Tuesday, 19 August 1986 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hansard 1986 FIRST SESSION OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH PARLIAMENT (FOURTH PERIOD) Pursuant to the Resolution of the House of Representatives passed on 5 June 1986, the House of Representatives met on Tuesday, 19 August 1986, at 2 p.m. Madam SPEAKER (Hon. Joan Child) took the chair at 2 p.m., and read prayers. Madam SPEAKER —I inform the House of the deaths, since the House last met, of former Senator S. A. Negus and former Senator A. G. Poyser. Sydney Ambrose Negus died on 1 August 1986. He represented the State of Western Australia in the Senate from 1971 to 1974. Arthur George Poyser died on 5 August 1986. He represented the State of Victoria from 1966 to 1975. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased I invite honourable members to rise in their places. Honourable members having risen in their places- Madam SPEAKER —I thank the House. Madam SPEAKER —I remind honourable members that, in accordance with the resolution of 5 June, the House has authorised the televising of portions of the proceedings relating to the Budget Speech of the Treasurer tonight and the Speech of the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday at 8 pm. Mr HOWARD —I refer the Prime Minister to his wartime invocations and the generally alarming picture he now paints about the state of the Australian economy. I ask the honourable gentleman: Why was the Government's detailed submission to the 1986 national wage case virtually silent on the terms of trade crisis? Why did the Treasurer's major address to the Economic Planning Advisory Council in May express no concern about our terms of trade? Why did the Treasurer say only three months ago that the Australian economy was entirely robust and entirely healthy despite the then record high interest rates, very high inflation and major balance of payments troubles? Is the Prime Minister willing to offer the Australian public some apology and explanation for the appalling deception that he and his colleagues have practised for at least the past 12 months? Mr HAWKE —I welcome the question from the Leader of the Opposition. I assert that, in respect of the submissions to the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and the other occasions encompassed in the honourable gentleman's question, the Government and the Treasurer properly and with responsibility made the position of the Government quite clear. I am indebted to the Leader of the Opposition for giving me at the outset of the resumption of this session of the Parliament the opportunity to contrast the responsible position of this Government with that of the Opposition. Opposition members-Ha, ha! Mr HAWKE —Honourable members opposite may laugh but they will not laugh when I have finished. This Government has a proper concern for the welfare of this community and does not seek in any way to obtain political advantage from the economic misfortune that has visited upon this country. I contrast that attitude of this Government with the position of the Opposition, including particularly the Leader of the Opposition and other members of his party. I refer simply to two examples of the total irresponsibility of the Liberal Party in this country. I refer first of all to the now infamous interview with the Leader of the Opposition in the Australian Financial Review in which he said: `The times will suit me'. He looked at the deteriorating economic situation, and his words were: `The times will suit me'. He looks with eagerness to a deteriorating economic situation imposed upon his fellow countrymen by external circumstances. Perhaps the position of the Liberal Party, which the honourable gentleman leads, is best encapsulated by a letter which I wish to read to the House from a member of the Liberal Party, the honourable gentleman's Party, in Western Australia. I do not believe that members of the Australian community will be able to believe the truth of this, but I want it read fully into the record of this House so that the people of Australia will understand just where the Liberal Party puts the interests of this country. This letter was written by Mr Lightfoot, a Liberal member of the Western Australian Parliament, to George Shultz, the United States Secretary of State. He wrote: Dear Sir, May I urge you to stand fast on the proposed wheat sales to China and Russia. Your actions will have a detrimental trade effect on the two socialist Governments of my nation and New Zealand that those respective Administrations would have difficulty recovering from. He was saying that the United States should impose the greatest burden that it possibly can on the people of Australia. He went on: Were you to capitulate now, the effect would be twofold. It gets rather interesting now. The letter continues: Firstly, you will enhance the tarnished image of our Prime Minister Hawke and restore his previously held omnipotence, and that would not be in the interests of free peoples in this hemisphere. Hawke would be written up in the Australian media as the man who coerced you and your president into changing your mind-and that leads into the second effect-it would further entrench the socialist system and may deny the conservative parties the right to govern in 1988-89 because of the arresting of the decline in the Australian dollar and the easing of our balance of payments. No doubt you have already considered the hypothesis here to before outlined. Your decision now, not to go ahead with the sales, would have profound effects on our forming a Government-at the next election. I therefore again urge you to stand fast on your decision. If there has ever been a more treacherous action and treasonable action by a political party in the history of this country I would like to hear it. Here is the Liberal Party deliberately asking the United States Administration to visit upon the farmers of this country a continuing burden, knowing that that will not only adversely affect the rural community of this country but also impose burdens upon the whole of Australia. So that it may enhance its chances of governing in a later period, here is the Liberal Party saying to the United States: `Punish Australia now, and punish it next year so that that increases our chances of governing'. I compare with pride the responsible attitudes of this Government and of our spokespersons with the miserable and treacherous attitude of the Opposition. Ms FATIN —Is the Minister for Science aware that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is seriously underrepresented in Western Australia? Is he aware of the concerns that are being expressed in Western Australia that the existing division of ground water research will be transferred from Perth to Canberra? Can he give the House and the Western Australian Government any assurances on this matter? Mr BARRY JONES —The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation has recently reorganised its water resources research through the formation of a CSIRO Division of Water Resources Research. Western Australian Ministers, particularly the Premier and the Deputy Premier, the West Australian Advisory Committee of the CSIRO and the West Australian-based CSIRO staff have made strong representations for the headquarters of the Division to be located in Perth. Canberra based staff, honourable members will be amazed to learn, have called for the headquarters to be located in the Australian Capital Territory. We are well aware that there is a serious historic under-representation of the CSIRO in Western Australia. The new Division of Water Resources Research will comprise the old Division of Groundwater Research in Perth, the Division of Water and Land Resources in Canberra and the hydrology group of the Division of Soils in Adelaide. About 200 staff are involved in the reorganisation and the Division will be responsible for developing CSIROs role in the nation's water resources research. Incidentally bringing it all together is a cause that the honourable member for Hawker has proposed for many years. Unfortunately, the honourable member is not with us this afternoon, but this move is a striking endorsement of something that he has wanted for so long. The new Division will deal with the maintenance of the quality and quantity of water supplies and the disposal of waste water. It will also work on projects of major national importance with substantial agency or user support. A world wide search for a chief of the new Division is under way and the Division will be established when the chief takes up his perch. I am glad the honourable member for Hawker is now with us. I was just saying that the establishment of the new Division of Water Resources Research is a tribute to a cause that he has pushed for a very long time. The bad news is that it will not be in his electorate; it will, in fact, be established in Perth. That is an earnest of our continuing determination to make sure the organisation is well represented in Perth, and I can assure honourable members that the West Australian Government is delighted by the outcome. Mr SPENDER —Will the Attorney-General, as the Minister responsible for the administration of justice, state whether he endorses the return of Mr Justice Murphy to the High Court of Australia? Will he advise the House whether, since the establishment of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, there have been any changes to the constitutional considerations which led to that establishment and, if so, what they are? Will he inform us of the intentions of Mr Justice Murphy as to sitting on the Court? Will he confirm that it has been the practice of the High Court to sit a bench of seven in cases of public importance, especially constitutional cases, and advise us how this practice can be given effect to as long as the present situation persists? Mr LIONEL BOWEN —I think it is a matter of regret that the matters that have now been raised by the honourable member should be in the context of there being something improper about Mr Justice Murphy going back to the Bench. I think it is known that the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry has reported that it has medical evidence that Mr Justice Murphy is suffering from a very serious illness. The prognosis shows very clearly that it is indeed a serious one. That Commission saw fit to say that because of that illness and in recognition of it His Honour would not be able to appear before the Commission-- Mr Spender —In Sydney? Madam SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member has asked his question. He will now await the answer. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —I will give the honourable member the answer. He does not like the answer he is getting because it is the truth. I am telling the honourable member what the Parliamentary Commission has established and he is trying to harangue somebody who is suffering grievously-- Mr Howard —We are not haranguing him; we are haranguing you. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —Yes, you are. The honourable member should not point his finger at me, either. It would have been better if he had kept quiet from the point of view of what we are about in this context. Let us make it very clear indeed that Mr Justice Murphy voluntarily refrained from sitting on the Court. Mr Spender —Which we all endorsed. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —Very belatedly. Let us make it very clear that when Mr Justice Murphy was acquitted the honourable member, to his credit, was the first to issue a Press statement saying well, of course, they would not pursue the Murphy matter any further. Mr Spender —That is not the position. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —It is the position. The honourable member issued a Press statement on that basis. As a result of some discussions, to which I was not privy, that Mr Justice Murphy had with his colleagues on the High Court, they decided that he would agree to refrain from sitting so that he could give them some explanation. Subsequent to that, surprisingly for us as a government, the justices of the High Court issued a further Press statement saying that they did not really want to discuss that matter. They had discussed it, but they were not discussing it as a court. They merely wanted to know what might be Mr Justice Murphy's explanation. In recent days, I have had the benefit of talking to Mr Justice Murphy and he makes it very clear-- Mr Sinclair —Has he given you any information? Mr LIONEL BOWEN —I think that he is a very sick person. He makes it very clear that in the discussions he had with his fellow judges there was never any suggestion that he should not sit with them. That is of some surprise to me, in view of other information given to me at the time. This is the important part. There we have the justices of the High Court not objecting to sitting with their brother judge. It was understandable then that he was certainly of such a mind. In view of the fact that he had received this dreadful diagnosis and that he has to think of the welfare of his family and his children and what they might think of their father, what was wrong with the man exercising his discretion to go back to the Bench from which there was no need for him to withdraw? What is wrong with that? The point that we want to emphasise today-I understand, Madam Speaker, that you have some matter to table later-is that we shall be introducing legislation tomorrow to terminate the Commission for reasons that relate directly to the illness and the advice of the Commission itself that it would be impossible to continue. Mr Justice Murphy is now considering six or seven reserve judgments in which he is obliged, naturally, to give his decision. On that basis, I understand that he is now seeking sick leave. That is a matter for the Court itself. In that process of time, it was thought that he would have sufficient time to complete those reserve judgments. Regrettably, it appears that because of the diagnosis and the nature of the illness, he is weakening and therefore may not be able to resume sittings. I think when the medical evidence has been tabled, as it may, it will be conclusive as to that point. I would only hope, from the point of view of an ordinary human being and a fellow Australian, that there is a remission of his illness. I would hope that there is a chance that his health can be restored and that he can regain his position on the Court. He would then be able to meet any of the accusers that he may have, including those in the Opposition. Mr BEDDALL —Has the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs noted agitation on the part of tourist interests for the provision of visa-free entry to Australia, particularly for holidays, and have there been any developments in this regard? Mr HURFORD —I have noted that agitation. Given the interest in the visa-free concept, particularly in the tourist industry, the Government has initiated a comprehensive assessment of the costs and benefits of the visa-free arrangement in the Australian context. I point out to the House that just because other countries find visa-free arrangements satisfactory does not mean that they will suit this country; we are in a unique situation in a number of ways. The whole issue is very complex. Further work has been done on this issue since the House last met. That work has addressed itself to the fact that visas do keep undesirable people out of this country, which is a very popular country for people to visit. For a start, over one million people want to come here every year for permanent residency and less than 100,000 places are available. This puts us in a very different situation from, for instance, Japan; there is no desire to any great extent on the part of people from outside Japan for permanent residence there. However, we will look at ways in which we can facilitate the tourist industry. But I ask the House to consider-I will be very pleased to receive any representation that any honourable member wishes to put to me on this issue-the fact that, if and when we do allow any visa-free arrangements of, say, a short term duration for tourists, we will have to be selective. We will have to select countries from which we do not take many permanent residents, countries from which there is not much demand for permanent residence. This will be tough and hard decisions will have to be taken as to the countries we will choose. I thank the honourable member for Rankin for allowing me to bring the House up to date on this matter. However, we will continue to give good service where visas are necessary, which is from everywhere but New Zealand. We aim to give a 48-hour turnaround service. We will look at helping the tourist industry by selectively allowing visa-free arrangements if these are at all possible. Mr SPENDER —My question is directed to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to his recent statement that the making of ex-gratia payments for Mr Justice Murphy's legal costs could be justified. I ask him to do that and, in so doing, to state the amounts involved and the precise facts and special circumstances said to justify the payments. He should state how the position of Mr Justice Murphy in respect of costs of the court proceedings-I emphasise the word `court'-differs from the position of other defendants acquitted on criminal charges. He should state what proportion of the costs are to be borne by Mr Justice Murphy and what are the funds available in the trust fund established to help pay his costs. He should also table all the relevant documents. Mr HAWKE —It is fascinating to note on the resumption of this Parliament that the Opposition is not only treacherous to the economic interest of this country but also totally lacking in any semblance of decency and good taste. Nevertheless, I will respond to the second question in this area that has been pressed by the Opposition. There are two separate issues relating to the costs incurred by Mr Justice Murphy. That will probably be clear to most members of the House. The first concerns his costs arising out of the conduct of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry established by this Parliament. The second relates to his costs in defending criminal prosecutions. As to the first, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry Act, the Attorney-General has authorised the payment of the Judge's costs relating to the operation of the Commission. He did so following a request from the President and from yourself, Madam Speaker, on 2 June that these costs be met. Under the Act the Attorney-General is required to comply with that request. As yet no accounts have been received. As to the second, the costs of defending the criminal prosecution matters, the Acting Attorney-General, Senator Gareth Evans, said on 1 August, in announcing the Government's decision: . . . the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to initiate proceedings here was expressly made on the basis of special considerations said to be applicable to holders of public office. I conclude by saying that the Government has not yet looked in detail at this matter and has not decided at this stage what the appropriate payment will be. As far as the Government is concerned, that is all that will be said on this matter at this stage. Mr MAHER —My question is directed to the Minister for Health. Why does the Government intend to delete certain analgesics and 45 other preparations from the list of 2,500 pharmaceu-tical benefits now available on prescription free of charge to pensioners? Dr BLEWETT —There are three points to be made: First of all the decision was made on health grounds on the advice of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee which provides recommendations as to which drugs should go on the essential drug list in this country. Its advice in relation to the 46 formulations we are now discussing was that these were not drugs that could be justified on that essential drug list on grounds of their minor therapeutic effect. That is the first point. The second point that needs to be made in relation to this question is that concern has been expressed on both sides of the House and by medical authorities about the increase in the usage of drugs by pensioners in this country. It has been rising in the last three years by close to 20 per cent a year. If we are to provide free essential drugs to pensioners, certainly the lists have to be looked at in relation to inessential drugs. It will not be possible for any government to go on providing free drugs for pensioners unless those drugs are seen as essential drugs. That is another reason for looking at that parti-cular list. Thirdly, the point needs to be made that nearly all of these drugs are drugs which are obtainable without prescription that is, they are simply across-the-counter drugs which can be bought for $2 and $3 or sometimes from the supermarkets for even less. But the present scheme means that in order for a pensioner to get that drug free he has to go to a doctor and get a consultation at a cost to the taxpayer of some $13. If the drug is then on prescription an extra $2.40 has to be paid as a dispensing fee to the pharmacist. So the taxpayer finishes up paying $16 or $17 for drugs available across the counter for $2 or $3. Mr CARLTON —Can the Treasurer confirm reports that the Reserve Bank of Australia spent in the order of $1 billion during July in support of the plummeting Australian dollar? If so, is he concerned that continued support of this order would result in a serious erosion in the level of our international reserves, currently around $13 billion? Mr KEATING —The Reserve Bank conducts its daily operations in the foreign exchange markets in the main doing, as it says, smoothing and testing in respect of particular transactions. If indeed there is a very large transaction which threatens to destabilise the rate, sometimes such a transaction is balanced off. Over the course of July the bank did spend considerable funds in the foreign exchange market. I do not think the bank or the Government regards that in any way as any long term solution to what is happening in the exchange markets; hence, the importance of tonight's Budget and the importance the Government places on seeing fundamental change in the structure of economic policy. But again the bank is following its normal role, that is, operating in the foreign exchange market as best and when it sees fit in respect of particular events. Over that period the exchange rate fell dramatically on a couple of days and the bank would be doing less than its task in not engaging in the foreign exchange market at that time. Certainly I concur with the import of the honourable gentleman's question. The Government would not regard simply throwing reserves at the rate as a solution to the exchange rate. Mr STAPLES —I direct my question to the Minister representing the Minister for Education. It relates to the Government's decision to allow full fee overseas students to study in Australian higher education institutions. Does the Government support the establishment of private tertiary institutions, such as the proposed Bond university on the Gold Coast and the proposed development at Yanchep in Western Australia, to market such courses? Will the Government grant the same privilege to Australian students willing to pay a full fee? Mr DAWKINS —There have been a number of proposals, two quite prominent ones, to establish private universities for full fee paying students. The honourable member will be aware that some time ago the Government announced that it had approved the policy to existing tertiary institutions, that is, the ones funded by the Commonwealth, to admit overseas full fee paying students on the basis of fairly strict guidelines which would ensure that the full cost of providing the places for those overseas students would be met by the fees paid to them. The Government has decided not to extend this arrangement to Australians because the basic reason for providing these new arrangements is to provide an opportunity for essentially the export of education services to students from other countries, particularly those in the region. We have been able to identify a substantial market, particularly within the region, in competition with universities in Britain, United States of America and other places. I would expect that over the years we will see a fairly substantial growth in the number of full fee paying students entering Australia to undertake the courses. However, this has to be done with some sensitivity to ensure that there is a minimum of disruption to the ordinary ongoing work of the institutions themselves. In regard to fully private institutions, the Government does not intend to provide any support to these proposals. We are, however, intending to examine these proposals to ensure again that there is no disruption to the general provision of tertiary education services within Australia. There is one other point I should make, and that is that as part of the policies announced by myself and the Minister for Education in relation to this matter, we have decided to examine, on a case by case basis, any proposals which involve the development of joint facilities between private and public institutions. If there is an intention of a university or college to get together with some private interests to provide these full fee paying courses for overseas students the Government would want to consider it on the basis of the proposals that are put up to us. Mr REITH —I refer the Treasurer to an article in last Sunday's National Times on Sunday in which it is suggested that he sold antique clocks at inflated prices to his friend, the property developer, Mr Warren Anderson, thereby deriving an improper personal benefit. In view of the high responsibilities of his office and the need for total confidence in his integrity, what steps does the Treasurer intend to take to answer these and other allegations contained in the article? Mr KEATING —I would have thought that even the collection opposite would understand that Australia's economic problems should at this time be paramount in the thoughts of the nation and the Parliament. It is very interesting indeed that the Leader of the Opposition is apparently doing as the commentators are suggesting-taking the sleazy road to power, as the honourable member for Boothby once put it, by having one of his back benchers ask this kind of question. We will let the Australian people be the judges of where their best interests lie in terms of the people who operate the policy within the Government and this Parliament, and whether this Party is more capable of dealing with Australia's problems and more earnest about finding solutions to those problems than the current Opposition. I leave the public to make a judgment about the Leader of the Opposition's tactics, going back to the last session with his colleague from Western Australia, and now this tactic by this character-actually it is the first time I have ever seen him-who is obviously in league with the desperado sitting opposite. Mr PUNCH —My question-- Mr Howard —Did Barrie give you this one? Mr PUNCH —Let me tell the honourable member that, while ever he visits my electorate, I am safe. He can bring some of his sleazy mates with him too. He has a wide variety. Does he want to talk about it some more? My question is directed to the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. Can the Minister inform the House of the Government's attitude to claims for, among other things, a $60 per week over-award payment and a 36-hour week which are being pursued by the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union? Mr WILLIS —I am aware of the policy of the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union to pursue a 13-point log of claims which includes, as the honourable member said, claims for a $60 a week increase and a 36-hour week. Needless to say, the Government is totally opposed to this log of claims. In present circumstances it is difficult to imagine a more damaging action by any section of the Australian economy than for a union to pursue wage increases of this kind which are blatantly in breach of the accord and of the national wage fixing principles. I have conveyed the Government's strong opposition to this course of action to the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union which, nevertheless, is apparently determined to pursue this course. I have informed the union that if it proceeds the Government will take every step possible to ensure that it does not succeed because, as I have pointed out to the Union, if it were to succeed its action would certainly result in grave damage to this economy, and there would certainly be adverse effects on the exchange rate and interest rates. There would be a much higher level of unemployment if we were to have a wages blow-out in this area, spreading as it inevitably would to other areas of the building industry and then to the rest of the economy. We are determined to resist this claim, and I point out that building industry employers have a strong obligation also to resist it. I have pointed out to employers today that the government's code of conduct, which was established in the builders Labourers Federation case, will apply in relation to the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union claims. Essentially that code of conduct provides that building employers are bound to adhere to awards, industrial agreements and the national wage fixing principles. If they do not adhere to those matters, the government can take action against them to disqualify them from future government contracts. This tactic was used successfully by us in respect of the BLF and I expect that it would be successful if we needed to use it again. I believe that everything must be done to oppose these claims, which are extremely damaging. I regret greatly that the union has seen fit to go ahead with the claims. I note that it is doing so in isolation-that no other union affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions, or indeed not affiliated, is pursuing this course. I advise the House that we expect that the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union will fail; the trade union movement of this country will demonstrate that it is a sensible organisation which is prepared to act to ensure the recovery of this nation, to get us out of the difficult circumstance we are in presently; and the accord will continue through difficult times to help this economy to get back to strong economic growth. Mr McGAURAN —Will the Attorney-General confirm to the House the Government's intention to abandon the Bill of rights, for the time being at least? Does the government intend submitting the Bill to the Constitutional Commission or any other body for examination and possible recommendation for further action by the Government? Finally, does the Government intend retaining all or most of the present staff of the Human Rights Commission in the new body which will supposedly succeed the Human Rights Commission at the expiration of its term later this year? Mr LIONEL BOWEN —In answer to the honourable gentleman, let me make it very clear that the present Human Rights Commission and its staff were, of course, constituted by the previous Government. I am well aware of the difficulties anybody has in trying to introduce legislation into this House which might encourage better electoral reform in Australia. Of course, it was my hope that the Senate would have been able to deal with the Bill of Rights that was passed by this House last year. In fact, since last year the Senate has debated that Bill for 36 1/2 hours, which is the longest debate since Federation, and has got up to clause 3. Mr Howard —I don't think the Senate likes it. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —The only reason it does not like it is because it might bring about some electoral reform. Mr Howard —It is a lousy Bill, Lionel. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —It is not the only lousy thing about the place, is it? Seriously, it is a tragedy to think that legislation passed through the House of Representatives has been deliberately delayed in the Senate for reasons that have nothing to do with the content of the Bill, but for the purpose of delaying its introduction. I accept the fact that the Bill would require introduction and certainly some opportunity to allow it to work before public opinion could accept some of the extraordinary interpretations that have been given to it, particularly by the people opposite. I want to make this point: At the present time the Senate has failed to deal with 27 other Bills that have already been passed by this House. One wonders how we will get the Senate to devote its time to what it is supposed to be doing; that is, reviewing legislation as a House of review. It is becoming a House of delay and obstruction. Having said that, the Bill will not be proceeded with. Something will need to be done about the problems we have in terms of obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Mr McGauran —Forget it. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —The honourable gentleman says `forget it'. Of course, it was the Fraser Government that ratified the International Covenant. Honourable members opposite now say `shame'. Mr Hawke —You can forget them too. Mr LIONEL BOWEN —The honourable gentleman says that we can forget them, too. As we are a signatory to that covenant with 79 other nations and we have a responsibility in the international sphere to monitor the position of human rights in Australia, there will need to be a commission that will deal not only with the monitoring aspects of the Covenant but also with the obligations we have in respect of the International Labour Organisation Convention on equal opportunity and the questions of race discrimination and sex discrimination under existing legislation. There will be a restructuring of the Commission. I have set in motion a task force to look at what sorts of people will be needed to assist that Commission. I accept the view that there will be a need for people who are directly related to those responsibilities and they will be fewer in number than is the case with the present Commission. Mr CAMPBELL —My question, which is addressed to the Minister for Primary Industry, follows what the Prime Minister was talking about concerning the outrageous Lightfoot letter. I ask the Minister: Is it true that, if Mr Lightfoot's exhortation to the American Government leads to a continuation of its policies, not only wheat growers but also cotton, sugar, rice and the soya beans-competing lupin growers will be affected? I further ask whether it is important for the salvation of the Australian industry that we maintain a bipartisan approach to the Americans on this issue of dumping. In that context, would it be important for the honourable member for O'Connor, who has an electorate very largely devoted to wheat growing and who was feigning boredom through the Prime Minister's answer, to dissociate himself from Mr Lightfoot's remarks? Mr KERIN —I thank the honourable gentleman for his question. I concur fully with what the Prime Minister has already said on this. I am quite amazed that the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the National Party or indeed the honourable member for O'Connor has not seen fit to repudiate the statement by one of their conservative colleagues. I guess that it is because they must agree with it. They are prepared to put petty politics ahead of the interests of farmers. Of course, that accords with the Liberal- Mr Howard —Do you repudiate Joan Coxsedge? Mr KERIN —Madam Speaker, could you keep this yabbering thing quiet? Madam SPEAKER —Order! The Leader of the Opposition will cease talking across the table and he will also cease interjecting. Mr KERIN —Lightfoot and big mouth. I would like to comment on the latter part of the honourable gentleman's question because a recent all-party delegation went to Washington with a truly bipartisan if not tripartisan approach and we were all there for Australia. I hope that Mr Lightfoot's comments do not represent a change of view, given the seriousness with which we regarded the Dole amendment to the export-import Bill in the United States Senate and the Daschle Bill itself. The initial United States subsidisation proposals-the Dole and Daschle proposals-could have cost Australian wheat growers $470m this year on top of the $1 billion that the United States Farm Act has already been calculated to have cost us. I find it difficult to imagine anything more reprehensible than for people in the Opposition parties to be seriously saying that they want to see this continuation of a detrimental trade effect to enhance the Liberal Party's and their own electoral prospects. Already the Leader of the Opposition has said that he is relying on an economic recession for his political salvation. I would simply like to say that, under this Government, honourable members opposite will get neither a recession nor their salvation. The honourable gentleman also asked a question about crops other than wheat. With respect to cotton and rice, one element of the United States farm program-the target export assistance program rather than the export enhancement program-will have an even more insidious and more devastating effect than some of the other measures under its farm program. With respect to sugar I do not think we can point the finger so much at the United States, even though it subsidises sugar production at US18c a pound and the world price is US6c a pound. But the main cause of the problem in the sugar industry still remains with the European Economic Community where its degree and level of subsidisation are even more pronounced. Of course, I think we all regard with dismay, and I am sure that the Deputy Leader of the National Party and his colleague the honourable member for Hume regard with dismay, the fact that when we came back we had this fire sale proposition to China of sugar at a little bit over US4c a pound. All these things add up to an immense cost to Australian farmers and, as this Government has been trying to make quite clear, Australia's farm problems are very much a part of Australia's economic problem-that is, the problem with out balance of payments-and that is the reason why we have problems with our dollar. All these things are interdependent. I would have thought that all people in this House, when they are abroad and when they are reflecting on international matters, would speak with one voice rather than utter this damnable reprehensible nonsense. Madam SPEAKER —I present a special report of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry which covers the effect of Mr Justice Murphy's illness upon the Commission's proceedings. For the information of the House I also present a statement by the Presiding Officers, dated 4 August 1986, following a meeting with the presiding member of the Commission, and copies of letters from the President of the Senate, dated 6 August 1986, forwarded a copy of the Commission's special report to the Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General (Mr Lionel Bowen), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Howard) and the Leader of the National Party of Australia (Mr Sinclair). Mr YOUNG(Port Adelaide-Leader of the House) —I move: That the House take note of the papers. I indicate that we will have a cognate debate covering this report and the enabling legislation when it is introduced tomorrow. Debate (on motion by Mr Spender) adjourned. Mr LIONEL BOWEN(Kingsford-Smith-Attorney-General) —For the information of honourable members I present the task group report on the review of the Advisory Council for Inter-Government Relations. Motion (by Mr Young) proposed: That the House take note of the paper. