House of Representatives
1 May 1979

31st Parliament · 1st Session

  1. House of Representatives
  2. 31st Parliament
  3. 1979

Mr SPEAKER (Rt Hon. Sir Billy Snedden) took the chair at 2.49 p.m., and read prayers.

page 1673

DEATH OF THE HONOURABLE FRANCIS EUGENE STEWART, M.P

Mr MALCOLM FRASER:
Prime Minister · Wannon · LP

– I am sure that all honourable members of this House were saddened to hear of the death of Frank Stewart. He has been a colleague and friend of many on both sides of the House over many years. I move:

Frank Stewart was a long-standing and highly respected member of the House. His untimely death takes from the Parliament a man who had given the country much and who had so much more to give. His passing takes from his wife and six children a loved and respected husband and father.

Frank Stewart was born in Belmore, Sydney, on 20 February 1923. He was educated at St Mary’s Cathedral College. He was always a keen sportsman. He had been a first-class rugby player. He was an excellent tennis player. Before entering the Parliament he worked in the State Department of Transport for 14 years. This period was interrupted by his four years service with the Australian Imperial Force during World War II. He served in New Guinea and achieved the rank of sergeant. In 1953 Frank Stewart won a by-election for the Sydney metropolitan seat of Lang which he represented continuously until it was abolished in 1977. He then contested and won the new seat of Grayndler which generally coincided with the area of his former division. During his 26 years as a federal member he served with characteristic conscientiousness on several parliamentary committees. He was an active member of the Standing Committee on Printing from 1959 to 1969 and the Joint Committee on Parliamentary and Government Publications from 1 962 to 1 964.

Frank Stewart held the position of Temporary Chairman of Committees from 1964 to 1969. More recently, over the past three years, he served as Deputy Chairman for both the Standing Committee on Expenditure and the Select

Committee on Tourism. In addition, on numerous occasions he represented the Parliament and his government at international conferences. During the term of the Australian Labor Party Government, Frank Stewart held ministerial appointments including Minister for Tourism and Recreation and Vice-President of the Executive Council. He also assisted the Treasurer and other Ministers in their portfolio responsibilities. As Minister for Tourism and Recreation in the Labor Government he demonstrated his ability as a capable and hard working administrator and as a man with a sharp sense of his responsibility to this Parliament.

Frank Stewart was a man widely respected for his integrity and resolution and for holding to his own convictions. He is recognised as an adherent, perhaps, of the old school of the Labor Party. He was also a highly principled and deeply religious person, a Roman Catholic who actively pursued moral causes. All honourable members will recall the force and conviction with which he espoused his views in the Parliament. Although many members of this chamber may have disagreed with him at times they would all, I believe, have deeply respected the views that Frank Stewart expressed and especially the conviction with which he expressed them. I believe that his parliamentary colleagues on both sides of the House had a respect and affection for him and for his character, honesty and singlemindedness of purpose in those things in which he believed deeply. We all feel a great sense of sadness at the loss of a colleague who distinguished himself as a parliamentarian, as a Minister and as a dedicated member of his own party. On behalf of the Government I extend to his widow and family our sincere sympathy at the passing of a very fine Australian.

Mr HAYDEN:
Leader of the Opposition · Oxley

- Mr Speaker, I join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) in the expression of condolence from this House to the surviving members of the family of the late Frank Stewart. Frank Stewart was a representative of a strong traditional element of the Australian Labor movement. His creed was based on two fundamental principles: The Catholic Church tended one’s spiritual welfare; the Australian Labor Party protected one’s temporal welfare. Millions of Australians have lived their lives in accordance with these basic articles of spiritual and political faith. Frank Stewart was one of the finest of them. His faith in two great institutions was absolute. He sensed their imperfections on occasions but his belief in their fundamental correctness could not be moved.

When the split overtook the Labor movement in the mid-1950s many Catholic supporters of the Labor Party were not able to reconcile their spiritual loyalty with their political loyalty. As a result, much of its traditional Catholic backing was lost to the Labor Party. The hostilities of warring factions did not shake in any way the loyalty of Frank Stewart to his church and to his party. He was able to maintain a total loyalty to both institutions. In their respective areas, church and party were as supreme in his personal beliefs as they had always been. With a small band of colleagues who were also Catholics, he remained a member of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party in an atmosphere of considerable difficulty- indeed, of some ostracism. The commitment of these members of the Labor Party was maintained down the years and they made a fine contribution to the record of the Labor movement from 1972 to 1975.

To the end, Frank Stewart was a staunch adherent of the principle that, just as the Church should keep out of politics, there were areas of conscience where the State should not intrude. We saw a notable example of this in this House only a few weeks ago during the debate on the Lusher motion. In his last major speech to this Parliament, Frank Stewart maintained with the utmost dignity and conviction his belief that laws against abortion must be maintained. I am sure that even the most fervent adherents of law reform in this area would have respected Frank Stewart’s motives and the tremendous force with which he expressed his passionately held beliefs.

The main biographical facts about Frank Stewart have been listed by the Prime Minister, so I will not reiterate them. Frank Stewart in his youth was a fine athlete. He was for many years a competent and conscientious public servant. He had an excellent war record. He was a most devoted family man. It is as a professional politician that I want to speak briefly about Frank Stewart. He was a member of the Federal Parliament for 26 years. Like many of us, he spent much of his working life as a parliamentarian and professional politician. Frank Stewart’s rise in the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party was steady rather than spectacular. Perhaps this had something to do with the composition of the Party after the split. Once Frank Stewart was elected to the Parliamentary Executive in 1969 his contribution was undeniably a substantial one.

Much has been said and written about his role as Australia’s first Federal Minister for sport. In recent days I have been tremendously impressed with the tributes which have been sent to me from sporting bodies and other voluntary organisations. These have acknowledged most eloquently the value of the assistance that the programs initiated by Frank Stewart brought to hundreds of sporting and community groups. Many of these programs have been abolished or transferred back to the States. Little of the structure that Frank Stewart created now remains. But it is reassuring to see that his efforts have not been forgotten and that there is among sporting and community groups an appreciation of the assistance that he sponsored.

It is fashionable to say, I dare say, that this sort of work should not be done by the Commonwealth; that it should be left to States and to local communities. The fact remains that without Commonwealth initiatives this important area of Australian society would not have been given the stimulus that has brought benefits to it in recent years. I instance in particular the assistance given for physical rehabilitation and for disadvantaged community groups. Frank Stewart was directly responsible for this assistance. The gratitude of associations in this previously neglected area has been strikingly evident, as I mentioned, in the expressions of sympathy that I have received. It is particularly poignant that Frank Stewart’s lifelong dedication to sport and physical fitness might have been a factor in his death.

There is another aspect of Frank Stewart’s work that I want to put on the record in this Parliament. It was his extremely conscientious approach to his duties as a Minister and the competence with which he performed them. I worked with him closely when I was Treasurer and he was Minister assisting the Treasurer. Very often an Assistant Minister takes only a scant interest in a portfolio. He sees it as a distraction from the principal portfolio which is his main responsibility. He confines his duties to signing routine correspondence or attending an occasional meeting. This was not the case with Frank Stewart. Despite the burden of setting up a new department and establishing administrative processes in a new area of federal involvement, he worked most assiduously on Treasury matters.

As Treasurer, I found him a tremendously loyal colleague. He was always master of even the most complex economic documents, always ready strongly to support the Treasurer in a difficult Cabinet role. I know from my observation that he gave other Treasurers the same loyalty and assistance. I found his support of tremendous value and I do not think I am breaking any of the rules of Cabinet secrecy by acknowledging that his backing helped to resolve successfully a number of tight situations in my favour. From my experience, he was an extremely competent Cabinet Minister and administrator. By sheer application and hard work, he built up an impressive command of economic data, and the arguments he based on this material invariably were cogent and compelling. His natural gifts compensated superbly for a lack of formal economic training. It saddens me that these talents, which have not been recognised sufficiently, will not be at the disposal of the next Labor Government.

There is one remarkable quality he had which I suspect few recognised. Frank Stewart had what could only be described as a photographic memory. In all my life I have never met anyone who could recall almost word for word the verbal detail of complex economic reports submitted to Cabinet. He had the gift of almost total recall; not only that, he was able to understand the implications of the material that he absorbed so effortlessly.

Frank Stewart’s death reduces significantly the representation of the Roman Catholic Church in this Parliament. It is a sad fact that the Roman Catholic Church, in terms of its share of the population, is under-represented in this Parliament. With the death of Frank Stewart it has lost a most eloquent exponent of its principles. We of the Labor Party have lost a dedicated spokesman for our beliefs and a loyal and treasured colleague. Frank Stewart died much too young.

There are only two other observations I wish to make on what is a most sad occasion for the Labor Party. One is to acknowledge the suitably solemn and memorable service at St Mary’s commemorating the loss of a valued colleague. The second is to remark on the evident qualities of strength of personal character displayed by the surviving members of Frank’s family in the face of the trying and immediate ordeal of personal bereavement. On behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I offer my sincere sympathy to Mrs Maureen Stewart and to her family.

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

– On behalf of my colleagues in the National Country Party, I want to support the motion of condolence, moved by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden), in respect of our late colleague, Frank Stewart. It is indeed a very sad occasion when one of our colleagues dies, especially one who served in this Parliament for such a long period and had such a distinguished parliamentary career as a private member and as a Minister.

In 1965 I travelled overseas with Frank Stewart. We had the opportunity of getting to know each other. We became friends. I always considered him a manly man, a person dedicated to his party and devoted to his family. Frank had very strong religious convictions. This led him to take a strong stand on moral issues. We all remember the forthright and unyielding way in which he put his views on matters relating to the sanctity and security of family life. His high principles also extended to his political views and convictions. As was mentioned by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), Frank Stewart was of the old school of Labor men. At times in his career he suffered because of his attachment to his principles. Frank Stewart was the kind of man who won respect from people from both sides of politics. He certainly had my respect and that of my colleagues. We join in the expressions of sympathy to Mrs Stewart and Frank’s six children. They can take great pride in the fact that Frank Stewart was a man who served his country and his fellow man with humility yet with a determination based on the strong convictions and principles that guided all his actions.

Mr LIONEL BOWEN:
Smith · Kingsford

-! join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) in expressing condolence to the family of the late Frank Stewart. As one who has known the Stewart family for many years, I can talk of Frank Stewart as a son, brother, husband, father, colleague and friend. I knew his parents. I knew his family. It is very evident from what has been said already that Frank Stewart was anxious to contribute to public life. He believed sincerely in the Labor Party. In a speech he made in 1953 after becoming a member of this House he spoke about fighting to preserve the conditions that the Labor movement had won. He kept up that fight with the strongest personal convictions. As has been said here, his convictions related not only to attaining political office but also to setting an example whereby all Australians could say: There goes a great Australian’. Frank Stewart was a great Australian. He exhibited that in this Parliament. All his colleagues and friends knew that they could always trust Frank Stewart in what he said and did.

His parents were outstanding members of the Labor Party. Their membership of it went back to the turn of the century. They instilled in Frank the fact that there were principles in life to which we should all adhere although we might have different political convictions as to how to achieve them. Because of the Christian principles which were imbued in him, he was convinced that the only way to achieve them was through a political organisation such as the Labor Party which recognised equality of opportunity for all. The need to guarantee that equality has existed since time immemorial. As has been said by my leader, Frank Stewart was a great adherent of the Catholic faith. It must be remembered that he espoused its principles because he could identify them with the philosophy of a political party.

Frank Stewart is well remembered for the contribution he made to debates in the chamber on family law and abortion issues. On those occasions he spoke about what is important in life and how best to achieve that end. Honourable members will remember the memorable occasion of 3 April when he was very concerned about the fact that, to quote him, we were tearing ourselves apart on an issue that he knew could not be solved in this place or in any similar political institution. He believed that the sort of conduct that one wants to achieve in life has to be determined in one’s mind. He wanted to achieve conduct in accordance with the principles of Christ, and he endeavoured to do this by his own example. A significant feature of Frank Stewart’s speeches is that he was always trying to convey, not by legislation but by example, what he thought would be the most excellent conduct for any person to achieve, whether it be as a politician, a father or a legislator. As my leader has said, there was no fiercer opponent in Cabinet than Frank Stewart when one was trying to get more money out of Treasury than he thought one should get. He approached issues on the basis of saying clearly: ‘This is how it has to be’. Friendship did not enter into it. Honesty of purpose was always present in Frank Stewart. His integrity was impeccable. In supporting the motion I remember that Frank Stewart made a great contribution to public life. He will always be remembered. He was a magnificent Australian and a delightful parent. Obviously his death is a tragic loss to the nation.

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

-(Moreton-Minister for Defence)- We pause today from our contest, our contention and conflict to recall the life and work of Frank Stewart and to express our sorrow to his widow and family. We do that with sadness, yet with pride- sadness that he has left us and gone to another world; pride that we have had the privilege of being in this world with him and knowing him so well. Mr Speaker, you, the Prime Minister and a few of us still remaining in this House, sat with him in this Parliament for well over 20 years. We had an opportunity of knowing his qualities. I am sure that his family, his colleagues and friends would understand me when I include his weaknesses, but his strengths far outweighed his weaknesses.

The Right Honourable the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), my friends the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Lionel Bowen), have spoken about his integrity. His integrity was there at all times and so, too, was his courage. There is a very lovely injunction to be found in the Old Testament that seems to me to sum up the life of Frank Stewart:

  1. . lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid;

Frank Stewart held very strong views and he expressed them without any fear at all, no matter what conflict it might have brought him into within his own political organisation, within this Parliament or in the whole body of political controversy in this country. His principles were not acquired with each daily mail or with the publication of some fresh editorial. He held his views with deep religious conviction and clear zeal and this Parliament is the better for it. This Parliament is the better for men and women who hold strong views and express them here without hope or expectation. That was the life of Frank Stewart. In this cynical age, an age that seems determined to batter down rather than to elevate, there are many people who treat very lightly and casually the great estates of integrity and courage. It may be that from time to time those unseen estates are diminished but they can never be destroyed. Why? Because men such as Frank Stewart come among us and add to them with their own superb, sterling qualities.

Mr BRYANT:
Wills

-I want to express my sorrow at the passing of Frank Stewart and offer my condolences to his family. There are several things that I want to say arising out of remarks that have already been made, in particular those made by the honourable Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) about the tensions, struggles and strife which were inherent on our side of the Parliament in 1955 when I first came here. It is almost impossible to believe what the tensions were at a time such as that. When I came into this Parliament Frank Stewart was one of those who was on the other side of the Caucus, in a minority which was regarded with a great deal of resentment by the rest of the older members of the Caucus. Throughout that time he stood steadfast to his political principles and to those things in which he believed. I think that there cannot be any better tribute to him than to acknowledge the fact that no matter what pressures came from outside from other forces, no matter what cultural or other pressures were upon him, he stood steadfast through it all.

Eventually, of course, he became a member of the Labor Cabinet. I think he sat on the front bench in 1969. If I remember rightly, in the ballot in which he gained that position, I was the runner-up. Frank Stewart and I have more often been runners-up in ballots in this Parliament and our Party than we have been victors. Occasionally, there are also victories. It is one of the penalties of our political life that we spend most of our time talking to influence. It is not often given to us to leave something constructive on the ground, as it were. During our term of office Frank was Minister for Tourism and Recreation. Scattered around this country there must be hundreds of projects that would not be there if Frank had not been the Minister and if we had not had a Minister in charge of those activities. I suppose that his most important memorial, if we can put it that way, is the Bruce Stadium in this city. The matter was raised with me as Minister for the Capital Territory and we made a joint project of it, but I must say that the initiative was his.

Honourable members may recall that at various times in the government of this country it comes to pass that blue pencils are put through new expenditure. This was one project that was ready for the blue pencil. It was Frank’s steadfastness, I hope with my support, that kept it on the agenda, and it is now out there in this city for the world to enjoy as an international arena. Over the years that I have been in this Parliament- I have spent a third of my life in this auditorium- a third of my life has been spent in association with Frank Stewart. We travelled together, we agreed together, we disagreed and still stayed together. Honourable members may guess that when we disagreed we really disagreed. Frank Stewart has left a mark on this nation because of his integrity and because of positive and physical accomplishments which it is not always given to many of us to achieve. I place on record my deep sorrow at his passing and at the loss of a man at his age. He was years younger than I am and he was a man of great activity who was always able to give what was needed to his opponents, to give support to his friends, and to take it as it was given out to him, that is like a gentleman and a proper soldier as he always was. him Mr GARLAND (Curtin-Minister for Special Trade Representations)- I would like to add a word to what has been well said. I got to know Frank Stewart fairly well only during recent years, but I think it is worth placing on record that when the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure was established he was chosen by his colleagues to be Deputy Chairman. He was one of those people who did his best, with success, to establish the activities of that Committee on a bipartisan basis in its efforts to scrutinise parliamentary expenditure. He was, I found, always very well briefed and this has some relationship to comments made by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden). Frank Stewart was concerned to find the central and main issues before the Committee and he stuck to those issues. In the circumstances I think that needs to be mentioned to the House and I offer my condolences to his family.

Mr COHEN:
Robertson

-On Saturday night, 14 April, Barry Jones, the honourable member for Lalor, who was visiting the central coast as my guest, myself and my family went out to dinner at The Entrance. To our pleasant surprise we found at the same restaurant our colleague, the honourable member for Grayndler, and former Minister for Tourism and Recreation, Frank Stewart and his wife, Maureen. We spent a delightful evening with them and left them at about 1 1 o’clock. It was, therefore, a terrible shock to learn a few hours later of Frank’s death at his weekender at Bateau Bay after playing squash. I mention this today because Frank Stewart, apart from having a holiday house in my electorate, was a great friend of the Central Coast. Shortly after the Australian Labor Party Government was elected to office and Frank had been appointed as Minister for Tourism and Recreation, I picked him up at his Bateau Bay home and took him up to Somersby to meet Frank Fox, the entrepreneur who had plans to build Old Sydney Town. Frank Stewart was quick to see the enormous potential of the Old Sydney Town concept which was not easy then as all we were looking at were hundreds of acres of barren land, a big dam and some plans. As he left he said to me: ‘We’ve got to find a way to see this goes ahead and I hope that the Federal Government will be involved in it’.

It is history now that the Whitlam Government, through the efforts of Frank Stewart, became deeply committed to Old Sydney Town and invested the vast bulk of funds required to get it off the ground. Old Sydney Town has had its problems, but is firing well at the moment. One day I believe it will be Australia’s greatest tourist attraction and when that day occurs it will be largely as a result of the efforts of Frank Stewart. There was deep shock and sympathy among the staff and management of Old Sydney

Town. Frank Stewart was often described as he has been described in the House today- as an old style Labor man. It is true that as a staunch Catholic he held strong views on moral questions but it would be wrong to suggest that he was in any way a reactionary. As honourable members can see from his involvement in Old Sydney Town, he was in many ways a visionary and a forward thinking man. It is also true that under his stewardship, tourism and sport made the first real progress they had ever made in the federal sphere. It was only after he ceased to be the responsible Minister that people in those fields realised just how much he had done in breaking new ground.

