 15 April 1975.

Australian Broadcasting Commission: Lateline’ Program (Question No. 773)

Senator Young:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Media, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What are the names of all the journalists and members of the Programs’ Committee involved with the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s program ‘ Lateline ‘.
  2. What is the estimated cost of the program.
  3. 3 ) What is the audience measurement of the program.
Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

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

  1. 1 ) There are no journalists involved with ‘Lateline ‘nor is there a Program Committee.
  2. No specific estimate is prepared of the cost of * Lateline ‘. The programs are produced by the Radio Special Projects Department and financed from artists fees made available to that Department, and from use of its overall staff facilities.
  3. Current figures indicate an overall audience in all states of 40 000 listeners per night.

Arts Journal (Question No. 777)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Media, upon notice:

  1. Has a senior Australian Broadcasting Commission officer, Dr C. Semmler, been attempting to establish, through the Australia Council Literary Board, an arts journal: if so, what is the purpose of the journal.
  2. What cost estimates are available.
  3. Is the journal to scrutinise the work of the Australia Council.
Senator Douglas McClelland:
Special Minister of State · NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Discussions have been held by the Vice Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, Dr Hackett and ABC officers including the Deputy General Manager, Dr C. Semmler, with the Chairman and representatives of the Literature Board of the Australia Council concerning the publication of a journal which would include scripts of selected ABC broadcasts, a book review/literary section and an intelligent and constructive criticism of radio and television programs generally.
  2. No fixed cost estimates are as yet available but in any event the ABC does not have the necessary funds to launch the proposed publication in the current financial year.
  3. No.

Health Hazards (Question No. 787)

Senator Baume:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Is the Minister aware of recent publications relating to biological reactivity of polyvinyl chloride and its associated monomer vinyl chloride monomer.
  2. Is the Minister also aware of recent experiments which show that polyvinyl chloride dust has a haemolytic potential which can be minimised by washing procedures added to the processing of polyvinyl chloride.
  3. What steps have been taken to inform industry of these hazards and of any recommended steps which should be taken.
Senator Wheeldon:
ALP

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

  1. I ) and (2) I am aware of the potential occupational hazards of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl chloride monomer ( VCM ) and of recent references suggesting that these hazards include biological reactivity and a possible haemolytic effect. I have asked that further information on these references be obtained and that the National Health and Medical Research Council examine the matters.

    1. An expert sub-committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council has recently completed an examination of health aspects of:
    1. the storage, handling, and packaging of polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
    2. the chemical reaction involving the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomer into polyvinyl chloride; and
    3. the fabrication of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into a finished product.

The sub-committee comprises a number of health experts and includes representatives of industry and trade unions. The National Health and Medical Research Council will shortly consider a draft Australian Code of Safe Practice developed by the sub-committee and proposals to inform industry and workers of the hazards associated with VCM and PVC.

Beef Cattle Research (Question No. 832)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Further to Question No. 703 asked by Senator Rae concerning the proposed Beef Cattle Research Laboratory at Rockhampton, Queensland, is the Minister suggesting that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is the only body which has made submissions to the Commonwealth Government on this proposal; if not. which other organisations have made submissions.
  2. 2 ) When were they made.
  3. Is the Minister suggesting that the first occasion on which a Commonwealth Government received any submission on a proposed new laboratory was October 1974.
  4. When was the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s first proposal for a new laboratory prepared.
  5. 5 ) What costing was attached to that proposal.
  6. When and what estimates have separately been made since then.
  7. Did the Minister say in answer to Question No. 703 that the matter ‘. is still under consideration . . .’.
  8. 8 ) Has Cabinet ever considered the proposal; if so, when.
  9. How long have facilities at Rockhampton been (a) inadequate, (b) sub-standard, and (c) unsafe.
  10. 10) If funds were available what would delay an immediate commencement on construction.
  11. When is construction expected to begin.
Senator James McClelland:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Representing the Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs:

I am advised that the answers to the questions are:

1 ) and (2 ) Other submissions have been made as follows: The Mayor of the City of Rockhampton to the Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs- 27 July 1975.

The President of the Central Coast Graziers Association of Queensland to the Minister for Agriculture- 27 July 1975.

The Chairman of the Rockhampton Regional Promotion Bureau to the Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs- 1 9 September 1 975.

In addition, other expressions of support have been received since the proposal was given considerable publicity following the acquisition of the site in Rockhampton and the publicrelease of the Environmental Impact Statement.

The first occasion on which CSIRO approached the Australian Government was in October 1974.

CSIRO commenced planning and the preparation of preliminary proposals in May 1 970.

CSIRO’s preliminary estimate of cost was between $1/2m to $1m in May 1970.

In December 1972 the project was included in CSIRO’s building programme proposals for possible construction in 1974-75 at an estimated cost of $ 1.3m.