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Mr LIONEL BOWEN(Kingsford-Smith-Attorney-General) —Pursuant to Section 7 of the Advisory Council for Inter-Government Relations Act 1976, I present the Advisory Council for Inter-Government Relations report on consultation and co-ordination for matters affecting Australian local government. Motion (by Mr Young) proposed: That the House take note of the paper. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Mr LIONEL BOWEN(Kingsford-Smith-Attorney-General) —Pursuant to sub-section 6 (2) of the Australian Science and Technology Council Act 1978, I present a report by ASTEC on new office technology. Mr YOUNG(Port Adelaide-Special Minister of State) —Pursuant to section 25 of the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973, I present the Commonwealth Grants Commission's second report 1986 on financing the Australian Capital Territory. This report was circulated to all honourable members during the winter adjournment. Mr YOUNG(Port Adelaide-Special Minister of State) —Pursuant to sub-sections 6 (5) and 7 (7) of the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973, I present the Remuneration Tribunal 1986 review. This review was circulated to all honourable members during the winter adjournment and a further copy of the review is available from the Bills and Papers Office. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade) —Pursuant to sub-sections 30 (2) and 43 (2) of the Australian Trade Commission (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1985 and sub-section 41 (4) of the Export Market Development Grants Act 1974, I present the final report of the Export Development Grants Board for the period 1 July 1985 to 5 January 1986. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade) —Pursuant to sub-section 9 (3) of the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission's Act 1977, I present the Federal & Further Education Council's Supplementary Advice for 1987 to the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission for the 1985-87 triennium. Mr KERIN(Werriwa-Minister for Primary Industry) —Pursuant to sub-section 26 (3) of the Tobacco Marketing Act 1965, I present the annual report of the Australian Tobacco Board for 1985. This report was tabled in the Senate on 11 June 1986 and made available to honourable members during the winter adjournment. Mr KERIN(Werriwa-Minister for Primary Industry) —Pursuant to section 48 of the Canned Fruits Marketing Act 1979, I present the annual report of the Australian Canned Fruits Corporation for 1985. This report was circulated to honourable members during the winter adjournment. Mr KERIN(Werriwa-Minister for Primary Industry) —Pursuant to section 37 of the Apple and Pear Corporation Act 1973, I present the annual report of the Australian Apple and Pear Corporation for 1985. This report was circulated to honourable members during the winter adjournment. Mr BEAZLEY(Swan-Minister for Defence) —Pursuant to section 34 of the Services Trust Funds Act 1947, I present the 1985 annual reports of the Services Canteens Trust Fund, the Royal Australian Navy Relief Trust Fund and the Australian Military Forces Relief Trust Fund, together with the Auditor-General's reports, audited income statements and balance sheets on these funds. Mr HOLDING(Melbourne Ports-Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) —For the information of honourable members I present a report by the Aboriginal Land Commissioners on the Warlpiri, Kikatja and Ngarti land claims. Mr UREN(Reid-Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services) —For the information of honourable members I present the annual report of the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services for 1984-85. This report was circulated to honourable members during the winter adjournment. Mr SCHOLES(Corio-Minister for Territories) —For the information of honourable members I present the annual report of the Phosphate Mining Co. of Christmas Island Ltd for 1984-85. Mr SCHOLES(Corio-Minister for Territories) —For the information of honourable members I present the report of the Australian Capital Territory Nominal Defendant for 1985. Mr SCHOLES(Corio-Minister for Territories) —For the information of honourable members I present the annual report of the Cocos (Keeling) islands for 1984-85. This report was tabled in the Senate on 12 June and made available to honourable members during the adjournment. Mr TUCKEY(O'Connor) —I seek to make a personal explanation. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) -Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented? Mr TUCKEY —I do. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The honourable member may proceed. Mr TUCKEY —Just some moments ago the honourable member for Kalgoorlie (Mr Campbell) implied that I endorsed the purported statements read to this House by the Prime Minister (Mr Hawke) today of a Mr Ross Lightfoot regarding the American agricultural subsidy program. I read a report of this letter in the Australian newspaper yesterday. The article also stated that the writer was not available as he was in Africa and therefore unable to confirm or deny the letter. Mr Brumby —South Africa. Mr TUCKEY —South Africa, if the honourable member likes. As I am aware that the recent production-- Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member might say where he was misrepresented. Mr TUCKEY —I have been misrepresented by the honourable member for Kalgoorlie. I wish to complete these few words to deny his remarks. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The Standing Orders provide for the honourable member to say where he was misrepresented, not deal with the-- Mr TUCKEY —He said that I had failed to-- Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —I am sorry; you were saying that you were in Africa? I thought you said the writer of the letter was in Africa. I apologise for that. Mr TUCKEY —I said the writer was in Africa. I have very few words to finish. As I am aware that the recent production of papers in this House by the Prime Minister has become the subject of defamation action due to the unsubstantiated allegations, I will wait until I am able to confirm with Mr Lightfoot that he did in fact write this letter in the terms read to the Parliament. If the report of the letter is correct I would certainly disassociate myself from its contents. Mr SPENDER(North Sydney) —I seek to make a personal explanation. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) —Does the honourable member claim to have been misrepresented? Mr SPENDER —I do. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —The honourable member may proceed. Mr SPENDER —The Attorney-General (Mr Lionel Bowen), in answer to a question of mine about Mr Justice Murphy, said: `You are trying to harangue somebody who has suffered'. That is perfectly wrong. I never have, and I want to make that perfectly plain. There is not a single statement that can be pointed to in support of that assertion. That is the first point. The second is that it was said that I had, to my credit, first issued a Press statement saying that we would not pursue the matter any further. If that is to be understood as referring to general issues concerning Mr Justice Murphy's conduct, that was not correct. If it is to be understood as referring to the specific issues dealt with at the criminal trial, it is. The statement that I issued was directed only to questions based on the specific issues dealt with in the criminal trial, as appears from the statement of 29 April 1986. Dr KLUGMAN(Prospect) —In accordance with resolutions of the House, I table a copy of the completed register of members' interests. The register comprises copies of return forms received from all members of the House of Representatives and later notifications received from members up to 8 August 1986. I also table notifications of alterations of interests received after that date. I also present a report from the Committee of Members' Interests relating to the requirement for the annual registration of members' interests in which the Committee recommends an alteration of the existing requirements. The Clerk —Petitions have been lodged for presentation as follows and copies will be referred to the appropriate Ministers: To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned shows: Graduated family allowances are of important assistance to families with more than one child. All family allowances, whether for one, two, three, or more children, have not kept pace with inflation. There are suggestions that all family allowances should be paid at the one flat rate. This would severely disadvantage families with more than one child. There are also suggestions that the dependent spouse rebate be reduced or removed. This would represent another blow to the family unit. Your petitioners therefore pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, should: ask the Federal Government to increase the value of existing family allowance payments, and reject any moves to change the payments to a flat rate or to tamper with the spouse rebate; And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Aldred,Mr N.A. Brown,Mr Brumby,Mr Cunningham,Mr Duffy,Mr Peter Fisher,Mr Howe,Mr Barry Jones,Mr Lamb,Mr Langmore,Mr Lloyd,Mr Macphee,Ms Mayer,Mr Mildren,Mr O'Keefe,Mr Reith and Mr Scholes. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled. The petition of certain citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That taxpayers with dependent children have been gravely disadvantaged by a serious decline in the level of recognition provided in the taxation system for the costs of maintaining a family, in particular: the failure to index family allowances which has resulted in an erosion of more than 50 per cent in their real value since May 1976; the abolition of family allowances for dependents who have turned 18, even those still at school; the abolition of concessional tax rebates for education and other expenses. That this erosion in horizontal tax equity has placed an intolerable financial burden on many larger families, particularly those on middle incomes who fail to qualify for means-tested benefits such as TEAS but whose living standards are now well below average due to heavy expenses on necessities such as education, housing, food and clothing. Your petitioners humbly pray that: family allowances be restored to the 1976 value (in real terms), and indexed according to the CPI; the dependent spouse rebate be retained; The Federal Government take urgent measures to restore equitable provisions in the taxation system through the introduction of family income splitting. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Donald Cameron,Mr Carlton,Mr Cunningham,Mr Drummond,Mr Hodges,Mr Simmons,Mr White and Mr Wright. To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned respectfully showeth: That families have been gravely disadvantaged by a serious decline in the level of their net disposable income through: Failure to index family allowances-resulting in a 50 per cent loss in their real value since 1976 Abolition of family allowances for dependants who have turned 18-even those still at school Failure to increase the spouse rebate since 1982 Discriminatory taxation system-which penalises single income families. Recognising the cost benefit to taxpayers when the intact family unit itself delivers essential care to the extended family. Your Petitioners most humbly pray that the Government take immediate action to: Restore the lost value of family allowances and to index them to cover future price rises Introduce optional income-splitting for taxation purposes Retain the spouse rebate. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Dubois. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled. Your petitioners humbly pray that: family allowances be restored to the 1976 value (in real terms), and indexed according to the CPI; the dependent spouse rebate be retained; the Federal Government take urgent measures to restore equitable provisions in the taxation system through the introduction of family income splitting. And your petitioners, citizens of Australia, for the health and strength of society, will always pray. by Mr Hodges. The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. We, the undersigned plead that the Parliament implement pro-family policies. In particular we appeal for: 1. the retention of the present graduated assessment system for payment of the Family Allowance; 2. indexation of the Family Allowance in order to keep pace with inflation; 3. an increase of 3.7% in the Family Allowance benefit to return it to 11.5% of the Average Award Wage (making it similar in value to the 11.5% of the Basic Wage when Child Endowment was first introduced by the Chifley Government in 1941. 4. retention of the Dependent Spouse Rebate and the amount of the Dependent Spouse Rebate adjusted so that it is equal in value to the tax-free threshold allowed when calculating taxable income. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that you will give this matter earnest consideration and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will every pray. by Mr Rocher. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That we strenuously object to the proposal that many Post Office Agencies are to be closed. They provide a network of offices with postal and agency services to residential areas and small communities. They serve a community need and we would be seriously inconvenienced if forced to travel further to purchase postal items or collect parcels. It would be an unnecessary expense particularly for pensioners without their own transport. We maintain that the purpose of Post Offices should be to serve the public for the variety of services they offer. They are a community centre particularly in country areas and if necessary they should be subsidised to retain them. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the House should take all possible steps to prevent the closure of Post Office Agencies and that the network should be extended, with the Agency services they offer expanded. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Andrew,Mr Cunningham,Mr Drummond,Mr Tim Fischer,Mr Holding,Mr Hollis,Mr Howe,Mr Jull,Mrs Kelly,Mr Langmore,Mr McVeigh,Mr Mildren,Mr Millar,Mr Nehl,Mr Porter,Mr Scholes,Mr West,Mr White,Mr Wilson and Mr Young. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This petition of concerned Australian citizens respectfully points out: That deterioration of the total global environment is continuing at an increasing rate, that important environmental resources vital to human livelihood such as trees, soil and water are decreasing at an alarming rate, that there is a need for educating all people to assume a greater responsibility for the conservation, sustainable use and maintenance of vital resources, that dynamic and active initiatives are needed to conserve and renew the total environment, and that protecting, conserving and repairing the Earth can unite all people and nations in co-operation action for survival. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Australian Government will: Propose to the United Nations General Assembly at its 41st Session in September 1986 that 1988 be proclaimed the `First International Earth Repair Year'. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Baldwin,Mr Blunt,Mr Everingham,Mr Grace,Mr Steele Hall,Mr Holding,Mr MacKellar,Mr Macphee,Mr Sinclair,Mrs Sullivan,Mr West and Mr Wilson. To the Honourable the Speaker and the honourable members of the House of Representatives in the Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth that whereas: 1. They are completely satisfied with the design of the existing Australian national flag. 2. The are aware it properly reflects the immutable characteristics of Australia, namely: (a) The Union Jack, itself the creation of three Christian Crosses, represents the nation's historical origin and the source of its language and law; (b) The Southern Cross on an azure blue background signifying its geographical location; (c) The large star depicting the advent of Federation. 3. They know the flag has been a source of inspiration to generations of Australians in peace and war. 4. They recall that millions of native-born Australians and newcomers to these shores from other parts of the world have become united under its proud symbolism. 5. They are certain that any change to the flag will produce division in the Australian community. Your petitioners therefore pray that your honourable house will give speedy passage to the Flags Act Amendment which provides that the Australian National Flag can only be changed by a referendum. by Mr Andrew,Mr Beale,Mr Blunt,Dr Harry Edwards,Mr Hawker,Mr MacKellar,Mr Reith,Mr Spender and Mr Willis. To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher in Queensland respectfully showeth: 1. They are completely satisfied with the design of the existing Australian National Flag. 2. They are aware it properly reflects the immutable characteristics of Australia, namely: (a) The Union Jack, itself the creation of three Christian Crosses, represents the Nation's historical origin and the source of its language and law; (b) The Southern Cross on an azure blue background signifying its geographical location on this planet Earth; (c) The large star depicting the advent of Federation in 1901. 3. They know the flag has been a source of inspiration to generations of Australians in peace and war. 4. The recall that millions of native-born Australians and newcomers to these shore from other parts of the world have become united under its proud symbolism. 5 They are certain that any change to the Flag will produce division in the Australian community. Your petitioners therefore pray that your honourable House will: Propose and pass a motion that `the existing Australian national flag remains sacrosanct from change'. And your petitioners as in duty bound will every pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That the Australian flag symbolises the continuity between Australia's past, its present and its future; That the presence of the Union Jack on the flag represents not a subservience to Britain, but a reminder of our inheritance of the fruits of hundreds of years of struggle for individual liberty against the forces of tyranny and oppression; Nonetheless recognises the rights of Australians should they wish as a people to change the design of their flag. Your petitioners humbly pray that no change be made to the Australian flag except with the consent of the people in a referendum. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Drummond and Mr Ruddock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The humble petition of certain citizens of Queensland, Australia, respectfully showeth that we are totally opposed to any change in the Australian National Flag as declared in the Flags Act (1953). Your petitioners humbly pray that Parliament in its wisdom will take no action to change the Australian National Flag. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Donald Cameron. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth: (1) That we the undersigned are totally opposed to the introduction of a $2.00 fee on prescription drugs for pensioners; (2) That the impact of such a fee will be particularly felt by the chronically ill elderly who will be faced with a $2.00 burden with the purchase of each Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme drug; Your petitioners therefore urge the House of Representatives and the Government of the Commonwealth to ensure that prescription drugs continue to be provided to the pensioner population without the $2.00 fee on each prescription. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Beale,Mr Blunt,Mr Conquest,Mr Jull and Mr Reith. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher in Queensland respectfully showeth: (1) That we the undersigned are totally opposed to the introduction by the Hawke Government of a $2.00 fee on prescription drugs for pensioners; (2) That the impact of such a fee will be particularly felt by the chronically ill elderly who will be faced with a $2.00 burden with the purchase of each Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme drug; Your petitioners therefore urge the House of Representatives and the Hawke Labor Government to ensure that prescription drugs continue to be provided to the pensioner population without the $2.00 fee on each prescription. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia shows: That the adoption of the Industries Assistance Commission's recommendation to charge Pensioners a $2.00 (Two Dollars) prescription fee would place a heavy financial burden on disabled people. Your petitioners humbly pray that the Industries Assistance Commission recommendation is not proceeded with. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever, pray by Mr Millar. To the Honourable, the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens respectfully showeth that your petitioners are gravely concerned at the failure of the government to honour its election promises to pensioners. In particular those promises relate to the following commitments: 1. That within three years of its election to office, a Hawke Labor Government would raise the level of the standard pension to 25% of Average Weekly Earnings; 2. That the lag time between the announcement of the Consumer Price Index figures and the subsequent adjustment of pensions would be reduced to one month, and 3. That the disproportionate tax burden borne by low income earners would be lifted. None of these promises has been honoured to date. Your petitioners are extremely angry at the failure of the Government to live up to its commitments and as in duty bound will ever pray that these serious omissions will be given the attention they deserve. by Mr Aldred,Mr Blunt,Mr Cohen,Dr Harry Edwards and Mr Nehl. To the Honourable, the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens respectfully showeth that persistent rumours suggest that the Hawke Government intends to reduce Government expenditure by contracting or eliminating programs for war veterans and war widows. Your Petitioners humbly pray that the Hawke Government honour its commitment and that of previous Governments to ex-servicemen and women by: Ensuring no additional cutbacks will be made to the portfolio of Veterans' Affairs. Reviewing the previous cutbacks in such areas as the travel allowances, dental scheme and repatriation pharmaceutical benefits scheme. Proceeding with abolishing more stringent conditions applying to the granting of the TPI pension. by Mr Blunt,Mr Hunt,Mr MacKellar,Mr Millar,Mr Reith and Mr Ruddock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned respectfully showeth. We most strongly oppose the process of Food Irradiation by radioactive Cobalt 60 or any other radioactive substance. We oppose the introduction of regulations that will facilitate the food irradiation process by State Governments. We express our deep concern at this attempt to extend the use of radioactive substances and exposure of workers to radiation. We call on the Government to immediately ban the importation of radioactive Cobalt 60 or other radioactive substances and to immediately disallow the regulations that permit the irradiation of food here in Australia. by Mr Charles,Mr Cunningham,Ms Fatin,Mr Hollis,Mr Macphee,Mr Milton and Mr Scott. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth that whereas: 1. The present Australian national flag is not distinctively and uniquely Australian and is confused with other national flags. 2. The people of Australia have never had an opportunity to express their views on an appropriate Australian national flag in a referendum. 3. The present Australian national flag does not properly represent Australia as a sovereign, independent nation. 4. The present Australian national flag falsely proclaims Australia as a colony, homeland, protectorate, dominion or government department of Great Britain. 5. The first condition in the flag competition of 1901 required that the design should show Australia's loyalty to the British Empire. The British Empire no longer exists. 6. A public opinion poll held in 1984 using the Gallup Method revealed that 52% of Australians surveyed wanted a competition for a new design for the Australian flag. 7. There is no inherent link between Australia proclaiming a unique and distinctive flag and the political issue of Australia moving to a republican form of government. 8. The adoption of a truly Australian national flag would serve as a focal point for Australia's bicentennial celebrations in 1988. Your petitioners therefore pray that your honourable House will: (a) Appoint a Committee of the Parliament with representatives from both Houses and all parties to invite and consider proposals for the design of a new Australian national flag, and (b) Require that Committee to make recommendations on the form of a minimum cost referendum at the time of the next general elections, in which the electors will be given the opportunity to vote for a flag from a selection of at least three designs which will include the present Australian national flag and the winner of the Ausflag-Bulletin-2MMM.FM competition of March 1985. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Cohen,Mr Spender,Mr Willis and Mr Young. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned shows: That the Hawke Government should: pass on the full benefit of lower international oil prices on 1 March 1986; not increase or extend fuel taxes; and maintain its tax cut commitments. Your petitioners humbly pray that the Hawke Government honour its commitment to the Import Partity Pricing policy. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Ian Cameron,Mr Hawker,Mr Hunt,Mr Reith and Mr Ruddock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Richmond electorate respectfully showeth that: The Hawke Labor Government's refusal to pass onto motorists, farmers and small businessmen, and the community as a whole, the full effect of the drop in world oil prices will decrease Australia's competitiveness as a trading nation. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Act immediately to adhere to the oil world parity pricing policy, and give the full flow-on of the drop in world oil prices to the Australian public and the business sector. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Blunt. To the Honourable the Speaker, and Members of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Australia assembled. We, the undersigned, plead that Parliament will legislate, or act in accordance with the present legislation to replace the current members of the Film Censorship Board who have admitted to Senator Harradine on 12th December, 1984 as reported in the Senate Select Committee on Video Material, (see attached extracts), that they are not applying either the blasphemy or obscenity tests as required under the provisions of the Customs (Cinematograph Films) Regulations, and that these persons be replaced by persons who will apply these and the other related test in accordance with the said Regulations. Your petitioners humbly pray that you will give this matter your earnest consideration. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Dubois,Mr Ronald Edwards,Mr Gear,Mrs Kelly,Mr Leo McLeay,Mr McVeigh and Mr Wilson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of the Mallee electorate respectfully showeth: That all legitimate business expenses incurred in earning or producing assessable income should be allowable deductions. That the proposed Capital Gains Tax is an unwarranted burden on the rural sector, which will severely affect its long term viability. That the delay by the Government in introducing the legislation into Parliament is causing confusion and hindering farmers in the organisation of their affairs. Your petitioners humbly pray that the Government introduces the Capital Gains Tax legislation without delay and that the Australian Democrats join with the Opposition to defeat the proposed legislation. by Mr Peter Fisher,Mr Hawker,Mr Hunt and Mr Ruddock. To the Speaker and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives of the Australian Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: We the undersigned residents of Australia totally reject any move to cut funding to Australia-wide English as a Second Language programs in schools. We request that the Australian government restore funding to the 1985 level in the 1986/87 budget. by Mr Leo McLeay,Ms Mayer,Mr Ruddock and Mr West. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This petition of concerned Australian citizens respectfully points out: That, for our survival, an effective Worldpeace Initiative needs to be established to work towards mutual understanding, world disarmament, economic well-being for all and full employment. This Initiative will help to ensure a sustainable society conserving natural resources, and revitalising soils essential for growing a plentiful and healthy food supply and tree cover for the needs of present and future generations. By working for these objectives, Australia can set an example for the rest of the world. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honourable House will: 1. Propose to the United Nations General Assembly that 1989 be declared International Year for Repairing the Earth. 2. Implement action programs leading up to 1989 which will include: (a) Actively supporting the International Year of Peace in 1986 by reallocating at least 10% of our military expenditure to fund environmental repair programs. (b) Implementing national recycling programs to reuse water, and to compost into hygienic humus all presently wasted organic garbage and sewage-sludge mixed with fine ground powder from mineral-rich gravels and rocks, to use as a natural fertiliser in revitalising improverished soils; (c) Developing national developing programs giving priority to the planting and growing of healthy forests, food-producing trees and other crops and vegetation including environmentally sound use and reuse of water to assist the greening of Australia. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Baldwin,Mr Jacobi and Ms Jakobsen. To the honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This petition of concerned Australian citizens respectfully points out: That, for our survival, an effective Worldpeace Initiative needs to be established which will work towards mutual understanding, world disarmament, economic well-being for all, fulfilling employment, a sustainable society conserving natural resources and revitalising soils essential for growing a plentiful and healthy food supply and tree cover. By achieving these objectives, Australia can set an example for the rest of the world to follow. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honourable House will: 1. Create an Australian Ministry for Peace specifically devoted to peace-building and the non- violent resolution of conflict. 2. Convene a national Summit for Survival to discuss the issues of world disarmament, security and national and international co-operation; 3. Support the United Nations World Disarmament Campaign by allocating the equivalent of at least 10% of our military expenditure to fund peace activities; 4. Actively assist the International Year of Peace in 1986 by initiating programs for peace education, self help development and environmental repair; 5. Develop National Employment Programs to give priority to the planting and growing of forests, food-producing trees and other crops to assist the greening of Australia. 6. Implement National Recycling Programs to reuse water and to compost all presently wasted domestic sewage-sludge and organic garbage with mineral-rich gravel dust, a by-product from rock quarries and mines, into hygienic humus, a natural fertiliser, for use in revitalising impoverished soils. 7. Propose to the United Nations General Assembly that 1989 be declared International Year for Repairing the Earth. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Free and Mr Jacobi. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth that whereas: (a) Aboriginal and Islander languages, which numbered approximately 260 when Europeans first arrived, are even more seriously endangered-already 145 have become extinct. (b) English-speaking population expansion and English-speaking mass media expansion threatens the survival of the remaining languages of Australia. (c) Aboriginal languages reflect an ethos that is truly Australian and unless steps are taken to implement language maintenance, this ethos will be lost not only to Aborigines but to non-Aboriginal Australians, and to the world. We humbly pray the Government to: 1. Through the Prime Minister's Department, provide $300,000 per annum for a guaranteed period of ten years to enable the Aboriginal community of Australia to establish a co-ordinating body to implement steps to prevent the extinction of the remaining languages, and to introduce programmes which will enable these languages to continue into the future for the sake of all Australians. This body will enable us to maximize existing financial, material, and human resources, and is the least expensive way of implementing urgently needed maintenance programmes. 