I was very pleased to hear the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) mention today what a marvellous job Frank Stewart did in Cabinet. I can recall many Cabinet Ministers saying to me privately how impressed they had been with Frank Stewart as a Cabinet Minister. He was one of the unheralded heroes of the Labor Government. I was very distressed that I could not attend his funeral because of a previous commitment to welcome Len Reid, a former member of this House, in his ‘Walk for the Child’ around Australia. I am sure that Frank Stewart would have understood my inability to be there. I had a close association with Frank, firstly, as a member of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Tourism and, secondly, because of my long interest in tourism, sport and recreation. I now have the honour to be spokesman in those areas for the Australian Labor Party. I hope that the job I do is half as good as that done by Frank Stewart. I would also like to take this opportunity of reading into the record two messages which I think are important and which came from people who were involved in areas of Frank’s portfolio. The Confederation of Australian Sport sent this letter to me:

The Confederation of Australian Sport deeply regrets the passing of the Honourable Frank Stewart.

He was a man of great empathy with the Australian sporting community. He was the Federal Minister responsible for the first general allocation of Federal Government funds to sport but moreover, he was at all times a gentleman and accessible to sports people.

In true Australian style, he was ‘a great sport’.

That letter was from Mr Gary Daly, the Secretary of the Confederation of Australian Sport. The second letter, from the President of the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.was addressed to Mr Bill Hayden but was forwarded on to me. It reads:

I am writing on behalf of the Council to express sincere regret at the passing of Mr Frank Stewart. In the years when he was Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr Stewart had a most significant influence on these aspects of Australian life, and I know from my recent reading of Hansard how proud he was of the progress made during those years. His initiative and impact will long be remembered by those who knew him well, and those people involved in physical education, recreation and sport who benefitted from his programs.

I join with other members of the House in expressing my sympathy to his wife Maureen and the children.

Mr CORBETT:
Maranoa

-I join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and other speakers in paying a tribute to Frank Stewart. It was my privilege in my first year in this Parliament to visit Indonesia and the Philippines. Frank Stewart was the deputy leader of that delegation. On that occasion he served Australia well, as he did in all the years he was a member of this Parliament. One of the impressions that I gained of Frank Stewart remains very clear in my mind. As has already been said, Frank Stewart was a man of honesty, integrity and determination and a man who gave a clear indication of where he was going. This Parliament can do with more such people. I had occasion to approach Frank Stewart when he was a Minister in the Government of this country with a proposal that I did not expect to be accepted. I believed that it was deserving of acceptance, and it was accepted by Frank Stewart on the basis of the character and principle he exhibited so clearly during the time that he was a member of this Parliament.

It was with sorrow that I learned of his passing. But I am very pleased to have the opportunity of joining other speakers in paying a tribute to a man whose character, I believe, has lifted the standard of integrity and honesty in this Parliament. However, this high standard is not upheld by every member who comes into this place. It is appropriate that all the speeches that have been made today have centred around the character and courage of a man moving as he thought fit. That is all that any of us can do in service of the country. I admired Frank Stewart. I offer to his wife and family my very sincere condolences.

Mr KEATING:
Blaxland

-I join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) in offering my condolences to Maureen Stewart and her family. I knew Frank Stewart from the time I became a member of the Australian Labor Party. He lived very near to me in the adjoining electorate, the former electorate of Lang, for most of his life. He was a person of great strength against whom one could measure oneself- as a yardstick of integrity, how people should behave and what principles they should have. It is very nice for those who were friendly with him to see the House pay him a tribute such as this and it was even nicer to see the tribute paid to him during his funeral. Whilst plenty of people say that the Church gives Catholics a great send-off, a funeral is not a theatrical performance. To those people who tended to write Frank Stewart off as a right winger, or as somebody who never made Prime Ministerial rank but was in the body of the Labor Party, I point out that there can be no greater tribute than a cathedral the size of St Mary’s in Sydney to be filled with people who meant what they said about him.

The composure of Maureen Stewart and her family was testimony to the fact that they believe what Frank Stewart believed; that is, that there is a life after death and that one’s life on earth counts in terms of one’s contribution to others and one’s eternal reward. Frank believed that there would be an eternal reward. He died after Easter Sunday and those of us who shared some of his views like to think that he died in a state of grace and will live an eternal life with Christ. Our most fervent wish is that his family will join him in a life with Christ after death.

He made a great contribution to the Labor Party, as many people on this side of the House have said. Perhaps on many occasions his family did not understand the tests of strength which were put on him, not often in great public speeches but in the corridors and in the Caucus- in those little ways in which a man can have a big influence on the way in which the Parliament works and upon the nation. It is pleasing to see that through the Labor Party a person with no special background can have such an enormous influence upon the Parliament as he had.

He was a very rare man and I am very much in his debt personally. He was a source of much guidance to me. He generally commented on things that I said and the way in which I performed, and I was always grateful. But more than anything else, he was a great influence on the Labor Party. He tried to keep the Party relevant and to see that it maintained its principles. He is a great loss to our Party, to the Parliament and to the nation. I join the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in offering Maureen Stewart and family my condolences.

Mr GRAHAM:
North Sydney

-I join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden), the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony) and all my other colleagues and friends in expressing my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mrs Stewart and her family at the sad passing of her husband. I was privileged to be a member of this House when the Hon. Dan Mulcahy passed away. The House lost an elderly gentleman who was respected and revered, a man for whom a great majority of members had great affection. Into the Parliament came a much younger man who brought with him a robust integrity and a very deep conviction. As chairman of the exservicemen’s committee of the Government parties I will not reiterate the fine expressions that have been made but I will point out to the House of Representatives this afternoon that in 1941, during a war that had commenced in September 1939, when casualty lists were long, when the great campaigns that were fought in the Middle East, in Greece and in Crete were finished, almost immediately after Frank Stewart turned 1 8 years of age he became a member of the fighting service, the Second Australian Imperial Force. It is a tribute that in 1979 might be regarded as rather late, but it is worthy of recognition that in 1941, when the full consciousness of war was upon the people living in this country, a man who was just barely qualified legally to wear the uniform of the Monarch did so. With great respect, I bring that to the attention of the House. As you have been told, Mr Speaker, Frank Stewart fought in battles in New Guinea under conditions and circumstances with which some in the House would be familiar, but they are a diminishing group. We have lost a friend and a man who represented, in terms of integrity and service, a dedication to duty and a devotion to principle, as he saw it, that I know will be respected by all who knew him.

I want to mention in particular one point of which most honourable members would not be aware. In doing so, I speak on behalf of that great hospital in my constituency, the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, which is well known throughout Sydney. I put this tribute on the record for the benefit of Mrs Stewart and her family and for Frank Stewart’s distinguished brother, who is the Minister for Health in the Government of New South Wales. The Hon. Frank Stewart, the honourable member for Grayndler, was of great help to that hospital. Few contributions of thanks and gratitude are rendered to a member of the House for deeds that are not made known publicly. His assistance to that hospital is one such deed. I place my thanks on record this afternoon.

Frank Stewart and I served together on a number of committees, including the Joint Parliamentary Government Publications Committee, which has already been mentioned. We also snared adjoining offices. Mr Speaker, you divided for us a suite of offices that had belonged to a great and distinguished aviator who was a very senior member of this Parliament. My office was more on the utilitarian side and the honourable member for Grayndler, having regard to his distinction as a former Minister of state, enjoyed the more pristine side. That gave us the opportunity to enjoy a personal friendship which began in 1953. Having had many discussions with Frank, having been a political competitor, having been a man who respected him over a long period and having known of his education and training at St Mary’s Cathedral College, as mentioned by the Prime Minister, I leave honourable members with this thought: When the time came for Frank to arrive at perhaps the most significant entry gate and he was invited to identify himself, in my judgment he would have said in the Latin which I know he learnt: ‘ Adsum semper fidelis’.

Mr Les McMahon:
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

-I too support the motion moved by the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser) and supported by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and the Leader of the National Country Party (Mr Anthony). I would like to say a few kind words on behalf of my departed colleague, Francis Eugene Stewart, whom his friends knew as Frank Stewart. His name was most respected in his electorate of Grayndler and in his previous electorate of Lang. As other speakers have said today, our condolences go to his wife, Maureen, his son, his daughters, his mother, brother and sisters and those of his friends most dear to him. Previous speakers including the Prime Minister have said, amongst other things, that Frank Stewart was a great Australian and politician. He showed these qualities when he represented his electorate for the past 26 years. He came to Parliament as a young man of 3 1 years of age. In those days that was a young age to be a member of Parliament. I must convey to his wife Maureen and his family the thought that many times when he should have been at home he was in the Parliament looking after Australians.

Frank was very good to me as a member of Parliament for the last four years. Although there were only a few years difference in our ages, Frank used to treat me like a son, sometimes by abusing me for saying many things which I should not have said. He used to take me in- I was in trouble a few times- and tell me how to put a question on notice and how to ask a question without notice without being ruled out of order. As a new member of Parliament I well appreciated his advice. I remember Frank asking me one day about my background and about my father who was a trade union official like his own father. I told him the three main principles of the old Irish Catholic. He laughed and said that he had thought of them but had not heard them expressed that way previously. My father used to say that the three main things a man had to do in life were to go to mass, be a member of the trade union movement and be a member of the Labor Party. I think that was Frank’s philosophy. It is a philosophy that has been adopted by many members of the Labor Party.

Frank was going to take a trip as a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union with his wife, Maureen, together with me and my wife, Pat. We were to leave on 13 September for a few weeks. He told me that his wife, Maureen, had not been away since 1963. She had agreed to leave the family and take a few weeks to see the world. We were to meet last week to have dinner and work out the itinerary. Not many people know this. Frank said that this would be his last trip as he was getting older. He said that after another couple of terms he would think about retiring. I shall read an extract from the Catholic Weekly in which Cardinal Sir James Freeman paid a tribute to Frank Stewart. He said:

Mr Frank Stewart, besides being a loving husband and father, was a man who through all the vicissitudes of public life was clear in his principles and courageous in upholding them.

Just as no one could doubt his sincerity, so no one could doubt his moral courage.

In the line of duty he often followed a course that was not always easy and not always rewarding in a popular sense.

But he was definite in his attitude and courageous in his manner of maintaining it.

No doubt, like all men in the public arena, he had his critics.

But it is doubtful if he had any real enemies.

Courage and integrity are virtues that are not to be despised.

May he rest in peace.

Mr KEVIN CAIRNS:
Lilley

-Just one moment’s reflection makes it clear that Frank Stewart’s period in the Parliament was an adornment to his family, his party and the Parliament. It was my privilege to know him very well and to have been brought up in the same suburb of Sydney. I attended a more recent off-shoot of the primary school which he attended. The reputation which he deservedly earned was well known to me and my family. His whole family can take enormous pride in his private and public life. People in public life can have many qualities but the rarest is the possession of moral courage. Compared with it, physical courage is common indeed. It was physical courage, for example, that caused the late Frank Stewart to play lock for Canberbury-Bankstown. Moral courage is possessed by extremely few people in private or public life. Frank Stewart fought for many things, privately and publicly. I believed with him in many of the things for which he fought. We all know of the battles he fought. We know that he was a member of Parliament from 1953 to 1979. People like Frank Stewart went through an enormous strain in public life from the middle 1950s. Life became exquisitely difficult for them. But Frank Stewart was never one to flinch and he was never one to retreat. His views were always views for Australia. They were never sectional. He never suffused his own attitude, his own statements and his own views with bitterness or with rancour.

To Maureen and to his family his loss is indeed a heavy blow. If a husband ‘s or a father’s life can act as a light and as an example to his wife and to his children then Frank’s will shine for many years. His example will be a beacon for many decades to come. His party, this Parliament, Australia and certainly his family should remember him always.

Mr MARTIN:
Banks

-I would like to join the Prime Minister (Mr Malcolm Fraser), the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Anthony), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and all other speakers in paying a tribute to the late Frank Stewart. Frank Stewart was my friend. Not only that, he had a multitude of friends outside this Parliament and I think that that really is the test of how good a person is. Political life is a strange life. It is almost a passing phase, quite frankly, and it is often said that the worth of a member of this Parliament is not fully recognised until such time as he dies. I do not think that that can be said of Frank Stewart because the worth of Frank Stewart to the community was recognised long before he passed from this earth. Deep down Frank Stewart was a very human man. On the outside he had a veneer- I think one could call it that- of toughness. But when one got below the surface one found that Frank was very human. I think I can say quite honestly that he was very soft beneath that tough exterior.

He fought for what some people might say were lost causes, mainly moral issues. But it did not stop the tenacity with which he fought for those causes. He earned the respect of all people whether or not they believed in the causes for which Frank fought. There was many a tussle in our party meetings as happens at all meetings of all parties. But I think it can be truly said that whilst many harsh words were sometimes spoken, people respected Frank for what he said. He was justifiably proud of his family. Possibly he did not always express outwardly the pride which I know he deeply felt for his family. Members of parliament on both sides might not always have agreed with some of his views or indeed with many of his views but they respected him for putting them forward. He earned the respect of everybody.

As has been said by previous speakers, he was a man of absolute integrity. He was part of a family commonly known in the green belt around Belmore- as the right honourable member for Lowe (Sir William McMahon) has often said- as the Stewart clan. My brother married Frank’s sister and I was classed as part of the Stewart dynasty, something of which I was proud and of which I still am proud. The Stewart family is a very close-knit family. It includes not only Maureen, the six children, each of the six brothers and sisters who are alive today but also Frank’s lovely old mother, aged 84, still battling on and commonly known amongst the Stewart clan as Mama. One sees a wonderful respect displayed from the members of the Stewart family and the grandchildren not only to their own mothers but also to the mother of the Stewart clan. I pass on my sincere condolences to Maureen and her family and also to the other members of the Stewart family, including the six remaining brothers and sisters and Mama.

Frank left his mark on Australia. The mark will still be there in generations to come. I feel honoured to have known him. To me he was more than a colleague; he was a friend.

Mr JULL:
Bowman

– I too wish to be associated with this motion of condolence. I express my very deep sympathy to Mrs Stewart and members of her family. I suppose it could be considered almost presumptuous for one who has served in this House for only Vh years to speak on a motion such as this concerning a man who has served this Parliament for so long and so well. During 1 977 and 1 978 I served with Frank Stewart on the Select Committee on Tourism. He was the Deputy Chairman of that Committee. Last year I was Chairman. Frank Stewart was a tremendous help not only to me but also to other members who served on that Committee.

I was interested to hear the words of the honourable member for Robertson (Mr Cohen) when he said that in many respects it was Frank Stewart who brought the first recognition to this House and to the nation that tourism was an industry in Australia. I believe that that tribute was spelt out in St Mary’s Cathedral just a few short days ago when more than 2,000 people packed that cathedral. The tribute to the work that

Frank Stewart had done in that particular area was obvious by the fact that representatives of all levels of the tourist industry attended that service. Frank Stewart was, in the best sense of the word, proudly Australian. He loved Australia. He loved everything that Australia stood for. He was convinced of the future of Australia and he let that be known very loudly indeed.

Frank Stewart was a man who thought that all decisions should be made in the best interests of Australia. As a result of the many hundreds of hours that members of that Committee spent together, we realised that that was the case. The report that was finally issued was very much the work of Frank Stewart. His influence on it is obvious. It was a report delivered to this House without one dissenting voice. In that respect it is a very great tribute. Many honourable members have said that he was a man of great moral courage. He was also a man of great political courage. Frank Stewart was a fine Australian and I am proud that I had the opportunity to serve with him.

Mr ARMITAGE:
Chifley

-I wish to support this motion of condolence and to express my sympathy to Mrs Maureen Stewart, her family, and Frank’s family. I first met Frank Stewart in 1953 when he had just gained pre-selection for Lang. I was introduced to Frank by John Armstrong, a former Minister in the Chifley Government and a former Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in the Senate. He was also a former High Commissioner to London and a former Lord Mayor of Sydney. Frank was a very close friend of John Armstrong throughout John’s life. When I first walked into this chamber this afternoon I wanted to check today’s date. I involuntarily turned around to the seat behind me, as I have been in the habit of doing so many times in the past for the purpose of checking some details. It is at a time like that that his passing comes home to me. Most of what I wanted to say has already been said today. I refer to Frank’s tenacity, his fundamental belief in the place of the family in our society and his determination to fight for the place of family in society, irrespective of the cost.

As has been mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hayden) and others, and has also been mentioned to me by Senator Reg Bishop, Frank Crean and Gough Whitlam, there was no Minister in the Whitlam Cabinets who went into a meeting better briefed than Frank Stewart. No one read his papers more assiduously. Thus he had the ability to fight tenaciously for what he believed was the correct decision. That has all been said. It was fundamental to everything about him. His loyalty to his church, his loyalty to the Labor movement and, equally as important, his loyalty to his mates have been mentioned. I think that those are important facets of any man’s beliefs and of any man’s makeup. Frank had those very great attributes. Once again I wish to express my sympathy to Maureen Stewart and her family.

Mr RUDDOCK:
Dundas

-I wish to be associated with this condolence motion not only because I had the opportunity of serving with Frank Stewart in this House but also because of his family’s association with mine in other ways. My late father served with his brother in the Parliament of New South Wales. He told me of his fondness for and his admiration of another member of the Stewart family. In this House I had the opportunity to know what my father meant. As one who, in a sense, is part of a political family I think I can recognise and respect what happens when members of a family together serve the public and serve their country in the way they think best.

I also had the opportunity of serving with Frank Stewart on the Joint Select Committee on the Family Law Act. The Committee was established only recently but it has been working assiduously. It met in Perth, with Frank present, the week before he died. We knew of his intense personal interest in the subject of our deliberations. We recognised his conscientious support of everything that had to do with the family and family life, and its importance to our particular task. We respected his diligence and the assiduous way in which he fulfilled his duties in that role, as he did in all others. He attended all the public hearings we conducted in our short time of operation. I know that other members of the Committee would want me, as Chairman, to speak briefly about his involvement in this area because of its close association with his own personal area of concern and interest in this Parliament, one which transcended, I believe, the political interests that we all have and share. The report of the Committee ultimately will be poorer, in my view, for not having him associated with us to the end. I finally want to make an observation, as a non-Catholic, about his churchmanship. He was respected for his churchmanship by, I believe, men and women of all faiths.

Mr FitzPATRICK:
Riverina

– I rise to associate myself with this motion of condolence on the passing of our friend and colleague, Frank Stewart. It was gratifying to me to hear the previous speakers mention their long years of association with Frank. Unfortunately, I barely knew

Frank Stewart before I entered this Parliament but I want to say that it was very gratifying to find after I entered Parliament that we had many things in common. I can well remember with appreciation the many occasions that Frank invited me to go into his office and have a drink and discuss some particular matter. He was a thorough politician. He believed in fully analysing the things before Parliament, particularly the moral issues to which he had a great commitment. I appreciate very much the many things that he did for my electorate during the time he was Minister for Tourism and Recreation. On behalf of the people of the former electorate of Darling and the present electorate of Riverina, I express gratitude for the many things he did for them. It was with some satisfaction to me, although I am still deeply in his debt, that I was able to do something for him in return. He was a great friend and, I believe, a great member of this Parliament. I feel very sad at his passing. I offer my deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

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

- Ecclesiasticus says that the greatest gift that any man can give to the community in which he lives and works is the best that is in him. At all times Frank Stewart gave of his best. Trust, honour, principle and integrity were the hallmarks of the man. I liked Frank Stewart. I trusted and respected him. I pay particular recognition to the contribution which Frank Stewart made to this country’s tourist industry as Minister for Tourism and Recreation. As a Catholic, I recognised the steadfast nature of the convictions held by Frank Stewart and the resolute nature in which those convictions were put forward at all times. This Parliament will be the poorer for his passing. I extend my condolences to his widow and family.