In February 1974 the Department of Housing and Construction estimated the cost of a modified proposal at $2. 6m.

In October 1974 the Department of Housing and Construction ‘s revised estimate of cost was $3.4m.

In July 1975 the Department of Housing and Construction’s revised estimate of cost became $4m.

Yes.

On 14 November 1974 Cabinet considered a submission recommending the establishment of the laboratory.

On 17 February 1975 Cabinet reconsidered the same submission.

On 23 July 1975 Cabinet reconsidered the same submission.

CSIRO first occupied the building in Quay Lane, Rockhampton, currently used for laboratory work, in 1959, and it has always been, to some extent, inadequate. Staff numbers have increased over the period since the building was occupied by CSIRO, also the type of work undertaken has changed. In particular, chemical research is now important, and the requirements for this cannot be provided despite the efforts made by CSIRO and the Department of Housing and Construction. The present accommodation is now considered to be most inadequate, sub-standard and unsafe.

10) CSIRO’s requirements have been clearly stated to the Department of Housing and Construction, which has prepared sketch plans suitable for presentation to the Parliamentary Public Works Committee. The site is acquired, and is presently under the control of CSIRO. If funds were available, the Queensland region of the Department of Housing and Construction could commence detailed designs. It is understood that the Department would require a documentation period of 10- 12 months before calling lenders.

1 1 ) lt is not known when construction would commence. If the proposal was submitted to the Parliamentary Public Works Committee during the next 3-4 months, and the project was subsequently approved by Parliament before mid- 1976. then the Department of Housing and Construction could be expected to commit the project for commencement of construction late in the financial year 1976-77 or early in 1977-78.

The Environment (Question No. 799)

Senator Bessell:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Environment, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) Who applied for funds to make an environmental report on the Norfolk Range in north-western Tasmania.
  2. What was the total amount of Australian Government assistance originally sought for preparation of this report.
  3. 3 ) Who was authorised to prepare the report.
  4. On whose recommendation, other than that of the applicant, was the work entrusted to the successful applicant.
  5. 5 ) Were there any other applicants.
  6. What was the total amount of Australian Government assistance paid for preparation of the report.
  7. 7) To whom was the cheque made payable.
  8. Did the Minister receive advice of the actual work involved and an analysis or break-down the costs incurred in the preparation of the report.
Senator Bishop:
ALP

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

  1. 1 ) Mr P. Sims, Honorary Director of Tasventure Environment Centre.
  2. The Tasventure Environment Centre originally applied for a grant of $1,200 to prepare a report on the Norfolk Range area. This application was rejected as it was considered that the consultant to be retained was unsuitable for a project of the type described. Mr Sims subsequently advised the Department that Professor Jackson of the Botany Department at the University of Tasmania would be available to prepare a report for the sum of $5,000.
  3. Professor Jackson, Botany Department, University of Tasmania.
  4. Recommendation of a three-man committee chaired by an officer of the Department of Environment with representatives from the Department of Science and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
  5. No.
  6. $5,000, the maximum grant available under the scheme.
  7. 7 ) Tasventure Environment Centre.
  8. A break-down of expenditure was contained in the letter of acceptance setting out conditions to be met by the sponsoring organisation. The total grant was to cover consultants’ fees with the exception of a small amount for the provision of land transport. The Department of Environment subsequently received a financial statement audited by a qualified accountant setting out a detailed break-down of expenses and stating that the grant did not form part of the funds of Tasventure Tours.

Unpublished Documents (Question No. 885)

Senator Rae:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice:

What are the titles of the reports, papers or documents produced by or for the Government since December 1972 in the areas of the Prime Minister’s responsibility which have not been publicly released.

Senator Wriedt:
ALP

– The Prime Minister has supplied the following information for answer to the honourable senator’s question:

It would clearly be impracticable to identify every unpublished document produced by or for the Government and 1 am not prepared to aythorise the expenditure, time and effort which would be involved in attempting to do so. In my answer on 1 3 May 1 975 ( House of Representatives Hansard p. 2198) I pointed out that my Government’s record in relation to the release of information, in contrast to that of its predecessors, has been outstanding. I draw the honourable senator’s attention to the illustrations I gave in that answer of the Government’s performance in this area.

Paper Production

Senator Bishop:
ALP

– On 27 August, 1975, Senator Devitt asked me the following question, without notice:

I should like to ask the Postmaster-General a question concerning the problems being met at Associated Pulp and Paper Mills Ltd. Has the Postmaster-General discussed with representatives of APPM their operations at Wesley Vale in Tasmania? ls he able to say whether consideration will be given to diverting some projected overseas orders for paper used in telephone directories to the Wesley Vale mill to alleviate the serious production difficulties facing APPM at Wesley Vale?