2. Through the Prime Minister's Department, provide finance for the establishment of Regional Language Centres-ten are urgently needed-cost $200,000 each. And we pray you may be conscious of God's sovereign purposes for our Nation and your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Everingham,Mr Holding and Ms Mayer. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled in Parliament. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth: That many Australian wage and salary earners and self-employed persons do not enjoy secure retirement incomes provided by superannuation; and That the Government issued in December 1985 Guidelines for the implementation of the proposed productivity decision by the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and draft Operational Standards for Superannuation schemes. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Government: 1. Guarantees to every employee the right and freedom to select the superannuation scheme of his/her choice. 2. Protects the individual exercising that freedom of choice from any coercion, influence or other pressure which may be applied by any employer, association or trade union. 3. Will recognise only those schemes which provide genuine superannuation and reject those schemes which do not provide for- preservation of benefits to retirement vesting of employer contributions on a reason- able sliding scale equal employer and employee control with adequate security of investments. And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Adermann,Mr McVeigh and Mrs Sullivan. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament House. The petition of certain citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That the Bill of Rights is a dangerous piece of legislation which gives us no new legally enforceable rights; That the Bill of Rights leaves out vital rights such as the right not to belong to a trade union, the right to own private property, the right to a private education; That the Bill of Rights gives dangerous new powers to a Federal Government Commission to investigate in private, without legal representation and with criminal penalties for refusing to co-operate; That the Bill of Rights deals with our rights; therefore we, the people, should say whether we want it by a referendum. Your petitioners humbly pray that you repeal the Bill of Rights legislation and not restrict the individual freedoms of Australians and its present justice system, nor in any underhand way centralise power in our three tier system of Government. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Dr Harry Edwards and Mr Hawker. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth that whereas: They consider that the people of the Philippines have been unjustly and corruptly defrauded of large sums of money by ex-President Ferdinand Marcos, his wife and their associates, that much of this ill-gotten wealth has been invested in countries outside the Philippines, including Australia, and that, in the interest of social justice, it should be returned to the Philippines, to be used for the benefit of its people. Your petitioners therefore pray that your honourable House will: Take all possible steps to repatriate to the control of the Philippine Government all assets and financial interests that ex-President Marcos, his wife and their associates may have in Australia. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Aldred and Mr Peter Fisher. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament Assembled. This petition of citizens of Australia shows that- Approximately 100,000 Australians live on the verge of homelessness, dependent on Government resources to survive, or sleep out of doors or in refuges. Over 700,000 households, or in excess of 2 million Australians are living below the poverty line after paying their rent or mortgage costs. In addition, there are thousands of households with special needs, such as the disabled, who are not well catered for in the private sector but who nevertheless require suitable housing. Waiting lists for public housing have almost doubled in the past five years to 146,000 by June 1985. The list is expected to grow to some 250,000 by 1990. We therefore ask that the Australian Government, as a highest priority undertake a campaign to bring the issue of poverty and, in particular, housing-related poverty, to the attention of the Australian public increase expenditure on public housing through the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement, by at least 15 per cent annually in real terms increase rent relief payments for those on low incomes in the private rental market use its influence with State and Territory governments to encourage them to increase their expenditure on public housing. by Ms Fatin and Mr Jenkins. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled, this petition of the undersigned respectfully shows: 1. The agreement between the United States of America and Australia concerning the Joint Defence Space Research Facility at Pine Gap can be terminated from 19 October 1986. 2. In the advent of war between the United States and the Soviet Union access by the United States to Pine Gap facilities makes it a prime nuclear target. 3. That all the most important U.S.A. Bases in Australia have nuclear First Strike functions is clear, with Pine Gap for example having the ability to pick out land targets for the U.S.A. Sea-Launched Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. 4. Action against U.S.A. Bases in Australia is overdue and urgent. They endanger world peace and are an outrageous violation of Australia's National Sovereignty. We most strongly oppose any renewal of the Pine Gap lease to the U.S.A. and call for its closure and all U.S. Bases in Australia, and your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Holding and Mr Macphee. To the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia shows that: in this International Year of Peace, 1986, the world needs a Nuclear Test Moratorium by the United States, the Soviet Union, France and other nuclear-testing powers that such a moratorium would create a favourable climate and basis for the negotiation of a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty that such a Moratorium and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty would be the first vital step to nuclear disarmament impede the development of new nuclear weapons decrease the reliance upon an unstable nuclear strategy inhibit the spread of nuclear weapons. Your petitioners therefore ask that the Australian Government be urged to 1. Use its influence with the United States Government to encourage it to join the moratorium on nuclear testing begun by the Soviet Union on 6 August 1985. 2. Use its influence in all forums to encourage other nuclear nations to join the Nuclear Test Moratorium. 3. Use its influence in all forums to encourage non-nuclear nations to demand the establishment of a Nuclear Test Moratorium and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. by Mr Jenkins and Mr Scholes. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament Assembled. The petition of the undersigned members of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association and Australian citizens respectfully showeth that: 1. The Sex Discrimination Act, passed by Parliament in 1984, will automatically make unenforceable from 1st August 1986 the weight lifting limits applicable to women employees and contained in State laws, regulations and awards. 2. These weight lifting limits have applied throughout Australia for many years and have acted to prevent many injuries at the workplace, thereby avoiding much suffering and loss of working time. 3. The removal of this protective legislation will increase the rate of injury among women employees and lead to greater Workers' Compensation costs for employers. 4. The weight lifting limits do not in any way hamper the achievement of equality and equal opportunity in employment for women employees in the workforce. Your petitioners therefore pray that the Parliament will amend the Sex Discrimination Act to enable the weight lifting limits for women employees to continue and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Beazley and Mr Maher. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: (1) that the phasing down and eventual closure of the services of the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Centre at Glen Waverley will be detrimental to the rehabilitation of disabled Australian citizens; (2) that the Glen Waverley Rehabilitation Centre is ``purpose'' built and its loss would deprive disabled Australian citizens of a unique multi-million dollar facility; (3) that the essential accommodation for disabled Australian citizens will no longer be available. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray: (1) that the phasing down of the services of the Glen Waverley Rehabilitation Centre be reversed immediately; (2) that the one-hundred-and-four-bed residential facility be fully utilised immediately; (3) that sufficient funding is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Community Services to operate the Centre at full capacity. And we pray you may be conscious of God's sovereign purpose for our Nation. And your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Aldred. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. the humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia showeth that: We are opposed to the imposition of a Capital Gains tax. Your petitioners humbly pray: that the Honourable House repeal any Act and reject any Bill which imposes this disincentive to economic growth. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Beale. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth the legislation to tax fringe benefits is iniquitous, inequitable and unfair. Your petitioners humbly pray that you do not proceed with the legislation. by Mr Beale. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undesigned citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher respectfully showeth that: The legislation to tax fringe benefits is iniquitous, inequitable and unfair; It will severely disadvantage both employees and employers; Employees will clearly lose many fringe benefits as a direct result of the additional heavy taxation burden being imposed upon employers; Employers will be forced to pay even higher levels of taxation to provide fringe benefits for employees. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Immediately abandon the Fringe Benefits Tax. And your petitioners as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives, of the Parliament of Australia assembled. We, the undersigned, plead that Parliament becomes aware that the Public has no legal right to influence the setting of Standards for Television Programming, that we deplore the new Standards which came into force on 1st February, and that we call on Parliament to amend the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942, section 16 (2), so that the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal, when determining Television Standards, and screening hours, shall consult with the Australian people: because at present the Tribunal is compelled by law to consult only with television stations on these matters. because the new standards are a result of such consultation, and have already been implemented without public discussion, because the new Standards are ambiguous, and without definition, because the new Standards are composed of modifying terms which circumvent the proscriptions, because the media is only motivated by aspirations of pecuniary superiority, because, in contrast, the public is only motivated by their wish to exercise pastoral care over the nurturing home environment of their children, because we believe that the Standards wrongly ascribe extreme importance to ``the storyline'' of a film screened, because we believe that the Standards wrongly ascribe total unimportance to the effects of viewing, especially violent films, on the young, the impression- able, the immature, the unstable, or the socially disadvantaged, because we refuse to accept the media-imposed assessment of community standards, and because we wish to impart our demand to be consulted, our demand to have legal status in decision-making, and the right to counsel those whose decisions so deeply affect our homes. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that you will give this matter your earnest attention, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Beazley. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament Assembled. The humble petition of we, the undersigned citizens of Australia, respectfully showeth: 1. the recent mini budget formulated by the Federal Government contains substantial cuts to pre-school services. 2. That such cuts are detrimental to the interests of children undergoing pre-school education and to the interests of their parents. 3. Reductions in expenditure represent a misallocation to priorities in respect to Government expenditure. 4. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that restitution on previously announced levels of funding to the pre-school sector of education. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Dr Blewett. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The petition of the undersigned respectfully showeth: That your petitioners are greatly concerned at: (a) The ready availability of X-rated videos including pornographic and violent material; and (b) The increased tendency to highlight so many forms of sexual activity in the media without regard to the susceptibilities of the general public; and As a consequence, Your petitioners most humbly pray that the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled should take action to 1. Prevent the importation and sale of hard core pornography and grossly obscene publications. 2. Require the censorship authority to more appropriately reflect responsible community attitudes in determining classification and suitability of films and videos to be shown to Australian audiences; and 3. Ensure greater propriety in television productions, local and overseas, telecast to Australian audiences. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Conquest. To the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned electors of Australia respectfully showeth: That the Government should cancel the Fringe Benefits Tax they intend to impose on businesses throughout Australia because: 1. The tax discriminates against charitable organisations, sports clubs, private schools and religious organisations: 2. The tax will mean employees around Australia will suffer reductions in their remuneration packages: 3. The Bill places another impossible burden of paperwork on small business: 4. The Bill is absurd in its application to Government employees, who now constitute 32% of the workforce. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Drummond. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That we, the loyal citizens of Australia firmly express our strong opposition to any proposals to remove or undermine the importance of the place of God and/or the Queen in our national life, and democratic institutions. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray: That the Parliament assembled reaffirm our nation's total dependence on God the Creator in accordance with our Australian Constitution, which commences with the words ``Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God'', and the Standing Orders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives which prescribe that Parliament each day shall open with a special prayer to Almighty God and the Lord's Prayer. We also call on the Parliament assembled to re-affirm our genuine loyalty to our Head of State, the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II-`God save the Queen'. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Free. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia, respectfully showeth that your petitioners are gravely concerned at the practice of strip searching of women prisoners in Armagh Gaol, Northern Ireland. We are appalled that the prison authorities have demanded- Women prisoners in Armagh Gaol to be strip searched up to 32 times more frequently, on average, than women prisoners in Britain. Individual women prisoners in Armagh to be strip searched up to 28 times in one month. The occasional participation of male prison officers in forcing women to undergo strip searches. The insistence that menstruating women remove their sanitary towels and tampons, in order to facilitate strip searches. The strip searches currently being practised are violent, degrading and humiliating. They are a blatant violation of human rights, clearly contravening Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Your petitioners gravely feel that the employment of strip searching in the North of Ireland, by the British Government is designed not for security purposes but to dehumanise and violate the basic dignity of these women prisoners. Your petitioners humbly call upon the Australian Government to lodge a protest with the British Government, calling upon the British Government and the Northern Ireland Office to discontinue the practice of strip searching women prisoners in Armagh Gaol in Northern Ireland immediately. by Mr Steele Hall. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That in January 1983 the Latvian born nursing sister Lidija Lasmane-Doronina was arrested by the Soviet authorities and subsequently sentenced to sixteen years in a strict regime enforced labour camp with an additional three years in exile. She had been charged with maintaining contact with Baptists abroad and for being in possession of a copy of the 1975 Helsinki Accords and of having a list of the Soviet Union's transgressions of them. Since Lasmane-Doronina was only exercising her rights as guaranteed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which the Soviet Union is a cosignator, your petitioners humbly pray that the Members of the House will intercede with the Soviet authorities on her behalf and so secure her early release. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Hawke. To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That in the light of the Labor Government's failure to act to correct the many anomalies in the Assets Test on pensions brought to its notice, the Labor Government's legislation should be repealed before it has an unduly unfair impact on pensioners. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled should immediately seek the repeal of the Labor Government's iniquitous and unfair Assets Test. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Hawker. To the Honourable the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. We, the undersigned, are concerned that the proposed increases in postal charges will impose a crippling burden on private individuals (particularly pensioners and unemployed), on small businesses, and on voluntary and/or charitable organisations which are compelled to circulate newspapers, bulletins and also appeals for financial support. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled, will call upon the Government to use its good offices to prevent any postal increase in the coming financial year and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Hodges. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: This petition of concern to Australian citizens asks that: 1. The Australian Government exert pressure on Moscow to- (a) Allow the International Atomic Energy Commission full expert investigation of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its human consequences; (b) Allow Australian Ukrainians to send medical aid to family and friends in Soviet Ukraine; and, (c) Allow free communication between Australian and Soviet Ukrainians. 2. The Australian Government- (a) Launch a public appeal to help the Chernobyl victims; (b) Support the removal of Russian nuclear weapons out of Ukraine; (c) Support the decolonization of the USSR so that captive nations like Ukraine and the Baltic States are not exploited for Soviet Russian nuclear purposes. And your petitioners as in duty bound ever pray: by Mr Howard. Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament of Australia assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned of Australia respectfully shows us: No. 1. That this is not Canberra's money to muck around with. The money was taken from our husbands through their tax to give to us mums. No. 2. That our children do not suffer. No. 3. That our families have enough hardships without taking any more away from us. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Parliament of Australia will: No. 1. Please not to proceed with the cutting of our Endowment. No. 2. Ensure our children do not suffer because of your Parliament. by Mr Howe. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. We the undersigned believe that the allocation of funding to Radio 4eb should be increased to a minimum amount of $250,000 for the 1986-87 financial year. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled undertake that funding in subsequent years be at an adequate level. by Mr Humphreys. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned shows: That the proposed introduction of compulsory identification (ID) cards should be reconsidered and rejected because the system: (a) is not a cost-effective method of reducing tax evasion and social security fraud and, to the contrary, in the form proposed will facilitate such evasion and fraud; (b) will constitute an unwarranted infringement of individual privacy by the aggregation of a wide variety of personal information of a private nature; (c) will cause a further large and costly growth in the bureaucracy and burden on the taxpayer; and (d) cannot be guaranteed against misuse for purposes other than for which their introduction is stated to be intended and in fact provide the opportunity for blackmail and other forms of misuse. And your petitioners humbly pray that the problems which identification cards are intended to reduce should be attacked by other, more effective and less obnoxious methods. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Jacobi. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of Australia respectfully shows that: The lack of a Medicare office in Lalor/Thomastown is seriously inconveniencing the residents of the shire of Whittlesea. Your petitioners therefore request that a Medicare office be established in Lalor/Thomastown as soon as possible. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Jenkins. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned electors of Australia respectfully showeth: That we ask the Parliament to refrain from interfering with our pensions, `which is below the poverty line'. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Jull. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher in Queensland respectfully showeth: That the current policy pursued by the Hawke Government is causing an intolerable increase in home loan interest rates beyond the capacity of families to pay. That consequently this policy is causing grave hardship throughout Australia and is contributing to social problems and the breakup of the family unit. That unless the Government act urgently the Australian dream of home ownership is fast becoming shattered for many of our citizens. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Government make home loan interest rates tax deductible therefore alleviating the present crippling burden of current high interest rates on home owners and home buyers. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Jull. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled in Parliament: The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House: That we the undersigned are greatly concerned by and totally opposed to the decision by Australian Post to close the Lisarow Post Office. Your petitioners therefore request that the Government take steps to rescind Australia Post's decision to close Lisarow Post Office. by Mr Lee. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That we protest against the current system of Apart- heid in South Africa on the grounds that we claim that all people of all races are the same and should therefore be treated equally by all governments. We want to see the abolition of this system and further urge the Government to implement the Eminent Persons' Recommendations on South Africa. And your petitioners, in duty bound, forever pray. by Mr Macphee. To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. We the undersigned citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia do humbly pray that the Commonwealth Government in Re-structuring the taxation system, upholds as fundamental the principle of an equitable distribution of wealth among the people of our nation, and 1. That the Government does not levy any form of broadly based indirect or consumption taxation, and 2. That the Government does levy gift and death duties, excluding the family home from the latter, and a substantial tax on realised capital gains and wealth. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Ms Mayer. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble Petition of certain electors of Australia respectfully sheweth: That the Bill of Rights Bill, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Bill, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Amendment Bill and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill, if passed by the Parliament, will undermine human and civil rights in Australia; will attack the institution of the family in our country, and will destroy States Rights and the federal nature of our Commonwealth. Your Petitioners humbly pray that the Parliament rejects these Bills; abolishes the Human rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and moves to withdraw ratification of the International Covenant on civil and Political rights. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Nehl. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives assembled in Parliament. The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the house: That we the undersigned are greatly concerned by and totally opposed to the proposed taxation changes and the introduction of new taxes, that the fringe benefit taxes, provisional taxes on income paid 12 months in advance and in quarterly payments, superannuation (compulsory) either run by unions or not the expansion of payroll taxes and any proposal to levy on the Business community any range of new taxes laws or penalties. We wish you to repudiate any, or all of these taxes in part or full. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Federal Commonwealth Government of Australia will protect our society from these taxes. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr O'Keefe. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The Petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth objection to the Metric system and request the Government to restore the Imperial system. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Peacock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth that we the undersigned are totally opposed to the Government's policy to tax pony club income. Your petitioners urge the House of Representatives and the Government of the Commonwealth to allow tax exempt status for pony clubs. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Reith. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in the Parliament assembled. The petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth that: The fringe benefits tax will cause hardship to business throughout Australia, especially in the already severely depressed rural sector and in the motor vehicle industry. The fringe benefits tax will be a disincentive to employment and worse, will result in additional unemployment. The economy of this country would best be served by policies that lightened the tax burden, not increased it, that encouraged enterprise, not stifled it and stimulated growth, development and jobs, not prevented it. Your petitioners therefore pray that the House will repeal this Legislation. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Rocher. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That we strenuously object to the proposal that the Post Office at Marsfield be closed. The Post Office serves a community need and we would be seriously inconvenienced by having to travel to another centre for our postal and banking requirements, or even to collect registered, certified letters and parcels. Many of us are pensioners and the cost of such travel would be an unnecessary imposition. The nearest Post Offices are about 2kms away with no convenient public transport. Also for those of us who work during the week, this is the only Post Office open on Saturday mornings where we can collect our parcels, do our mailing and other services it provides. We maintain that the purpose of Post Offices should be to serve the public for the variety of services they offer, and that they should not be closed merely to save money or help Australia Post make a profit. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the House should take all possible steps to prevent the closure of Marsfield Post Office. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Ruddock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of the undersigned Citizens of Australia respectfully sayeth: That we the undersigned are totally opposed to any taxation change which involves a tax on Health Fund contributions, health charges or benefits; That we are already required to pay a 1 percent levy to partly finance the Medicare scheme and that we would regard any further taxation of our health insurance arrangements as unfair and unreasonable; That therefore we urge the Government to ensure that there is no taxation on illness and no special taxation on those who seek to insure themselves against the cost of private health care. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Ruddock. To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This humble petition of citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: S.W.A.P.O. is recognised by the United Nations as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people. The situation in Namibia is of particular importance to Australians, given Australia's position as a member of the United Nations Council for Namibia, in effect a member of the UN, the government for Namibia in exile and therefore has a legal international entrusted responsibility to the people of Namibia, responsibilities which it must be prepared to take seriously in order to bring about social justice, freedom and independence for Namibia and genuine peace in that Region. Therefore this humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully requests the Government to urgently initiate the following steps: 1. To fund a S.W.A.P.O. Office in Australia, such funding to continue until a free Namibia is able to establish an Embassy in Canberra. 2. That all commercial, sporting and cultural ties with the Republic of South Africa be severed forthwith. 3. That all diplomatic ties with Pretoria be severed. 4. To give decent support to S.W.A.P.O. agriculture and educational programs. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Saunderson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled: The Petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That whereas the Commonwealth of Australia ratified with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1983, the Government of Victoria in passing the Planning (Brothels) Act 1984 is in breach of Article 6 of the Convention which says that ``States Parties shall take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of prostitution of women''. That the Victorian Planning (Brothels) Act 1984 provides legal authority to brothel operators to traffic in and exploit the prostitution of women and to live off the earnings of prostitutes. That whereas the Federal Minister for Health has counselled citizens to shun promiscuity (The Australian 26/1/85) because of the serious and sometimes fatal health hazards, the operations of legalised brothels encourages promiscuity and the spread of diseases, including AIDS. Your petitioners therefore pray that the Government of Australia having ratified the UN Convention on Women remain consistent in its obligations to uphold the Articles of the Convention and request the Victorian Government to immediately repeal the Planning (Brothels) Act 1984. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Saunderson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: We the undersigned citizens of the Commonwealth do humbly pray that the Commonwealth government: 1. Uphold the principle that the seeds and cuttings of plants are a public resource and a common heritage to all and that accordingly seeds should be freely available to all, freely multipliable, able to be sold, exchanged, exported and imported by anyone who wishes. This is seen as a matter of national food security. 2. Recognize that plant breeding is a highly co-operative venture often involving private enterprise at the very last stages after basic seed collection, storage, and research has been publicly funded. 3. In view of the aforementioned paragraphs, recognize that any system giving `property' or ownership rights over seeds to individuals, organisations or enterprises is inappropriate and unjust. 4. Recognize that legislation establishing plant patenting schemes overseas has had serious adverse effects namely: (i) a slowing-down of scientific information exchange and exchanges in basic plant breeding materials, that is, germ plasm, (ii) subordination and/or curtailment of public breeding programmes, (iii) farmer unrest at seed prices, (iv) monopoly control of seed production and sales has passed into the hands of giant petrochemical and drug corporations also marketing crop chemicals, (v) increased uniformity of crop varieties leading to a vulnerability to pest and disease attack. 5. Reject any proposal to legislate for any system such as the drafted Plant Variety Rights Act, which gives exclusive ownership rights over seeds to individuals, organisations or enterprises. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Scholes. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth that: 1. We oppose the export of Australian fauna and are concerned that some groups and individuals with a vested interest in the bird trade are lobbying to legalise the export of cockatoos and galahs. 2. We oppose trapping birds in the wild for commercial trade in our own country. Your petitioners therefore pray that your Honourable House will: 1. Maintain our laws which forbid the export of our native birds. 2. Bring pressure to bear on the States to outlaw the trapping of birds in the wild for commercial trade. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Scholes. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. This petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: That the humble petitioners respectfully believe that the representatives in Australia of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and of the South West African People's Organisation of Namibia(SWAPO) should not have to suffer unending financial problems related to the cost of rent, food and clothing, and the maintenance of two small offices run on the most austere basis. Your petitioners therefore pray and urge Australian Government provision of: 1. Official recognition of the ANC and SWAPO as the legitimate representatives of the people of South Africa and Namibia; 2. Financial support to the offices and representatives of the ANC and SWAPO to promote the anti-Apartheid cause in Australia; 3. Additional financial support for the official representatives of the ANC and SWAPO to assist the humanitarian needs of Namibian and South African refugees who are victims of Apartheid; 4. Scholarships for South African and Namibian refugees. These to be provided through the ANC and SWAPO education departments. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Scott. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws the attention of the House to the high cost of ski lift tickets imposed during winter by the operators of resorts within the Snowy Mountains of Australia. Your petitioners below believe The Snowy Mountains are an asset for all Australians to enjoy and should be within the financial reach of all and not just the wealthy few. Your petitioners therefore request that the Parliament take action to reduce the cost of ski lift tickets imposed by the operators of resorts within the Snowy Mountains. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Sharp. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of Australia, electors of the Division of Calare shows the proposed gold tax will severely affect the livelihood of numerous people involved in the exploration, mining and service divisions of the gold mining industry in this district. Your petitioners therefore pray that the proposed gold tax not be introduced. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Simmons. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled in Parliament. The petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House that a known terrorist organisation is operating in Australia under the name of African National Congress with quasi diplomatic status and with the support of the Australian Government. Your petitioners therefore request that the Australian Government will take appropriate action to: Withdraw Government support for this organisation; Expel any officials of this terrorist organisation resident in Australia or visiting under visa conditions. by Mr Sinclair. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Australia respectfully showeth: 1. That following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 26th April 1986, the Soviet Union has not yet adequately explained to its citizens or those of the Soviet-occupied Baltic States, Ukraine and other areas affected by the radiation fall-out the potential short-term and long-term health hazards and the available modes of prevention or reduction of radiation poisoning. Neither have the appropriate medicines for substitution therapies to minimise bodily accumulation of radioactive elements been adequately provided. 2. That the Soviet Union operates many nuclear power stations without the elementary structural safeguards against radioactive spillage regarded as mandatory in the West. Of particular concern is the safety of the largest Soviet nuclear power station at Ignalina in Soviet occupied Lithuania, of similar design to Chernobyl, which already has a record of operational problems. Radioactive spillage at Ignalina would quickly contaminate the whole of Latvia, Lithuania as well as vast areas of Europe. We request that the Australian Government will, 1. Through the World Health Organisation, provide medical aid and broadcast medical information to the victims of radiation exposure following the Chernobyl disaster. 2. Through the United Nations Organisation request the Soviet Union, (a) to close down all nuclear power stations similar to Chernobyl till protective structures are built. (b) permit international inspection of such safety structures. And your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Wilson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher in Queensland respectfully showeth: That the current policy pursued by the Hawke Government is causing an intolerable increase in home loan interest rates beyond the capacity of families to pay. That consequently this policy is causing grave hardship throughout Australia and is contributing to social problems and the breakup of the family unit. That unless the Government act urgently the Australian dream of home ownership is fast becoming shattered for many of our citizens. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Government makes home loan interest rates tax deductible therefore alleviating the present crippling burden of current high interest rates on home owners and home buyers. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the electorate of Fisher respectfully showeth that: Whereas the present Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has purported to present the title deeds to Ayers Rock in Central Australia, in reality the joint property of the people of the Commonwealth to an Aboriginal Land Council on 26 October 1985. Whereas opinion polls and statements of representative groups, Members of Parliament and respected individuals show clearly that the Commonwealth Government had no mandate from the citizens of the Commonwealth to act in such a disgraceful manner. Whereas the present Government claims to be totally opposed to apartheid (separate development) in South Africa but purported to hand over Ayers Rock to an Aboriginal Council in support of a policy of apartheid (separate development) which has been shown to be detrimental to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Whereas it is pursuing this policy making it a crime for most white and many Aboriginals to enter, without permit, large areas of the Commonwealth designated apartheid (i.e., set aside for separate development), contrary to our democratic traditions and experience of freedom of movement for citizens of all racial origins within Australia. Whereas Australian citizens have no present means available to them to prevent this violation of their natural rights to unfettered common ownership of, and access to, a treasured natural asset. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Seek means available for the protection of the people's interests to reverse this outrage and preserve the democratic traditions of Australia. And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher respectfully showeth that: The total disallowance by the Hawke Labor Government of tax deductibility for entertainment and hospitality expenses will unfairly penalise Australian business and cost thousands of jobs for young and unskilled people. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to abandon its total ban on entertainment expenses and allow tax deductibility for legitimate and necessary expenses. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher respectfully showeth that: The proposed capital gains tax penalises small business, discourages long-term investment, hinders capital formation and will freeze existing investment patterns and limits the investors' ability to adjust to changed market conditions. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to immediately abandon its ill-considered capital gains tax proposal. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Page electorate respectfully showeth that: The Hawke Labor government's productivity-superannuation accord with the ACTU and its support of the superannuation claims of the trade union movement will create an imbalance in industrial power and distort the future development of the Australian economy. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Reject the superannuation claim of the trade union movement, and allow superannuation to develop without trade union domination. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Blunt,Mr Hicks,Mr Nehl and Mr Ian Robinson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Richmond electorate respectfully showeth that: The Hawke Labor Government's Bill of Rights seeks to make changes in the constitutional balance in Australia by intruding into the affairs of individuals and of State and local governments. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Repeal the Bill of Rights legislation and not restrict the individual freedoms of Australians and its present justice system, nor in any underhand way centralise power in our three tier system of government. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Blunt and Mr Ian Robinson. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Richmond electorate respectfully showeth that: The Hawke Labor Government's Bill of Rights seeks to make changes in the constitutional balance in Australia by intruding into the affairs of individuals and of State and local governments. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Repeal the Bill of Rights legislation and not restrict the individual freedoms of Australians and its present justice system, nor in any underhand way centralise power in our three tier system of government. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Hunt. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the Federal Division of Fisher in Queensland respectfully showeth: That the proposed Australian Bill of Rights Bill 1985 will endanger the Federal system of Australia, the State and Federal criminal justice systems, the State and Federal police forces, the State and Federal education systems, the independence of the churches and religious associations, marriage and the family, children, the unborn, the handicapped, the aged and the infirm, employer and employee relationships and Australian society generally. Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Repeal the Bill of Rights legislation forthwith. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of certain electors of the Division of Cowper respectfully showeth: That the Bill of Rights Bill, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Bill, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Amendment Bill and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill, if passed by the Parliament, will undermine human and civil rights in Australia, will attack the institution of the family in our country, and will destroy States rights and the federal nature of our Commonwealth. Your petitioners humbly pray that: The Parliament rejects these Bills, abolishes the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and moves to withdraw ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Hunt. To the Honourable the Speaker and the Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The humble Petition of certain electors of the Division of Cowper respectfully showeth: That the Bill of Rights Bill, the Human Rights Bill and Equal Opportunity Commission Bill, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Amendment Bill, and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill, if passed by the Parliament, will undermine human and civil rights in Australia, will attack the institution of the family in our country, and will destroy States rights and the federal nature of our Commonwealth. Your Petitioners humbly pray that: The Parliament rejects these Bills, abolishes the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and moves to withdraw ratification of the International Covenant or Civil and Political Rights. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Ian Cameron. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. We, the undersigned petitioners of the Federal Electorate of Farrer, do respectfully show our opposition to the introduction of a Fringe Benefits Tax and a Capital Gains Tax, and related legislation. Your petitioners do humbly pray for the repeal of both these pieces of legislation. Such taxes are an additional burden upon Small Business, and lead to increased bureaucracy. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Tim Fischer and Mr Katter. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Richmond electorate respectfully showeth that: There is an urgent need to upgrade and extend the facilities at the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education. Your petitioners humbly pray that the Senate in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Provide the necessary capital funding for the Northern Rivers CAE to ensure North Coast students have access to a tertiary institution capable of providing them with the skills they will need to meet the challenges of the future. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Blunt. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of Richmond electorate respectfully requests that: The world's resources be redirected to the relief of human suffering, starvation, poverty and disease. Your petitioners humbly pray that the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, urge the Government to: Stop spending taxpayers' money on self promotion through high cost high profile but superficial policy on nuclear disarmament and make a genuine bi-partisan commitment to positive and practical policies designed to achieve progressive world-wide nuclear disarmament. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Blunt. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The petition of certain electors of Dawson shows that the proposed Bill of Rights Overlooks basic rights concerning union membership, education and private property, is a basis for massive intrusion into State responsibilities, establishes a Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission with powers similar to a Court but without accepted legal procedures and protections for the accused, and provides no avenue of appeal against decisions of the HR&EOC. The petition further shows that fundamental protection of human rights is already to be found in the Courts, in tolerance, in fair play, belief in democratic institutions and in support for rule of law. Your petitioners humbly pray that the Parliament will not allow the Australian Bill of Rights Bill to pass into law. by Mr Braithwaite. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The petition of certain electors of the division of Lilley shows that there is an area of Commonwealth land surplus to the re-development of the Brisbane Airport site. Your petitioners therefore pray that the Federal Government give favourable consideration to entering into negotiations with the Brisbane City Council in order to provide parkland for the people of Nudgee and surrounding areas. We believe that the nearby residential area is deficient in parkland due to its development prior to the time when provision of parkland by the City Council became a condition of approval for the sub-division of land. Further development of adjoining areas following the opening of the new airport and Gateway Bridge can only make the situation worse. The land to which we refer is situated at the end of Buchanan Road, Nudgee, Queensland, and we believe that part of it would be ideal for use as parkland. by Mrs Darling. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives: The humble petition of citizens in the electorate of the Northern Territory respectfully showeth that the proposed introduction of fringe benefits tax in Australia will destroy the future economic growth of the Northern Territory. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Parliament of Australia take special consideration of the economic growth of the Northern Territory and completely exempt the Northern Territory from the proposed fringe benefits. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Everingham. To the Right Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of New South Wales respectfully showeth: That they strongly support the establishment of the Western Sydney State University as recommended in the Parry Report and call upon the House to establish the Western Sydney State University in conjunction with the New South Wales Government. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Free. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned members of the Coptic community resident in New South Wales respectfully showeth: Whereas the Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Australia, Parish of New South Wales has enjoyed funding under the Grant-In-Aid Scheme since 1980, and has used the funds granted to employ a full-time social worker to assist members of the Coptic community in Sydney in dealing with problems encountered particularly by ethnic minorities in our society. Whereas the problems of the Coptic community in Sydney are, if anything, greater today than they were in 1980. Whereas the Church's application for continued funding under the Grant-In-Aid Scheme for 1985-86 has been rejected by the Honourable the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. Whereas the resultant loss of the services of a full-time social worker will cause immense hardship and distress within the Coptic community in Sydney. Your petitioners therefore pray that the funding of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Australia and Parish of New South Wales under the Grant-In-Aid Scheme be restored for 1985-86, and for so long thereafter as may be necessary in order to meet the needs of the Coptic community in Sydney. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Ms McHugh. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: The humble petition of certain citizens of Queensland, Australia, respectfully showeth that we are totally opposed to any change in the Australian National Flag as declared in the Flags Act (1953). Your petitioners humbly pray that Parliament in its wisdom will take no action to change the Australian National Flag. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Millar. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled: Dear Sir, The Members of the Castlemaine Branch of the Combined Pensioners Association of Victoria humbly petition you to have Rental and Installation Charges for Telephone abolished for Pensioners. It is a heavy burden to Pensioners and with the profit Telecom are making we feel that this is not too much to ask. Your petitioners therefore pray that your Honourable House will: Propose and pass a motion that Rental and Installation charges for pensioners will be abolished. And your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray. by Mr O'Keefe. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives assembled in Parliament. The petition of certain electors of the Division of Kooyong, draws to the attention of the House the lack of full day child care services in the City of Kew compared to the cities of Hawthorn, Sandringham and Mordiallic. Your petitioners therefore ask that our request for finance to establish these facilities through the Department of Community Services, be brought to the attention of Senator Grimes on behalf of the following citizens of the City of Kew. by Mr Peacock. To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled. The petition of certain citizens of the Pine Rivers Shire in Queensland respectfully showeth: That the actions of trade unions have gone beyond their traditional goals of protecting workers' conditions and rates of pay and have reached the point where they are seriously affecting the economic health of the nation and the people. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray: 1. That all Governments throughout Australia acknowledge and protect the Right of Work on behalf of all Australians. 2. That the total sovereignty of individual governments be recognised as a fundamental requirement of a workable, balanced Federal system of government. 3. That all necessary steps be taken to protect the citizens of Australia from any inducement, compulsion, threat or intimidation to join any trade union. 4. That there should be no preference in employment for people who are members of trade unions. 5. That the supremacy of elected governments over the sectional interests of trade unions be recognised, and 6. That the provision of essential services be maintained, free from industrial disruption. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. by Mr Slipper. Petitions received. The following Bills were returned from the Senate without amendment or requests: Companies and Securities Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Customs Tariff Amendment Bill 1986 Bounty and Subsidy Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Dairy Produce Bill 1986 Dairy Produce Levy Bill (No. 1) 1986 Dairy Produce Levy Bill (No. 2) 1986 Dairying Industry Research and Promotion Levy (Termination of Levy) Bill 1986 Dairy Industry Stabilization Levy (Termination of Levy) Bill 1986 Dairy Legislation (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 1986 Australian Citizenship Amendment Bill 1986 Migration Amendment Bill 1986 Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Health Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill 1986 Copyright Amendment Bill 1986 Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill 1986 Grape Research Levy Bill 1986 Grape Research Levy Collection Bill 1986 Wine Grapes Levy Amendment Bill 1986 Wine Research Repeal Bill 1986 Departure Tax Collection Amendment Bill 1986 Air Navigation Amendment Bill 1986 States Grants (Education Assistance-Participation and Equity) Amendment Bill 1986 States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Bill 1986 States Grants (Tertiary Education Assistance) Amendment Bill 1986 Supply (Parliamentary Departments) Bill 1986-87 Supply Bill (No. 1) 1986-87 Supply Bill (No. 2) 1986-87 Fertilizers (Subsidy) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 1) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 2) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 3) Amendment Bill 1986 Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Amendment Bill 1986 Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 1986 Local Government (Financial Assistance) Bill 1986 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (No. 1) 1986 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage (Interim Protection) Amendment Bill 1986 Futures Industry (Fees) Bill 1986 Companies and Securities Legislation Amendment (Futures Industry) Bill 1986 Director of Public Prosecutions Amendment Bill 1986 Futures Industry Bill 1986 Message received from the Senate acquainting the House that the Senate concurs in the resolution of the House relating to the appointment of a Joint Select Committee on Telecommunications Interceptions and that the provisions of the resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders. Assent to the following Bills reported: Australian Federal Police Amendment Bill 1986 Customs Tariff Amendment Bill 1986 Bounty and Subsidy Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Departure Tax Collection Amendment Bill 1986 Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Bill 1986 Fringe Benefits Tax Bill 1986 Fringe Benefits Tax (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 1986 Fringe Benefits Tax (Application to the Commonwealth) Bill 1986 Supply Bill (No. 1) 1986-87 Supply Bill (No. 2) 1986-87 Supply (Parliamentary Departments) Bill 1986-87 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill 1986 Taxation (Interest on Underpayments) Bill 1986 Taxation Boards of Review (Transfer or Jurisdiction) Bill 1986 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1986 Income Tax (Securities and Agreements) (Withholding Tax Recoupment) Bill 1986 Taxation Laws Amendment (Foreign Tax Credits) Bill 1986 Income Tax Assessment Amendment (Capital Gains) Bill 1986 Income Tax (Rates) Amendment (Capital Gains) Bill 1986 Dairy Produce Bill 1986 Dairy Produce Levy (No. 1) Bill 1986 Dairy Produce Levy (No. 2) Bill 1986 Dairy Industry Stabilization Levy (Termination of Levy) Bill 1986 Dairying Industry Research and Promotion Levy (Termination of Levy) Bill 1986 Dairy Legislation (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 1986 Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill 1986 Wine Grapes Levy Amendment Bill 1986 Wine Research Repeal Bill 1986 Grape Research Levy Bill 1986 Grape Research Levy Collection Bill 1986 States Grants (Education Assistance-Participation and Equity) Amendment Bill 1986 States Grants (Schools Assistance) Amendment Bill 1986 States Grants (Tertiary Education Assistance) Amendment Bill 1986 Companies and Securities Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Air Navigation Amendment Bill 1986 Australian Citizenship Amendment Bill 1986 Migration Amendment Bill 1986 Futures Industry Bill 1986 Futures Industry (Fees) Bill 1986 Companies and Securities Legislation Amendment (Futures Industry) Bill 1986 Health Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (No. 1) 1986 Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation Amendment Bill 1986 Copyright Amendment Bill 1986 Local Government (Financial Assistance) Bill 1986 Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 1986 Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill 1986 Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 1986 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage (Interim Protection) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 1) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 2) Amendment Bill 1986 Tobacco Charge (No. 3) Amendment Bill 1986 Fertilizers (Subsidy) Amendment Bill 1986 Director of Public Prosecutions Amendment Bill 1986 Industry Research and Development Bill 1986 Income Tax Assessment Amendment (Research and Development) Bill 1986 Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) — Madam Speaker has received advice from the Opposition Whip that he has nominated Mr Aldred to be a member of the Standing Committee on Transport Safety in place of Mr Downer. Madam Speaker also informs the House of the following nominations of senators and members as members of the Joint Select Committee on Telecommunications Interceptions: Senator Black and Cooney have been nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Archer has been nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in that House and Senator Vigor has been nominated by the Leader of the Australian Democrats. Mr Duncan, Mr Lee and Mr Martin have been nominated by the Government Whip in this House, Mr Ruddock has been nominated by the Opposition Whip and Mr McGauran has been nominated by the Leader of the National Party of Australia. Madam SPEAKER —I have received a letter from the honourable member for Mackellar (Mr Carlton) proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The tragically unnecessary state of economic crisis resulting from the Hawke Government's recklessness, deception and negligence. I call upon those members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the Standing Orders having risen in their places- Mr CARLTON(Mackellar)(3.17) —Last week and this week the Prime Minister (Mr Hawke) came out of his Budget bunker to tell the Australian people that Australia was in a state of economic crisis. He told us that we were to have a tough Budget, a fall in living standards, and a cut in real wages, and that there would have to be all-round sacrifices. The Prime Minister went on the 60 Minutes program on Sunday night and said `The party is over-finito'. But whose party was it in the first place? Who started the binge in the first place? Who declared that it was a party in the first place? Who squandered Australia's resources over three years of a business upswing, and who then has the hide to come and tell the Australian people that the party he started in the first place is now over? The Prime Minister said that the present economic crisis was akin to a state of war in Australia. I ask the Prime Minister: `Whose side are you on in this war?' Who started the assault on the Australian economy in 1974, when, as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Prime Minister was responsible for the highest level of strikes in Australia's history, the greatest single wage increase in one year that we have ever seen-35 per cent in one year-which, at one stroke, destroyed hundreds of thousands of jobs in Australian industry, businesses, farms and individuals? The assault in this war on our economy was begun by the Prime Minister in 1974 and it has been continued by Hawke, Keating, Crean and their mates over the last few years. The case that my colleague the member for Parkes (Mr Cobb) and I will put here this afternoon in this chamber is that this economic crisis is tragically unnecessary. It is brought about not by any external assault on the Australian economy, but by the recklessness followed by the deception and negligence of the Hawke-Keating Administration. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) —Order! The honourable member will refer to Ministers by their titles. Mr CARLTON —I shall be delighted to, Mr Deputy Speaker. I shall call the Minister Assisting the Treasurer the Minister for replying to fringe benefits tax complaint letters. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Order! The Minister's title is known to the honourable member and he will use it. Mr CARLTON —Well, the Minister Assisting the Treasurer who, in the course of his duties, spends most of his time replying to letters complaining about the fringe benefits tax. Let me take the House back for a moment to 1983, because it was back in 1983 that the present phase of the assault on the economy began. It was in this very chamber in April 1983 that the Treasurer (Mr Keating) stood up and told the assembled group here and the nation on television that the Government's economic strategy had two principal elements. The first of these was to bring about a more rapid rate of recovery than would otherwise be possible by spending and borrowing at a much higher rate than any government in Australia's peacetime history. That was the first principal mistake. It was to drive the Australian economy at a higher rate than any of the economies in the developed world and to do it on borrowed money. That was mistake No. 1. Mistake No. 2 was to link wages to inflation. This was an insane step when the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and all its member countries were advising against it and when the experience of developed economies over the previous decade had shown that linking wages to inflation was a disastrous policy. But the Treasurer adopted these two elements of policy as central to Labor's economic strategy. It was inevitable that if we were to do that-given the basic incapacity in many respects of Australian industry to adapt quickly-we would run into serious balance of payments problems, and indeed we did. These balance of payments problems started to become very clear last year and they were exacerbated by a deterioration in Australia's terms of trade. I mention this because the deterioration in terms of trade is being used as the Government's alibi for all its mistakes. But Australia has had deteriorations in the terms of trade before. We have also had other external shocks. We have had massive rises in the price of oil on two occasions; we have had a terrible deterioration in the world economy on a number of occasions; and we have had very bad droughts on a number of occasions. But one way or another we have managed to cope with those external pressures and disasters and get the economy back on the track. This time the Government is trying to use the deterioration in the terms of trade as an excuse for the fundamental mistakes it made in economic strategy in 1983. It was inevitable, regardless of what happened to the terms of trade, that if one did what the Treasurer did, one would run into massive balance of payments problems. Indeed, we did. When did the deterioration become evident? Certainly it was evident to the Treasurer-at least on the terms of trade side-in the last Budget. I quote from Budget Paper No. 1 page 73, of last August: A marked deterioration in the terms of trade is expected, reflecting primarily the relative weakness of world prices for our commodity-based products. Mr Braithwaite —How long ago was that? Mr CARLTON —That was a year ago and that was the first clear sign given to us by the Treasurer himself that Australia should brace itself for terms of trade problems. Other things became clear shortly after that. In October of last year we had a record balance of payments deficit of $1.6 billion. That was a very serious set of figures. The rest of the world could see what was going on, the Opposition was drawing attention to what was going on and a few economic observers and commentators in Australia were prepared to rock the Keating band-wagon and point out what was going on. People in the foreign capitals knew what was going on even earlier in February 1985. They had marked the Australian dollar down by 25 per cent following the Prime Minister's MX missile fiasco. But it was the underlying economics of the situation which originally led to the fall in the dollar. It was triggered by a perception that the Prime Minister was not fully in control of his Government. By the end of 1985 everybody around the world knew the fundamentals of the Australian economy. They knew exactly what would happen to it as a result of the Hawke-Keating policies because in November they marked the dollar down again. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) -Order! I have asked the honourable member to refer to Ministers by their titles. It will make life easier for all of us if he does so. Mr CARLTON —We are referring then to the Prime Minister and the Treasurer and their combined disastrous economic policies. I was referring to the fact that in November last year, because nothing had been done about the terrible balance of payments figures in October and nothing had been done as a result of terrible inflation figures or about excessive wage settlements in October, the dollar was marked down again on foreign markets. Indeed, it was marked down at the very time the Treasurer was travelling to New York and London to try to talk it up. The dollar dropped when the Treasurer went to New York. It dropped again when he went to London. It dropped because the foreign markets knew-they knew last November-that the game was up. The Government panicked and pushed up interest rates to their highest level since the Great Depression. Every small businessman, every farmer and every home owner with a mortgage lives to rue the day last November when the Government had to resort to a high interests rates policy because of the crumbling of its fiscal and wages policies. That happened last November. So everybody externally knew about this, but apparently the Government did not. On 3 January the Opposition put out its four point plan to arrest this situation and to get the economy back on track. It is to the eternal discredit of this Government that it did not accept any of that advice in January. Let the Australian people know that had the Government accepted that advice in January we would not have the need for a tough Budget tonight. The Government did not accept our proposals, which provided for a cut in Government spending; abandonment of the wages and productivity case then before the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission; removal of the anti-business tax policies-the fringe benefits tax, the capital gains tax and all that other rubbish; and a relaxation of foreign investment controls. These proposals, which I remind honourable members were made in January of this year, were ridiculed by the Treasurer and the Prime Minister. The tragedy of this situation is that many more people will be out of jobs, will lose their farms and businesses and will suffer supreme hardship because of the failure of the Prime Minister and the Treasurer to heed our advice in January. I merely quote something the Treasurer said in response to what we were saying as late as March. He said: This reveals something about the rhetoric of the Opposition about there being some sort of economic crisis, which are the words used in the matter of public importance coming up for discussion today. Mr Hunt —When did he say that? Mr CARLTON —That was on 20 March 1986. He went on: It is some crisis when we have a 7.7 per cent non-farm growth! The so-called words of crisis and pessimism coming from the Opposition on the economic outcomes are, of course, absolutely hollow. That is what the Treasurer said on 20 March. He has said a number of other things. This was the deceptive phase as far as the Australian public was concerned-the attitude of `let us lead them up the garden path'. In February the Prime Minister said: As far as the Government is concerned, we assert that the economic fundamentals of policy making in this country are right and will continue to deliver to this country the economic and the employment growth which has put the performance of this country so far ahead of anywhere in the rest of the world. That is what was said by the Prime Minister, Bob Hawke AC, MP, as recorded in Hansard of 13 February 1986. Mr Howard —Was that this year? Mr CARLTON —That was this year. On 20 March the Treasurer said in this House: The fact is that the Government's policy settings this year have been totally correct. Now we come to the really scandalous part of this, because on 9 May-only a few months ago-the Treasurer went to the Economic Planning Advisory Council, the main advisory body, and said: Overall, 1986 is emerging as a year of slower, but still satisfactory growth, a year in which we will see consolidation of the very strong gains of the past three years and-- wait for it- in which the economy can deal with the imbalance on our external account. That was on 9 May. Five days later, one day after disastrous balance of payments figures were released, we had gone from that supreme position to a banana republic. On 14 May the Treasurer said that we were going down the shute. Obviously, if any more evidence were needed that this was a planned campaign of deception of the Australian community, it has to be provided by the juxtaposition of those two statements because one of them has to be an untruth. One of them has to be totally deceptive. I ask honourable members: Which of those statements is totally deceptive? Then there was the period of negligence. Did the Government do anything about the situation even in May? No, it did not. The Prime Minister decided to make a public address to the nation on television. So he did and he called for sacrifice. About a week later his mates in the Waterside Workers Federation of Australia responded to this call for national effort and sacrifice by closing the docks for a week. That is what happened. Then, still ignoring the requirement for a mini-Budget, still ignoring the request to cut back on wages, members of the Australian Labor Party went down to their national conference in Hobart and conducted a sham battle against the Left. But the enemy was on their side because while they were in Hobart talking about economic responsibility, Mr Sword, Mr Crean's successor as head of the Federated Storeman and Packers Union, was bringing Melbourne and Sydney to a halt by cutting off their petrol supplies just to demonstrate that union's economic responsibility. The tragedy of this economic crisis which is what it is; there is no doubt about it-is that it need never have happened. The warnings were there. The warnings were in the Government's own publications if people had looked deeply enough into them. The warnings were there for foreign observers and were provided by the Opposition. But time and again the Government would not respond and, as a result, it stands condemned and will be responsible for the hardships that it will inflict on the Australian people for the rest of this year and beyond. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) -Order! The honourable member's time has expired. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(3.32) —Two months recess certainly has not done anything for the honourable member for Mackellar (Mr Carlton). That was a very pathetic effort. No wonder the honourable member for Wentworth (Mr Coleman) is being pressed out of this place in order that Professor John Huson can come in and take over as shadow Treasurer. We have certainly just heard 15 minutes of a very pathetic effort which would make that at least something worthwhile for this Parliament. Nobody could do a worse job. One of the many contrasts between the Hawke Labor Government and the coalition Opposition relates to credibility. Credibility is a very important word in politics-a very important concept. This matter of public importance before the House today should be examined with that word `credibility' in mind. We need just to look at the words in the matter of public importance. Let us just drag some of them out-emotional words such as `recklessness', `deception' and `negligence'. They show a very small mind and certainly show the hypocrisy of the Opposition when it talks in those sorts of terms. It is not something that is worthy of this Parliament. If we want to have a look at irresponsibility let us look at those words such as `recklessness', `deception' and `negligence' and let us just consider for a moment what their real meaning is. Let us just consider those words in terms of the Opposition's behaviour at Question Time today. Opposition members were so reckless, at a time when we have had two months recess from this place, that they brought into this Parliament not the grave concerns that there are at this time of economic difficulties for this country-they did not bring in such major concerns basically at Question Time-but matters relating to Mr Justice Lionel Murphy and his position. They brought in matters such as the discredited National Times article on the Treasurer (Mr Keating). They are the sorts of things that they have raised. If they want recklessness that certainly gives us an idea of what recklessness is. Mr Hand —Gutter politics. Mr HURFORD —As the honourable member for Melbourne has just said, they are pursuing gutter politics and that is what we ought to be nailing on them. In talking about recklessness I note more significantly the example of the recklessness of the former Treasurer, the honourable member for Bennelong (Mr Howard) and the $9.6 billion blowout in the last Budget that he sought to bring to this country. That is what recklessness means. Let us look at the word `deception'. What about the Opposition being in favour of tax cuts on the one hand but being unable or unwilling to identify any major cuts in expenditure on the other hand? I just need to point out to the House that the Leader of the Opposition's promise to abolish the fringe benefits tax, the capital gains tax, the tax on lump sum superannuation payouts and the assets test would add an annual cost to the Budget of no less than $940m. How does anybody who pretends to be credible, reconcile that tax cut-type rhetoric with the expenditure promises made by the same Leader of the Opposition and his shadow Treasurer, the honourable member for Mackellar, from whom we have just heard, when they list their wanted expenditure cuts to the order of $1.5 billion? Since then the National Party of Australia has gone haywire and has promised a further $500m package of goodies for the rural sector. That gives us some idea of the lack of credibility of the people opposite. If the Leader of the Opposition sadly ever took over as leader of the Government of this country there are only two ways in which he could finance his tax cuts and expenditure promises. The first would be irresponsibly to increase the deficit, as he did as Federal Treasurer in 1982-83 when the Liberals were thrown out of office with an election eve deficit projection, as I mentioned earlier, of $9.6 billion. The second would be to hold a massive sale of public sector assets such as Telecom Australia and the Commonwealth Bank in the same way as the Leader of the Opposition in my home State of South Australia wanted to do during his unsuccessful 1985 State election campaign and, indeed, as the Thatcher Government is doing in the United Kingdom. If we want credibility let us hear from the shadow Treasurer, the honourable member for Mackellar, in this House as to exactly what the Opposition would be doing in these circumstances. Instead we have these massive giveaways by way of promises relating to tax cuts on the one hand and promises of increased expenditure, such as the irresponsible $500m package of the National Party on the other hand. As I have said, all the Opposition has come up with is increases. So we can put in one phrase that it is reckless, deceptive and negligent. The Opposition's total and blatant hypocrisy in bringing this matter of public importance forward is evident, therefore, from the words of the matter itself. In contrast, let me say, in as measured a way as I possibly can, that the Government has a balanced and coherent strategy. This strategy will work and we have no intention of altering it. Of course, the strategy will be explained in further detail tonight when the Treasurer talks to the House and to the nation when giving his 1986-87 Budget Speech. Since this Government came to office we have made fundamental reforms aimed at restructuring the debilitated economy we inherited. Let me go through some of those reforms which will mean a far better structure for us to revive this country's economy in the near future. Deregulating the financial markets so that we have an efficient and innovative financial sector is just one of those reforms. We are ready now to respond to the needs of entrepreneurs in the business community generally. On the other hand, the coalition parties when in government could only aspire to deregulation but they never did things. Without floating the dollar we would never have had the depreciation that this country so desperately needs. This economy has needed it. For 20 years we have had an over-valued dollar and the result of an over-valued dollar was the decimation of our manufacturing industry. Now a whole range of previously uncompetitive industries is competitive again, particularly and most importantly our manufacturing industry. We brought down the most fundamental and far-reaching post-war tax reform despite the dishonest and self-interested bleatings of people in the Opposition. The rorts have been removed and still more will be removed. Personal marginal tax rates will be lowered and the company tax system reformed to remove the double taxation of dividends. The coalition always talked of tax reforms but it never did anything about them. Of course, the leader of the Opposition presided over the most scandalous explosion of tax avoidance and evasion that this country has ever experienced. He could not or would not do anything about it then, and now he has lost his chance forever, I am glad to be able to say for the sake of this country. I shall say something about wages policy. We have negotiated the accords marks I and II under which over 600,000 new jobs have been created, reducing the unemployment rate from over 10 per cent to just over 8 per cent and this occurred despite an increase in the participation rate to record levels, We have had three years of strong, positive and real growth in the economy, thanks to the accords mark I and II. Let us contrast that with the promised actions of the Opposition. It would have us having a market for wages. It would have us having a situation such as that which is being demonstrated by the plumbers and gas fitters right now with what they are seeking to impose on Australia-namely, a breakout from the accord. It would have us determining wages in the law of the jungle with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. That is the sort of wages determination policy that it would have, and it would be in such strong contrast to the accord. I pay tribute to the trade union movement, which has been the other great party to the accord. It has meant that those in the work force have made their sacrifices in wage restraint for those outside the work force. Without that restraint and without the accord, we would not have had the great advance in creating over 600,000 new jobs. There is a sharp contrast between the coalition's policies and ours in relation to the manufacturing sector. We even had an interjection from the honourable member for Forde (Dr Watson) about our currency being undervalued now. I think that that was the effect of his intervention. He certainly suggested that he did not agree with me saying that our currency had been overvalued. I say to him that it is necessary to look only at the lack of competitiveness in our manufacturing industry to realise that that is not so. The need was there to do something about an overvalued dollar, and now that we have done so we shall be in a position to re-industrialise this country. Under the Opposition's policies we had double-digit unemployment, with hundreds of thousands of families thrown into poverty. Under those policies we had double-digit inflation as well, and we had a blow-out in the deficit. I have mentioned the deficit of $9.6 billion that we inherited. We had industrial disputes three times higher than they are now. Company profits were destroyed and there was accordingly a lack of investment. We had a 17 per cent wages blow-out. Let me contrast that with the fine record of achievement during the three years of the Hawke Labor Government, I am proud to be able to remind the House of the results of our economic management. Real gross domestic product had declined by nearly one per cent in 1982-83, the last year of the previous Government. Over the past three years it has averaged an annual growth rate of 4.7 per cent. I have mentioned employment increasing and unemployment falling. Australia has one of the best records in this and in industrial disputation statistics of any other country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Generally, living standards have increased. I repeat that the Government has a fine record. I remind the House once again of what has happened in this latest crisis which we are addressing, and that is the decline in the terms of trade. Last year alone the figures fell by 14 per cent, to a post-depression low. The honourable member for Barton (Mr Punch) who will be speaking after me, will give some examples of what this has meant in the decline in the prices that we are getting for many of our products that we export. For instance, between 1981-82 and 1985-86, average coal export prices fell from $US54.85 a tonne to $US39.41 a tonne, a fall of 28 per cent. The most recent price is about $US38.72 a tonne. I could go on. The honourable member for Barton may find time to talk about wheat, wool, iron ore, alumina, beef and other items. He may have time to give examples of how things are affecting us over which we have no control. The price of our exports has driven Australia to the difficulties which we are now facing and which the Government is addressing, and we shall hear more about the Government's policies this evening. The Leader of the Opposition is on record as saying: `The times will suit me'. He is gleeful at the troubles that Australia is suffering. I tell him that the times will not suit him. He will have to put his policies on record in detail very soon. In fact, he will have to do so on Thursday night. The people will not put up with more vacillating on his part and mere rhetoric. The people will want details. I draw attention to a leading article in the Sydney Morning Herald of only a couple of days ago. It is headed `The Budget and Mr Howard'. The editorial asks how tough he is. It states: When Mr Keating unveils his . . . Budget, and the disadvantaged interest groups are squealing, Mr Howard must remind voters that his Budget would have been even tougher. He will have to get that on record. I opened my remarks today by talking about credibility, and there is not much credibility on the benches opposite. There is even less credibility now, and that will remain the position unless the Leader of the Opposition, in replying on Thursday night, gives details of what his so-called Budget would be. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) -Order! The honourable member's time has expired. Mr COBB(Parkes)(3.47) —The people of Australia who have listened to the psuedo Treasurer, the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (Mr Hurford), could be forgiven if they thought that the economy was in great shape, bearing in mind the diatribe that they would have heard. Everyone in Australia knows that the country is on its knees. The economy is in a mess and yet the Minister handed out to us the sort of stuff that we have just heard. In the short three years that the Government has been in office it already stands condemned on just about every issue that it has touched. For example, in ministeries as diverse as those dealing with foreign policy and Aboriginal affairs we have had the ridiculous MX missile decision and the absurd land rights decision. On social security, we have had the unjust asset-test pension decision. I could continue. In no area, however, has negligence been more prevalent than in that of economic policy. In the eyes of the Australian people the `world's greatest Treasurer' is now fighting to save his medal from rusting away. The chicken Hawke is seeing all his chickens come home to roost. The economic plug has been pulled and we have now moved into a downward vortex. We are running twenty-third out of twenty-four OECD countries in several of the major economic indicators. Let us go through some of those. Inflation in this country is running between 8 per cent and 9 per cent. At the same time, the inflation rate of our trading partners is running between 0 per cent and 2 per cent. I am thinking of countries such as West Germany, the United States of America and Japan. We are falling behind. We have virtually the highest interest rates in the world and the highest real interest rates in this country since the Great Depression. The Government has been trumpeting about the growth rate. It is slowing down, and that is because it was built on high spending and borrowed money. I could give any family of this nation $100,000 and it could live well while it was spending that sum. However, the day comes when money has to be paid back, and that is what is happening now. The Government has trumpeted also about job creation; it has bragged about it. It is now turning round and we are moving into a period of spiralling unemployment, which will continue right through this year and next year. The Government's job creation has been based on borrowed money, the bulk of which has been spent in non-productive areas, such as jobs in the Public Service and in other shonky job creation schemes. In the Community Employment Program area alone, $1,100m has been spent. There have been things like Priority One. The deficit is just about the most devastating economic indicator of all. Let us look at the overseas debt. When this crew took over the overseas debt was running, in round figures, at about $25 billion gross. That was high enough, but what is it today? It has gone over $80 billion. It took 83 years since Federation to get to $25 billion. In three years it has more than trebled to over $80 billion, and next year it will go over $100 billion. In comparing this Government with the Whitlam Government, which everyone condemns, I think we should look at certain factors. The Whitlam Government was condemned, but at least it was open about the things it did. I think this Government is more devious and more cunning and it is getting away with things far worse. Let us look at how our dollar is going. It has dropped to around US60c, or 50c on the trade weighted index basket, and the Treasurer (Mr Keating), the world's greatest Treasurer, is using interest rates to prop it up. At the end of last year he went through the exercise of shoving interest rates up from about 14 per cent to 21 per cent, which nearly crippled every small business and farmer in this country, the wealth producers of this country. He finally saw the error of that method and he laid off that for a while. But what happened two or three weeks ago when the dollar started to plummet again? He rang up the Reserve Bank again and in a period of one week alone interest rates went up 3.4 per cent. He is back to his old tricks. All this will mean is that all available money will go into servicing interest rates and there will be none left over to spend elsewhere in the community. Let us look at the tax indicator. This Government has gone tax mad. In the last 12 months alone we have had tax after tax after tax introduced. The superannuation lump sum tax has been brought in. There has been an attempt to bring in a compulsory 3 per cent superannuation tax. The negative gearing measures have almost destroyed the rental industry. We have had the entertainment tax and the assets test tax on pensioners. Mr Nehl —Disgraceful. Mr COBB —It is disgraceful. We have had the introduction of the capital gains tax and now we have the fringe benefits tax. This Government seems to have a motto: If it moves, tax it; if it does not move, apply a death duty to it. Let us look at the fringe benefits tax. What does the Premier of Western Australia, Mr Burke, say about the fringe benefits tax? He is against it. What does Mr Bannon of South Australia say about the fringe benefits tax? He thinks it is ridiculous. What does Mr Cain of Victoria say about the fringe benefits tax? He thinks it is iniquitous. What does Mr Unsworth of New South Wales say about the tax? He thinks it is an administrative nightmare. What does Mr Warburton of Queensland think about the tax? He also thinks it is ridiculous. The fringe benefits tax, the latest in a long list of taxes, will only create three Ps in this country: Poverty, paper and public servants. The most stupid example surfaced just recently. Last night after midnight, at a quarter past twelve a doctor was called out to an urgent caesarian. But before he started his car to drive away he had to make eight entries in his log book. Mr Chynoweth —What a load of rubbish. Mr COBB —It is not rubbish; it is the truth. A person from a business in Dubbo came into my office the other day. His business has already make 16,000 entries in its log books in the first month alone. People in my electorate are saying: `To hell with the log books'. They are putting them in the glove box and saying that at the end of the three month period they will fabricate the entries and fill in their log books. This is what this measure is doing; it is making cheats out of honest people because it is so ridiculous. As every Labor Premier in Australia has said, it is an administrative nightmare; it is absolute nonsense. The Government has completely lost its grip on reality. It has no concept of how to apply these taxes. It is killing people's initiative to work. It is abolishing the incentive of the people in this country to invest. It is rewarding failure and idleness. If one looks around the Government benches-there are not many Government members here today; only about three-one sees that they are awash with trendies and academics, most of whom have never done a day's work in the real world in their lives. They would not know what it was like to rake up the money at the end of the week to meet a pay cheque for their employees. They have never known what it is like to toss and turn at night wondering how one is going to make the next interest payment. If one has a look at the record of the man running the show, the Prime Minister (Mr Hawke), one sees that he has only come through the trade union movement and that when he led that all he did was introduce violence and aggression into it. He introduced disruption and vandalism to the country and I doubt that the country will ever get rid of it. Mr Hunt —Bourkes store. Mr COBB —Exactly. When he headed the Australian Council of Trade Unions he tried to go into business. He tried to run Bourkes store. What happened to Bourkes store? It went broke. What happened to the ACTU-Solo petrol venture that he went into? It went broke. What happened to the ACTU Jetset Travel Service Pty Ltd, which he was trying to run? It went broke. Now he is trying to run Australia. What is happening to Australia: It is going broke too. The Treasurer and the Prime Minister are trying to bring down the economy of South Africa by putting on sanctions. If they want to bring down the economy of South Africa all they have to do is go over there and run the economy for a few months. Let us look at some of the work practices that grew out of the Prime Minister's ACTU and Australian Labor Party leadership. We need only go to today's paper to see the advertisement placed by Robe River Iron Associates. In the past three months to June 1986, $35m had already been lost through the ridiculous work practices there which this Government is backing up. Employees insist on driving water trucks even when it is raining because it is an easy job to do. It costs $80 to fill up a fire extinguisher if it is done after 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Because nine employees had only six litres of milk for their afternoon tea and they wanted a litre each they delayed the berthing of a ship which cost the customer and the company $42,000. So the story goes on. This epitomises what is wrong with this country. It is not going to improve until we have another election at which the Government will be defeated. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Leo McLeay) —Order! The honourable member's time has expired. Mr PUNCH(Barton)(3.57) —Those at home listening to this debate this afternoon have just had a perfect example of what has happened to this country in 30 of the last 36 years. Honourable members opposite can consign the nation's great ills to the fact that people have to fill in a log book and that workers have afternoon tea, and think that if we got rid of the log books and afternoon tea, the place would be hunky-dory. Quite frankly, if at the next election people want to vote for that kind of substance-or lack of it, as has been so manifestly shown-good luck to this country. Mr Peter Fisher —They did in Rockdale. Mr PUNCH —Let me tell honourable members opposite something about Rockdale. The Liberal primary vote was down and if there was not a whole host of Independents stooging the public and doing their best to run a cover for the political party of those opposite, that sort of swing would not have occurred. What we are concerned with here today are the long term problems of the national economy which require long term solutions based on honesty, courage and the integrity of the interests of this nation, rather than the deceit, cynicism and failure to admit the mistakes of the past that characterises those opposite who have led this country into this predicament across 30 of the last 36 years. Today we have seen their perverted, distorted view of history and the way in which the nation's economy has panned out. Every national commentator who is respectable in the remotest sense agrees that this is a long term problem that requires long term solutions. The reality for those opposite, which they do not like to hear, is that for the vast majority of that time over which these problems have accrued they have been the people in government. To put a finer point on it, for five of the last seven years of conservative rule their present leader was the Treasurer of this nation, the man who had the opportunity to fix these long term problems but did not, and in fact went on to exacerbate them. It is those opposite and their political forefathers who created the economic and industrial structure of this economy that has left us as a nation vulnerable to the collapse in the price of our exports. Now, as usual, the Australian Labor Party-and we have been in office for a relatively short period-has to clean up the mess of those opposite. What are they doing in the meantime? They are busy playing politics, coming up with cliches, diversions from the national interest and destructive criticism. But worse still, as we have seen here today, they are proving to be most treacherous in their rhetoric. They are saying that this country cannot do it. They are saying that this country does not have the innate strength to come out of this predicament and to regain its place in the world. Those opposite take pride in belittling this country. They talk Australia down and, like that lightheaded Lightfoot from Western Australia, they are economic saboteurs of the first order. They seek to blame sections of the Australian population-the wage and salary earners-despite all the facts and all the statistics to the contrary. They seek to paint everybody who has ever had a social security benefit in his life as some sort of bludger and others as second-rate. Only they and their narrow-based constituency are reserved for anything but the worst. The truth of it is that history haunts the honourable member for Bennelong (Mr Howard) and his ramshackle team. I refer to Black Jack McEwen and his political marriage over 20 years ago of the rural big farm interests and the big city manufacturers-what Paul Kelly in a recent article in the Australian called `The incredible alliance'. The article contains some interesting quotes from what was written by Paul Kelly, one of Australia's most eminent journalists and, apart from myself, in all humility, one of the best at the Australian newspaper. He said: The McEwen legacy has hounded the Whitlam, Fraser and Hawke governments. He went on to say that Black Jack McEwen, the Opposition's political forefather, was the godfather of the banana republic. That, my friends opposite, is the sad truth. This country is in this predicament because of the policies of Opposition parties in the past; and, despite the 30 of the last 36 years, the Hawke Labor Government will bring this country out of those problems to a new era of prosperity. Let us have a look at the present Leader of the Opposition and what he has done. During his tenure as Treasurer, he actively brought about a worsening of this problem. In pursuit of the Fraser resources boom-a boom that never happened-the false pretensions created an even further over-valued exchange rate. Exporters and existing import-competing industries suffered intolerably and closed down by the dozen. This action exacerbated inflation. It caused a diversion of financial and entrepreneurial resources away from manufacturing in a process that was compounded by a warped tax system. The proof of this, if those opposite really want to measure their existing Leader, is in a very interesting quote from the November 1981 Stan Kelly memorial lecture by none other than John Stone, one of the Opposition's activists on the campaign trail. This quote, my friends, shows the deliberate approach by the honourable member for Bennelong to lead this nation, when he was Treasurer, further into international debt. This is what the servant of the former Treasurer, the current Leader of the Opposition, had to say: It is only the external option-that is, increasing the current account deficit on the balance of payments-which increases the totality of resources available to the community and thereby gives an immediate increase in growth potential. That is what was said by John Stone in November 1981. It is on record that there was a deliberate policy by the Howard-Fraser Government to plunge this country further into international debt. It is on the public record. It was a deliberate policy, and it was one that served only to exacerbate the damage caused by their political forefathers in their early years. Yet despite that, they come in here this afternoon with this matter of public importance to blame this Government and to try to make political capital. Let me say this here and now: It is not our credibility but the Opposition's credibility that is on the line. The Australian public will remember the current Leader of the Opposition as the Treasurer of those dark years and they will know-if they do not know now, we shall make sure that they do by the next election-what the alternative really means. In the few remaining minutes that I have, let me dispel a couple of myths. I have some interesting figures. In 1980-81, Australia's current account deficit leapt from 1.7 per cent to 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product. In 1981-82, it leapt further to 6 per cent of GDP, which illustrates how suddenly and dramatically the current Leader of the Opposition, when he was Treasurer, put this country on the road to international indebtedness. The interesting point is that this Government has actually lowered the current account deficit as a proportion of gross domestic product compared with what it was when the honourable member for Bennelong was Treasurer-that is, in terms of gross domestic product, this Government has started to turn back the rot that the honourable member for Bennelong put into place. Another cliche put around the community by those opposite is that this foreign debt is somehow government-induced debt. This is not so. Of the $75 billion, only $15 billion is directly related to the Government; $60 billion of the foreign debt comes from the private sector. The other interesting point is this simple fact: If the prices of our commodities had not fallen in the manner in which they have-that is, if the terms of trade had not collapsed as they have-this country would be $6.5 billion better off and not only would there be no balance of payments crisis, as those opposite like to call it, but also there would not be a problem at all. The fact of the matter is that the world has cut our income by 3 per cent. This Government will not shirk from the hard task of bringing this country back to where it should be. But let us have no more of the hypocrisy from those opposite who for 30 of the past 36 years have run the country into the ground. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Keogh) — Order! The honourable member's time has expired. The discussion is concluded. Mr BARRY JONES(Lalor-Minister for Science and Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce)(4.07) —I move: Customs Tariff Proposals Nos. 7 to 13 (1986) and Excise Tariff Proposals Nos. 5 to 8 (1986). The terms of the printed proposals are now being circulated to honourable members. The tariff proposals I have just tabled relate to proposed alterations to the Excise Tariff Act 1921 and the Customs Tariff Act 1982. The Proposals formally place before Parliament, as required by law, tariff alterations made by notices published in the Gazette during the recent recess. Excise Tariff Proposals Nos. 5, 6 and 7 (1986), operative on and from 14 June, 26 July and 16 August respectively, provide for altered rates of excise duty on certain refined petroleum products resulting from the government's decisions on the pricing of indigenous crude oil and related issues. Customs Tariff Proposals Nos. 7, 11 and 13 (1986), operative on and from 14 June, 18 July and 16 August 1986 respectively, provide for corresponding alterations of rates of Customs duty. While rates of diesel fuel rebate alter in conjunction with these duty changes, the rebate rate for eligible primary production has been maintained as a 100 per cent rebate of the duty. The rebate rate changes for eligible mining operations also effectively mean no increase in duty payable. Excise Tariff Proposals No. 8 (1986), operative on and from 1 August 1986, reduce the top marginal rate of excise on old oil produced offshore from 87 per cent to 80 per cent. This concession, announced by the Government on 28 July 1986, will remain in force for the remainder of 1986-87. However, should the Bass Strait import parity price recover to $20 per barrel before the end of the financial year this arrangement will be reviewed. Customs Tariff Proposals No. 8 (1986), operative on and from 15 April 1986, implement changes to remove the 2 per cent revenue duty on certain agricultural chemicals falling within item 38.11 in Schedule 3 to the Customs Tariff Act 1982. This action has been taken to implement part of the Government's economic and rural policy statement announced by my colleague the Minister for Primary Industry (Mr Kerin) and permits the duty-free entry of these chemicals. Customs Tariff Proposals Nos. 9 and 12 (1986) provide for the duty-free entry of certain goods of New Zealand origin. Custom Tariff Proposals No. 9 (1986), operative on and from 1 May 1986, remove the 5 per cent duty previously applicable on certain powered lawnmowers. This action follows a further review under the intermediate goods provisions of the Australia New Zealand closer economic relations trade agreement. Customs Tariff Proposals No. 12 (1986) remove the 4 per cent duty which had applied to certain furniture and parts of New Zealand origin. As a result of representations by the Australian and New Zealand furniture industries to their respective governments, agreement has been reached to bring forward by 12 months the removal of trade restrictions on these goods. The relevant changes are therefore operative on and from 1 July 1986. The two changes contained in Customs Tariff Proposals No. 10 (1986) are operative on and from 1 July 1986. The first change removes the 2 per cent revenue duty on sulphur falling within item 25.03 in Schedule 3 to the Customs Tariff Act 1982. This change forms part of the Government's decision on the report of the Government study group on fertiliser production and consumption in Australia and the Industries Assistance Commission's Report on Fertilisers. The other amendment provides for the continuity of the Government's decision on the Industries Assistance Commission's report on electric motors and generating sets. This decision was originally implemented by Customs Tariff Proposals No. 5 (1986), operative on and from 18 April 1986, but some restructuring of the Customs Tariff Act was required on 1 July 1986 because of the introduction of the revised system of tariff preferences for developing countries on that date. The rates originally implemented by Customs Tariff Proposals No. 5 (1986) are not altered in any way by the current proposals. Summaries of alterations contained in these proposals have been prepared and are being circulated for the information of honourable members. I commend the proposals to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr Tuckey) adjourned. Mr BARRY JONES(Lalor-Minister for Science and Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce) (4.13): I ask leave of the House to move a motion to discharge certain customs tariff proposals which were moved earlier in the session and which constitute part of order of the day No. 46. These proposals were incorporated in the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill 1986 which has now been assented to. Leave granted. Mr BARRY JONES —I move: That Customs Tariff Proposals Nos. 10 to 14 (1985) and Customs Tariff Proposals Nos. 1 and 2 (1986) constituting part of order of the day No. 46, Government Business be discharged. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Young, and read a first time. Mr YOUNG(Port Adelaide-Special Minister of State)(4.14) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill gives effect to several Government decisions relating to the remuneration of parliamentarians, judges and certain other public office holders. The prime purpose is to put into effect the Government's decision not to accept the Remuneration Tribunal's recommendation of an 11.7 per cent increase in parliamentary salaries. In presenting its 1986 review, the Tribunal stated that since 1 July 1984 the salary level of senators and members has been some 11.7 per cent less than ordinarily it should have been. The anomaly arose in the context of the 1984 review when the Tribunal established an equitable base for other groups in its jurisdiction by granting an 11.7 per cent increase, but this increase was not given to members by the Tribunal because of submissions by the Government and other parties. The same situation occurred in 1985 when the Tribunal drew attention to the anomaly but did not act in view of submissions by the Government and the Opposition parties. In 1986 the Tribunal noted similar submissions from the Government and the parties, but determined an 11.7 per cent increase on the basis of what the Tribunal saw as compliance with its statutory obligation and fairness and equity. The Government announced, on 1 July, its intention not to accept the increase. While we recognise that parliamentary salaries are subject to a considerable anomaly and that in some cases this may be placing some strain on the resources of individual members, we have agreed that parliamentarians must, in the current economic climate, forgo any recommended increase in salary above national wage case increases. This Act therefore amends Tribunal determinations 7 and 8, relating to additional salary for parliamentary office holders and basic salary of senators and members, so that existing salaries are increased only by the outcome of the recent national wage case. The basic salary of a member will then be $45,543; had the Tribunal's determination remained in force it would have been $50,871. As Remuneration Tribunal determinations come into effect on the date specified by the Tribunal, which in this case was 1 July 1986, the Act also allows for the alteration to the determinations to be effected retrospectively. The increased salary which has been paid to members since 1 July will therefore be required to be repaid and appropriate arrangements will be put in place. Because ministerial salaries are fixed by Government decision, Ministers have not received any payment by way of the anomaly element. The Bill also withdraws any entitlement to an 11.7 per cent increase in parliamentary superannuation benefits. Part III of the Bill amends the Judicial and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Allowances) Act to give effect to Tribunal recommendations regarding the salary and allowances of judges and members of the Interstate Commission. It provides for salaries to be increased by national wage case decisions only; allowances are to be adjusted in line with cost of living increases. The opportunity has been taken in Part IV of the Bill to alter the mechanism for increasing the annual appropriation for ministerial salaries under the Ministers of State Act so as to avoid continual alterations to the Act. To remove the need for recurrent legislative amendment, it is proposed to amend the Ministers of State Act to provide that in future the limit should be fixed by regulation under the Act. The limit will continue to be set on the basis of the actual salaries payable to Ministers as decided by the Government following recommendations of the Remuneration Tribunal. The regulations will of course be subject to the same parliamentary scrutiny and the same disallowance provisions as other regulations. I commend the Bill to the House and present the explanatory memorandum to the Bill. Leave granted for second reading debate to proceed forthwith. Mr SPENDER(North Sydney)(4.18) —The reasons for the Remuneration and Allowances Alteration Bill 1986 have been outlined by the Special Minister of State (Mr Young), save for one which is the most important of the reasons. It is because of the parlous economic circumstances in which this country finds itself that this Bill is being put up by this Government. Those economic circumstances are directly due to a matchless combination of arrogance, incompetence and recklessness that this Government has exhibited in its economic policy planning, if one could call what this Government has done for some time policy planning. The Special Minister of State has pointed out that there are anomalies. I agree that there are anomalies. Outside this House he has pointed to the need to pay parliamentarians a proper salary. I agree with those views but I also agree with the views that he has expressed on behalf of the Government to the effect that now is not the time for any anomalies to be dealt with. It is for members of parliament to present an example to people when it comes to restraint in these harsh economic times. As the honourable member for Denison says, it never is a time to catch up. He is in fact right. It is worth while recalling that in 1975 a Level 2 public servant was paid, I think, $20,000 and a member of parliament was also paid $20,000. In 1986 a Level 2 public servant is paid, I believe, $53,632 and a member of parliament is paid $45,543. The salary of a public servant has gone up by 168 per cent and the salary of a member of parliament has gone up by 127 per cent, which says something as to who runs things in this country. It is necessary to exercise restraint and, save for one qualification, we have no opposition to the Bill. The qualification relates to the provision in the Bill that provides that ministerial salaries be increased by regulation and not by amendment as required under the Members of State Act 1952. We oppose that provision and ordinarily we would have voted against it but in the circumstances, Budget day, we do not propose to call a division on it. We do not think it is appropriate that that kind of a matter be dealt with by regulation and we think it is better that the old procedure, even if it is somewhat cumbersome, be pursued so that a closer public scrutiny can be given to increases in ministerial salaries. Mr RUDDOCK(Dundas)(4.22) —I do not intend to speak at any length on the Remuneration and Allowances Alteration Bill save to say that it is often suggested that members of parliament should set an example to other members of the community in relation to the way in which they are remunerated. That is often said against a background which people fail to readily understand and appreciate, that over the last 12 years a very considerable example has been set to the community as a whole and I think in many respects has not been appreciated nor understood. I have had prepared from time to time, and most recently in May of this year, a table which sets out to compare the parliamentary salary as fixed in 1974 after a most thoroughgoing review by the Remuneration Tribunal, its most substantial review and second only to the report of His Honour, Mr Justice Kerr, of December 1971 for the thoroughness with which the matter of remuneration of members of parliament generally was examined. At that date a salary of $20,000 was fixed as the appropriate emolument for members of parliament. Since that time-that is until the most recent increase-the amount fixed in percentage terms was 122.6 per cent above that paid in 1974. Comparatively, for average weekly earnings the amount of increase was 246.9 per cent. The increase in the consumer price index was 206.5 per cent. The honourable member for North Sydney (Mr Spender) when speaking on this matter mentioned the increases that occurred in relation to the Australian Public Service. It was the least advantageous group with which to make the comparison. If one made this comparison with journalists, a D grade journalist had received over the same time a 198.8 per cent increase. If this comparison was taken with some of the newspapers of this country and looked at in terms of earnings per share, the percentage increase for News Corporation Ltd was 1,420 per cent. If one takes this in relation to the most needy people in the community the comparisons are similarly very marked, with increases generally well in excess of 200 per cent; in relation to doctors and medical practitioners, 231 per cent; and in relation to academics largely in excess of 200 per cent. I think that is a table that ought to be more widely distributed and understood. For that reason, I seek permission to have the table incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The table read as follows- SALARIES AND WAGES Change in selected wage and salary indicators from June 1974 (or nearest appropriate date) to the latest available date-May 1986. Series Date of Period Increase % Average Weekly Earnings... June Qtr. 1974 $ 119.30 March Qtr. 1986 $ (a)...413.90 246.9 Consumer Price Index Index No. Index No. Weighted Average, 6 Capital Cities ... 49.1 March Qtr. 1986 150.5 206.5 Weighted Average Minimum Weekly rates of pay (a)- Federal-Male ... -Female ... June 1974 Index No. 74.3 68.7 March 1986 Index No. 218.6 216.6 194.2 215.3 State-Male ... -Female ... 72.8 65.7 216.0 214.9 195.3 227.1 Commonwealth Public Service Salaries- 2nd Division- level 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... 5 ... 6 ... 27.6.74 $ 17,776 19,597 21,417 23,238 25,059 26,880 Current as from Nov. 1985 $ 47,768 52,426 57,085 61,744 66,403 71,061 168.7 167.5 166.5 165.7 165.0 164.4 3rd Division-Class 11 (Top of range) ... 15,739 41,435 163.3 Commonwealth Senator or Member, Basic Salary ... $ 20,000 Current as from Nov. 1985 $ (b)...44,519 122.6 Journalist (Metropolitan Daily Newspapers)-Weekly Grade A1 ... A2 ... A ... B ... C ... D ... June 1974 239.10 (c) 202.40 170.80 135.10 110.60 Current as from Nov. 1985 (d) 647.60 598.50 552.00 474.90 382.40 330.50 170.8 . . 172.7 178.0 183.0 198.8 (a) Estimated. (b) Proposed in June 1974 but not agreed to by Parliament until 1.3.1975. (c) No equivalent grade for June 1974. (d) Includes allowance for usage of a display terminal. MOVEMENTS IN SALARIES FOR SELECTED OCCUPATIONS June 1974 and May 1986 June 1974 May 1986 (current from Nov. 1985) Percentage Increase $ $ % Academic Staff-Australian Universities (a)- Professor ... 19,614 64,845 230.6 Associate Professor/Reader ... 16,389 48,160 193.9 Senior Lecturer ... 14,724 42,588 189.2 Lecturer ... 12,352 35,777 189.2 Senior Tutor ... 9,002 30,163 235.1 Tutor ... 7,285 26,889 269.1 N.S.W. Government School Teachers High School Principal ... 14,632 43,810 199.4 (a) Salaries shown are top of salary ranges. Sources: The Remuneration Tribunal N.S.W. Teacher's Federation MEDICAL FEES FOR MEDICAL BENEFITS PURPOSES $ New South Wales-Standard Surgery Visit (a) June 1974 ... 4.70 May 1986 (b) ... 15.60 Increase % ... 231.9 (a) Standard surgery visit of 5 but less than 25 minutes during the hours of 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday. (b) Applicable from 1.7.85. Source: Commonwealth Department of Health. PENSIONS AND BENEFITS, 1974 TO 1986 Pension/Benefit June 1974 March 1986 Percentage Increase $ $ % Age/Invalid Pension Standard... 26.00 97.90 276.5 Married... 22.75 81.65 258.9 Widow's Pension Class A... 35.00 121.90 248.3 Class B... 26.00 97.90 276.5 Unemployment Benefits 16-17 years... 26.00 50.00 92.3 18-20 without dependants... 26.00 88.20 239.2 21+ without dependants... 26.00 91.45 251.7 Married... 45.50 163.30 258.9 INDICATORS OF NEWSPAPER COMPANY PROFITS, 1974 TO 1985 Company 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Percentage Change 1974 to latest available Adjusted Net Profit ($m) % Advertiser Newspaper Ltd... 4.2 4.5 6.3 8.9 9.5 10.4 9.9 12.3 16.2 18.3 21.2 404.8 Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd... 4.9 4.8 7.4 10.8 13.1 17.5 18.5 29.7 28.8 487.8 John Fairfax Ltd... 5.7 4.6 7.3 9.7 10.4 12.6 11.5 13.2 15.1 16.7 32.4 46.2 710.5 Herald and Weekly Times Ltd... 11.7 9.6 13.4 15.8 17.9 20.8 22.1 24.7 25.4 25.5 44.7 46.7 299.1 News Corporation Ltd... 6.5 5.7 11.5 14.2 13.7 21.9 26.6 53.2 38.9 89.2 95.9 97.0 1 392.3 Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd... 3.9 4.4 7.0 11.2 11.8 15.1 15.3 23.6 28.7 635.9 Earnings Per Share ($) % Advertiser Newspapers Ltd ... 0.06 0.07 0.10 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.12 0.15 0.17 0.18 0.21 250.0 Consolidated Press holdings Ltd... 0.07 0.07 0.12 0.19 0.23 0.30 0.33 0.52 0.54 71.4 John Fairfax Ltd ... 0.05 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.17 0.34 0.47 740.0 Herald and Weekly Times Ltd ... 0.10 0.08 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.17 0.18 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.36 0.39 290.0 News Corporation Ltd ... 0.05 0.04 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.17 0.21 0.39 0.28 0.69 0.76 0.76 1 420.0 Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd ... 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.09 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.19 0.24 700.0 Note: (1) Published Net Profits are adjusted by Statex to give a more acceptable measure of net profits. The main adjustments concern the exclusion of non-trading revenue from sales and the treatment of non-normal surpluses included in net profit as extraordinary items. Note: (2) Earning Per Share data has been adjusted by Statex for bonus issues and the bonus content in cash issues. Source: Sydney Stock Exchange's Statex Data Base, accessed through I. P. Sharp Associates. Mr YOUNG(Port Adelaide-Special Minister of State)(4.25) —in reply-I would like to thank those honourable members who have taken part in the debate. I think that most of what has been said is well known by honourable members. I do not think that the earlier remarks of the honourable member for North Sydney (Mr Spender) were quite accurate when he said that the decision is reflective of the state of the economy. I remind him that his former Prime Minister before he was a member of the House made similar decisions to this on about four occasions during his seven years of office. So it is not an unusual step to be taken by a government; it just seems to be one of our fates. Could I also say while I am on my feet, because I very rarely have the occasion to host visits from people in my electorate being so far away, that I have a couple of prominent Port Adelaideans, Mr and Mrs Fred Cook, in the audience. I hope they enjoy their trip to Canberra. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time. Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced. Leave granted for third reading to be moved forthwith. Bill (on motion by Mr Young) read a third time. Mr RUDDOCK(Dundas) —On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts, I present the 248th report of the Committee relating to the Report of the Auditor-General-April 1985, and I seek leave of the House to make a short statement in connection with the report. Leave granted. Mr RUDDOCK —I thank the House for its courtesy. Following the tabling of the report of the Auditor General in April 1985-honourable members will be aware that each year the Committee examines recently published reports of the Auditor-General-the Committee sought written submissions from 10 departments and five statutory authorities in respect of 22 items. Further information and clarification by way of supplementary submissions were sought from six departments and one statutory authority. Report 248 is a departure from the usual practice of the Committee. Due to an increasing work load the Committee decided that the Parliament's attention should be drawn to the salient features of the Auditor-General's report in future. Consequently the principal matters on which the Committee sought comment from departments and authorities were addressed but public hearings were not held on any of the matters raised on this occasion. This report comments on the responses of the departments and authorities to criticisms raised by the Auditor-General. Conclusions drawn by the Committee reflect remedial action taken or proposed to be taken in addressing those items. In particular there were three matters that the Committee wished to bring to the attention of members of Parliament. The first was the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations wage pause program; the second, the Department of Territories administration of the Commissioner for Housing loans scheme and, third, the financial statements of the Australian National University. The Special Employment-related Programs Act 1982 provided for the expenditure of up to $200m through a wage pause program of public sector job creation. The money partly represented expected savings from the 12 months suspension of salary increases for Commonwealth employees under the salaries and wages pause legislation. Under the established guidelines the States were required to submit employment projects to the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and if considered suitable details were forwarded to the Minister for Finance (Senator Walsh) for approval. Projects which were to receive consideration for approval were required to be labour intensive and to promote greater equality of opportunity particularly for the long term unemployed. The audit review of the scheme sought to establish whether the procedures introduced to administer the program within the area of Commonwealth responsibilities were consistent with the aims and objectives. The Committee was disturbed by the administrative difficulties which developed following hasty implementation of the wage pause program, and in particular from the inadequacy of interdepartmental co-ordination. In view of this concern and the fact that this program ceased in mid-1984, the Committee sought supplementary submissions from both the Employment and Industrial Relations Department and the Finance Department with respect to another similar employment program. The House will be familiar with that program, the community employment program. While this program is not subject to audit, the Committee considered it important to assess the administrative arrangement governing it. From the respective departmental submissions, it is clear that the administrative and financial arrangements for the community employment program differ quite markedly from those which applied to the wage pause program. The Minister for Finance has limited executive responsibilities and the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations clearly has carriage of the legislation and program administration. Clearer working guidelines and funding through annual appropriations have, to a large degree, clarified the obligations and responsibilities of the agencies concerned. The second matter was the housing loans scheme operational in the Australian Capital Territory. Under the Housing Ordinance 1982 the Commissioner for Housing in May, subject to the control of the Minister for Territories, administers schemes for providing or assisting in providing dwellings in the Australian Capital Territory. On 10 September 1984 the Minister for Finance, pursuant to concern expressed by Cabinet about the management of funds in the scheme, requested the Auditor-General to perform an audit of the recent operations of the scheme in the light of recent over-commitment of funds. Audit findings were that, first, the housing trust account was overexpended from 4 July 1984 to 18 July 1984 in breach of section 34 of the Audit Act, secondly, that there were deficiencies in the administration for controlling equipment; and, thirdly, that the estimated shortfall of $7.9m in funds was an unreliable estimate. The Committee was informed that the Department has now instituted amended procedures and practices in order to eliminate any future problems with over-commitment of funds. Further, the Department has implemented a range of measures to improve the financial and administrative procedures and staffing arrangements of the Housing Branch. These amended procedures and arrangements implement many of the recommendations of a joint review of the scheme by the Public Service Board and the Department of Territories, conducted during September 1984, and of the Fisher Review conducted during the first half of 1985. The Steering Committee for Housing Loans is continuing to meet on a regular basis to implement the longer term recommendations of the joint review report and will continue to do so until all recommendations are satisfactorily implemented. The Committee notes that Audits comments on these amended schemes and procedures should eliminate future problems. However, I want to emphasise, as I particularly have this view, that the Committee will continue to monitor the Department's operation of the scheme and may subject it to further review in the light of future comments and the Committee's own consideration of more detailed information to be made available to it by the Department. The Auditor-General also reported on an inspection of the accounts and records of financial transactions of the Australian National University for the year ended 31 December 1983. Among other things audit noted serious deficiencies existed in supporting documentation for the university's 1983 draft financial statements, both in their original form and in the revised draft submitted some months later. Audit was concerned that in some respects the university's accounting practices were at variance with those prescribed in the guidelines on the form and standard of financial statements of Commonwealth undertakings issued by the Minister for Finance in May 1983. The Committee notes that the University has significantly reformed its financial administration and that this reform process is continuing. The Committee anticipates continued improvement in the University's financial administration, particularly with reference to its financial statements. The Auditor-General now reports twice each year on audits undertaken. In addition separate reports are made throughout the year on efficiency audits performed by the Auditor-General, and annual reports on the financial statements and his activities. During the currency of the examination of the Auditor-General's report of April 1985 the Auditor-General presented an annual report for 1984-85 on his operations. This was the first time the Auditor-General had reported in this manner. The report referred to, amongst other things, a number of issues concerning the role and proper function of the Auditor-General, particularly his relationship with the Executive. The Joint Parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts looks forward to discussions with the Auditor-General on these matters. I commend this report to honourable members. Mr HODGMAN(Denison) —by leave-The report which has just been tabled by the honourable member for Dundas (Mr Ruddock) is a most important report because the Joint Standing Committee of Public Accounts is a watch-dog of the Parliament and a watchdog of the public purse. As a member of parliament who is not a member of that Committee I want to make a brief comment in relation to one aspect of the report, and that is the first part of the three investigations referred to by the honourable member for Dundas relating to the manner in which $200m had been dispersed. Those funds came about as a result of the wage pause legislation of 1982 which, it should be remembered, was brought into this Parliament by the Fraser Government. It is important to note that it was as a result of that legislation that some $200m became available to this Government, the Hawke socialist Government, which was then supposed to do something about getting young people into the work force. I see that honourable members on the Government benches are finding some amusement in this. I do not think that $200m being put aside to help young people into employment, particularly those who have been unemployed for lengthy periods, as the honourable member for Dundas pointed out, is a laughing matter. I think it is a very sad thing that the report has revealed-- Mr Howe —You are a joke. Mr HODGMAN —It is all right for you, grave robber, to turn this debate-about which I am trying to make just a short comment-on your Government's failure to deliver $200m worth of efficient employment opportunities to the young people of Australia into a laughing matter. The young people have had the Government. It promised that it would get them jobs but in fact the level of youth unemployment today is higher than it was when Mr Fraser was Prime Minister. It cannot be laughed off either by the Minister for Social Security (Mr Howe) or anybody else when the report contains comments such as `hasty implementation', `inadequacy of preparation' and `non-compliance with guidelines'. This is not a laughing matter. We are talking about $200m provided as a result of a Fraser Government initiative which should have gone towards providing worth-while and permanent employment to young people in this country, and sadly it has not. In conclusion, I draw to the attention of the House the membership of the Joint Standing Committee of Public Accounts so it will be seen that this is not just the view of the Opposition but also that it is the view of a committee which is broadly based, representing both Houses in this Parliament and both sides of this Parliament. Mr Ruddock —All factions of the Labor Party. Mr HODGMAN —All factions of the Labor Party; the left wing, the right wing, the centre, the old guard, the new guard, the mudguard. They are all represented. The Liberal Party and National Party of Australia also are represented. We have representation also from both sides of the Senate. I would like to take this discussion further but I shall not abuse the indulgence that the House has granted. I simply say this: When this Committee reports to the Parliament that $200m of taxpayers' money, which was deliberately set aside to provide work for the young people of this country, has not been used to the best advantage, sadly this is yet another example of the utter financial incompetence, negligence and recklessness of the Hawke socialist Government, which is now on its last legs and, by divine providence, will be out of office at the next election. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Keogh) —Order! I understand it would suit the convenience of the House for the sitting to be suspended until 8 p.m. If there is no objection, the chair will be resumed at 8 p.m. Sitting suspended from 4.40 to 8 p.m. Message from the Governor-General transmitting particulars of proposed expenditure and recommending appropriation announced. Bill presented by Mr Keating, and read a first time. Mr KEATING(Blaxland-Treasurer)(8.00) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. In doing so, I present the Budget for 1986-87. Over the past year the factors which determine Australia's national prosperity have changed dramatically. The strong economic growth and the huge employment growth of the last three years have now been slowed due to the sudden collapse of our export earnings. The prospects for our future growth, built on the expectation that we could readily sell our traditional products, have been substantially diminished. Many Australians have wondered why the economy was doing so well in 1985 and yet, apparently, doing so poorly in 1986. The answer lies in the dramatic collapse in world commodity prices since late last year. We have been placed in a position where we are failing to cover the cost of our imports to the tune of more than a billion dollars a month-and inevitably our growth had to slow. With the world having slashed our national income by over $6 billion we could not continue on as though nothing had happened. To try would see the world force destructive adjustment on Australia making it hostage to the international financial community. And that is not a position acceptable to this Government. We believe that Australia must maintain control over its own destiny and this can only be done by facing the problem squarely and making the remedial changes quickly and decisively. This the Government will do through this Budget and other policy changes. It is imperative that our domestic economy and our standard of living adjust to our changed trading circumstances so that we can make an early return to higher growth and stronger employment. What precisely are the adjustments required? As a nation, if we are to become more independent and self-sufficient, we need to invest more and consume less. In other words, we must save for the future rather than spend for the present. The Government can help this process directly by spending less and borrowing less, thereby improving the climate for lower interest rates and for private sector investment. The savings and tax decisions in this Budget are also designed to restrain the growth of private consumption. But the Budget alone cannot achieve all of the changes Australia requires. It is also essential that Australians exercise restraint over wages and prices. We simply cannot allow the inevitable inflationary effects of the dollar's fall to feed into our cost structure. Contrary to the beliefs of some, Australia is well equipped to make the adjustments to rectify its problems. We have made enormous progress in the past 3 years in modernising and freeing up the economy. We have a much lower wage cost structure, a vibrant financial sector, and vastly more competitive industries than a few years ago. While we have now encountered serious difficulties in our primary export markets, through our combined efforts and continued restraint we can turn those efforts towards new opportunities. For these reasons, the Budget incorporates a very large cut in spending and a very large cut in Government borrowing. In making these vital decisions we have sought to ensure that the burden of change is spread as fairly as possible across the community. Even in difficulty, however, we have maintained the Labor Party's traditional commitment to the most needy. But we have not shirked our responsibility to take hard decisions where these have been required. Reflecting this, the Government has been able to bring the deficit down from $5,726 million last year to $3,503 million this year. I repeat, this Budget cuts the deficit by $2,223 million to $3,503 million. It is also important to understand that while in total the Commonwealth has budgeted for a deficit of $3.5 billion, much of this deficit arises from spending abroad on defence equipment and other items. Allowing for these overseas transactions there will be an estimated domestic budget surplus of $805 million. Combined with reductions in State borrowings, the large cut in the Budget deficit will dramatically lower government demand for borrowed funds. In fact, total public sector borrowings will be cut by more than $2 1/2 billion in 1986-87. The Government's bond selling program has been cut from $5.7 billion last year to around $3 billion this year. As a result, the net bond selling task will be zero. I would point out that the large reduction in the deficit this year has been made notwithstanding economic developments tending to increase it. Wage restraint tends to lower taxes more than outlays in the short term. As I shall discuss later, the Budget figuring incorporates a 2 per cent discount to wages in the next National Wage Case. Without that assumption, the deficit would have been some $400 million less. The Government's resolve and achievement in this Budget is well reflected in the fact that if we had taken no action on outlays or receipts the deficit would have been $7.5 billion. We have brought it down by $4 billion, or more than half. THE BUDGET MEASURES Madam Speaker, the deficit reduction in this Budget has been accomplished by an examination of outlays of unprecedented rigour. If we had done no more than provide for ongoing programs, outlays would have increased by 2.7 per cent in real terms. We have cut this back to zero real growth. To achieve this result, nearly $3 billion has been cut from existing programs. Cutbacks have been made in most areas, with major reductions falling on social security, health, education, defence and overseas aid. In social security, the Government has decided on cutbacks of over $500 million. Included in those decisions, future six monthly indexation increases to beneficiaries will continue to be paid in full but will be deferred for six weeks. This means that the 4 per cent increase due in early November will now be paid in mid-December. In addition, the measures announced last year to relax income testing arrangements for pensions and benefits will be delayed 8 months until July 1987. These are the only changes to the general pension and benefits area. While seeking a contribution from this part of the Budget towards the resolution of our national problems, the Government has ensured that there will be no reductions in any existing pension or benefit payments. What is being required is a minimal sacrifice when compared with that being asked of wage and salary earners. There will be a crackdown on cheating and fraud in the social security system. We will not compromise our deep commitment to assist the genuinely needy. But abuse of the system will not be tolerated. Special reviews will be conducted by teams of officers to identify and disqualify those wrongfully receiving unemployment benefits. Additionally, reporting requirements for all unemployment beneficiaries will be tightened and it will be much harder for New Zealand citizens who are visiting Australia to qualify for unemployment and other benefits. There will also be reviews of sole parent beneficiaries to verify continuing eligibility. The Government is committed to implementing the Australia Card with a photograph, which will also assist in combatting social security fraud. Child maintenance arrangements are being reformed so that non-custodial parents will shoulder more financial responsibility for their children, rather than throwing the burden onto the taxpayer. In line with the Government's aim to target welfare assistance to the most needy, the family allowance for student children aged 16 and 17 will be income tested so that families with household income exceeding $39,000 will no longer receive it. In the same vein, the Government will in this Budget provide further assistance to the most needy, low income families with children and to the handicapped. These discretionary adjustments are detailed in the Budget Papers. The Government has taken a range of measures to help contain the growing cost of Australia's health system. Spending in this area will be cut by $300 million. First, strict measures have been adopted to reduce what were clearly excessive pathology charges by some medical practitioners. Second, the wage restraint asked of the workforce at large has been extended to medical practitioners by deferring increases in schedule fees until 1 November 1986. Third, the maximum patient contribution for medical services-I stress the maximum, not the typical-is to be raised from $10 to $20 from 1 November. Fourth, the bed day subsidy to private hospitals will cease from 1 October 1986, but some charitable hospitals will continue to receive assistance. But even with these savings, and particularly with the recent increases in salaries for nurses, the cost of the health system is continuing to rise. The Government therefore believes that the Medicare levy should be increased so that it makes a greater contribution to health costs and so that Medicare is self-financing. Accordingly, the Medicare levy will rise by a quarter of a per cent to 1.25 per cent from 1 December. Increasing the levy is a more equitable means of responding to unavoidable increases in health costs than the alternative of severely curtailing Medicare benefits. Pharmaceutical benefits have been another area of burgeoning costs in the health system. This has been a concern to both the Government and the very sick. New arrangements will reduce costs to the health system and provide relief to those most in need. From 1 November prescription drug users now paying a $5 contribution will pay up to a $10 maximum. New safety net arrangements mean individuals and families requiring more than 25 prescriptions a year will receive prescriptions beyond that number free of charge. Pensioners