Mr MacKENZIE:
Calare

-I wish to pay tribute to Frank Stewart. The honourable member for Banks (Mr Martin) pointed out that Frank Stewart had many friends. I am unlike them in that my friendship with Frank Stewart was virtually one of only a few months duration. Nevertheless my tribute is a personal rather than public one. I had contact with him on one or two occasions and, as a relatively new back bench member of this House, I found the advice and at times, consolation that he gave me to be most beneficial and rewarding. At times I spoke to him about some of the situations in which one found oneself, particularly in terms of the effect on family life of the commitment that is required of a Federal parliamentarian and the sacrifices that are made by one’s wife, children and friends. I once said to him: ‘ How does one handle the situation when one comes back from Canberra and finds that one’s eight-year-old daughter is saying goodbye instead of goodnight?’ It was in those sorts of situations that Frank was able to give very good and sound advice, consolation and sympathy. I found him to be a man of extraordinary integrity. I am not of his faith; nevertheless I have very deep respect for him. He said to me at one stage that the most important thing in this game is to retain one’s identity and integrity and that sooner or later every individual in this place will come up against a time of testing and that that person should not be found wanting as he has to live with his conscience. It is my honour to have known this man.

Mr NEIL:
St George

-The seats of Grayndler and St George are adjoining and it was a privilege for me to be with Frank Stewart on community occasions as well as to learn from his contributions in this House. He was almost an institution in the Canterbury and surrounding areas of Sydney which formed the electorates of Lang and Grayndler. He had a deep devotion to his constituents and gave fully of his time and energy to assist them. Frank Stewart held the respect of the whole community and had a great personal following. He was a kindly man, but also a strong fighter for his causes. He served his country honourably in peace and war. At recent Anzac reunions the shock and sense of loss were felt deeply by all present. It did not seem the same without him. The loss of a man of such integrity is a grievous loss to the Parliament. I join in supporting the motion and extend deepest sympathy to Mrs Stewart and her family.

Mr SPEAKER:

– The House mourns Frank Stewart, who has been a respected colleague.

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

Mr MALCOLM FRASER (Wannon-Prime Minister)- As a mark of respect to the memory of the late Frank Stewart, I move:

Question resolved in the affirmative.

House adjourned at 4.1 p.m.

page 1684

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

The following answers to questions upon notice were circulated:

Department of Health: Computers (Question No. 2218)

Mr Hayden:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 September 1978:

  1. How many computers are (a) owned, (b) operated, (c)in the process of being purchased or (d) rented by his Department and statutory authorities and business undertakings under his control.
  2. What is the cost of purchase or rental of each computer.
  3. 3 ) For what purposes is each computer used.
  4. What is the nature of the data stored by each computer.
  5. What interconnections exist or will exist between any of these computers.
  6. ) Who has access to each computer.
  7. What savings in staff numbers have been achieved or are anticipated as a result of the installation or operation of each computer.

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

Information in respect of the Department of Health as at 1 March 1 979 is as follows:

1 ) (a) 64. (b) 42 of these computers are operated by Departmental staff, 14 by staff employed by the Health Insurance Commission and 8 by the Department of Social Security, (c) None, (d) None.

–

Cost$m 2 IBM 360/65 computers….. 4.6 2 IBM 370/ 168 computers …. 9.905 1 5 G.A.SPC 1 6 Mini-computers . . 0.440 2 INTERDATA Model 85 Minicomputers……… 0. 1 96 1 MDS 2404 Mini-computer …. 0.040 10 Honeywell H7I6 Mini-computers 0.840 31 MDS 2408 Mini-computers . . . 1.225 1 WANG 2000 Mini-computer . . . 0.036

IBM 360/65 computers- Payment of pharmaceutical benefits claims, compilation of statistics, financial accounting and the provision of computing facilities to other departments and authorised users.

IBM 370/168 computers- Financial accounting, compilation of statistics, processing of health insurance claims, storage and retrieval of bibliographical data, administrative data and the provision of computing facilities to other departments and authorised users.

INTERDATA 85 computers-Scientific research by the Ultrasonics Institute.

GA SPC 16 computers- Data entry of pharmaceutical benefits, pathology and other data for transmission to the IBM 360/65 computers. Two of the 15 systems are used exclusively for developmental and testing of systems.

MDS 2404 computer- Program punching and minor data entry of source data for statistical analysis.

MDS 2408 computers- Data entry of health insurance and health statistical data for transmission to the IBM 370/168 computers via the Honeywell H7I6 computers.

Fourteen of these computers are operated by Health Insurance Commission staff.

Honeywell H7I6 computers- Transmission and dissection of Social Security, Health and Health Insurance Commission data entry traffic between their data entry central/regional computers. Eight of the Honeywell computers are operated by Department of Social Security staff.

WANG 2000 Mini-computer- Preparation of costing models on medical benefits and fee reviews.

2 IBM 360/65 computers- Financial and statistical data derived from information detailed in chemist claims dispensed under the National Health Scheme and administrative information together with data held on behalf of external users of the Department’s computers. 2 IBM 370/168 computers- Details of medical insurance claims, financial data, statistical data, bibliographical data and personal data pertaining to welfare systems. 2 INTERDATA 85 computers-Scientific, research and statistical data. 10 Honeywell H7 16 computers; 3 1 MDS 2408 computers; 15 GA SPC 16 computers; 1 MDS 2404 computer-Non processing computers, and used as intermediate machines only. 1 WANG 2000 mini-computer-Details of Medical Benefits Schedule items and fees.

The 2 IBM 360/65 computers are central processors which are linked by leased TELECOM lines to the SPC 16 message switching and concentrator mini-computers.

The 2 IBM 370/168 computers are central processors which receive data via the Honeywell computers which are connected by leased TELECOM lines to the MDS 2408 data entry computers.

The 2 INTERDATA 85 computers are free-standing systems and are not connected to any other computer or facility.

The MDS 2404 computer is a free-standing system and is not connected to any other computer or facility.

‘IBM 360/65 computers-

Authorised personnel of the Department

Department of Veterans ‘ Affairs

Department of Social Security

National Capital Development Commission

Department of the Capital Territory

Department of Foreign Affairs

Public Service Board

Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Authorised personnel of the Department and Health Insurance Commission

Depanment of Social Security

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

National Capital Development Commission

Australian Bureau of Statistics

Capital Territory Health Commission

Department of Defence

Australian National University

National Library of Australia

Victorian Anti-Cancer Council.

WANG 2000 Mini -computer-

Authorised personnel of the Department.

INTERDATA Model 85 computers-

Authorised personnel of the Department.

HONEYWELL H7 16 computers-

Authorised personnel of the Department

Authorised personnel of the Department of Social Security who operate 8 of the computers on behalf of the Department.

MDS 2408 and MDS 2404 computers-

Authorised personnel of the Department, and Health Insurance Commission.

GASPC 16 computers-

Authorised personnel of the Department.

The computer network connected to the IBM 360/65 computers has resulted in a net staff saving of about 300 staff. The major saving results from the containment of staff numbers needed for pharmaceutical benefits claims processing which currently involves 627 people.

The network centred on the IBM 370/168 computers was established primarily to provide data processing support for Medibank. More than 4500 people were employed by the Health Insurance Commission during 1976/77 to administer the Medibank Scheme. It would not have been possible to operate a comparable universal health insurance scheme on this scale without the computer network. Consequently there is no satisfactory basis for assessing notional staff savings by comparison with some alternative wholly clerical system.

Information in respect of the Capital Territory Health Commission is as follows:

1 ) (a) Two. (b) Two. (c) One. (d) None.

  1. ) PDP 1 1 /34 computers- Processing imaging data from gamma cameras and ultra-sound equipment together with laboratory data relating to radioisotopic studies of patients.

Computer to be purchased- for installation in the Commission’s Pathology Laboratory to handle data relating to the conduct of pathology tests, logging of results, laboratory management and associated billing and accounting functions.

  1. PDP 1 1/34 computers- Transient; mainly processing of digitised data captured from gamma guns.

Computer to be purchased- will handle and store patient related data and will maintain a debtors file.

  1. None.
  2. Authorised personnel of the Commission.
  3. The systems installed are intended primarily for improving the quality of diagnostic services provided and have not therefore effected any staff savings.

It is expected that the proposed system will result in a saving of at least two staff in relation to the billing of patients. The system will also divert technical staff from a range of clerical functions thereby enabling the laboratory to cope with an increasing workload and to expand its range of services to meet existing pressures.

Information in respect of the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories Commission is as follows:

  1. 1 ) (a) None. (b) Two. (c) None. (d ) Two.
  2. ) Burroughs B3500-$86,000 per annum. Burroughs B776- $28,200 per annum.
  3. B3500- Full range of commercial applications including financial and management accounting, marketing statistics and forecasting, inventory, production planning, budgeting and payroll, together with some scientific statistical applications.

B776- On-line order entry system.

  1. The data stored relate to customers/debtors, vendors, employees, products, costing, budgets, assets and production control.
  2. The two computers are inter-connected to permit transfer of master and data files.
  3. Only authorised personnel within the Commission have access to the information for official purposes. That access is confined to those aspects of information relevant to their duties. Access to the equipment itself, as distinct from the information stored, is available to engineering support staff employed by the owners of the equipment. In addition, the Commission has, on occasions, sold time on the equipment.
  4. Total staff in relevant areas have not been reduced since the installation of the computer. However, the availability of the equipment has provided the Commission with detailed management information which would not have been available without the computer, and considerable increases in staff which would have been necessary in the absence of the computer facility to cope with the higher sales now being achieved, have been avoided.

Information in respect of the Health Insurance Commission as at I March 1979 is as follows:

  1. 1 ) (a) None. (b) 14 MDS 2408 Minicomputers. (c) One Itel Advance System 6 computer. (d) None.
  2. The MDS minicomputers are rented from the Department of Health and charges are levied for the Commission’s usage of the 370/168 computers in accordance with the Department of Finance Circular 1978/4.

With respect to the computer currently being purchased, disclosure of cost information would not be consistent with the Commission ‘s commercially competitive position.

  1. MDS 2408- Data entry of health insurance claims and Medibank membership information.

AS6- On-line processing of claims and membership transactions for all Medibank Private branch offices.

  1. Membership and contributions histories. Members’ claims histories. Commission accounts information.
  2. None.
  3. Authorised Health Insurance Commission staff only.
  4. Disclosure of such information is not consistent with the commercially competitive situation of the Commission.

Department of Administrative Services: Computers (Question No. 2262)

Mr Hayden:

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 27 September 1978:

  1. 1 ) In respect of each computer owned or operated by his Department and statutory authorities and business undertakings under his control, what information stored therein can be sold, hired, lent or given to any person or organisation other than properly authorised employees of his Department, authority or business.
  2. Under what circumstances can this information be (a) sold, (b) hired, (c) lent or(d) given.
  3. On what occasions, and to whom, has any information been sold, hired, lent or given in the past.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

– The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows, set out in respect of each of the three areas served by the computers which are owned or operated by the Department:

The Australian Electoral Office

1 ) No data is stored permanently on the computers owned or operated by the Australian Electoral Office. Enrolment data is maintained at the Burroughs Data Centre, Fyshwick, which is managed by the Public Service Board. Information in respect of that Centre has been provided by the Minister assisting the Prime Minister in answer to Question No. 2233.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The Australian Government Publishing Service

1 ) The Australian Government Publishing Service uses its computerised typesetting system for the production of many of its publications. The result of this process is that data is stored on magnetic tapes which can be sold or given away. The micrographics bureau sells its output in microfilm to all departments. No other information can be sold, hired, lent or given away.

Magnetic tapes can only be sold or given away at the request of the originating Department or government organisation.

Tapes containing a record of Hansard for the last five years were recently sold to the Parliamentary Library. Legislation tapes are given to Attorney-General’s Department at its request.

Survey Branch

1 ) The Survey Branch stores survey and topographical data on magnetic tapes. The information is used to produce plans and maps which can be sold, hired, lent or given away.

Deposited plans and series maps of the ACT are available for sale to the public and are provided to Government Departments and Authorities, in particular the Department of Housing and Construction and the National Capital Development Commission. In addition, on occasions in the development of areas of the ACT, digital terrain models on magnetic tape are provided to the Department of Housing and Construction and the National Capital Development Commission. No other information could be supplied without the express permission of the Commonwealth Surveyor-General.

It is not practicable to list all the occasions on which this information has been supplied.

Heat Pump (Question No. 2460)

Mr Barry Jones:
LALOR, VICTORIA · ALP

asked the Minister for Productivity, upon notice, on 1 1 October 1978:

  1. 1 ) Has his attention been drawn to the significance of the heat pump.
  2. If so, is he able to say whether the heat pump was developed in the United States of America and the United Kingdom by such firms as Lucas Aerospace.
  3. Does the heat pump involve a principle similar to that of the refrigerator in the extraction of heat from the atmoshpere and its transfer inside the walls of houses.
  4. Is he able to say whether the heat pump is now on sale in (a) the United States of America, (b) the United Kingdom or (c) Australia.
  5. If so, what is (a) the cost and (b) the relative thermodynamic efficiency compared to conventional heating methods such as electric or gas space heating.
  6. Will he make available any technical data about the heat pump.
Mr Macphee:
Minister for Productivity · BALACLAVA, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Heat pump equipment has been developed by many firms in the United States of America and Europe including Lucas Aerospace.
  3. Yes.
  4. Heat pumps are available in (a) the United States of America, (b) the United Kingdom, and (c) Australia.

  5. (a) Heat pumps are available in Australia from single room units to complete home systems and range in price from around $500 to $5,000.

    1. The thermodynamic efficiency of the heat pump greatly exceeds the conventional heating methods such as electric or gas space heating.
  6. The principle of the heat pump has been taught at Australian universities for many years, and technical data on heat pumps is available in textbooks as well as from the Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Industry in Australia.

Hospitals: Tasmania (Question No. 2668)

Dr Klugman:
PROSPECT, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 26 October 1978:

Will Tasmania be funded on a cost/share basis (a) to open its own neo-natal intensive care unit and (b) to provide sufficient staff to open the Douglas Parker Rehabilitation Centre when stage II is complete.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. Cost-sharing of State expansion programs is normally discussed by Commonwealth and State officers at meetings of State Standing Committees held twice a year. I understand that Tasmania has proposed that the Commonwealth cost-share the operating costs of the new Queen Alexandra Women’s Hospital in Hobart, which will operate from 1 January 1980. Details of the services to be available at the new hospital have not yet been provided but it may be that this is the neo-natal facility to which the honourable member refers. The proposal to share the operating costs of the hospital was examined in detail at the most recent meeting of the State Standing Committee. I expect that a recommendation as to cost-sharing will be placed before me shortly.
  2. The question of Commonwealth funding sources for the Douglas Parker Rehabilitation Centre is currently the subject of correspondence between myself and the Tasmanian Health Minister, and of examination by the respective Commonwealth and State health authorities.

Discussions on the proposal to cost-share this new unit are continuing and I expect that the arrangements will be considered shortly by the Minister Tor Social Security and myself

Air Fares to Japan (Question No. 2851)

Mr Morris:
SHORTLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 16 November 1978:

  1. 1 ) Did he say in a press release dated 27 January 1977, that he was hopeful that a cheaper fare package could be offered for travel between Australia and Japan.
  2. Did he also say that representatives of Qantas and Japan Airlines would shortly hold discussions aimed at reaching agreement for a lower air fare between the two countries.
  3. If so, (a) have the discussions been held, (b) what were the results of those discussions, (c) what is the name and classification of each representative of the airlines attending the discussions, (d) where and on what dates have the discussions been held since 27 January 1977 and (e) what was the cost of (i) travel, (ii) accommodation and (itf) other expenditure in respect of each Australian representative.
  4. If the discussions have not been held, when does he anticipate they will be held.
  5. When does he expect to make an announcement on a reduced fare on the Australia-Japan route.
  6. What is the current lowest return fare from Sydney to Tokyo.
  7. What is the distance between Sydney and Tokyo.
Mr Nixon:
Minister for Transport · GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Yes.

  3. (a) Yes. There have been a number of discussions involving Qantas and Japan Airlines since 27 January 1977. Details sought in Questions 3 (b), (c), (d) and (e) are provided below in respect of each of these discussions.

    1. Sixty-Third IATA Meeting (Traffic Conference 3-Asia and Pacific) 3 (b) Agreement was reached for the introduction of an off season Group Inclusive Tour (GIT) fare between Brisbane/Sydney and Japan to operate during April, May, June and July. Fare levels agreed were Brisbane-Tokyo SA800.00 and Sydney-Tokyo SA798.00 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr P. Brett, Industry Affairs Manager; Mr K. Davison, Tariffs Manager Passenger West and Mr R. Girvan, Tariffs Officer.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Passenger Marketing and Sales, and Mr K. Iwamoto, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales. 3(d) Manila, 14- 1 7 March 1977. 3 (e) This meeting discussed a wide range of air fares on a number of international routes. Therefore, it is not possible to identify total expenditure attributable to discussions on Australia-Japan fares.

  1. Qantas-JAL Meeting 3(b) Proposals for new excursion fares were discussed, but the airlines were unable to reach agreement. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr R. Davies, Market Development Officer and Mr T. Lawn, Tariffs Officer.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Marketing and Sales, and S. Kimaru, Tariffs Officer. 3(d) Tokyo, 21 September 1977. 3 (e) (i) Travel undertaken was on duty travel basis at no charge, (ii) T. Lawn $A76; R. Davies $A76, (iii) T. Lawn $A2 19, R. Davies $A2 30.

  1. Sixty-Sixth IATA Meeting (Traffic Conference 3- Asia and Pacific) 3 (b) A proposal for a 14/28 day round trip excursion fare from Brisbane/Sydney to Tokyo was adopted. (This proposal was subsequently not accepted by the Australian Government on the grounds that it was directional only and therefore did not adequately meet the requirements of the Australian tourism industry.) Normal first and economy fares ex Japan were reduced by 4 per cent. The off peak season of the GIT fares was extended to include 21 August- 30 September. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr D. Tunks, Commercial Agreements Manager, Mr K. Davison, Tariffs Manager Passenger West, and Mr R. Girvan, Tariffs Officer.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr H. Salyer, Vice-President Industry Affairs, Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Passenger Marketing and Sales, and the following tariffs officials; Mr Y. Kobayashi, Mr T. Miura and Mr K.Sato. 3 (d) Cannes, 2 1 October-4 November 1977. 3 (e) This meeting discussed a wide range of air fares on a number of international routes. Therefore it is not possible to identify total expenditure involved in discussions on Australia-Japan fares.

  1. Reconvened Sixty-Sixth IATA Meeting (Traffic Conference 3- Asia and Pacific) 3 (b) This meeting discussed Australia-Japan fares on procedural aspects only. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr K. Davison, Tariffs Manager Passenger West.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr F. Kanto, Assistant Tariffs Manager and Mr G. Iwamoto, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales. 3(d) Singapore 7- 10 and 2 1 -22 June 1 978. 3(e) This meeting discussed a wide range of air fares on a number of international routes. Therefore it is not possible to identify expenditure attributable to discussions on AustraliaJapan fares.