Further to the information which I gave in answer to the honourable senator’s question at the time, I have now received advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission that an order for an additional 2000 tonnes of telephone directory paper has been placed with APPM.

Portuguese Timor

Senator Willesee:
ALP

-On 27 August 1975, Senator Carrick asked the Minister representing the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs the following question, without notice:

Does the Commonwealth Government assert that the Portuguese Government has the capacity to do what the Commonwealth Government said yesterday it must do; that is, maintain a peace-keeping force, and a long term one. in East Timor.

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

The Government believes that the direct responsibility for restoring and maintaining peace in Portuguese Timor rests with the Portuguese Government. In accordance with this view, it has sought to encourage Portuguese mediation efforts and, for example, has facilitated with practical help the mission of the Portuguese special envoy, Dr Almeida Santos, who has been attempting to arrange discussions with the contending parties in Portuguese Timor on a cease-fire and political settlement in the territory.

It is true that Portugal has indicated that it has lost control of the situation in Portuguese Timor: on 27 August the Governor of Portuguese Timor withdrew from the capital of the territory, Dili, to the off-shore island of Atauro. It is the sovereign decision of Portugal whether it should return a peace-keeping force to Portuguese Timor to re-establish order there. But there can be no doubt that Portugal has the capacity to do so. Thus in the last few weeks Portugal has been able to find additional forces to deploy in Angola and thus attempt to reassert its control in that territory. It should be equally possible for Portugal to reinforce its Portuguese Timor garrison.

The view of the Australian Government remains that, as the sovereign power, the responsibility to retrieve the situation in Portuguese Timor rests with Portugal. Australia owes no duty to Portugal to exercise a delegated authority in this regard. Australia, were she to attempt to do so, would run grave risks of taking sides in the internal dispute within Portuguese Timor.

South Vietnam

Senator Willesee:
ALP

-On 27 August 1975, Senator Sim asked the Minister representing the

Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs the following question, without notice:

Last week I directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs several questions concerning the status of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam, and I asked to which government the Australian Ambassador is to be accredited. The Minister advised that the Australian Ambassador is to be accredited to the Provisional Revolutionary Government. I now ask: Is the Minister aware of a reported statement by the Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam and of North Vietnam made in Lima, where I understand the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs is at present, stating ‘the unification of Vietnam is now accomplished and an official announcement is now only a matter of procedure?’ In view of this statement, is it still the Government’s intention to accredit an Australian Ambassador to a non-existent government of a non-existent state?

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

The Australian Government is aware of the report referred to, but it is unable to confirm whether it is an accurate account of any statements made in Lima by DRV and PRG representatives.

The eventual reunification of North and South Vietnam is a stated policy objective of both governments. This has not yet occurred and in the interim the two governments continue to function separately. The existence of two governments is recognised by at least 75 countries. The fact of their separate functioning has general acceptance as indicated by the participation of the DRV and PRG as full and separate members of both the WHO and WMO.

It is the Australian Government ‘s intention to accredit its Ambassador to South Vietnam to the PRG as the sole government of the country.

Department of Minerals and Energy (Question No. 826)

Senator Withers:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Minerals and Energy, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What persons or private companies outside the PublicService have been used by the Minister’s Department for research, public relations, advice, or any other purpose, since 1 July 1973.
  2. For what project or purpose were the services of each person or company utilized.
  3. ) What was the cost of each of the consultations referred to above.
Senator Wriedt:
ALP

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

The Department carries out a number of activities under contract on a continuing basis, for which it does not have resources such as equipment, transport or specialised manpower. These services include helicopter gravity, bathymetric and aeromagnetic surveys, analyses of mineral specimens, logging of water bores, reading of seismographs at remote locations, aerial photography, contract drafting and photographic services, third order levelling of astronomic observations.

Department of Environment (Question No. 801)

Senator Withers:

asked the Minister for Environment, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What persons or private companies outside the Public Service have been used by the Minister’s Department for research, public relations, advice or any other purpose since 1 July 1973.
  2. For what project or purpose were the services of each person or company utilised.
  3. 3 ) What was the cost of each of the consultations referred to above.
Senator Bishop:
ALP

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

  1. The information you requested is shown in the attached table. Work undertaken by Australian and State Government agencies and Universities on behalf of the Department has not been included.

Department of Science and Consumer Affairs (Question No. 819)

Senator Withers:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs, upon notice:

  1. 1 ) What persons or private companies outside the Public Service have been used by the Minister’s Department for research, public relations, advice or any other purpose, since 1 July 1973.

Attachment

  1. For what project or purpose were the services of each person or company utilized.
  2. What was the cost of each of the consultations referred to above.

Senator JAMES McCLELLAND-The Minister for Science and Consumer Affairs has been provided with the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

The information sought by the honourable senator is contained in the attached schedule.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 2 October 1975, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1975/19751002_senate_29_s65/>.