  1. Sixty-Eighth IATA Meeting (Traffic Conference 3 -Asia and Pacific) 3 (b) No formal discussions took place on Australia-Japan air fares, although private discussions were held between Qantas and JAL, but with no specific agreement. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr P. Brett, Industry Affairs Manager, Mr D. Tunks, Commercial Agreements Manager and Mr T. Lawn, Tariffs Officer.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Passenger Marketing and Sales, and Mr G. Iwamoto, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales. 3 (d) Miami, 9- 18 October 1978. 3 (e) This meeting discussed a wide range of air fares on a number of international routes, therefore it is not possible to identify total expenditure attributable to discussions on Australia-Japan fares.

Qantas-JAL Meeting 3(b) The airlines had preliminary discussions on proposals for a new fare structure and fare levels arising from Australia ‘s new international aviation policy. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr J. Ward, Market Development and Systems Director, Mr B. Wild, Western Routes Director and Mr T. Lawn, Tariffs Officer.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Passenger Marketing and Sales and Mr T. Yoshioka, General Manager Oceania Region and Mr K. Iwamoto, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales. 3(d) Manila, 4-5 January 1979. 3 (e) (i) Travel was on Qantas on-duty travel basis at no charge, (ii) J. Ward $A4I, T. Lawn $A41, B. Wild $A41, (iii) J. Ward $A1 1 8, T. Lawn $A 127, B. Wild SA190.

Qantas-JAL Meeting 3 (b) The airlines resumed their discussions held in Manila in January. No final agreement was reached on new fare proposals. 3 (c) The following personnel represented Qantas- Mr B. Wild, Western Routes Director; Mr J. Ward, Market Development and Systems Director; Mr T. Lawn, Tariffs Officer; Mr G. Bowmaker, Route Economics Adviser West; Mr T. Swann, Regional Director Orient; Mr F. Nicol, Manager, Japan; and Mr K. Nonaha, Sales Manager, Japan.

The following personnel represented JAL- Mr T. Iki, Deputy General Manager, International Passenger Marketing and Sales; Mr K. Iwamoto, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales; and Mr Y. Kondo, Staff Assistant, International Passenger Marketing and Sales. 3 (d) Tokyo, 19-21 February 1979. 3 (e) (i) Travel was on Qantas on-duty travel basis at no charge, (ii) J. Ward SA204, T. Lawn SA153, G. Bowmaker SA157, B. Wild $A204, T. Swann SAI61, F. Nicol and K. Nonaha, NIL, (iii) J. Ward $A399, T. Lawn $A276, G. Bowmaker $A253, B. Wild $A287, T. Swann $A264 and F. Nicol/K. Nonaha SA871.

  1. 4 ) See answer to ( 3 ).
  2. Any announcement on new fares between Australia anil Japan will depend on progress made during further talks planned between Qantas and Japan Airlines and on the consideration of the results of these discussions by the respective Governments.
  3. The lowest individual return fare between Sydney and Tokyo is $1,00 1.00.
  4. 7 ) The great circle distance between Sydney and Tokyo is 7826 kilometres.

Air Pares (Question No. 2854)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 16 November 1 978:

  1. I ) Has his attention been drawn to a statement in the Australian of 1 8 October 1 978, by the West Australian State Director of the Department of Transport, Mr Ellis Kiel, that it was departmental policy to clamp down on cut rate fares outside Federal Government guidelines.

    1. If so, (a) to which guidelines was Mr Kiel referring, and (b) when were the guidelines established.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. (a) Air Navigation Regulation 106a, (b) 1 April 1976.

Salaries of Ministers and Permanent Heads (Question No. 3043)

Mr Clyde Cameron:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

asked the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 24 November 1978:

  1. 1 ) Why did he supply information in his answer to question No. 1 607 (Hansard, 2 1 November 1 978, page 3 1 52 ) relating to allowances paid to Ministers as against Permanent Heads when my question specifically sought information only in relation to the salaries of Ministers and Permanent Heads.
  2. Does he see that to answer the question in the way he did distorts the relativity between Ministers and their permanent heads in such a way as to make the large salary gains of Permanent Heads over the last 8 years vis-a-vis their Ministers appear less than in fact they are.
  3. If he felt justified in supplying some information not sought why did he not supply other information not sought such as the benefits of permanency, paid furlough, accrued annual leave, accrued sick leave, transfer allowances, workers’ compensation, the right to receive a lump sum cash reimbursement of all payments made to the Superannuation Fund and other entitlements which Permanent Heads enjoy but which do not apply to Ministers.
  4. Did he understand the effect of the answer prepared for his signature when he approved it.
Mr Viner:
Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs · STIRLING, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. to (3) It is correct that salaries of Ministers have increased less rapidly than the salaries of Permanent Heads in the period 1970 to 1978.

The information on allowances (in the case of Ministers, special allowance) was provided to enable a comparison of increases in allowances as well as salaries, lt was thought that the honourable member would be interested to note that allowances for Permanent Heads have increased over the period by 79 per cent whereas the increases in special allowances for Ministers have ranged from 20 per cent to 43 per cent.

  1. Yes.

Hospital Costs (Question No. 3055)

Mr Lloyd:
MURRAY, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 24 November 1 978:

  1. 1 ) Will his attempts to control hospital costs by restrictions on the number and classification of hospital beds be nullified if similar limits are not placed on private hospital beds; if so, what power does he have to prevent the unnecessary intrusion of the Hospital Corporation of America into the private hospital industry.
  2. What powers do State Governments have to restrict unnecessary private and public hospital bed expansion.
  3. What discussions are taking place with the States to co-ordinate policy on private and public hospital beds.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 would agree that attempts to control public hospital costs through restriction and classification of public hospital beds could to an extent be nullified if compensating increases in private hospital beds and bed utilisation take place.

I have no legislative authority to prevent the Hospital Corporation of America entering the private hospital industry.

  1. The State Governments have the power to control public hospital bed expansion as they have a responsibility in financing individual recognised (public) hospitals. The Commonwealth through its cost sharing arrangements does not exercise an influence in hospital bed expansion.

With regard to private hospitals, the primary responsibility for the licensing or registering of premises as private hospitals rests with the State Government. All States administer legislation covering the registration or licensing of premises as private hospitals (as directed to standards) but only two States are known to have legislation to provide for controls over the growth of the private hospital industry.

The Commonwealth Government’s role in this area is the approval of premises as private hospitals, under the Health Insurance Act, for payment of the $ 1 6 a day bed payment.

  1. Discussions are being held between Commonwealth and State/Territory health officials on the general topics of hospital productivity, efficiency and cost-containment. The question of co-ordination between public and private hospital sectors is included in these discussions. At the completion of officer discussions I anticipate that these matters will be further discussed by Commonwealth, State and Territory Health Ministers.

Travel Organisations: Visits by Commonwealth Police (Question No. 31 18)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 24 November 1978:

  1. 1 ) What travel organisations have been visited by Commonwealth Police in association with his Department’s exercise of its responsibilities under Air Navigation Regulation 106a.
  2. On what dates and at what locations were the visits made.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Since the amendment of Air Navigation Regulation 106a in April 1976, seven travel organisations have been visited by Commonwealth Police. On two of these occasions a Department of Transport Officer was also present. I have not mentioned the names of these organisations because of the adverse effect which public disclosure could have on their operations.
  2. Two visits were made in 1976, one visit in 1977 and four in 1978.

Aborigines: Kimberley Region (Question No. 3126)

Mr Dawkins:
FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 24 November 1978:

  1. 1 ) Was the estimate of Aboriginal population in the Kimberley region as contained in the Butcher report tabled in Parliament, 8,250 in 1977.
  2. If so. has the Minister’s attention been drawn to a report by Mr C. A. P. Boundy for the West Australian Department of the Northwest which estimated the Kimberley Aboriginal population to be 10,944 in 1976.
  3. 3 ) Bearing in mind that Mr Boundy with the help of community health services compiled an exhaustive register of all persons of Aboriginal descent living in the Kimberleys based on birth and death dates and location of last contact, can the Minister explain the apparent under-estimate by the Butcher Report.
  4. If Mr Boundy’s estimates are projected for 1977 would the Butcher Report’s understatement be around 3,000.
  5. 5 ) With this in mind, can the Minister state which of the 2 figures the Department of Aboriginal Affairs intends to use in its planning for employment creation programs in the Kimberleys.
  6. What will be the implications for the people in the Kimberleys if the Department of Aboriginal Affairs uses the Butcher Report as its basis for planning.
Mr Viner:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Yes.
  2. Yes.
  3. to (6) With regard to both the Pilbara and Kimberley areas of Western Australia, Mr Butcher indicated that in his opinion Aboriginal population data were inaccurate.

The population data for both Mr Boundy’s and Mr Butcher’s report are based on information from two different departments closely involved with Aboriginals and both reports provide estimates in excess of the 1 976 Census figure of 6,349 Aboriginal people in the Kimberleys. However, the statistical methodology employed differs from that employed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In addition there are inconsistencies in Mr Boundy’s methodology which give rise to reservations as to the reliability of his estimates. Mr Butcher pointed out in his report that forward planning for both the Pilbara and Kimberley regions is necessary and that correct population data are essential for this. My Department is now gathering population data based on each Aboriginal community or group in these areas and forward planning will be based on this information.

Unemployment (Question No. 3127)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs, upon notice, on 20 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) Are any figures available for discouraged workers (defined by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as a person who wants a job but has not looked for one during the preceding 4 weeks); if so, what are they.
  2. Are figures available on those persons available for work, who had sought employment in the preceding 6 months but had not looked in the past 4 weeks; if so, what are they.
Mr Viner:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question, which was supplied to me by the Australian Statistician, is as follows:

  1. 1 ) Estimates of the number of discouraged job-seekers in Australia were obtained from surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in November 1975 and May 1977. Results were published in ‘Persons Not in the Labour

Force’ (ABS Catalogue No. 6220.0). Discouraged jobseekers were defined as persons not in the labour force who wanted a job but were not looking for work because they believed that they would not be able to find a job for any of the following reasons: they were considered too young or too old by employers; language or racial difficulties; they lacked the necessary training, skills or experience; or there were no jobs available in their locality or line of work. The estimated total number in November 1975 was 33,800 and in May 1977 65,500. The ABS is planning to collect further information on discouraged job-seekers in March and September 1 979.

  1. This information is not available from surveys which have been conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Exports of Primary Products (Question No. 3146)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 20 February 1 979:

  1. 1 ) Are there any advantages for Australian exporters of meat and other fresh produce in the use of Dormovac shipping containers.
  2. If so (a) which products for which markets will receive the greatest benefit; and (b) what is being done to obtain these containers.
Mr Sinclair:
Minister for Primary Industry · NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES · NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) At this point of time it is too early to assess whether the Dormovac containers offer advantages to Australian exporters of fresh produce. These containers maintain lower than normal atmospheric pressures with controlled humidity in addition to lowered temperature. By this method it is claimed that the storage life of chilled products such as meat, fruit and flowers is significantly extended.
  2. (a) If the system is successful, one application may be in the shipment of chilled carcase sheepmeat and beef by sea with lower freight costs than by air. In this respect, the market of most immediate potential benefit is the Middle East, particularly for sheep-meats. Two Dormovac containers were used for trial shipments of lamb to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates arriving late January/early February and a further shipment of sheepmeat is planned shortly. The system may prove to be an important means of shipping the more perishable fruits and vegetables to distant markets but I am not aware of any trial shipments undertaken to assess its feasibility.
  3. (b) These containers are available for purchase from the manufacturer in the United States. The provision of the containers is seen as a private enterprise venture, either by an entrepreneur, exporter or shipping company.

Repatriation (Question No. 3199)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, upon notice, on 21 February 1979:

  1. I ) What action has the Government taken, or does it intend to take, to implement the recommendations contained in the following Parts of the Toose Independent Inquiry into the Repatriation System received in June 1975: (a) Pan 3, the Repatriation System and the Community, (b) Pan 4, Administration of the Repatriation System, (c) Pan 5, Qualifying Service, (d) part 6, Dependants’ War Pensions, (e) Pan 7, Basis for grant of War Pension, (f) Part 8, Statutory Bodies for Determination of claims, (g) Part 9, Method of Determination of Claims and Appeals, (h) Part 10,

Assessment of Incapacity and War Pensions, (i) Part 1 1, Allowances related to war pensions and transport benefits, (j ) Part 12, Service Pension, (k) Part 13, Protective Administration of Pensions and Allowances, (I) Part 14, Basis for Entitlement to Treatment, (m) Part 15, Repatriation Treatment Services, (n) Part 16, Rehabilitation, Re-establishment and Re-employment, (o) Part 17, Allowances related to Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation, (p) Part 18, Education of Children of Certain Members, (q) Part 19, General Benefits, (r) Part 20, Administrative Discretions; and (s) Part 2 1, Public Understanding.

  1. What is the estimated cost of implementing the recommendations in each Part accepted by the Government.
Mr Adermann:
Minister Assisting the Minister for Primary Industry · FISHER, QUEENSLAND · NCP/NP

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

  1. I ) The Independent Inquiry into the Repatriation System took over four years to complete and produced 303 recommendations and conclusions. This is an indication of the complexity of the Repatriation System. Since the tabling of the Report there have been many important changes in health and welfare benefits available to the Australian community. These changes must necessarily be taken into account in the consideration of the recommendations contained in the Report. The Government has ignored none of these recommendations. Indeed, when any aspect of the Repatriation System is under review it is the practice of the Government to take into account the relevant comments and recommendations in the Report.

In summary, the present position regarding the Report is that the Government has accepted (fully or partially) 67 recommendations. It has not accepted 30 and has under consideration 161. The remaining 45 recommendations require no further action.

Important decisions made as a result of consideration of the Report are-

  1. retention of a separate Repatriation System;
  2. b ) retention of the Repatriation Hospital system;
  3. creation of a new appeals system;
  4. restructuring of Repatriation Boards;
  5. rationalisation of the onus of proof/benefit of doubt provisions;
  6. f) development of impairment guides;
  7. replacement of sustenance allowance;
  8. h ) variation of the pulmonary tuberculosis provisions;
  9. retention of the Repatriation Commission role;

  10. administrative responsibility for the Defence Service Homes Scheme and the Office of the Australian War Graves transferred to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

    1. There have been no significant additional costs involved in implementing the recommendations accepted by the Government.

Army Establishments: Maintenance and Construction (Question No. 3211)

Mr Les Johnson:
HUGHES, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 21 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) What percentage of maintenance and construction work carried out at the Holsworthy, Moorebank and Ingleburn military areas has been carried out by private contractors during the periods (a) 1975-76, (b) 1976-77, (c) 1977-78 and (d) I July 1 978 to date.
  2. What was the cost of the work during each of these periods.
  3. ) How many departmental employees were engaged in maintenance and construction work related to the 3 military establishments.
Mr Groom:
Minister for Housing and Construction · BRADDON, TASMANIA · LP

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

  1. ) and (2) See the table below.
  1. The numbers of departmental employees engaged on maintenance and construction work related to the Holsworthy, Moorebank and Ingleburn military establishments for the periods in question were:

1975- 76-173

1976- 77-154

1977- 78-131

1 July 1978 to 9 March 1979-139.

Oil (Question No. 3229)

Mr Jacobi:
HAWKER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 21 February 1979:

What evidence does he have to support his claim in answer to question No. 2545 (Hansard, 15 November 1978, page 2878) that the Singapore refinery project will have no significant effect on Australia ‘s refining self-sufficiency.

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

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

I understand that the project is designed to produce mainly middle distillates and fuel oil to meet the requirements of the South East Asian market. Thus the product mix from this refinery is not expected to make any significant contribution to overall Australian demand, which is predominantly for light products. It is however expected that because of favourable shipping costs Singapore will continue to supply the bulk of Northern and North Western Australian fuel oil requirements.

Nursing Homes (Question No. 3243)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 22 February 1 979:

What are the (a) current approved fees and (b) names and locations of those nursing homes where the cheapest ward accommodation exceeds the minimum patient contribution plus the basic nursing home benefits, for each State and Territory.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. and (b) As at 15 March 1979, the approved fees and names and locations of those nursing homes where the cheapest ward accommodation exceeds the minimum patient contribution plus the basic nursing home benefits are as follows:

Air Pollution (Question No. 3245)

Mr Uren:
REID, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Science and the Environment, on notice, on 22 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) Can the Minister say what are the levels of hydrocarbons, oxidants, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen in the air of (a) each State capital city, (b) Canberra, (c) Darwin, (d) Geelong, (e) Newcastle, (f) Wollongong and (g) Townsville.
  2. How many times in each of the last 10 years have the levels of hydrocarbons, oxidants, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen exceeded World Health Organisation standards for (a) long-term and (b) short-term measurements in each of these cities.
  3. What was the frequency of atmospheric temperature inversion in each of the cities referred to in part ( 1 ) in each of the last 10 years.
  4. What are the standards for short and long-term measurements of hydro-carbons, oxidants, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen adopted by (a) Japan, (b) the United States, (c) the European Economic Community, (d) Canada, (e) Australia and (f) the WHO.
Mr Groom:
LP

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

  1. and (2) The air quality data contained in Tables1 to 4 that follow have been obtained from the National Air Quality Data Centre presently being set up by the Department of

Science and the Environment. The information has been derived from available data sources over the years indicated, published by State and Commonwealth bodies concerned with air quality monitoring. Where data for a city or for a year has not been presented, no monitoring of the pollutant has been carried out. It will be noted that, in general, data are only available for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The data tables contain the average and maximum levels of pollutants. The number of days that the World Health Organisation goals have been exceeded at urban monitoring stations in each major city are also presented in the tables.

  1. The atmosphere over any point on the earth’s surface is never without some sort of temperature inversion such as the tropopause which occurs at an altitude of about 9 to 16 kilometres. The type of temperature inversion with a potential for affecting the air quality of any locality is much lower, typically up to about 1000 metres above the surface. The detection of such inversions require specialised equipment. The systematic study of these inversions is being developed in the major Australian cities by the Bureau of Meteorology, the CSIRO and others, but comprehensive long-term statistics on their occurrence are as yet not available.
  2. The air quality standards and goals for various countries and organisations, compiled from the latest available information, are shown in Table S. There are no promulgated standards in Australia but the WHO long-term goals are often used as a reference for assessing air quality in this country. The European Economic Community has not established any air quality standards.

Copper (Question No. 3250)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Minister for National Development, upon notice, on 22 February 1979:

  1. Can he say what copper deposits in Australia are owned, in whole or in part, by oil companies.
  2. If so, (a) where are these deposits, (b) when was the interest purchased, (c) how large are the deposits, (d) what are the companies involved and (e) what is the size of their shareholding.
Mr Newman:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) No. Matters relating to mineral titles in the States are the responsibilities of the relevant State authorities. In the Australian Capital Territory, there are no copper deposits which are owned in whole or in part by oil companies. In the Northern Territory, Societe Nationale ELF Aquitaine has an indirect interest in the Redbank deposit.

  2. (a) Redbank-30 km west of Wollogorang Station, far north-eastern Northern Territory.

    1. 4 July 1978.
    2. Companies estimate 1 million short tons containing 3.73 per cent copper.
    3. Societe Nationale ELF Aquitaine.
    4. Societe Nationale ELF Aquitaine holds an indirect interest of about 32 per cent in Redbank through its shareholding in Aquitaine (Australia and New Zealand) Limited.

Social Security Special Projects: Division of Bowman (Question No. 3285)

Mr Jull:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 28 February 1979:

What grants have been made by the Department of Social Security for special projects in the Electoral Division of Bowman and for what purposes in (a) 1975-76, (b) 1976-77,(c) 1977-78 and (d) 1978-79.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

The following grants have been made in the Electorate of Bowman under aged persons accommodation programs:

North Rockhampton Aboriginal Hostel (Question No. 3293)

Dr Everingham:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 28 February 1979:

  1. Has the hostel acquired in North Rockhampton for Aboriginals reverted to a derelict state from being a well patronised, well kept caravan park.
  2. What proportion of the sum allocated for developing the site was used in architect’s fees and what sum was spent on other items.
  3. When will the units be made available for the homeless Aborigines sleeping daily in Rockhampton.
  4. Can he say (a) how long it took to provide emergency accommodation for illegal migrants in Darwin in the last 12 months and (b) how many were accommodated.
Mr Viner:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) No. Officers of my Department have confirmed advice from Aboriginal Hostels Ltd that buildings are not in a derelict state. To the contrary Aboriginal Hostels Ltd have advised that renovations to the buildings are almost completed.
  2. Aboriginal Hostels Ltd have advised that of the total estimated expenditure of $116,152 on renovations, architect’s fees comprised $5,778 (or approximately 5 per cent).
  3. 3 ) The hostel will be officially opened by Senator Bonner on Friday, 27 April 1 979.
  4. (a) and (b) No.

Australia Council (Question No. 3335)

Mr Humphreys:
GRIFFITH, QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister for Home Affairs, upon notice, on 1 March 1979:

When does he propose to reply in full to my letter of 18 January 1 979 concerning the various boards of the Australia Council.

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

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

I replied substantively on 4 April 1979 to the honourable member’s letter.

Cattle Tick Pesticides (Question No. 3407)

Mr Uren:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, on notice, on 8 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) What pesticides are used to control cattle ticks.
  2. In what manner are they applied.
  3. What safety precautions are recommended for their application.
  4. Has the Government assessed the possible effects of use of these pesticides on human health; if so, what were the results of this assessment.
Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) The following compounds are registered and currently used in several Australian States to control cattle tick: amitraz, bromophos-ethyl plus chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, chloromethiuron, clenpyrin, coumaphos diazinon, dioxathion, ethion, phosmet, promacyl
  2. All may be applied as a spray. All, with the exception of phosmet may be applied as a dip. In addition to the compounds listed, it is understood that there may still be some very isolated usage of arsenic, which is registered for use as a dip.
  3. Appropriate safety precautions are set out in detail on the labels of products registered by State authorities. These make provision for the safety of users, bystanders, consumers, livestock, wildlife, the environment and trade and take into account recommendations of the National Health and Medical Research Council (see also answer to (4) below).
  4. The Poisons Schedule Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH & MRC) has considered detailed toxicology data on these compounds and has made recommendations on scheduling and labelling which include safety directions and first aid instructions to appear on labels.

The Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals SubCommittee of the NH & MRC has evaluated available scientific data on each of the above compounds and has determined a daily intake for man which, during an entire lifetime, appears to be without appreciable risk. Maximum residue limits in meat and milk have been recommended and the majority of these have been incorporated into State legislation. These limits generally follow those recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting of Experts on Pesticide Residues which have been adopted as recommended international standards.

Regular inspection and monitoring of food derived from treated animals is carried out by a range of Commonwealth and State instrumentalities to ensure compliance with legal limits.

Aborigines: Apprenticeships (Question No. 3424)

Mr Wallis:
GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) How many Aboriginal youths in the Electoral Division of Grey have received apprenticeships under the National Employment Scheme for Aborigines.
  2. In what (a) establishments and (b) trades is each to be trained.
  3. How many received apprenticeships in (a) Federal and (b) State Government instrumentalities.
Mr Viner:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Three. An additional three have received apprenticeships under the NEAT Scheme.
  2. ) (a) (i) Electricity Trust of South Australia, (ii) Department of Highways, (iii) Department of Administrative Services. ( b) 1 fitter and turner; 2 motor mechanics.
  3. (a) One. (b) Two.

Air Freight Services (Question No. 3425)

Mr Jull:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 8 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Does Qantas provide pure freight services into and out of Australia.
  2. ) If not, what studies have been made of the viability of Qantas providing such services for Australian industry.
  3. How many pure freight charters were operated into and out of Australia in 1978 and which companies were involved in these operations.
  4. What was the nature of the cargo carried by these foreign air freight carriers.
  5. What access do Australian domestic airlines have to the international air freight market using their own freight airlines.
  6. What was the estimated cost to Australian industry of the foreign air freight charters during 1 978.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The term ‘pure freight services’ is taken to mean those services where freight capacity occupies either the whole or a substantial part of the aircraft’s maindeck. On this basis Qantas provides pure freight services into and out of Australia by:

    1. leasing 25 per cent of the total cargo space provided by the twice weekly Panam B747F freight service on the Australia/US route, amounting to about 20 tonnes per flight and totalling 40 tonnes per week in each direction.
    2. operating B747 Combi services each with about 30 tonnes of freight capacity once weekly between Australia and the USA, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, and twice weekly between Australia and Japan. This capacity will be augmented late in 1979 following the delivery of a second B747 Combi aircraft which will service European and US routes.
    3. a commercial arrangement also exists between Qantas and Lufthansa which permits Qantas to utilise relatively small amounts of freight space on Lufthansa B747 Combi services between Australia and Frankfurt.
  2. Both the Department of Transport and Qantas have studies underway to determine how Australia’s international airfreight services should be provided following the review of Australia ‘s international civil aviation policy.
  3. During 1978 202 freight charter flights were operated into Australia and 167 were operated from Australia. The companies which operated these flights were:

International Aviation Services (UK) Ltd, Transmeridian Air Cargo Ltd, Cargolux Airlines International SA, Japan Air Lines, Trans International Airlines Inc., The Flying Tiger Line Korean Air Lines, British Caledonian Airways Ltd, Ansett Airlines of Australia Ltd, Air Express Ltd, Air Niugini, British Airways, Bush Pilots Airways Ltd, Safe Air Ltd.

  1. Freight carried inbound by these foreign and domestic carriers included automotive parts, mechanical goods, books, cosmetics, chemicals, horses, musical instruments, pharmaceuticals, toys, tea, computers, clothing, stationery, textiles, cameras, plastics, coffee, shoes, electrical goods, communications equipment, chewing gum, textiles, vending machines, television sets, industrial gas, film supplies, oil drilling equipment, beer cans, seafood and building supplies.

Freight carried outbound by these foreign and domestic carriers included chilled lamb, horses, livestock, sound equipment, communications equipment, building supplies, frozen beef, vegetables, oil drilling equipment, beer, explosives, computer equipment, photographic equipment, furnishings, household effects and cars.

  1. Australian domestic airlines may operate international air freight flights using their own aircraft:

    1. if the freight to be carried meets the appropriate single entity or split charter requirements of the Governments international air freight charter policy, and
    2. b ) subcharter of the aircraft is offered to Qantas. (Ansett Airlines of Australia Ltd has approval to operate in their own right up to 12 trans-Tasman livestock flights per year).

  2. Figures on costs for carriage by chaner flights are not available because the Australian Government makes no stipulation on freight rates for such flights; the cost is a commercial matter for negotiation between the shipper and carrier.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Question No. 3432)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 22 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Has his attention been drawn to a report in the Financial Times of 2 March 1979 that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has drawn up a code aimed at curbing the use of transfer pricing by multinational companies to reduce their tax liabilities; if so, does the code exist.
  2. ) Did Australia contribute in any way to the preparation of this code; if so, what was the contribution.
  3. What is Australia’s attitude to this code, and what effect will these recommendations have on multinational corporations operating in Australia.
Mr Howard:
Treasurer · BENNELONG, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

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

  1. 1 ) My attention has been drawn to a report in the Australian Financial Review of 2 March 1979 by a Financial Times writer on the subject mentioned. It would be premature to say at this stage that a code exists, as the OECD Council has not yet considered the matter.
  2. Australia has provided comments to the group in the OECD which examined this matter.
  3. Australia’s longstanding attitude, as evidenced by its domestic tax law and the double taxation agreements it has entered into, is that the principle of arm’s length dealing, on which the OECD report is based, should be used in determining profits on international transactions between associated enterprises, so as to ensure that transnational corporations pay an appropriate amount of Australian tax on profits from activities on this country.

Transnational Corporations (Question No. 3442)

Mr Willis:
GELLIBRAND, VICTORIA

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 29 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Has the Australian Government participated in any discussion at the United Nations about introduction of a Code of Conduct for the operation of transnational corporations.
  2. If so, what progress has been made at these discussions.
Mr Howard:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Yes. A draft Code of Conduct is to be prepared by an Ad Hoc Inter-Governmental Working Group under the auspices of the UN Commission on Transnational Corporations. Australia has participated in and continues to participate in meetings of the Working Group and was originally a founding member of the Commission. Since 1977, when we ceased to be a member of the Commission, Australia has attended its meetings as an observer.
  2. The Working Group is at present attempting to prepare an agreed outline of the Code.

Reserve Bank: Monetary Policy (Question No. 3444)

Mr Willis:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 21 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Has the Governor of the Reserve Bank made any major statement in recent years of the same nature as public lectures which he gave in 1971 and 1972 about monetary policy and the approach of the Bank.
  2. If not, is there any reason for the apparent change in policy of Governors of the Bank giving these periodic lectures.
  3. Is there any reason why the Reserve Bank should not make a statement about its current approach to monetary policy, given that the Bank’s annual report is written in a most general and concise form.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The following answer to the honourable member’s question is based on advice received from the Reserve Bank:

  1. I ) Reserve Bank Governors and Deputy Governors have continued to speak on economic and monetary subjects, including comment from time to time on aspects of monetary policy. Examples of such addresses since 1972 are:

September 1 973- Governor- Seventh Monash Economics Lecture: ‘Some Aspects of Allowing for the Future ‘.

March 1975- Governor- Australian Association of Permanent Building Societies Annual Conference: ‘Some Policy Challenges’.

February 1 976-Governor-29th International Banking Summer School: ‘Central Banking in a Changing Environment’.

April 1978- Deputy Governor- Committee for Economic Development of Australia/Commercial Law Association of Australia: ‘The Australian Capital MarketPressures for Change’.

The text of each of these addresses has been made public.

  1. and (3) There has been no change of policy. There is no reason why the Governor and Deputy Governor should not be heard publicly from time to time and I would expect this to take place.

Manpower Planning (Question No. 3445)

Mr Willis:

asked the Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs, upon notice, on 21 March 1979:

What action has been taken on the recommendations of the Commonwealth/State Working Party on Manpower Planning.

Mr Viner:
LP

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

The report of the joint Commonwealth/State Working Party on Manpower Planning was presented to the September 1978 Conference of Commonwealth and State Labour Ministers. At this Conference it was agreed by the Ministers for Labour that the Working Party Report should be re-examined following publication of the Report of the Study Group on Structural Adjustment under the chairmanship of Sir John Crawford, and the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Education and Training under the chairmanship of Professor B. R. Williams.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3455)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that in situations where dispersants from the National Plan stockpile are used, a report be presented to his Department, as controller of the National Plan, to enable the compilation of data on the usage and success of dispersants.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3156.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3456)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that his Department continue to monitor international developments in recovery equipment to determine suitability for the Australian situation.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3 156.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3457)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that he determine an equitable basis for contribution from offshore and land-based installations to the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil,

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3156.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3458)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that he evaluate alternative levy schemes to determine the most equitable and administratively effective system of levying shipping interests.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3156.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3459)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that his Department, in consultation with the Department of National Development and the Petroleum Institute Environmental Conservation Executive, prepare an operational plan which will facilitate the movement and use of National Plan resources in the event of a pollution incident caused by offshore operations or shore based facilities.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3156.

Oil Spills (Question No. 3460)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that the Commonwealth Government and the oil industry undertake a joint research project on the toxicity of dispersants and oil/dispersant mixtures on Australian species of marine flora and fauna under Australian conditions.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Please see reply to question 3156.

Tasmanian Rail Services (Question No. 3464)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

  1. Which Tasmanian rail passenger and/or freight services have been (a) withdrawn and (b) curtailed since the transfer of the Tasmanian Government Railways to the Australian National Railways Commission.
  2. What was the (a) date of and (b) reason for the withdrawal or curtailment in each case.
  3. What additional rail services have been established in Tasmania since the transfer.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. and (2) (a) Passenger services between Hobart and Wvnyard (“The Tasman”) and Hobart and Parattah (“The Rail Car”) ceased after 28 July 1978, as their continued operation was in the commercial judgement of ANR not justified. Freight services between Winnaleah and Herrick were withdrawn on1 October 1978, due to the condition of a bridge which was condemned for future use. (b) Scheduled freight services between Ledgerwood and Herrick were replaced from 31 July 1978 by an “as required” service, to improve the viability of this branch line. Between that date and 1 October 1978, a freight train service operated between Ledgerwood and Herrick on an average of three days per week for the transport of wagonloads, subject to a minimum of two tonnes per wagon. After 1 October 1978, the service has operated between Ledgerwood and Winnaleah, for the reason specified in (a) above. Since 26 February 1979 a daily service has operated to Winnaleah due to the commencement of log loading at Derby. Scheduled freight services between Wiltshire Junction and Smithton and Wiltshire Junction and Stanley were replaced from 31 July 1978 by an “as required” service, to improve the viability of these branch lines. Since that date a daily shunting service on both lines to and from Wiltshire Junction has been provided subject to a minimum of two tonnes per wagon. Transport of livestock ceased as from1 October 1978, because of the losses being incurred in carrying this traffic, and the very low utilisation of facilities.
  2. No additional services have been established, but ANR advise the freight services in most areas have been adjusted to meet traffic demand.

Department of Transport: Workers’ Compensation (Question No. 3466)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) How many compensatable accidents occurred during 1977-78 which were charges against his Department’s compensation appropriation.
  2. What were the principal types of compensatable accidents.
  3. Can he provide details of the amount of compensation paid in each case; if not, what were the bottom, middle and top ranges of compensation paid.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) Seven hundred and thirty-two accidents occurred between 1 July 1977 and 30 June 1978 which were charges against my Department’s compensation appropriation.
  2. The principal compensatable accidents involved injuries to the trunk of the body. These included such disabilities as cuts, fractures, burns, scalds, strains, internal injuries and a significant percentage of back injuries. Injuries to leg and hand were also common.
  3. I am unable to provide details of the amount of compensation paid in each of the 732 cases recorded between1 July 1977 and 30 June 1978.

The lowest amount of compensation paid during that period, concerned an employee who attended a doctor but had no time off work. The amount involved was $8.60 (medical expenses). A typical middle range compensation case was one where an employee had twenty-four days’ compensation leave as a result of a fracture and incurred $ 1 8 1 . 00 medical expenses. Total cost to my Department was $1,710.16. The highest compensation payment made during the specified period was due to the death of an employee. An amount of $30,278.00 was paid including medical expenses prior to death, funeral costs (up to $650.00) and a $25,000 lump sum paid to spouse.

Bureau of Transport Economics (Question No. 3468)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March, 1 979:

  1. Why was an additional $1 13,371 provided under subdivision 658.2, item 04, of his Department’s estimates of expenditure for 1978-79 (Appropriation Act (No. 1) 1978-79, page 127).
  2. With whom are these funds expected to be expended and for what specific purpose in each case.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The Bureau of Transport Economics Appropriation for 1977-78 was $300,000, Expenditure was $179,629 and commitments totalled for the year $293,354, leaving a carryover of commitment into financial year 1978-79 of $ 1 1 3,725 the majority of which was provided for under subdivision 658.2, Item 04 of my Department’s estimates of expenditure for 1978-79.
  2. The bulk of this carryover amount represented the balance of long term professional studies, and was expected to be expended as follows:

Road Safety (Question No. 3470)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

  1. 1 ) Why was no variation in funds proposed’ for promotion of road safety practices under Division 958, Item 01, of his Department’s estimates of expenditure for 1978-79 (Appropriation Act (No. 2) 1978-79, page 25).
  2. Will this result in a drop in the real spending power available to the States under this item for 1 978-79.
  3. How much did each State request ‘in total for expenditure under this item.
Mr Nixon:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: (1), (2) and (3) The funds provided under Division 958 Item 0 1 for the promotion of road safety practices are grants to the States and can be regarded as a small supplement to the funds expended by the States themselves for such purposes. The allocation was held at $ 1 50,000 for 1 978-79.

On the other hand, direct expenditure by the Commonwealth on the promotion of road safety practices is provided for under Division 655 Item 03. In 1978-79 $800,000 was allocated for Road Safety Research and Promotion. It is from the expenditure of these funds by my Department that the States receive large quantities of educational materials, films, booklets and the like for use in nationally co-ordinated projects.

Wheat (Question No. 3485)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1 979:

Where is the $80 million in the current wheat stabilization scheme stabilization fund deposited, and what interest rate is received.

Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

Section 30(10) of the Wheat Industry Stabilization Act 1974 provides that moneys standing to the credit of the Wheat Prices Stabilization Fund may be invested in securities of the Commonwealth of Australia or deposited with the Reserve Bank of Australia. Accordingly, the current $80 million balance of the Fund is held on Fixed Deposit with the Reserve Bank of Australia as follows-

Primary Industry Bank (Question No. 3486)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 21 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) When will the Primary Industry Bank accept stock firms as agents.
  2. Will the Bank accept stock mortgages as a security for loans to farmers; if not, how can a farmer living in an area of leasehold title, or where stock rather than land is considered the more valuable, equitably share in the benefits of the Bank.
Mr Howard:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The question of which institutions are to be accepted as non-shareholder prime lenders and so have access to Primary Industry Bank funds is essentially one for the Bank itself to decide, although the provisions of the Primary Industry Bank Act 1977 requiring the Bank to keep the Treasurer informed as to its policies and proposed policies, and in certain circumstances to consult with him in relation to them, are relevant. I am informed that the Primary Industry Bank has accepted applications for prime lender status from three pastoral finance companies. I understand that the Bank expects to announce the names of these companies and that they will have access to the Bank ‘s funds as soon as legal formalities are completed.
  2. I am informed that stock mortgages are acceptable within the policies of the Primary Industry Bank. However, security for loans refinanced by the Primary Industry Bank is arranged between the prime lender, which accepts any risk associated with the loan, and its customer, the primary producer, and the Bank is not involved in decisions on individual cases.

Commonwealth Development Bank (Question No. 3487)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 21 March 1979:

  1. What sums did the Commonwealth Development Bank lend in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available and to which categories of borrowers.
  2. From which sources was the money obtained.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The Commonwealth Banking Corporation has provided the following information in answer to the honourable member’s question:

  1. The Commonwealth Development Bank of Australia approved loans and equipment finance for various categories in the year ended 30 June 1 978 as follows:

Commonwealth Development Bank (Question No. 3488)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 21 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Is the Commonwealth Development Bank allowed to accept stock or plant mortgages as security for loans to farmers, particularly share farmers, who have no real property, if so, can this fact be publicised.
  2. If the arrangements cannot be publicised, what is necessary to allow the Bank to do so.
  3. Has this proposal been seriously considered before; if not, will it now be considered.
Mr Howard:
LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: ( I ), (2) and (3)1 have consulted the Managing Director of the Commonwealth Banking Corporation on the point raised in the question and the following is based on his advice.

The Commonwealth Development Bank can and does accept stock or plant mortgages as security for its loans. It is prepared to consider requests for finance from a share farmer where the purpose falls within the scope of its lending policy and the applicant meets the general criteria set out in its printed lending policy statement. The statement of the Bank’s lending policy is a public document and is freely available to members of the farming community.

The Development Bank does not specifically publicise that it accepts any particular type of security and does not see any need to do so. In accordance with its chaner as laid down in the Commonwealth Banks Act, the Bank is primarily concerned with the prospects of success of an enterprise and it does not necessarily have regard to the type or value of the security available.

Department of the Media: Publications (Question No. 3497)

Mr Clyde Cameron:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 22 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) How many copies of ‘Report ‘74’ were published by the Department of the Media for the Australian Government Publishing Service and what was the cost.
  2. Has a similar publication been published in subsequent years; if so, (a) how many and (b) at what cost.
  3. Was a publication similar to ‘Report ‘74’ published before 1975.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. Eight thousand copies of ‘Report ‘74’ were produced at a total cost of $2,836.73.
  2. No similar publication has been produced in subsequent years.
  3. Yes. A similar publication entitled ‘The First Twelve Months’ was published in 1974. Five thousand copies were produced at a cost of $2,385.5 1 .

Preterm Foundation (Question No. 3506)

Mr Lusher:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 22 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Is he able to state whether the Preterm Clinic in New South Wales is a non-profit organisation.
  2. Is he also able to state whether (a) there is any association between the Preterm Clinic and the Preterm Foundation, and (b) either the Preterm Clinic or the Preterm Foundation publish accounts or financial statements.
  3. If so, what does the Preterm Clinic do with its operating surplus.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) and (2) The Preterm Clinic is not a separate organisation but a clinic operated by the Preterm Foundation. The Preterm Foundation is a non-profit organisation. The Foundation was incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory as a company limited by Guarantee on 28 May 1974. Since the Foundation’s establishment, financial statements have been published at 3 1 December 1974, and at 30 June in the years 1975-78.
  2. The disposal of any operating surplus is a matter for decision by the Preterm Foundation.

Pesticides (Question No. 3509)

Mr Uren:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, on notice, on 27 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Is it a fact that Mr J. T. Snelson of his Department is the Commonwealth Pesticides Co-ordinator.
  2. If so, what are the responsibilities of Mr Snelson and do they include advising the Government on health and environmental aspects of the use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.
  3. Who were the previous employers of Mr Snelson and what are the qualifications of those employers.
Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. The Pesticides Co-ordinator is the officer in charge of the Depanment of Primary Industry’s Pesticides Section which was established in 1967, with the endorsement of the Australian Agricultural Council, as a central authority for the stimulation and co-ordination of Australian activities associated with pesticide usage in agriculture.

The functions of the Pesticides Co-ordinator are, according to the official departmental duty statement:

  1. Direct, control and co-ordinate the activities of the Pesticides Section;
  2. Direct the evaluation and clearance for registration of new pesticides, agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs, and of new uses for established pesticides, agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs, in accordance with requirements of Australian Agricultural Council;
  3. Formulate policy proposals and implement Commonwealth Government policy on pesticide problems as they affect the production and marketing of Australian primary produce and in other areas as required;
  4. Prepare or direct the preparation of comments relevant to the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Committee on Pesticide Residues and participate in the work of FAO and WHO Committees concerned with use, safety and tolerances for pesticides. Act as delegate to international meetings associated with pesticides as required;
  5. Participate as appropriate in the work of various subcommittees of the Standing Committee on Agriculture concerned with agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs; serve as a Departmental representative on the Australian Weeds Committee, the Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals SubCommittee of the National Health and Medical Research Council, and other committees as required;
  6. Plan, supervise and assess surveys of pesticide residues in primary produce destined for export and advise Commonwealth and State authorities, and commodity boards, on excess residue situations;
  7. Initiate action to ensure that Australian export foodstuffs comply with anticipated developments in overseas requirements in respect of pesticides residues;
  8. Recommend appropriate Commonwealth and State legislation to bring about uniformity in the registration, regulation, labelling, sale and use of pesticides and related products;
  9. Stimulate and co-ordinate Australian activities associated with the many diverse and complex features of pesticide usage in agricultural production, and in particular encourage the establishment of representative inter-departmental committees in States and Territories of the Commonwealth;
  10. Liaise and co-operate with the Commonwealth Depanment of Health and Committees of the National Health and Medical Research Council concerned with pesticide residues in food, the scheduling and labelling of pesticides, and the occupational health aspects of pesticides;

  11. Direct the continual development, and over-sight the operations, of a central information service for obtaining and distributing information on pesticides, agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs from overseas and Australian sources;

    1. Prior to his appointment to the position of Pesticides Co-ordinator in 1 967 Mr Snelson was employed for 20 years by Geigy (Aust.) Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of a firm of chemical manufacturers established in Switzerland in the 18th century.

Incidence of Cancer, Birth Abnormalities and Genetic Disorders (Question No. 3511)

Mr Uren:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) What steps are taken by the Government to monitor local and regional variations in the incidence of cancer, binh abnormalities and genetic disorders.
  2. Does (a) his Depanment, (b) any State Depanment of Health or (c) any other State or Federal Government authority keep records, on a locality basis, of the incidence of cancer, binh abnormalities and genetic disorders.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) The Government does not monitor local and regional variations in the incidence of cancer, nor in the incidence of congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders not detected at binh.

However, my Department has recently invited applications for the establishment of a National Perinatal Statistics Unit. One of the functions of the Unit when established will be to monitor statistics relating to perinatal health, perinatal morbidity, including malformations and perinatal mortality. There will then be monitoring of congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders that have been detected at binh.

  1. Records of the incidence of cancer are kept by cancer registries in each State. Statistics of the incidence of congenital and genetic disorders detected at binh are collected in Western Australia by the Depanment of Public Health, and in Tasmania by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. However, the Government is encouraging their extensions to the remainder of the country. Statistics of cause of death, showing the incidence of fatal cases of the conditions mentioned, are available through the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australian National Railways: Apprentices (Question No. 3519)

Mr Wallis:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 27 March 1 979:

How many apprentices have been taken on in each of the last S years, and in 1979 to date by the Northern Division of Australian National Railways, and in what trades.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Australian National Railways: Tradesmen (Question No. 3520)

Mr Wallis:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

How many tradesmen have been employed by the Northern Division of Australian National Railways in the (a) metal and (b) building trades in each of the last5 years, and in 1979 to date.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Medical Benefits Schedule (Question No. 3525)

Mr Lusher:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

What are the 25 items on the Medical Benefits Schedule which (a) are the most frequently used and (b) account for the greatest expenditure, ranked in descending order in each case.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. The twenty-five most frequently used Medical Benefits Schedule items (in descending order) are:
  1. The twenty-five Medical Benefits Schedule items accounting for the greatest medical benefits expenditures (in descending order) are:

Australian National Line: Bulk Carriers (Question No. 3536)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 27 March 1 979:

  1. 1 ) Why has the introduction into service of the two new Australian National Line bulk carriers, Australian Purpose and Australian Progress been delayed for nearly two years.
  2. Is it a fact that ANL made an agreement with Japanese steel mills to lay up the two carriers in Norway until 1979 provided they were then employed.
  3. ) When are they likely to be introduced into service.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The commissioning of the new bulk carriers Australian Purpose and Australian Progress has been delayed due to the depressed world trading conditions and in particular the low level of iron ore cargoes from Australia to Japan which have prevented the introduction of these two vessels into the trade in addition to the Australian Pioneer and Australian Prospector which were introduced in September 1976 and February 1977.
  2. In reaching agreement with the Japanese steel mills for the introduction of the second large bulk carrier Australian Prospector, it was recognised that the Japanese mills could not guarantee acceptance of the remaining two vessels into the trade before April 1979 although they agreed to review the matter in the meantime. Although the Line has consistently pressed for earlier introduction this has not been possible.
  3. April 1979.

Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (Question No. 3538)

Dr Everingham:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

Why has the Government curtailed the resources of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service which, like other similar services, provides essential services and results in long-term savings to other government-funded instrumentalities.

Mr Viner:
LP

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

The Government has not curtailed the resources of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.

The original allocation to this Service in 1978-79 was $273,000 compared with $241,000 in 1977-78. I have since authorised the provision of an additional $20,000 as a special release to assist the Service to overcome its financial difficulties.

Pharmaceutical Benefits (Question No. 3602)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 28 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Were new guidelines adopted by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee at its February meeting.
  2. If so, what changes have been made to the guidelines in respect of prices of pharmaceutical benefits.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) Following its February 1979 meeting, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee produced a statement giving details of its Charter, History, Aims and Guidelines, in a form that can be readily understood. However, no basic changes have been made to the guidelines. These guidelines, which have been developed by the Committee to assist it in its deliberations, are not a rigid set of rules.
  2. There is no significant change in the statement regarding prices of pharmaceutical benefits. The relevant statement reads ‘It is the Committee’s policy to base its deliberations primarily on medical considerations. When assessing similar drugs of comparable efficacy and toxicity, in view of the need to maximise value to the community, the Committee may take cognizance of price, but if so merely as a secondary consideration.’.

Insurance (Question No. 3606)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 29 March 1979:

In view of (a) the importance to the Australian economy of the insurance industry, (b) the regrettable need to strengthen the existing solvency provisions of the Insurance Act and (c) his intimation of forthcoming amendments to the Act to protect policyholders, will he give urgent consideration to ensuring that the proposed legislation will include provision for (i) indemnity or other assistance to policyholders similar to that contained in the provisions of the Policyholders Protection Act 1975 of the United Kingdom which provides for payment of 90 per cent of the amount of any liability of a company in liquidation towards UK policyholders, (ii) the imposition of levies on the insurance industry for the purpose of financing this protection, (iii) the establishment under his guidance, subject to the affirmative resolution of the Parliament, of a Policyholders Protection Board, whose functions would include (A) taking measures for indemnifying or otherwise assisting policyholders and others who have been or may be prejudiced by the inability of insurance companies carrying on business in Australia to meet their liabilities and (b) financing expenditure on the performance of their functions by the imposition of levies on these insurance companies and (iv) the regulation of intermediaries, ie, insurance brokers and insurance agents.

Mr Howard:
LP

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

In relation to the preamble to the honourable member’s question I should explain that, although certain possible amendments to the Insurance Act 1973 have been circulated by my Department to the insurance industry Tor comment, neither I nor the Government are committed to these proposals either in principle or detail.

The matters referred to under (i), (ii) and (iii) in the question are under notice as part of the normal process of monitoring and review of domestic and overseas insurance legislation. The Government does not, however, have them under special consideration at present.

The question of regulation of insurance brokers is under consideration at present and an announcement will be made in due course.

Maternity Allowance (Question No. 3620)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Was the maternity allowance first paid on 10 October 1912.
  2. ) When was it abolished.
  3. Can the Minister say whether the honourable members for (a) Hume, (b) Gwydir and (c) Perth voted against its abolition.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) The Maternity Allowance Act 1912 was assented to on 10 October 1912.
  2. The Bill providing for abolition was assented to on 26 October 1978 for births occurring on or after 1 November 1978.

Cyclone Hazel, Western Australia

Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

-On 21 March 1979 (Hansard, page 949) the honourable member for Fremantle (Mr Dawkins) asked me a question, without notice, concerning assistance for workers unemployed because of damage caused to plant at the Dampier Salt operations by Cyclone Hazel. I promised that I would check to see whether there had been any communication in relation to this matter from Western Australia.

The following additional information to the answer I gave then to the honourable member’s question is provided:

The Commonwealth’s role is to provide financial support to the State for agreed measures. With respect to losses incurred generally because of Cyclone Hazel, the Western Australian Government has sought and obtained the Commonwealth ‘s agreement to the implementation of certain core measures in accordance with the natural disaster financial assistance arrangements.

No special assistance in respect of the Dampier Salt operations has been requested by the State Government.

I have also received representations on this matter from the Shire of Carnarvon.

The position is that all persons affected by the Cyclone are immediately entitled to assistance financed jointly by the Commonwealth and the State for the relief of personal hardship and distress.

In the short term, of course, those unemployed are entitled to unemployment benefit and the Commonwealth Departments concerned naturally expedite the processing of their entitlements.

In the longer term, it is usually found that employment picks up rapidly in cyclone affected areas as repair and reconstruction work gets underway.

I assure the people of Western Australia of the full support of the Commonwealth as provided under the natural disaster financial assistance arrangements.

Particular relief and restoration measures to be applied are, however, a matter for the State to determine. It would be improper for the Commonwealth to pre-empt any arrangements the Western Australian Government may wish to apply.

Travel Credits . (Question No. 3116)

Mr Morris:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 24 November 1978:

  1. 1 ) When and by what means did he first become aware that a Minister had sought to introduce the practice of arranging with international airlines for cumulative credits to be granted against unused intra-Australian sector travel and then having those accumulated credits converted for use on intra-Australian flights by persons other than the Minister or his staff.
  2. ) What action did he take as a result of this knowledge.
Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) and (2) I have not been made aware of the specific matter raised in the honourable member’s question as far as I recall. If there is some specific issue on which the honourable member wishes information perhaps he will write to me setting out the details.

Department of National Development: National Mapping Division Offices (Question No. 3257)

Mr Sainsbury:
EDEN-MONARO, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 27 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) Is the National Mapping Division of the Department of National Development leaving Queanbeyan, NSW, to return to Canberra in mid- 1980 at the expiration of the lease on Morrissett House, Queanbeyan; if so, where are its offices to be located in Canberra.
  2. Are the new offices to be located in a new facility; if so, when was the decision made to build it; if not, is it an old facility and why is it becoming available.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. 1 ) Yes, in the Belconnen Centre.
  2. ) Yes. The offices are to be located in the Cameron/Benjamin District Offices. The decision to build the Cameron office complex was made in April 1969 and the Benjamin complex in October 1 972.

Education Statistics (Question No. 3297)

Mr Barry Jones:
LALOR, VICTORIA · ALP

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 28 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) Of all students currently undergoing secondary education, what percentage is attending (a) private schools (b) catholic schools and (c) Government schools.
  2. Of all students currently undergoing university education, what percentage have attended (a) private schools (b) catholic schools and (c) Government schools.
Mr Staley:
Minister for Post and Telecommunications · CHISHOLM, VICTORIA · LP

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

  1. Statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in ‘School Enrolments 1978 (Preliminary)’ (Catalogue No. 420 1 .0) show that of all students undergoing secondary education in 1978:

    1. a ) 7.7 per cent were attending private schools other than Catholic schools,
    2. b) 1 7.3 per cent were attending Catholic schools, and
      1. 1 per cent were attending Government schools.

  2. Information is not currently available to answer pan (2) of the question. However, I understand that the Australian Bureau of Statistics plans to conduct a household survey later this year which may provide the information requested by the honourable member.

Note: The figures in ( I ) above have been rounded for statistical purposes.

Occupational Health and Safety (Question No. 3304)

Mr Les McMahon:
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Productivity, upon notice, on 28 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) When was the working party on Occupational Health and Safety Legislation established.
  2. By whom was it established.
  3. ) What are its terms of reference.
  4. Who are the members of the working party and who do they represent.
  5. When and where has the working party met.

  6. Has any action

    1. been taken, or
    2. not been taken, by any member of the working party which has jeopardised its future or reduced the prospects of the presentation of a report.
  7. Would any report assist in insuring national action to improve health and safety legislation for the protection of workers; if so, what action has he taken, in co-operation with other interested Ministers, to solve the stalemate at present confronting the working party
Mr Macphee:
LP

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

I refer the honourable member to the answer provided by my colleague the Minister for Health in answer to question No. 3302 (Hansard of 28 March 1979, page 1276).

Asbestos (Question No. 3305)

Mr Les McMahon:
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Productivity, upon notice, on 28 February 1979:

  1. 1 ) When was the Tripartite Committee on Asbestos constituted by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
  2. What are the terms of reference of the committee.
  3. Who are the members of the committee and who do they represent.
  4. When and where has the committee met.
  5. Has any action (a) been taken or (b) not been taken by any member of the Working Party on Occupational Health and Safety Legislation which has jeopardised the future activities of the committee in formulating recommendations on the control of asbestos-related diseases.
  6. If so, what action has he taken, in co-operation with other interested Ministers, to insure that the committee can continue with its inquiry.
Mr Macphee:
LP

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

I refer the honourable member to the answer provided by my colleague the Minister for Health in answer to Question No. 3303 (Hansard of 28 March 1979, page 1277).

Government Advisory Committee on Adelaide’s Airline Requirements (Question No. 3340)

Mr Jacobi:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 1 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) When was the joint Government Advisory Committee on Adelaide’s Airline Requirements established.
  2. ) Who are the chairman and members of the Committee and which body does each represent.
  3. Has the Committee completed its inquiries; if so, did it call for public submissions.
  4. Where has it deliberated and when.
  5. Did his Depanment make a submission to the Committee; if so, what was the substance of the submission.
  6. Did his Department submit that (a) Adelaide should become an international airport; if so, when should this take place, (b) a master plan for the airport should be drawn up, (c) reserves should be made of areas adjacent to the airport to protect the public from noise intrusion, (d) areas at Aldinga should be obtained for a general aviation airport and at Two Wells/Virginia to establish a major airport, (e) international air services of limited range to, for example, Singapore, Fiji and New Zealand could be developed from the existing or expanded Adelaide airport and (f) urgent action should be taken to secure land at Aldinga and Two Wells/Virginia.
  7. When will the Committee’s report be made public.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

    1. ) The Advisory Committee consisted of the following:

Mr J. W. E. Huggett, Commonwealth Department of Transport (Chairman)

Mr R. K. Purdham, Commonwealth Department of Construction

Air Commodore K. Tongue, Commonwealth Department of Defence (Air)

Mr A. Tsipouras, Commonwealth Department of Environment, Housing and Community Development

Mr P. W. Cleary, Commonwealth Depanment of Administrative Services

Mr J. R. Rae, Commonwealth Department of Finance

Mr D. A. Speechley, South Australian Department of Housing, Urban and Regional Affairs and representing South Australian Department for the Environment

Mr J. W. Hutchinson, South Australian Department of Transport

Mr R. Beverley, South Australian Highways Department

Mr C. W. Branson, South Australian State Planning Authority

Cr D. J. Wells, West Torrens City Council

Mr R. G. Lewis, representing Glenelg City Council

  1. Yes: it has completed its inquiries. It did not call for public submissions.
  2. The Committee met in Adelaide on the following seven occasions since 1 973: 17.4.1973; 9.5.1973; 24.5.1973; 12.7.1973; 30.5.1974; 9.11. 1977 and 2.8.1978.

Many Working Group meetings were also held.

  1. No direct submission was made by my Depanment to the Committee but considerable input was made at the Working Group level.
  2. and (7) The Committee’s report has only recently been referred to me and the responsible State Minister. We are considering the recommendations and the question of the public release of the report and I am hopeful that appropriate announcements on the outcome of this study can be made shortly.

Official Establishments (Question No. 3341)

Mr James:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 1 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Did the Committee on Official Establishments report to him on 29 April 1977 that it was investigating a proposed recommendation that, on appointment of the next Governor-General, Admiralty House and Kirribilli House be integrated so that the combined facility becomes the main accommodation for the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and VIP guests of the Government visiting Sydney.
  2. If so, what progress has been made with this recommendation.
  3. On what dates did he and /or members of his family stay (a) at Kirribilli House and (b) elsewhere on visits. to Sydney since April 1977.
  4. On what dates did VIP guests of the Government stay at (a) Kirribilli House and (b) Admiralty House on visits to Sydney since April 1977.
Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

– The answer to the honourable member’s question, as at 19 March 1979, is as follows:

The Committee on Official Establishments in an interim report in April 1977 indicated that one of the principal matters to be the subject of future recommendations, would be the integration of Admiralty House and Kirribilli House so that the combined facility would become the main accommodation for the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and for Government VIP guests.

When the Committee makes its recommendations, and its final report is expected to be available shortly, the Government will give them close examination. Co-operative arrangements between Admiralty House and Kirribilli House in fact go back a long way.

Leopard Tanks (Question No. 3382)

Mr Scholes:
CORIO, VICTORIA

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 7 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) What offset orders arising from the contract to purchase Leopard Tanks have been placed with Australian firms.
  2. What contracts have been offered to Australian firms but not finalised.
Mr Killen:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) The current total value of offset orders placed on Australian firms as a result of the Leopard Tank purchase is approximately S3m. The higher value orders were for electrical connectors, machine tools, refrigeration equipment parts, lead for tank batteries and a small quantity of nickel as used in tank track alloy steel. Smaller orders have also been fulfilled for plastic lenses, electrical leads, electrical pans and lubrication equipment.
  2. A large number of other contacts with Australian companies have been made by Krauss Maffei and their subcontractors, but few actual negotiations are in progress due to difficulties in finding suitable matches between present requirements of the German firms and Australian secondary industry products.

The prime contractor, Krauss Maffei, has recently undertaken to increase the volume of bid opportunities to Australian industry; many of those received so far have not been suitable for Australian firms to quote due to quality and quantity considerations but a moderate volume of business could arise from the remainder if the prices quoted are competitive with European suppliers.

Whale Products (Question No. 3426)

Mr Jull:

asked the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Does the Government allow the import of whale products; if so, what is the nature of the products imported.
  2. Is whale meat used in any pet food sold in Australia; if so, which type.
  3. Are whale oils used as a base for any cosmetics or soaps sold on the Australian market; if so, which types.
  4. Will the Government be considering banning the imports involved as a means of curbing whale slaughter.
Mr Fife:
Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs · FARRER, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP

-The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: (I), (2) and (3) Yes but only from countries which are members of the International Whaling Commission.

Details of imported whale products or of the use of such products are not readily available. However the Report of the Independent Inquiry into Whales and Whaling conducted by the Honourable Sir Sydney Frost includes some information about such matters.

The report was tabled in Parliament on 20 February 1979 and I invite the honourable member’s attention in particular to Chapter 7 and Appendix 1 3 of that report.

  1. The Government’s future policy on whales and whaling was announced in a Statement made by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on 4 April 1979.

As part of that policy the importation into Australia of all whale products and goods containing them will be banned from 1 January 1981.

Aborigines: Infant Mortality (Question No. 3428)

Dr Everingham:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Has infant mortality among Northern Territory Aborigines risen to 75 per 1000 live births since 1 975.
  2. Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to an allegation in the publication Farewell to Alms, Vol. 2, No. 2, 1978, that the Social Development Branch of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs has consistently refused to provide residual welfare services on reserves as distinct from services at Darwin, Katherine, Gove, Alangula, Tennant Creek or Alice Springs; if so, is there any substance in the allegation.
  3. Is there evidence that poverty contributes to high infant mortality.
Mr Viner:
LP

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

  1. The Social Development Branch referred to in the article is not part of my Department.
  2. ) There is evidence of a correlation between poverty and high rates of infant mortality, and infant mortality rates are a sensitive indicator of general living conditions.

Interpol (Question No. 3449)

Mr Lionel Bowen:

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Does the Commonwealth Police Headquarters in Canberra house a National Central Bureau for Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation.
  2. Are there any other points of contact between Interpol and any other organisations in Australia; if so, what are these points of contact.
  3. Under what guidelines does the Commonwealth Police pass information from its files to Interpol.
  4. What restrictions are imposed on the passing of information to Interpol.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. The Commissioner, Commonwealth Police has advised that the Commonwealth Police Headquarters in Canberra does house a National Central Bureau for Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation.
  2. The Commissioner advises further that Article 32 of the Interpol constitution signifies that the co-operation between Interpol agencies should be extended through the National Central Bureaux and that no other official point of contact therefore exists within Australia.
  3. and (4) I am also informed that Commonwealth Police files are kept separate from those of the National Central Bureau. In its dealings with ICPO- Interpol, Commonwealth Police abides by Article 3 of the ICPO- Interpol Constitution which states that the organisation’s field of activity is limited to crime prevention and law enforcement in connection with offences against general criminal law. Commonwealth Police only pass on information in accordance with those criteria. Further Article 3 of the constitution states that ‘It is strictly forbidden for the Organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character’.

Marine Science Research (Question No. 34S4)

Mr Morris:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

What action has he taken to implement the recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Conservation in its report on Oil Spills that he request the Australian Science and Technology Council to examine the need for increased marine science research.

Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

I refer the honourable member to my speech in the House on 29 March 1979 concerning the Australian Science and Technology Council (Hansard, 29 March 1979, paragraphs 5 and 6 on page 1320).

ASTEC has examined this matter and in its Report on Science and Technology in Australia 1977-78 Volume IA, it recommended ‘that greater attention be paid to the marine sciences and technologies in Australia’. The Government accepts this recommendation. It recognises the great importance of the marine sciences and technologies in our future well-being. The importance of marine science has increased in recent years, particularly in relation to off-shore energy resources and the utilisation and management of resources in our expanded off-shore economic zone.

The Government has also accepted ASTEC ‘s suggestion that an Australian Marine Sciences and Technologies Advisory Committee (AMSTAC) be established. The Committee will investigate and report on the co-ordination of research and development and the establishment of priorities in this area.

Maintenance and Repair of Foreign Ships (Question No. 3479)

Mr Humphreys:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

Will he. in co-operation with shipping unions, initiate discussions with foreign shipping lines trading regularly with Australia to encourage them to have a proportion of their ship maintenance and repair work undertaken in Australia.

Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Following its recent inquiry into Commercial Ship Repair, the Industries Assistance Commission concluded that a very high level of assistance would be needed to make ship repair prices in Australia competitive with overseas. Even then, the time taken for repairs and fear of delays caused by industrial disputes would weigh heavily with shipowners. Consequently, the Industries Assistance Commission recommended against any change in the present financial or legislative assistance given to the industry and rejected requests aimed at a measure of compulsion to use local repairers.

The Government has considered the IAC report and accepted its recommendations. The decision on where to have a ship repaired should be made by the foreign shipowner, after taking into account all of the commercial factors involved.

Australian National Line: Overseas Docking (Question No. 3480)

Mr Humphreys:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 1 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) How many Australian National Line flag ships were repaired in dry dock outside Australia in the last S years.
  2. When were the ships docked and in which foreign pons.
  3. 3 ) What was the cost of each docking.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

Replies to the first two questions are set out in the table hereunder. Ship owners normally regard docking costs to be confidential commercial information. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate to make these available.

Appointees to Statutory Bodies: Criminal Charges (Question No. 3493)

Mr Morris:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 22 March 1 979:

  1. 1 ) What is the procedure followed by Ministers when appointees to statutory or other bodies administered by the

Minister become the subject of criminal charges.

  1. ls a similar standard observed when the body concerned is responsible to a (a) Liberal Party and (b) National Country Party Minister.
Mr Malcolm Fraser:
LP

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

  1. I ) The Minister concerned would examine the circumstances of the case and, consulting with his colleagues as necessary, take whatever steps are judged appropriate to those circumstances.

    1. Yes.

Commonwealth Police at Maralinga (Question No. 3S1S)

Mr Uren:

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) How many Commonwealth policemen were stationed at Maralinga and its immediate surrounds over the period of the British weapons testing program.
  2. How many of these policemen have (a) since contracted cancer or leukaemia and (b) died of these diseases.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

– The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows: ( 1 ), (2) (a) and (b). Having regard to the expenditure of resources involved in searching out records that are between 14 and 27 years old, and the ensuing problem of tracing exmembers of the Commonwealth Police who could be located in a number of countries, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to authorise the considerable expenditure necessary to search out and check the detailed information required to answer the question by the honourable member. If, however, the honourable member has any specific information, I would be happy to discuss the matter further with him.

Sales Tax (Question No. 3530)

Mr Humphreys:

asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 27 March 1979:

Are there any teething problems in the operation of Sales Tax Assessment (Nos 1 to 9) Amendment Acts 1978 in regard to-

manufacturing industry generally,

industry associated with the cutting of gemstones; and

the repair industry.

Mr Howard:
LP

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

  1. No.
  2. There were some valuation problems associated with the provisions applicable to the production of finished stones from stones in the rough supplied by customers. These have now been overcome.
  3. No.

Crop Surveillance Experiment (Question No. 3612)

Mr Lloyd:

asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 29 March 1979:

  1. 1 ) Is he able to state whether the United States Government’s Large Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE) is jointly administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Depanment of Agriculture ( USDA).
  2. If so, are Canada and Russia participating with the United States in the experiment and which other countries are participating.
  3. 3) Is Australia a participant: if not, why not.
  4. Is the Australian wheat crop being independently monitored by this or some other US satellite system.
  5. Have any Australians been involved in any way in this or any other crop surveillance work to ensure that this new technology is available to Australia.
Mr Sinclair:
NCP/NP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. Canada actively participated in phase 3 of the project but Russia did not. No other country actively participated. However, imagery of several wheat growing countries, including Canada, Russia and Australia has been used in the LACIE project.
  3. No. Australia was not invited. We have, however, had access to the data obtained from the satellites.
  4. Yes. Data from the LANDSAT Satellites is used to monitor the Australian wheat crop.
  5. Yes. The New South Wales Department of Agriculture, for example, is actively engaged in a remote sensing wheat monitoring project which has been developed independently of LACIE but is making use of some of its methodology. The Standing Committee on Agriculture, through its Agricultural Remote Sensing Committee, will be using the results of the New South Wales project to assist the States in the development of a wheat monitoring system based upon satellite data.

It is well known that the Commonwealth Government is establishing facilities for receiving and processing information received from the United States LANDSAT satellites and it is expected that these facilities will be operating by early 1980.

Aborigines: Voting Rights (Question No. 3623)

Mr Wallis:

asked the Minister for Administrative Services, upon notice, on 3 April 1 979:

  1. 1 ) What have been the results of programs initiated by his Depanment to educate Aborigines on their voting rights and how to use them.
  2. In what areas have these programs been carried out.
  3. When can it be anticipated that such a program will be carried out in South Australia and, in particular, in the Aboriginal areas within the Electoral Division of Grey.
Mr McLeay:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · LP

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

  1. 1 ) and ( 2 ) Section 42 ( 5 ) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1 9 1 8 gives Aboriginal people the right to choose whether or not they enrol as electors. Against this background the Australian Electoral Office in consultation with other appropriate authorities has undertaken a variety of electoral education activities aimed at ensuring that Aboriginal people are better equipped to meet their electoral responsibilities should they choose to enrol.

Since 1962, when the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 was amended to make enrolment for Aboriginal people a matter of choice, the Australian Electoral Office has conducted ad hoc visits to Aboriginal communities in order to acquaint them with their electoral rights and responsibilities. In comparatively recent times the Australian Electoral Office has begun to use more effective means to communicate these ideas.

For the 1977 Northern Territory Legislative Assembly elections and the last Federal general election some of the specific activities included:

  1. the issuing of special instructions to Presiding Officers to ensure that assistance to non-literate voters was properly given. These instructions covered the marking of ballot-papers, the use of how-to-vote cards and the secrecy of the vote in respect of non-literate voters;
  2. Poll Clerks fluent in Aboriginal languages were employed at specified polling places;
  3. posters aimed at assisting those Aboriginal people who were literate in their own language were printed in Aboriginal languages and displayed at polling places at which Aboriginal electors were expected to vote. Additionally, similar information was prepared in leaflet form for general distribution to Aboriginal communities;
  4. cassette tape-recordings, films and video-cassette recordings were made about electoral procedures. These were distributed to radio and television stations and to Aboriginal communities;
  5. in conjunction with the Western Australian Department of Education a special pilot electoral education program was conducted amongst Aboriginal people in the Kimberley area of Western Australia.

The success of activities such as these is difficult to measure since many factors may influence the voting behaviour of individuals. In the case of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly election the Australian Electoral Office believes that it is significant that there was a reduction in the informal vote from S.08 per cent of the total vote in 1974 to 3.18 per cent of the total vote in 1977. While similar statistics are not available for the Kimberley area in Western Australia the opinion of special observers sent to polling booths in this area was that the special pilot electoral education program had had a significant beneficial impact in assisting Aboriginal people. Specific pre-election information/education activities such as these will be continued in the future.

In addition the Australian Electoral Office has recognised the need to have an effective continuing program of electoral education for Aboriginal people. To this end a program has commenced. The staff for the initial phase of the program have begun their training and the detailed planning of field operations. This program will involve two mobile education teams and the overall initiative has been developed in close co-operation with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the Council for Aboriginal Development and the National Aboriginal Education Committee. In order to avoid confusing Aboriginal people, the Commonwealth Government has sought and received the co-operation of both the South Australian and Western Australian Governments with respect to the inclusion of information about State electoral procedures in the program. As the program moves into the Northern Territory, Queensland and other States the Commonwealth Government will be seeking to establish similar co-operative arrangements.

  1. The exact timing of visits to Aboriginal communities including those planned for the Electoral Division of Grey, cannot be given at this stage since consultation with the leaders of those communities has yet to take place. In broad terms, it is expected that field operations will commence in South Australia and Western Australia in the first half of June 1 979. I can assure the honourable member for Grey that the Australian Electoral Office is intent on making this program effective.

Government Medical Contributions (Question No. 3626)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 3 April 1 979:

  1. 1 ) Has his attention been drawn to a statement by the General Practitioner Society that their Major Medical Plan underwritten by the Australian Casualty Company does not need the 40 per cent contribution from the Government.
  2. If so, will he obtain a list of the Society’s members to carry out their wishes and save the taxpayers some money.
Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

  1. 1 ) An article in the November 1978 issue of Australian G.P. entitled The G.P.S.A. Major Medical Plan by Dr Peter Arnold has been drawn to my attention. The G.P.S.A. Plan is operated by the Australian Casualty Company.

I note that the article clearly points out that ‘Members joining the plan will, of course, be eligible for the “40 per cent- $20” rebate on “recommended” medical fees by merely being registered with the fund. Members may choose to be registered with the fund they currently belong to, or may, through their GPSA Plan, be registered with a fund nominated by the GPSA ‘. This view is different from that expressed in the question. The honourable member will be aware that all Australian residents are eligible for the 40 per cent- $20 Commonwealth Medical Benefits on registration with a private health insurance organization which has a medical benefits fund registered under the National Health Act. The Australian Casualty Company is not registered under the Act.

  1. In the light of ( 1 ) above I do not intend to obtain a list of the Society’s members.

Defence (Question No. 3630)

Mr Martin:

asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 3 April 1979:

  1. 1 ) Are sufficient funds being received by his Department to enable the Australian defence forces to defend the Australian coastline.
  2. What is the length of the Australian coastline.
  3. Are funds presently available to his Department being used to the best advantage for the defence of Australia.
  4. Can he say which country or countries are considered a threat to Australia.
  5. How real is the threat referred to in part (4).
Mr Killen:
LP

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

  1. to (5) The Government’s objectives in the development of the Defence Force were outlined in my statement to the House on 29 March 1979. They relate to the defence of Australia as a nation, and not only to the protection of our approximately 36,800 kilometre coastline.

Against current strategic assessments, the Government believes that the funds presently allocated for defence purposes provide an appropriate level of insurance for Australia against the risks inherent in the potentialities and uncertainties of our strategic environment.

It has also ensured that those funds are used to the best advantage having regard to the likelihood, importance and timing of the various credible but contingent possibilities of military threat to Australia. No country can be said now to pose a military threat to Australia.

These judgments are subject to frequent review, as are the strategic assessments on which they depend.

Aboriginal Development Agency (Question No. 3633)

Dr Everingham:

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 4 April 1979:

  1. 1 ) What (a) are the guidelines and principles upon which members of the Aboriginal Development Agency are to be chosen and (b) is the relationship of the Agency and its members to other (i) statutory and (ii) voluntary (A) Aboriginal and (B) other organisations and instrumentalities.
  2. Will the Agency have the powers of the Asian or Papua New Guinean Development Banks; if not, why not.
  3. Will the Agency have an annually updated minimum guaranteed allocation for a minimum of 3 years from each budget.
  4. Will the Agency have the power to raise funds other than from annual appropriations; if so, how.
  5. What funding levels have been set and how are these to be raised, guaranteed and audited.
  6. When will legislation be introduced and any decisions implemented.
Mr Viner:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) to (5) As indicated in the statements by Mr Viner on 26 October 1978 to the House of Representatives, the Government is seeking comment from Aboriginal bodies such as the National Aboriginal Conference as well as the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission and the Aboriginal Loans Commission before legislation is prepared for consideration by the Parliament, and the Council for Aboriginal Development is being formally consulted on the principles to be embodied in the legislation. Submissions have been received from all these bodies, and consultations are continuing but no final decisions have yet been taken.
  2. It is hoped that legislation can be prepared for introduction into the Parliament during the Budget Sittings.

Shipping Symposium (Question No. 3641)

Mr Morris:

asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 4 April 1 979:

  1. 1 ) Will the Australian Government be represented at the German Institute of Shipping Economics international symposium ‘Liner Shipping in the Eighties ‘ to be held in Bremen from 24 to 26 October 1979.
  2. If so, what will be the nature of the representation and what will be the classification of those persons attending.
  3. Will agenda and papers from the symposium be made publicly available.
  4. Will any reports compiled by Australian representatives following the symposium be made public.
Mr Nixon:
LP

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

  1. Yes.
  2. It is proposed that the Counsellor (Transport) based in London will attend as a participant.
  3. Yes.
  4. No.

Home Savings Grants (Question No. 3647)

Mr Willis:

asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 4 April 1 979:

  1. For what reasons were 18 per cent of all applications for home savings grants received during 1977-78 outstanding at the end of the year.
  2. What was the total budgetary allocation for grants under the scheme during 1 977-78.
  3. Would funds budgeted during 1977-78 have been expected to be adequate to pay all approved grants if all applications received during 1977-78 had been processed by the end of the financial year.
Mr Groom:
LP

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

  1. 1 ) (a) The rate of receipt of applications was very high in the last three months of 1 977-78.

    1. In many cases applicants do not initially provide all the information requested. In these cases it is necessary to seek further information before a grant can be approved.
  2. (a) $20m in Appropriation Act (No. 1) 1977-78. ( b ) $ 1 4m in Appropriation Act ( No. 3 ) 1 977-78.
  3. No. See ( 1)above

Private Health Funds (Question No. 3242)

Dr Klugman:

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 22 February 1979:

What are the names of the members of the governing boards of the private health funds in (a) New South Wales, (b) Queensland, (c) South Australia, (d) Tasmania, (e) Victoria and (f) Western Australia.

Mr Hunt:
NCP/NP

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

The names of the members of the governing boards of the private health funds in the six States are:

New South Wales

AMA (NSW) Health Fund Limited- G. K. Williams, P. D. Pullen, C. S. H. Reed, P. S. Cocks, E. J. Lines, G. Douglas, R. J. M. Dunlop, I. S. Collins.

Cessnock District Hospital Contribution Fund-N. Mitchel, R. Slack, J. Faulds, L. O’Neil, K. Allen, F. Hallam, A. Walters, E. Fitzgibbon.

The Commercial Banking Company Health Society-J. R. Baker, F. C. Lewis, E. R. Winslow, R.A.Guthrie, D.M. Cowper, G. J. Watkins, K.T.J. O’Connor.

Commonwealth Bank Health Society- G. Barker, J. Flynn, L. Edwards, W. Lewis, M. Reidy, P. Frost, J. Cookson.

The Grand United Order of Oddfellows, Friendly Society of New South Wales-J. H. Lazarus, B. L. Wilson, N. Davidson, H. R. Hamblen, W. Dempster, H. E. Cook, J. W. Pennington, J. J. Olsen, J. L. Hawkins, F. N. Greentree, N. Peacock, R. J. Barratt

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private)-R. H. Kronborg, R. G. Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, R. L. Gradwell.

Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society of New South Wales- J. O ‘Keeffe, W. Davoren, Miss I. Gapps,

McGrane, V. Breen, W.Zerest, D.Taylor, W. Boland, E. Waring, J. Pyke, K. O ‘Regan.

The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia- F. Allen, R. Hoffmans, E. Brown, R. Marshal, A. Duckworth, J.Gibson, J. Westephalen, B.Woods, P. Oakman, F. Blackwood, R. Drew, W. Ruscoe, C.Warren, K. Gain, F. McDonough, R. Ramkine, E. Upton, K. Bagley, B. Catchlove, G. Davies, R. Gould, B. Halpin, I. McIntyre, D. Page, R. Reed.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the State of New South Wales-J. Kimble, P. Dominish, E. Ellis, E. Watson, J. Dick, A. Carter, K. Greenwood, S. Hyett, D. Duff, W. Pain.

New South Wales District, No. 85, Independent Order of Rechabites, Salford Unity, Friendly Society- E. R. Horner, P. Mac. L. Crawford, A.T.Sinclair, W. J. Kalaitzis, E. D. Peachey, R. C. Hayward, P.A.Sheldon, A. J. Thompson, E. Evendon, C. P. Lewis.

The Kurri Kurri Maitland Hospital Contribution Fund- E. Benson, D. Pryor, G. Winter, R. Brown, A. Mackintosh, U. Butler.

The Lysaght Hospital and Medical Club- N. Burke, R. Finlay, J. Pederson, D. Pearce, Mrs M. Richardson, C. Ainsworth, W. Kiley, C. Davy, T. Hudson.

Government Employees Medical and Hospital Club-R. Bury, K. Knight, J. Burns, J. McAllan, T. Crotty, W. Mansfield, J. Drylie, B. Chandler, B.Evans, M.Shiels, D. Brandon, D. Hains, J. Smellie, J. Merchant, P. Henry.

The Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, Friendly Society, in New South Wales- J. Lewis, M. Casey, C. Johnson, R. Small, T. Stephens. D. Green, R. Hanington, W. Gennings, J. Ford, R. Holloway, R. Sawtell, A. Cairns.

Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Limited- J. L. Amies, D. A. Brown, W.H.Collins, J. W. C. Wyett, D. Braham, R. S. Cohen, H. H. Gibson, A. M. Johnson, J. H. McDowell, A. H. Pollard, W. F. Simmons, A. W. 0. Young, J.F. Lee, H. Stuart-Patterson, N. L. Sherwood, A. K. Lavis, J. P. McPhee, D. P. Rowe, D. J. Walters, A. H. Braby, W. B. Northam, R. S. Day, G. L. Howe,J. R. Nelson.

N.I.B. Health FundsLimited-J. F. Moore, R. G. Hooker, F. Smith, W. J. Menzies, R. C. Millington, J. Graham, E. Johnston.

New South Wales Teachers’ Federation Health Society- C. Rennie, J. George, B. Manefield, A. L. Vance, D. Haywood, L. Gapps, J. Hennessy, E. Sheehan, B. Watterson, M. Taylor, L. Wood.

NSW Railway and Transport Employees’ Hospital Fund-A.H.Watson, M. E. Hazleton, C.J.Arnold, D. F. Munro, V. J. Wulf, R. A. Ranger, L.Doyle, L. W. Dyer, R. H. Wright, F. Evans.

The Phoenix Welfare Association Limited- R. A. Bender, W. T. Schacht, R. Stobbs, R. Pettigrew, J. Brown, G. G. Jago, W. Terry, R. F. Griffiths, R. Dudley.

Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia Grand Council of New South Wales-N. J. C. Edwards, A. H. King, G. Linfoot, C.H.Kingston, W.G. Naylor, D.C. Loneon, K. Anis-Brown, G. C. Rosevear, P. W. Perry.

Reserve Bank Health Society- R. White, J. Cooling, K. Broadhead, A. O’Connell, N. Webb, Miss J. F. Butlin.

The Store Hospital and Medical Fund- L. P. Haddow, I. Packer, D. Walker, S. R. Dalton, W. W. L. Carson, F. G. D’Aran, P. H. Mealey.

The ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ Hospital Fund-R. Holland, F. E. Jubb, A.Spillier, N. Schofield, V. W. J. Eggleton, W.R.Green, N. Isemonger, J. S. Newling, H. B. Mew.

The United Ancient Order of Druids’, Registered Friendly Society, Grand Lodge of New South Wales- E. Russell, L. Parkes, J. Hegger, L. Briggs, J. Holburn, L. Jones, H.Troy, J.Cook, R. Allerton, L.Carter, L.Lyons, G. Allerton, K. Lymn, V. M. Moore.

Western District Medical Benefits Fund- J. Savage, V. Moffitt, R. McCann, G. Clencorse, T. Kelly, R. Buck, L. Sedger, D. Roberts, H. Kerney, B. Whichello.

The Wollongong Hospital and Medical Benefits Contribution Fund- K. Davis, I. Brown, J. Johnston, G. Barnett, J. Dyson-Firth, J. McKenzie, G. Bernays, R. Bath, P. Thomas.

Queensland

Commonwealth Public Service (Qld) Credit Union Health Benefits Society-L. F. Talty, A. W. Hill, M. D. Fagg, A. N. Durham, G. Fowler, E. A. Menadue, T. J. Corcoran, R. D. Price, N. K. Beikoff.

The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society-G. R. Ollier, J. E. Gibbs, I. P. S. McFarlane, R. F. Simonds, C. J. Grice, W. C. Milne, W. C. M. Appleby, D. R. Simonds.

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private )-R. H. Kronborg, R. G. Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, R. L. Gradwell.

The Queensland District, No. 87, Independent Order of Rechabites, Friendly Society- J. A. Taylor, W. J. Tweedale, S. B. Bretherton, C. Taylor, L. J. Doherty, D. R. Bell, D. G. Chapman, J. A. Pitts, T. R. Williams, H. H. Harbottle, W. G. Cross, C. R. Baker.

Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Limited- J. L. Amies, J.F.Lee, D.A.Brown, H.Stuart-Patterson, W.H.Collins, N. L. Sherwood, J. W. C. Wyett, A. K. Lavis, D. Braham, J. P. McPhee, R.S.Cohen, W.F.Simmons, D. P. Rowe, H. H.Gibson, D.J.Walters, A. M.Johnson, A. H. Braby, J. H. McDowell, W. B. Northam, A. H. Pollard, R. S. Day, G. L. Howe, A. W. O. Young, J. R. Nelson.

M.I.M. Employees Health Society- S. Coates, G. D. Gallaher, T. Eakin, C. G. Jury, C.Walsh, E. Wilkinson, P. Beard, W. Eather, R. Heritage.

Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia, in Queensland (The Grand Council)- E. K. Humble, J. R. Parry, T. R. Wass, C. J. Richardson, B. N. Kidd, L. A. May, A. W. Browne, C. R. Roebuck, D. C. Drake.

Professional and Technical Officers Health Society-T. Torenbeck, B.D.Collins, W.J.Porter, H. J.Green, W. H. J. Yarrow, B. J. Nutter, D. Martindale, J. K. Lynch.

Queensland Teachers’ Union Health Society- G. C. Lean, R. E. Jones, R. W. Cable, J. Arnold, V.Lucas, K. Brasch, N. J. Ross, B. Stephenson, A. Bevis, V. Cottell, M. Izatt.

South Australia

The Advertiser Provident Society- G. J. Laver, R. W. McMahon, M. L. Mules, L.G. Blunt, O. L. Bosley, R. L. Beard, C. W. Laughton, P.D.Wiltshire, T.N. Hay, C. C. Redden, R. V. Jervis, R. F. Pepper.

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private)-R. H. Kronborg, R. G. Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, R. L. Gradwell.

The South Australian District, No. 8 1 , Independent Order of Rechabites Friendly Society- A. J. Davis, J. Atherton, F. Iverson, I. L. Marchant, Sister E. M. McNeill, P. C. Bodin, A. H. Jenkinson.

The Albert District No. 83, Independent Order of Rechabites, Salford Unity-E. W. Berry, R.L.Johnson, F. W. C. Penhall, J.Webster, Mrs M. A. Turner, C. W. J. Vowles, K. W. Pearson, Mrs W. G. Crompton.

Mutual Health Association Limited- I. McLachlan, P. B. Angas-Parsons, A. Brookman, B. S. Hanson, Dr G.C.Hall, A.B.Thompson, A. G. McGregor, N. C. Reid, B. L. Cornish.

National Health Services Association of South Australia- W. K. Moon, D. Fisher, N. R. Caust, J. Buttler, P. Lord, C. B. Harris, L. T. Martin, A. Tabor, E. Lord, P. Hemming, W. A. Parkinson, B. Baulderstone, L. Torode,

Curtis, B. Samels.

SA Police Department Employees’ Hospital Fund-H. D. Symons, J. Stillwell, G. C. MacKinnon, T. Jennings, M. L. Arthur, F. F. Richardson, W. B. Garrett, P. Carroll, F. Leditschke, F. Bowering, R. L. Walters, M. L. Wagner.

SA Public Service Association Health Benefits Fund-T. Rowland, B. Millar, G. Hammond, R. W. Glenn, P. Grenville.

Tasmania

Associated Pulp and Paper Makers’ Council Medical Benefits Fund /Associated Pulp and Paper Makers’ Council Hospital Benefits Fund- J. T. O’Hern, A. Dykstra, L. Flemming, R. Emin, K. T. Dawkins, E. H. Newman, D.A.French, L. Bloom, B.Stanton, J. Metcalf,

L. Howart, R. Summers, A. Keygan, B. Douglas, L. T. Nutting, A. C. Haberle, G. Birt, V. W. Breaden,

R. Fraser, D. I. Bissett, L. Costello, C. G. Mathew,

Zender, J. D. Gleeson.

Coats Patons Employees’ Mutual Benefit Society and Hospital and Medical Benefit Association- G. Lohrey, R. Bartel, A. Woolston, W. Williams, K. Dixon, Z. Anderson, L. Knowles, J. Wallace, P. Jetson, G. Brumby,

Armstrong.

Druids Friendly Society of Tasmania- R. J. Hosie,

V. Ockerby, R.B.Ralph, J. Blyth, P. T. C. Hutchings, S. L. Dennis, B. T. Speed.

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private )-R. H. Kronborg, R.G.Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, R. L. Gradwell.

Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Limited- J. L. Amies,

A. Brown, W.H.Collins, J. W. C. Wyett, D. Braham, R. S. Cohen, H. H. Gibson, A. M. Johnson, J. H. McDowell, A. H. Pollard, W. F. Simmons, A. W. O. Young, J. F. Lee,

Stuart-Patterson, N. L. Sherwood, A. K. Lavis, J. P. McPhee, D. P. Rowe, D. J. Walters, A. H. Braby, W. B. Northam, R. S. Day, G. L. Howe, J. R. Nelson.

Queenstown Medical Union Ancillary Benefits Fund/Queenstown Medical Union Hospital Benefits Fund-D. L. Bugg, D. Sturgess, P. Reynolds, M. B. Giles,

W. D’Alton, M. K. McGuinness, G.Hartley,

N. Challen, L. R. Hayes.

Rosebery Hospital and Medical Benefits Society- G. Freeman, G.B. Kremmer, J.M.Fisher, J. G. Druett, B. Randall, G. L. Gillies, K. C. McDonald, J. E. McMeekin, N. M. Webb.

St Luke’s Medical and Hospital Benefits Association-A. T. Sorrell, R. E. Ward, A. F. Matson, R.S.Newman, T. E. Brain, W. E. Judd, D.Jones, D. A. Green, G. A. Calver, D. Henshaw, L. N. Gollan.

Victoria

The Ancient Order of Foresters in Victoria Friendly Society- R. J. Morrison, A.M. Sievers, L. Hickey, J.A.Richardson, M. G. Plumridge, B.W.Lincoln, L. V. Wallis, G. M. Bambery.

Army Health Benefits Society- J. A. Hooper, J. T. Dunn, D. Vennder, R. W. Morris, A. Pearce, C. B. Hazen,

Spencer, D. A. Drabsch, D. C. Senwick, J. Nolan, P. Naughton.

Australian Natives’ Association- I. V. Meagher,

E. Capuano, H. J. Peagram, B. Armstrong, E. W. Pitts,

J.Brisbane, W. A. Cuddihy, J. A. S. Geddes,

J. Kelleher, H. T. Shannon, J. E. Menadue, R. A. Storey, V.G.Wright, E. S. A. Wickham, L. J. Yelland, H. G. Hughes, R. J. Joseph, J. A. Munro, W. L. Crofts.

Cheetham Hospital Benefits Fund- R. J. Vague, P. C. Maxsted, R. B. Howard, I. H. Chappell, K. R. Moore.

Geelong Medical and Hospital Benefits Association Limited-B. F. Williams, A. C. Marshall, G. E. Blood, A.S.Hand, F. D. Kerley, M. Schimana, J.R.Stewart,

Taylor, B. Wemyss, B. F. Loughman, J. Lee, W. R. Lang.

Grand United Hospital Benefit Society (Incorporating The Grand United Order of Oddfellows) in Victoria Friendly Society-E. W. T. Jewell, F.C.Cross,

B. Robertson, H. Levi, R. H. Leach, N. A. Kroezen, M. A. Robertson, R. J. Taylor, F. Hollingsworth.

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private)-R. H. Kronborg, R. G. Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, L. R. Gradwell.

The Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, Victoria District No. I - B. M. Meere, T. D. Connane, J. J. Ryan, J. J. Brown, B. Connelly, M. J. Keeghan.

The Hospital Benefits Association Ltd- E. G. Hale, W.J. Skewes, E. W.. Grace, A. J. Moss, H.M.Mitchell,

N.Smith, J. D. Lush, J. Best, B.Ryan, R. E. Skilbeck, J. W. O ‘Hanlon.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Victoria-M. J. Meek, D.E.Jury, J. Meneilly, A. C. Smith, R. Hallett, T. H. Marshall, J. A. Harper.

The Irish National Foresters’ Benefit Society- F. M. Reardon, J. J. Moloney, K. M. Toohey, J. J. Thompson, A. Collins, M. Watts, H. Brown, E. Holland, P. Sampson, J. Lawrence, M. Scott.

The Victorian District Independent Order of Rechabites Friendly Society-R. Warwick, E. W. Clarke, F. T. Jones,

D.Williams, V. C. Harkness, G.R.Wallace, W. A. R. Dyer, P. L. Peacock, H. C. Pratt, H. Kearton.

Latrobe Valley Hospitals and Health Services Association- W. J. White, C. M. Davies, J. McDonald, J. C. Bush, A. L. Hare, G. Farrington, L. Read, S. Bertrand, L. Van Lambaart.

The Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Victoria- U. C. Armstrong, R. Atkins, F. A. Beard, M.W.Campbell, F. G. Dyring, G. V. Farrell,

A.Goodwin, W.E.Llewellyn, B.E.Matthews,

J. Narik, L. K. Rolph, D. J. Stonehouse, A. J. Scott, E. L. Fuller.

The Mildura District Hospital and Medical Fund-R. N. Fleming, P. E. Byrne, E. Brown, G. Elmitt, G. Talbot, K. Smith.

Naval Health Benefits Society-R. J. Brown, K. O’Brien, A. B. Calder, M. Grogan, J. H. Speed.

The Order of the Sons of Temperance National Division Friendly Society- R. Calderwood, R.W.Cameron, D. Cordingly, R. Griffett, N. L. Hallam, A. G. Marsh, K.Moore, W. T. Short, W.J. Short, C. G. Storen, S.V.Swain, F. Tassell, J. Temple, D.Williams, W. R. Setterfield.

The Protestant Alliance Friendly Society of Australasia Grand Council of Victoria-C. R. Bennett, K. D. McColl, R. H. Marr, S. D. Wensor, W. C. Weaver, R. R. Chadband, R. H. Brehaut, K. S. Seddon, F. W. Sayer, F. Bibby.

United Ancient Order of Druids- J. D. Mclnerney, R. N. Prior, P. C. Bigmore, H. Barnett, C. Britt, R. A. Collis, H. Geoffrey, B. E. Jager, L.S.Valentine, C.H.Butler, I. Scharder, G. J. Galloway.

The Yallourn Medical and Hospital SocietyD. Hankinson, R.King, D.Lloyd, G.E. Seear, R. Miles, K. Davy, R. Ellis, B. Hansford, T. F. Pye. ( 0 Western Australia

The Hospital Benefit Fund of Western Australia Incorporated- A. K. Atkins, L. H. Brown, J. D. Clarkson, D. M. Clement, J. B. Craig, V. F. Driscoll, S. H. S. Gill, M. A. Jahn, C. A. Knuckey, R. J. Marshall, H. R. Smith.

Friendly Societies Health Services- J. Wall, C. Jones, N. Reed, B. Tucker, H. Lawson, L. Philippson, J. Scott, W. Fuller, W. Bleakley, R. West, E. Hall.

Health Insurance Commission (Medibank Private )-R. H. Kronborg, R. G. Williams, C. R. Wilcox, W. A. Butterss, F. W. Millar, K. N. Willis, R. L. Gradwell.

Health Insurance Fund of WA- S. D. Bishop, F. C. Collins, E. A. Sinclair, F. R. W. Lindsey, B. Hunt, M. Kennedy, R. K. Filsell.

Goldfields Medical Fund (Incorporated)- K. R. Turner, F. R. Jarvis, R. R. Basset, C. P. Brown. A. B. Eaton. H. R. Close, F. P. Michell, G.J.Crisp, D. Holly, C. E. Morris, H. J. O’Brien, L. J. Calneggia, A. J. Barwick, J. Forrest, W. Woods. M. Muir.

N.B. The above list does not include those organizations which are in the course of winding-up their operations under the provisions of the National Health Act.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 May 1979, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1979/19790501_reps_31_hor114/>.

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