will continue to receive items on the Pharmaceutical Benefits list free of any charge. The Government believes it is only fair that participants in the higher education system share some part of its costs. Consequently a charge of $250 per year for all higher education students will be introduced in 1987 to offset administration costs. This charge represents only a small part of the cost of providing higher education, and will contribute towards an additional student intake of 3000 in 1987. Lower income families will be protected; holders of tertiary allowances and post-graduate awards and overseas students paying the overseas student charge will not be affected. Spending on defence is to be held at 1 per cent real growth, saving $190 million, and overseas aid will be cut by $140 million from its forward estimate. Expenditure on the new Parliament House is to be reduced by $30 million, sports facilities by $8 million and the Bicentennial Program by $25 million. The number of Commonwealth public servants will be reduced by 2000 over the year to June 1987. The Government has made numerous other expenditure cuts in reaching its $3 billion expenditure savings; details are set out in the Budget Papers. Madam Speaker, the overwhelming concern of the Government in bringing down this Budget has been to achieve an outcome appropriate for a nation with a trading problem of the magnitude now facing Australia. That is why spending has been held to zero real increase. That is why we have sought to produce the lowest practicable budget deficit. The Government has held outlays and the deficit well below the trilogy requirements. Outlays as a proportion of gross domestic product have been reduced to 29.4 per cent, compared with 30.1 per cent last year and 30.4 per cent the year before. The deficit has been reduced to only 1.4 per cent of gross domestic product, back to the average prevailing during the late 1950s and the 1960s. It is the fourth consecutive fall from the 5 per cent in prospect that we inherited from the Coalition Government in 1983. In pursuit of this objective and given the urgency of our predicament the Government has decided to lift the tax ratio about half a per cent above the 1984-85 level. This decision has been taken to achieve an even larger reduction in the deficit, and to do so in an equitable way. Our trilogy of fiscal commitments was directed at restraining the size of Government over the medium-term and we reaffirm that fundamental objective. The Government has been spectacularly successful in lowering expenditure growth and the deficit. Moreover, it is our objective to bring the tax ratio back to 25 per cent of gross domestic product next year. This year, however, the first stage of the very substantial cuts in personal income tax provided by the tax reform program will be delayed three months. These cuts-at the previously announced rates-will now apply from 1 December this year. The second and final stage-reducing the top marginal tax rates to 49 cents and 40 cents-will apply from 1 July 1987 as scheduled. Legislation implementing both stages is being introduced tonight. These cuts-as well as improving incentive-will return to taxpayers about three times the revenue raised by the tax reform package. Madam Speaker, the Government has adopted a number of other revenue measures. In the main, the measures will restrain real household disposable incomes and consumption, consistent with the need for our living standards to be trimmed for a time. Wholesale sales tax will be increased on a range of consumer products including luxury motor vehicles, wine, certain non-alcoholic beverages and swimming pools. The sales tax law is also to be amended with effect from midnight tonight to curtail avoidance of taxes on computer software. The excise on petrol and diesel fuel will increase by 3 cents per litre from tonight. Because of the existing diesel rebate arrangements, this additional excise will not fall upon farmers and miners. The rates of the Bank Account Debits Tax will be increased by up to a half from 1 December 1986. The tax deferral advantages enjoyed by some companies with substituted accounting periods will be phased out over three years. PRICES AND INCOMES POLICY Madam Speaker, the Budget I have outlined tonight will greatly assist Australia to adapt to the new international trading circumstances we face. However, budget policy must be supported by continued price and wage moderation. The restructuring of Australian industry facilitated by the depreciation of the dollar will accelerate provided we stay competitive with the rest of the world. Staying competitive means having a greater ability to supply our own market with Australian-made goods and to win a larger share of world markets. Over the past 3 years Australia's working men and women have shown commendable income restraint. More than any other single factor, their co-operation and good sense has been responsible for the creation of 630,000 jobs since April 1983. Over this period real labour costs have fallen by more than 7 per cent. It is not the fault of wage and salary earners that export prices have fallen. Just as it is not their fault that the dollar has fallen, pushing up import prices. But we cannot afford to let wages grow automatically in line with this price surge. If adverse trading conditions and a depreciating Australian dollar are the cause of the Consumer Price Index rising, it follows that to allow those increases to flow through automatically into wages would compound our problems. We would be adjusting our wages upwards not to compensate for the problem but to build the problem in. This would only lead Australia into a price and wage spiral. I am certain that all Australians will understand and accept that we cannot have our national income slashed by over $6 billion and at the same time seek to fully maintain our wages in real terms. Accordingly, at the next National Wage Case when the combined 4.0 per cent movement in the March and June quarter Consumer Price Index will be considered, the Government will argue to the Arbitration Commission that the proposed increase in wages be cut by 2 per cent. This means that wages will rise by 2 per cent less than the increase which would fully compensate for inflation. There are good and clear reasons for this. Last year award wages grew by 4 1/2 per cent. With a 2 per cent discount, wages are expected to grow at about the same moderate rates as in 1985-86. This means that over the course of the next year Australian wage increases will be broadly comparable with our major trading partners. A 2 per cent discount would therefore maintain our competitiveness and preserve our ability to compete on favourable terms with the rest of the world. The Government will also seek a further adjustment of the wage increase in the case commencing around April next year if economic conditions applying at the time warrant it. In determining its attitude to that case, the Government's main focus will continue to be on Australia's ongoing competitive position and our terms of trade performance. With its past record of success, the Government reaffirms its confidence in the Prices and Incomes Accord. The Accord framework will continue to deliver more economically and industrially responsible outcomes than any other real world alternative. The challenges now presented by severely depressed commodity prices demand a continuation of this approach. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Madam Speaker, it will take some time for the ground lost in our export markets to be recovered, and a stronger growth path to be resumed. As a result, we expect growth in the non-farm economy to be around 2 1/2 per cent in 1986-87 compared with 4 per cent last financial year. Most of that growth will stem from our improved international competitiveness; it will show up in the winning of new export markets and the replacement of imports with locally produced goods. However, the lower growth rate means that fewer jobs will be created over the next year than in the last twelve months. Employment growth is expected to slow to between 1 1/2 and 2 per cent, and as a consequence, unemployment could rise a little. Just as it will take some time for the benefits of the depreciation of the dollar to flow through the economy, it will also take some time before the adverse price effects of the depreciation are behind us. Consequently, reflecting the recent falls in the dollar, we expect the Consumer Price Index to increase by around 8 per cent on average in 1986-87. However, the trend in the latter part of the year and beyond will be downward. Madam Speaker, the Budget I am presenting tonight responds decisively to the new international challenge facing Australia. It constitutes one of the basic and fundamental responses required to permanently improve Australia's trading performance. It makes the major shift down in Government spending and borrowing that will permit the new investment opportunities to be seized: - real spending growth has been cut to zero; - the deficit has been dramatically brought back to its late 1950s and 60s levels; and - Government calls on the nation's savings have been substantially alleviated. This Budget provides Australia with the opportunity to surmount its economic problems and maintain control over its economic destiny. It demonstrates the Government's absolute determination to do what has to be done to safeguard Australia's economic future. It demonstrates once again that, by resolute action and by some sacrifice all round, there is no problem that we cannot face and defeat together. OUTLAYS Madam Speaker, I now provide more details of the expenditure cuts that have been made. Budget outlays in 1986-87 are estimated to total $74,764 million. As I stated earlier, this represents zero growth in real terms. In the previous thirty years lower real rates of growth have been achieved on only three occasions. This outcome reflects the determined approach which the Government has adopted to expenditure control. Details of individual decisions are contained in the Measures section of Statement No 3; additional information will be provided, as appropriate, by the relevant Ministers. The Prime Minister will also be making a detailed statement on Public Service staffing matters in the next few weeks. SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE I have already outlined our major initiatives in this area. I stress once again: The Government has a commendable record of directing assistance to those in greatest need. Over the term of the Hawke Government there have been significant increases in the real value of pensions and benefits, and large gains in assistance provided for children in low income families. This Budget continues the Government's focus on improving benefits for those in need, on removing anomalies and attacking fraud. In addition to the measures I have already announced, action is to be taken to prevent some people qualifying for dual benefits. From 1 November 1986, where a newly eligible war or defence widow pensioner is also eligible for a social security pension, the maximum level of the social security pension will be frozen at $60.05 a week. I mentioned earlier that some benefits to the most needy in the community were to be increased. To assist pensioners and low income families with children, there will be a $1 a week increase in the additional pension and benefit per child and a $1 a week increase in the rate of the Family Income Supplement from November 1986. In recognition of the difficulties and additional costs facing disabled people who undertake employment or vocational training, the mobility allowance will increase to $11 a week from November this year. The handicapped child's allowance will increase by $7 per month to $92 per month from November 1986. And also from November, the orphan's pension will increase by $4.30 to $60 per month. A clear need has been established for the Government to provide additional income support for 16 and 17 year olds who are the victims of abuse within their own families or cannot live at home. Consequently, a Young Homeless Allowance of $23.28 a week has been introduced to supplement the income these young people receive from education allowances or unemployment benefits. Expenditure in 1986-87 for that purpose is estimated to be about $9 million. HEALTH When dealing earlier with the Government's major proposals in the health portfolio, I stressed that we were adamant that health funding must be kept within reasonable bounds. Consequently, in addition to those other measures, we will investigate the payment of medical benefits which are growing at above average rates and review mechanisms for further restraining growth in health costs. The Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme will be transferred to the States. Extra funding of $11 million this year and $22 million in a full year will be provided to the States and Territories to enable them to provide more effective arrangements. Funding has been increased in a number of important areas in the health portfolio. These include health promotion, public health, hepatitis B vaccinations, medical research, family planning and assistance to diabetics. EDUCATION I have already mentioned the Government's intention to impose an administration charge on higher education students. In addition, the overseas student charge currently applicable to university and CAE students will be extended to secondary, TAFE and other previously exempt higher education students from overseas. Together with increases in existing charges, this extension will yield $7.3 million, offsetting the costs of providing education to overseas students in Australia. An anomaly exists in current arrangements whereby some social security beneficiaries can receive both student allowances and pensions or benefits. This is to be removed for new entrants from the 1987 academic year, saving $4 million. A special payment of $15 per week will instead be made to invalid and sole parent pensioners who are also students to encourage their education and later employment prospects. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT There has been a significant re-ordering of priorities within this function and, overall, a real cut in spending. Flowing from last year's decision to implement the Priority One program, expenditure on job training programs will increase by $67 million, including an increased allocation of $33 million for the Australian Traineeship System. This accords with the Government's intention that training and education opportunities available to our young people be significantly enhanced. Increased emphasis on training is to be complemented by reduced emphasis on Government job creation schemes. Consequently, outlays under the Community Employment Program will be reduced by $90 million to $200 million. The 2 per cent wage discount recently applied to wages is to be extended to former Commonwealth Government employees and Defence Force personnel receiving Government superannuation benefits. ABORIGINALS Assistance to Aboriginals will undergo a significant change in emphasis following the Government's endorsement of the general principles espoused in the Miller Report on Aboriginal Employment Training. The emphasis of existing programs will be changed from short-term job creation and welfare measures towards policies to establish long-term employment opportunities. Commonwealth expenditure directed towards Aboriginals will total $570 million in 1986-87. DEFENCE Real growth in defence spending has been cut to 1 per cent in 1986-87, a significant reduction on the 3.75 per cent allowed for in the Five Year Defence Program. Nevertheless, average real growth in defence spending under this Government remains greater than that under our predecessors. Recently the Government has begun the most thorough and comprehensive review of this country's defence priorities since the Second World War. In light of the Dibb Report and prevailing economic circumstances, the Government will now prepare a White Paper on Defence which will set down the development of Australia's defence capabilities well into the future. This report will reflect the need to maintain planning at achievable financial outcomes. Such a disciplined approach will ensure that essential changes can take place in equipment and force structure. CULTURE AND RECREATION The Special Broadcasting Service and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are to be amalgamated, and their combined funding reduced by $16 million from last year's allocation. The specialised charter of the SBS will be preserved under the amalgamation. Gross savings from shared facilities, accommodation, equipment and administration in the amalgamated organisations should be about $2 million in 1986-87 and much greater in future years. We are also reducing the cost of administrative assistance to the arts. As a first step, the Australia Council's administrative expenses for 1986-87 are to be reduced by $1 million to allow increased support for the arts. A wide-ranging review of the Commonwealth's funding of museums is to be undertaken. The construction of the National Museum of Australia in Canberra will not proceed on the timetable previously conceived; its future will be considered following this review. INDUSTRY ASSISTANCE All production bounties other than those applying to fertilisers and shipbuilding are to be reduced by 20 per cent from tonight, saving $43 million. There will be a phased reduction in the shipbuilding bounty rate from 25 per cent to 20 per cent. The consumption subsidy for fertilisers will no longer apply to imported products and the savings will be reallocated to increase subsidy rates on locally manufactured phosphatic fertilisers. The ban on uranium exports to France has failed to serve its original purpose and was in fact bestowing a benefit by allowing France to contract elsewhere for uranium at lower prices. Mr Scott —Madam Speaker, I must-- Madam SPEAKER —Order! Mr Scott —Madam Speaker, I must make the point that the sale of uranium to France is not the policy of the Labor Party. Madam SPEAKER —Order! The honourable member for Hindmarsh will resume his seat. Mr KEATING —Madam Speaker, as the ban was exacting-- Honourable members interjecting- Madam SPEAKER —I ask the Treasurer to resume his seat for a moment. I point out to honourable members that other members of this community wish to hear the Budget Speech. Honourable members will keep quiet and the Treasurer will resume his speech. I ask honourable members to come to order. The Treasurer has the floor. Mr KEATING —As the ban was exacting no penalty and the material is to be used solely for peaceful purposes, the Government has decided to resume uranium exports, saving the Budget $66 million. Mr Rocher —I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Madam SPEAKER —Does the honourable gentleman have a point of order? Mr Rocher —I ask the Treasurer to repeat his last statement. I did not hear it. That is all. Madam SPEAKER —Thank you. If honourable members on my left will be silent, the Treasurer will be heard. Mr KEATING —Following the earlier announcement of a $50 million reduction in projected outlays under the Australian Land Transport Program-- Madam SPEAKER —Order! I regret to tell the Treasurer that we have another point of order. Mr Shipton —I take a point of order, Madam Speaker. I draw your attention to the conduct of the three members of the Government who have just left the chamber. Madam SPEAKER —Order! That is not a point of order and I ask the honourable member to resume his seat. If an honourable member raises another frivolous point of order, I will put him out. Mr KEATING —Following the earlier announcement of a $50 million reduction in projected outlays under the Australian Land Transport Program, a further reduction of $24m is to be made. This means that total roads funding will be maintained at $1,250m. Mr Katter —On a point of order, Madam Speaker: We simply cannot hear the Treasurer. Madam SPEAKER —I am sorry, but that is not the fault of the Treasurer; it is the fault of those on my left who are preventing the rest of the people of Australia from hearing the Treasurer. Mr KEATING —This means that total roads funding will be maintained at $1,250m, the same nominal level this year as last. The Government announced in May that it intended to recoup $40m in aviation expenditures by implementing a cost recovery plan. These savings are now to be expanded to $49 million. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION The cost of fulfilling Freedom of Information requests is currently estimated at some $14m a year, compared with offsetting revenue of $60,000. While the Government remains firmly committed to the principles of Freedom of Information, it believes that a greater proportion of the costs should be borne by users of this service. Charges will be increased but free access will be maintained for inquiries relating to personal income maintenance documents. NORTHERN TERRITORY ELECTRICITY COMMISSION The Commonwealth remains committed to sharing the cost of constructing Darwin's new power station but has informed the NT Government that it will be halving, as of tonight, assistance with operating costs reflecting in the main the lower costs of its oil feedstock. This will save $21 million this year. CHARGE FOR LOAN GUARANTEES Commonwealth business enterprises receive a significant interest rate benefit due to the fact that their borrowings are guaranteed by the Commonwealth Government. From 1986-87 an annual charge will be applied to borrowings by the Commonwealth's business enterprises which are guaranteed by the Commonwealth. This measure is expected to raise about $7 million in 1986-87. RECEIPTS Madam Speaker, I have already indicated the major revenue measures in the Budget. I shall now give further details. The measures are more extensively described in Statement No 4 of Budget Paper No 1. MARGINAL INCOME TAX RATE CUTS Madam Speaker, the fundamental cuts to marginal income tax rates that I announced as the centrepiece of the Government's Tax Reform Package will proceed. The 60 cent rate will be cut to 49 cents, the 48 cent and 46 cent rates to 40 cents and the other marginal tax rates to 29 and 24 cents. These massive income tax cuts will produce a fairer and more efficient tax system, under which all Australian taxpayers will be better off. However, as I indicated earlier, the serious international economic predicament which Australia faces has required the deferral of the first stage of these tax cuts until 1 December this year, reducing the cost to revenue in 1986-87 from $2085 million to $1435 million. Legislation to give effect to the lower rates of tax, including those to apply from 1 July 1987, will be introduced tonight. These reductions are only possible because of the Government's moves to eliminate the inequities and abuses of our tax system which have persisted for so long and because of our demonstrated ability to restrain expenditures. They are an integral part of our overall program to establish the foundations for Australia's future economic growth and prosperity. SALES TAX To reduce the heavy tax discrimination against beer and spirits drinkers in favour of wine, the rate of sales tax on alcoholic wine and cider is to be increased from 10 per cent to the standard sales tax rate of 20 per cent from tonight. This is expected to increase revenue by $47 million in 1986-87. At present carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters are subject to sales tax of 20 per cent while other non-alcoholic beverages are exempt. In order to reduce this discrimination, sales tax at 10 per cent will apply from tonight to packaged flavoured milk, previously exempt fruit juice products and non-alcoholic wine and cider. This measure will yield revenue of $60 million in 1986-87. From tonight the rate of sales tax is to increase from 20 to 30 per cent on luxury cars and station wagons. This will affect broadly those vehicles whose retail price exceeds the depreciation cost limit for income tax purposes-that is $29,646 in 1986-87. The revenue yield in 1986-87 is $28 million. Avoidance of sales tax occurs through the device of selling only the discs and tapes on which computer software is embodied and licensing the consumer to use the software itself; sales tax is then payable only on the value of the discs, which is a small fraction of the total price. The sales tax law is to be amended, with effect from midnight tonight, to ensure that the taxable sale value of the computer discs or tapes encompasses the software on them. The production of ``in-house'' software will not be affected by the change, nor will exports of software or business purchases of software which are exempted as an aid to manufacture. Expected revenue raised from this measure is $80 million in 1986-87. Finally in the sales tax area, the Government has decided to change, with effect from midnight tonight, the classification for sales tax purposes of a number of goods so as to reduce anomalies and inconsistencies. The areas affected include swimming pools, hand tools, photographic developing and bathroom fittings. Details are provided in Statement No 4. BANK ACCOUNT DEBITS TAX The Bank Account Debits Tax rates will be increased from 1 December 1986. The highest rate will increase from $1.50 to $2.00; other rates will increase by up to a half. Revenue will increase by $45 million in 1986-87. PETROLEUM PRODUCTS I announced earlier that excise on petrol and diesel will increase 3 cents per litre with effect from tonight. This will yield $625 million in 1986-87 and $715 million in a full year. The decline in international oil prices and consequent reduction in import parity prices had substantially reduced Government revenue from the taxation of petroleum products. Even with this measure, total Commonwealth revenue from the taxation of petroleum products will be little changed from 1985-86. A.C.T. TAXES The Commonwealth Grants Commission has found that the financial contribution from the Australian Capital Territory continues to be low relative to that in the States. In those circumstances it is considered fair that revenue raised in the A.C.T. be increased. The Minister for Territories and I are releasing a separate statement detailing the measures to be taken, which include introduction of a land tax on business properties and increases in gambling taxes and stamp duties. PROVISIONAL TAX An anti-avoidance measure will be introduced to overcome arrangements whereby members of closely held partnerships or trusts have sought to avoid provisional tax by manipulating the distribution of income between partners or beneficiaries from one year to the next. This will raise revenue by $50 million in 1986-87. VALUATION OF NATURAL INCREASE IN LIVESTOCK The Economic and Rural Policy Statement of 15 April 1986 announced changes to stock valuation arrangements for animal stud breeders generally. As the tax deferral advantages associated with stock valuations are generally much greater for horse breeders, the Government has decided to restrict valuation changes to them, and then only in respect of service fees. Other animal breeders, such as sheep and cattle breeders, will not now be affected. A separate statement gives the details. COMPANY ACCOUNTING PERIODS A small number of companies receive substantial tax deferral benefits through adoption of an accounting year for tax purposes which finishes on a date earlier than 30 June. Relative to other companies, such companies are able to defer payment of tax for up to six months. To remove the tax deferral advantage, it is proposed to advance the due dates for payment of their quarterly instalments and assessments. This change, which affects only the timing of tax payments and not the size of tax liabilities, will be phased in over the three years starting 1986-87. Less than 5 per cent of all companies will be affected by the change, which is expected to yield about $220 million in 1986-87 and in each of the following two years. PAY OF DEFENCE FORCE RESERVE The Dibb Report on Australia's defence capability envisaged an enhanced role for the Defence Force Reserve. The Government has decided to reinstate full taxation exemption of the pay of Defence Force Reservists from 1 January 1987. At the same time the special reserve allowance will be discontinued as an offset. MEDICARE LEVY As I announced earlier, the Medicare levy will be increased from one per cent to 1 1/4 per cent, from 1 December 1986. The estimated gain to revenue is $175 million in 1986-87. Threshold levels are to be raised to ensure that low income earners continue not to pay the levy. BENEFICIARY REBATES The taxation rebates for people receiving unemployment, sickness or special benefits will be increased again this year to ensure that people wholly or mainly dependent on such benefits are not liable to tax. INCOME AVERAGING FOR SPORTSPERSONS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS From the 1986-87 income year, sportspersons and performing artists are to be eligible for income tax averaging provisions designed to smooth out tax liabilities on fluctuating incomes. Anomalies in the existing authors and inventors scheme are to be removed. PASSPORT FEES The validity period of Australian passports will be extended from 5 to 10 years and the fee increased from $30 to $60. MONETARY POLICY It is the Government's intention to shift some of the present burden from monetary policy. Lower interest rates would be compatible with stronger domestic economic activity and balance of payments adjustment provided other policies are taking more of the weight of that adjustment process. That is one reason why it has been so important to achieve substantial cuts in the Budget deficit and the public sector borrowing requirement in 1986-87. As I said earlier, total public sector gross borrowings are estimated to fall by over $2 1/2 billion this year. As a ratio to GDP, the gross PSBR will fall to about 4.4 per cent, compared with 6.0 per cent in 1985-86 and a peak of 8.1 per cent in 1983-84. Treasury Bond Tenders in 1986-87 are expected to total around $3 billion. In net terms there will be no new bond raisings. The whole program will be accounted for by the roll-over of maturing debt. The gross program compares with $5.7 billion in 1985-86 and a peak of $9.7 billion in 1983-84. Consistent with this reduced program, the Treasury is announcing tonight details of the next Bond Tender for an amount of $400 million. Last year's move to a more even spread of tenders over the year was well received. A similar schedule is planned for this year. These measures will help to ease pressures on domestic financial markets and to lower interest rates. Actual interest rate movements will depend also on what happens to overseas interest rates and to inflationary and exchange rate expectations. In assessing the appropriateness of monetary policy, we will continue to review a wide range of current and prospective financial and general economic indicators. The Government's basic objective for monetary policy is for it to play its role in full support of other policies. We will maintain a firm monetary policy, consistent with the need to reduce inflation and to finance a current account deficit which is likely to remain large in 1986-87. CONCLUSION Madam Speaker, in conclusion I wish to return to the main theme of tonight's Budget. I have made it clear that our prime concern was to set in place the pre-conditions for a turnaround in the current account deficit. Already there is clear evidence that the underlying forces are working as expected. Last financial year there was a 7.4 per cent increase in the volume of Australia's exports. Import volumes declined quite sharply-in the first half of 1986 they fell at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent. This is the beginning of the necessary structural adjustments which I have described-the switching to new products and activities. But this welcome improvement in export volumes and reduction in import volumes were over-shadowed by the big falls in world commodity prices. As quickly as we lifted export volumes, export prices fell. And in the shorter term, while we still maintain our heavy dependence on primary exports, our problem with commodity prices is not going to go away. Large falls in import volumes are in prospect this financial year, and further export growth is expected. But once again we must expect those positive outcomes to be masked by poor prices. As a result, on present indications, little change is expected in our current account deficit as a percentage of GDP for 1986-87 as a whole. For seasonal and other reasons, we expect a number of large monthly deficits over the remainder of this calendar year. Looking further ahead, the fundamental adjustments now underway in the economy should help to achieve substantial reductions beyond 1986-87. Madam Speaker, when this Government was elected to office in March 1983 we inherited from our Coalition predecessors a massively debilitated economy. We faced a Budget deficit of unprecedented magnitude, double digit inflation, double digit unemployment and the first negative growth in 30 years. Over the past three and a half years, with absolute determination and the co-operation of the Australian people, we have overcome these legacies. With historic levels of economic and employment growth and our sweeping reforms to the financial and taxation systems, our record of achievement is an enviable one. Now there are new challenges to overcome. The sudden collapse in the prices of our exports and the resulting loss of national income has forced a range of essential adjustments on the nation. The 1986-87 Budget which I have presented tonight rings the changes on a more robust, aggressive Australian economy. Earlier I said that by resolute action and some sacrifice all round we can face and defeat any problem. This means staying competitive with the rest of the world and trading out of our difficulties. This is the only path to higher growth, real independence and greater prosperity. This will be this Budget's crowning achievement. I commend the Budget to the House. (The Budget Statements for 1986-87 are included as an appendix at the end of this day's proceedings.) Debate (on motion by Mr Howard) adjourned. Message from the Governor-General transmitting particulars of certain proposed expenditure and recommending appropriation announced. Bill presented by Mr Keating, and read a first time. Mr KEATING(Blaxland-Treasurer)(8.59) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill seeks appropriations of the Consolidated Revenue Fund in 1986-87 totalling $4,733,724,000. Of this amount, $2,108,520,000 was authorised by the Supply Act (No. 2) 1986-87: The balance of $2,625,204,000 will be authorised by this Bill. The Bill provides for proposed expenditure on the construction of public works and buildings, the acquisition of sites and buildings, certain advances and loans, items of plant and equipment which are clearly definable as capital expenditure and expenditure on new policy initiatives for which legislation has not been approved previously. Provision is made also for grants to the States under section 96 of the Constitution and for payments to the Northern Territory. An amount of $130m is included under the Advance to the Minister for Finance, the same amount as was provided in the Supply Act (No. 2) 1986-87 which this Bill, when enacted, will subsume. Details of the proposed expenditures are set out in Schedule 2 to the Bill and the main features were outlined in the Budget Speech. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Message from the Governor-General transmitting particulars of proposed expenditure in relation to the parliamentary departments announced. Bill presented by Mr Keating, and read a first time. Mr KEATING(Blaxland-Treasurer)(9.02) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to appropriate moneys of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the recurrent and capital expenditures of the parliamentary departments for the year ending 30 June 1987. The total amount sought is $50,694,000. Of this amount, $21,334,000 was authorised by the Supply (Parliamentary Departments) Act 1986-87, the balance of $29,360,000 being sought in this Bill. Details of the proposed expenditures are set out in Schedule 2 to the Bill. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Mr KEATING(Blaxland-Treasurer) —I present the following papers for the information of honourable members in connection with the Budget for 1986-87: Budget Statements 1986-87 Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue of the Commonwealth Public Accounts 1986-87 Portfolio Program Estimates 1986-87 Payments to or for the States, the Northern Territory and Local Government Authorities 1986-87 Government Securities on Issue at 30 June 1986 Australia's Overseas Development Assistance Program 1986-87 National Income and Expenditure 1985-86 Income Tax Statistics. Ordered that the papers be printed. Mr HAWKE(Wills-Prime Minister) —For the information of honourable members I present the following paper in connection with the Budget for 1986-87: Women's Budget Program-An Assessment of the Impact on Women of the 1986-87 Budget. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Lionel Bowen, and read a first time. Mr LIONEL BOWEN(Kingsford-Smith-Attorney-General)(9.05) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill gives effect to the Government's decision to abolish the Advisory Council for Inter-Government Relations following on the report of the Task Force established in September 1985 to review the ACIR. The Task Group presented its report in January 1986 after extensive consultations with the contributing parties and written submissions from the public. I have tabled the report earlier today in the House. ACIR was established by the Advisory Council for Inter-Government Relations Act 1976 with the object of improving inter-government co-operation between the spheres of Federal, State and local government through research and recommendations made under directions provided by Premier's Conference. In addition to representatives of governments, the Council has included representatives from the Commonwealth Opposition, and citizen members. As noted in the Task Group report, ACIR has not established a reputation for high quality research generally, and has tended to be remote from the practice of inter-governmental relations. Nor have its recommendations on the whole been acted on by participating governments. As a result ACIR has had limited success in improving inter-governmental relations, particularly Commonwealth-State relations. The decision to abolish the Council has been agreed to by all States and the Northern Territory, with the exception of Tasmania. The Government considers that existing mechanisms, including Premiers' Conferences and Ministerial Councils, are adequate to provide effective inter-governmental consultations without the need for a separate research body. I commend the Bill to the House, and I present the explanatory memorandum to the Bill. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Lionel Bowen, and read a first time. Mr LIONEL BOWEN(Kingsford-Smith-Attorney-General)(9.08) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of the Bill I am introducing tonight is to amend the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Freedom of Information (Charges) Regulations to reduce administrative costs and increase revenues. The main points are: introduction of application fees for requests for access to documents and for internal review of decisions; to increase the hourly charge for search and retrieval of documents; to introduce an hourly charge for decision-making time; to exempt persons seeking personal income maintenance documents from all charges and fees; to maintain after 1 December 1986 the present 45-day time limit for processing requests; to strengthen provisions for refusal of requests on workload grounds; to reduce the grounds for remission of charges; to reduce the obligations on agencies to publish section 8 and section 9 statements and to report statistics; and miscellaneous amendments of a minor nature. Background As is clear from the introduction of this Bill tonight, the Government continues to be concerned by the costs of operation and administration of the Freedom of Information Act and by the very low contribution made by users towards meeting those costs. Honourable members will recollect that in June 1985 the Government issued new directions designed to maximise disclosure of information whilst reducing the costs of administering the Freedom of Information Act. Administrative aspects of those measures, particularly the clearance role of my Department, have been valuable in reducing the number of disputes about release of information. Furthermore, costs of processing requests have continued to decrease as agencies gain experience and improve procedures. However, the other major aspect of the Government's directions-changes to the Charges Regulations designed to simplify charging procedures and recoup a more significant contribution by users of the legislation-were frustrated by the Senate when the amendments were disallowed on 13 November 1985. In 1984-85 the operation and administration of the FOI Act cost the Commonwealth between $16m and $19m, depending on the precise allowance made for overheads, and the preliminary figures for 1985-86 indicate a cost between $14m and $16m. Although there is some indication that the total number of requests is levelling off-preliminary estimates for 1985-86 are 36,000 to 37,000 requests as against 33,000 in 1984-85-it is clear that administration of the Act will continue to involve very substantial Commonwealth expenditure. It is also clear that under the present charging structure only very small contributions will be received from users of the legislation-about $22,000 in 1984-85 and perhaps $60,000 in 1985-86-or rather less than half a per cent of the administration costs. Australia simply cannot afford such a situation. The problems identified by the Government in June 1985 remain. Ways must be found to reduce costs and encourage efficient use of the Act. Economic circumstances are such that the Government must take action now. In recent months an inter-departmental committee has been examining options for FOI costs savings. This Bill draws on the work of that Committee, though there will doubtless be further possibilities for longer term consideration when it reports. The operation and administration of the FOI Act is also currently under review by the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs. That wide-ranging review will doubtless encompass costs questions. Whilst the urgency of the current economic situation requires government action now, this does not preclude further consideration of the issues in the light of the reports of the inter-departmental Committee and the Senate Standing Committee. I shall briefly describe the main features of this Bill. Further details may be obtained from the explanatory memorandum. (Quorum formed) Application Fees The Bill proposes a $30 application fee for all requests. This will cover the cost of basic administrative procedures involved in processing the request. The existing $8 charge in respect of administrative procedures will be subsumed in this fee. It will be necessary to pay the fee when making a request. Until the fee is paid there will be no obligation on the agency to deal with the request. Processing Charges The existing charge of $12 per hour in respect of time spent searching for and retrieving documents is to be increased to $15 per hour. This increase takes some account of increases in wages and other costs since the charge was set in 1982. Where requested documents cover sensitive areas such as security, law enforcement, business, policy development and the like, it is often necessary for agencies to consult widely about possible implications of disclosure and to give very careful consideration to the consequences. This can be a costly process which must often be carried out by senior officers. It has accordingly been decided to introduce a new charge of $20 per hour in respect of the time spent determining what access can be granted to a document. Mr N.A. Brown —What if they take all day to decide it? Mr LIONEL BOWEN —Well, that is $20 an hour. Internal Reviews Whilst internal review is certainly less costly than review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and is therefore a desirable intermediate stage, there is nothing in the existing charges structure to encourage an applicant to first consider whether he has been properly treated by the agency. He can always hope that review will result in release of more material, or in other favourable action, at no cost to himself. It is accordingly proposed that there be a $40 application fee for internal review of agency decisions. Personal Income Maintenance Documents No fees or charges will be payable by persons seeking access to their own personal income maintenance documents. The only exception will be where the person has already had access during the preceding three months and there has been no material change to the documents concerned. Remission The existing provision for remission of charges provides that account must be taken of whether a request relates to a person's personal affairs, whether payments would cause hardship and whether disclosure of the documents is in the public interest. The last criterion has caused particular administrative difficulty. In practice many claims for remission on public interest grounds have been generated by members of parliament who have other effective means of access to government information or by media organisations operating on a commercial basis which are well able to make some contribution towards meeting the costs of processing their requests. It is proposed to remove this as a mandatory consideration in considering remission of charges. The existing remission provisions are not procedurally suited to dealing with remission of the new application fees. A new section will permit remission of an application fee on the limited grounds that payment would cause financial hardship and that the documents related to the applicant's personal affairs. 45-Day Time Limit As the Act stands at present the time limit for responding to requests would reduce to 30 days from 1 December 1986. Meeting this reduced time limit would require extra agency staff. It is proposed to maintain the present 45-day time limit. Refusal on Work Load Grounds Some requests have absorbed very large resources, adding up to many staff-months or even staff-years. Three difficulties have been encountered in applying the existing provisions in the Act enabling refusal of requests on work load grounds: First, only large requests directed towards classes of documents can be refused. Requests for large numbers of individually specified documents cannot be refused; Secondly, there is no simple test of what constitutes an unreasonable work load; and Thirdly, the tests take account only of time spent searching for and retrieving documents but not, generally speaking, time spent in consultation and deliberation regarding exempt content. The first difficulty will be met by extending the exemption to cover requests for large numbers of identified documents. As for the second difficulty, whilst it would seem to involve a substantial diversion of resources in a large department to spend, say, more than five full staff-days processing a single request, such a diversion of resources could totally disrupt a small agency or office, particularly if it arose when staff were heavily pressed by other commitments. It is not therefore at this stage proposed to introduce an absolute limit on work load. The test will simply be whether the likely total work in dealing with the request would substantially divert the resources of the agency from its other operations; would interfere substantially with the performance by the Minister of the Minister's functions; or would result in substantial delays in dealing with other requests. The last point has been introduced as it would seem quite unfair that one person who made a large request should be able to hinder access to government information by other persons. The third difficulty will be met by providing that the total work shall be estimated having regard not only to the location and retrieval of relevant documents but also to the consultation and deliberation involved in deciding upon exempt matter. Publication of Information on Agencies At present agencies are required to publish separately statements concerning their organisation and functions. This results in significant duplication of material normally included in agency annual reports. The Bill proposes that the publications be amalgamated. The Act also requires publication in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of an index of manuals, guidelines and other internal documents used by agencies in decision-making. There has been little evidence of public demand for such materials sufficient to justify printing and publication in bulk. The Bill proposes that copies of the index be available for inspection and purchase at the information access offices already established. This `publication on demand' will avoid printing and publication costs without diminishing public access to the information. Agency Statistics I am currently required to report annually to Parliament on the operation of the Freedom of Information Act. A wide range of statistical information must be provided to my Department by agencies for this purpose at considerable cost. It is proposed to very much simplify this statistical information which must be reported. The Bill proposes a reduction to the minimum considered necessary for monitoring the general operation of the Act. Miscellaneous Amendments Apart from minor amendments consequential on the major changes described above, the Bill makes an amendment of section 45 to ensure that material provided in confidence to government by non-government sources will be protected even where the information has been incorporated in internal working documents. As the Health Insurance Commission now has certain functions in relation to investigation of Medicare fraud and overservicing it is no longer appropriate that the Commission should be totally exempt from the operation of the Act. Its transfer from Part I to Part II of the Schedule will provide that it is exempt only in relation to documents concerning its competitive commercial activities. Application The new fees and charges in the Bill will take effect only in respect of future applications and requests. Conclusion It is estimated that total revenue to be derived from the above measures will be about $4m per year. Additionally, the measures in relation to publication, statistics and burdensome requests will result in cost savings of about $4m. Together, the measures will reduce the net cost of the Freedom of Information Act by about $8m or 50 per cent. This is a significant contribution towards meeting the Government's budgetary objectives. Honourable members will note that these savings do not result from significantly reduced rights of access. The express exemption from fees and charges of persons seeking access to personal income maintenance documents will protect those who are most vulnerable in respect of access to information they need. The remission provisions will continue to protect other persons where hardship might otherwise prevent access to personal documents. In other cases requestors will make a contribution towards the costs of providing the benefit they receive. I commend the Bill to the House, I present the explanatory memorandum to the Bill. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.22) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Canberra College of Advanced Education Act 1967 to provide for the imposition of the higher education administration charge by the college as announced in the 1986-87 Budget. The charge is to apply to Commonwealth institutions from 1987 on the same basis as will apply in the States. The Bill also provides for the exemption of certain categories of student from the charge as outlined in the statement of the Minister for Education (Senator Ryan) on tertiary education and the 1986-87 Budget. Under these arrangements the Government estimates the gross revenue collection by the college in 1987 at $1,540,000 which will result in the recurrent grant for 1987 being reduced by $1,386,000. I commend the Bill to the House, I present the explanatory memorandum. Debate (On motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.25) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Australian National University Act 1946 to provide for the imposition of the higher education administration charge by the university as announced in the 1986-87 Budget. The charge is to apply to Commonwealth institutions from 1987 on the same basis as will apply in the States. The Bill also provides for the exemption of certain categories of student from the charge as outlined in the statement on tertiary education by the Minister for Education (Senator Ryan) and the 1986-87 Budget. Under these arrangements the Government estimates the gross revenue collection by the university in 1987 at $1,579,000, which will result in the recurrent grant for 1987 being reduced by $1,421,000. I commend the Bill to the House. I also take this opportunity to table an explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.27) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Maritime College Act 1978 to provide for the imposition of the higher education administration charge by the college as announced in the 1986-87 Budget. The charge is to apply to Commonwealth institutions from 1987 on the same basis as will apply in the States. The Bill also provides for the exemption from the charge of certain categories of student as outlined in the statement on tertiary education by the Minister for Education (Senator Ryan) and the 1986-87 Budget. Under these arrangements the Government estimates the gross revenue collection by the college in 1987 at $69,000, which will result in the recurrent grant for 1987 being reduced by $62,000. I commend the Bill to the House. I take this opportunity to table the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.28) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. In the Budget Speech and in a statement issued tonight by the Minister for Education (Senator Ryan), the Government announced details of its tertiary education policies for 1987. The Government will maintain the momentum of its policies, including the maintenance of growth, provision for disadvantaged groups, the development of stronger links with industry, and the maint- enance of rational steady planning as the basis for decision making. To support continued growth in the system, increased resources are required and, as a result of Budget decisions, funds available to tertiary education institutions will increase by 2.6 per cent in real terms in 1987. In the budgetary circumstances outlined by the Treasurer (Mr Keating), however, the Government has decided to introduce an administration charge of $250 per higher education student per annum from 1987 as a contribution towards the administrative costs of institutional budgets. This Bill gives effect to the Government's decision in respect of higher education students in institutions in the States and Northern Territory funded by the Commonwealth. The charge will apply equally to all full time, part time and external students undertaking award course or courses which could form part of an award at a university, college of advanced education or other institutions where the Commonwealth funds higher education places. Institutions will be required to collect the administration charge at the time of enrolment. For each institution the Commonwealth general recurrent grant payable for a given year will be reduced by an amount equivalent to 90 per cent of the revenue estimated to be derived from the charge. The remaining 10 per cent of revenue, estimated at $9.306m for the States and the Northern Territory in 1987, will be retained by the institutions for expenditure within the institutions for their own purposes. The Bill provides for an appropriate adjustment to be made to payments in the following year where the reduction in grant does not match 90 per cent of the actual administration charge collected. The charge will be indexed on an annual basis according to CTEC processes for adjusting administrative-that is, non-academic-salary costs. The Bill provides for exemption from the charge for institutions' own award holders, full fee paying overseas students and both full time and part time students who are pensioners and beneficiaries in the categories eligible for an education allowance for full time studies. Beneficiaries under the age related education allowance scheme, incorporating TEAS, the post-graduate awards scheme, or PGA, and Abstudy grants, who are liable for the charge, will have their benefit increased by the value of the charge. Similarly, the overseas student charge applying to subsidised overseas students will be reduced by the amount of the administration charge. Under these arrangements the Government estimates gross revenue collections by institutions in the States and Northern Territory at $93.064m in 1986-87 of which the institutions will retain $9.306m for their purposes. Adjustments to student assistance benefits and the overseas students charge will cost $27.7m. Revenue from the charge is therefore estimated at $56.057m in 1986-87. Consequential changes in respect of Commonwealth institutions are being made in other Bills being introduced today. I commend the Bill to the House and take this opportunity to table the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.32) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of the Bill is to amend section 4 of the Overseas Students Charge Act 1979, to extend the charge liability to overseas students who enrol in government and private secondary schools, and courses at technical and further education level institutions for which Commonwealth funding is received. The intention is to recoup a proportion of the cost to the Commonwealth of supporting places for overseas students at Australian education institutions. Charge liability is also extended to include diplomatic and consular representatives, their staff and dependants, who undertake tertiary courses. The further purpose of the Bill is to amend section 6 of the principal Act to fix the charge rates for the 1987 academic year. The new levels of charge are indicated in the Bill. As foreshadowed in 1985, the increase in the overseas students charge proposed in the Bill, for university and advanced education level courses, raises the contribution of a new student or one who commenced the course after 1 January 1986 to 45 per cent of the full average cost of a place. In respect of a student who commenced the course before 1 January 1986, the charge represents 32 per cent of the full average cost, or an increase of 15 per cent over the 1986 level. The amount of the overseas students charge will be reduced by $250, the amount of the higher education administration charge to be payable by all higher education students in respect of the enrolment. TAFE overseas students who commenced their courses prior to 1 January 1987 will pay 32 per cent of the average Commonwealth contribution to TAFE costs, and new TAFE students will pay 45 per cent. All secondary school overseas students will pay a flat rate of $300. I commend the Bill to the House and take the opportunity to table the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr N.A. Brown) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Dawkins, and read a first time. Mr DAWKINS(Fremantle-Minister for Trade)(9.33) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to vary the categories of students exempt from the overseas students charge. This is affected by including in the Overseas Students Charge Collection Act 1979, through inserting section 4A, those categories of students who are exempt from the charge. The current exemption provision relating to a postgraduate student who is the holder of a scholarship to the value of at least $3,500 per annum awarded by an Australian institution is now limited to a person who has been granted such a scholarship and commenced study before 1 January 1987. It is also proposed to withdraw the charge exemption provision for a postgraduate student who is the holder of a scholarship awarded by the Australian-American Educational Foundation. The proposed extension of the charge, as from 1 January 1987, to postgraduate students who are awarded a scholarship by an educational institution in Australia on or after 1 January 1987, and to all Australian-American Educational Foundation scholarship holders, is expected to raise approximately $1.2m in 1986-87. The further purpose of the Bill is to amend section 7 of the principal Act to restrict the capacity of a department or authority of the Commonwealth to discharge the liability of a student to whom that department or authority has granted a scholarship or like award, to postgraduate scholarship holders who commenced study before 1 January 1987. I commend the Bill to the House. I take the opportunity to table the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.35) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to make provision for the financing of the prospective Budget deficit in 1986-87 and in subsequent years together with the associated prospective deficits in the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Legally, payments from the Consolidated Revenue Fund cannot exceed moneys available to that Fund. In order to meet any prospective deficit in the Consolidated Revenue Fund it is customary to seek legislative authority to charge defence and other Consolidated Revenue Fund expenditure to, or reimburse the Consolidated Revenue Fund from, the Loan Fund. This Bill therefore seeks authority to borrow money for defence and other purposes and to enable certain other expenditures to be met from the Loan Fund rather than from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. I should make it clear, however, that the Bill does not authorise defence or other expenditures additional to those otherwise authorised by Parliament under annual Appropriation Acts and under Acts providing for special or standing appropriations. The Bill is simply a machinery financing measure-the provisions of the Bill in fact explicitly prohibit borrowings for expenditures additional to those authorised by the Parliament. Successive governments have, for many years, introduced legislation in the form of an annual Loan Bill to authorise the issue of moneys from the Loan Fund to meet defence expenditures or to reimburse the Consolidated Revenue Fund from Loan Fund in respect of certain non-defence expenditures. In view of the non-controversial, accounting nature of the legislation, which has been acknowledged by all the major political parties in the Parliament, the Bill has been drafted as standing rather than annual legislation. That is, the Bill would provide authority for the necessary financing measures for 1986-87 and subsequent financial years to the extent necessary in the light of the respective years' Budget deficits. Standing loan legislation will in no way detract from Parliament's ability to debate the Budget, nor, as I have already stated, does it impinge upon the Parliament's prerogative to authorise, and appropriate moneys for, expenditures for particular purposes. In the Budget Speech the Treasurer announced that the Budget deficit in prospect for 1986-87 is estimated to be some $3.5 billion. This gives rise to a prospective deficit in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of around $5.1 billion-the Consolidated Revenue Fund deficit can differ somewhat from the Budget deficit as some CRF expenditures and receipts are classified as financing transactions in the functional classification of Budget outlays and, for the purposes of the Budget figuring, certain Budget outlays are met direct from either the Loan Fund or the Trust Fund. Existing standing authorities enable some $2.5 billion of expenditure to be charged to Loan Fund in 1986-87, leaving a shortfall of some $2.6 billion for which separate funding authority is required. This Bill seeks authority to borrow moneys accordingly. The amount of borrowings that may be undertaken pursuant to the proposed legislation is, in the case of defence expenditure, the amount for which appropriation is sought for defence purposes in the Appropriation Bill (No. 1)-some $7.2 billion in 1986-87-and any moneys for defence purposes that may be approved in subsequent appropriation Acts for a particular financial year. The effective limit in 1986-87 is likely to be significantly less than appropriations as defence expenditures cannot be charged to Loan Fund until the legislation is enacted. The legal limit for borrowing for non-defence purposes is determined by the level of borrowing authority approved by the Loan Council. It is estimated that the 1986-87 limits will be sufficient to enable the financing of the Budget deficit. In concluding, I emphasise that the Bill does not authorise expenditures in excess of those which have already been appropriated by the Parliament under Supply, appropriation or other Acts. It does not in any way impinge upon the Parliament's prerogative to appropriate public moneys but simply provides a mechanism for financing expenditures previously approved and appropriated by the Parliament. In commending the Bill to the House I table an explanatory memorandum related to the Bill. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.42) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. Earlier this evening the Treasurer (Mr Keating) announced, as part of the 1986-87 Budget, a number of changes to the scope of the present wholesale sales tax system that are to operate from midnight tonight. This Bill, and two others I will introduce shortly, will amend the sales tax law to give effect to those changes. Given the comments already made by the Treasurer in his Budget Speech and the details contained in statement No. 4 of Budget Paper No. 1 and the explanatory memorandum being circulated to honourable members, I will do no more than outline briefly the changes proposed. Firstly, the rate of sales tax on alcoholic wine and cider and other similar fermented alcoholic beverages is to be increased from 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Secondly, certain presently exempt non-alcoholic beverages are to be taxed at the 10 per cent rate. These include packaged flavoured milk, non-alcoholic wine and cider and similar beverages and, broadly, all non-carbonated fruit juice products containing not less than 25 per cent by volume of Australian fruit juice. Another change concerns the rate of sales tax payable on luxury motor cars and station wagons, including four-wheel drive vehicles. Where the wholesale price for sales tax purposes of such vehicles exceeds $19,892, sales tax will be levied at the top rate of 30 per cent. The amount of $19,892 is the tax-exclusive wholesale price, on which sales tax is calculated, equivalent to a $29,646 retail price. This latter amount is the present upper cost limit on which depreciation is allowable on motor cars and station wagons for income tax purposes. This amount will be adjusted each 1 July in line with the indexation adjustment to the income tax depreciation limit. Finally, the Bill will correct a number of anomalies and inconsistencies in the various schedules to the Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Act. The main changes are: Firstly, all swimming pools, spa pools, spa baths and hot tubs and accessories, which are currently exempt from tax or subject to tax at only 10 per cent, will become taxable at 20 per cent. Secondly, the tax payable on certain film and video recordings will increase from 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Thirdly, household fittings and sanitary ware will be subject to tax at the same rate as other household items, namely 10 per cent. Fourthly, the rate of tax on gardening and industrial hand tools and machinery for business or industrial use will be increased to 20 per cent. Next negatives, transparencies and film strips that are produced from exposed film, will be brought within the sales tax base, at the 20 per cent rate. Purchases of computers, calculators and other scientific equipment by individuals such as teachers, students and others for use in schools or universities will no longer be tax exempt. Such purchases by schools and universities themselves will remain exempt. All aircraft, including hot air balloons and other similar aircraft, are to be eligible for exemption from sales tax if used for business or industrial purposes. Finally, several exemption items will be amended to confirm the scope of exemptions currently reflected in decisions of the Commissioner of Taxation. I commend the Bill to the House. I table the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.47) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The Sales Tax Laws Amendment Bill will amend Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos 1 to 10) and the Sales Tax Regulations. The specific changes are as follows: The value of computer software has traditionally formed part of the Sales Tax base where its value has been reflected in the selling price of goods on which it is contained. However, in recent times those marketing such goods have, purportedly to protect copyright, used the technique of licensing the use of the software, thus separating its value for sales tax purposes from its carrying medium, for example, a disc or tape, which alone has minimal value. The Government could not stand idly by and allow this erosion of the sales tax base, nor permit its spread to other areas such as the marketing of sound recordings or videos. Measures in this Bill will ensure that the value of computer software, sounds or visual images when licensed separately from the carrying medium is brought back within the sales tax base. As the Treasurer (Mr Keating) has already indicated in his Budget Speech, in-house production of software will not be affected by these changes, nor will software produced for export. Software acquired as an aid-to-manufacture will also remain eligible for exemption. The Bill does not seek to tax the electronic transfer of software by means of the telephone system or satellite communications. The Government will, however, be giving further consideration to this question. The Bill will also change the sales tax treatment of swimming pools that are constructed on site. In the past, their pools, which are at the top end of the market, were not subject to sales tax. From midnight tonight, the construction of the container or shell of such swimming pools will be treated as the manufacture of goods for sales tax purposes and subject to tax at the rate of 20 per cent. Until now the process of developing exposed photographic film did not constitute manufacture for sales tax purposes. This Bill will change that. The price charged for developing exposed film will be taxed at 20 per cent. Finally, the Bill will bring the Sales Tax Law into line with the Customs law, by ensuring that goods imported into Australia on a temporary basis may be entered for home consumption tax-free, where they will be for use in connection with an America's Cup yacht race in Australia or the Bicentennial celebrations. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.50) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This is the last Bill in this package of three Bills. It will amend relevant sales tax rates Acts to remove references to the sixth schedule to the Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Act. That schedule is being repealed by the Sales Tax (Exemptions and Classifications) Bill. Details of this Bill are also set out in the explanatory memorandum that has already been circulated to honourable members. I commend the Bill to the House and mention again that these three Bills, together as a package, have one explanatory memorandum which has already been circulated to honourable members. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.51) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill will declare the rates of income tax payable by individuals and trustees generally for the 1986-87 financial year and for the 1987-88 and subsequent years. In so doing, the Bill will give effect to the significant personal tax cuts announced as part of the September 1985 tax reform package, and their introduction from 1 December 1986 as announced earlier tonight by the Treasurer (Mr Keating) in his Budget Speech. The tax cuts are to be reflected in lower pay as you earn deductions from 1 December 1986. Another tax reform measure to be implemented by this Bill will allow the tax-free threshold only on a pro rata basis in certain circumstances. The Bill will also declare the rates of income tax for 1986-87 payable on the 1985-86 incomes of companies, registered organisations and unit trusts treated as companies for tax purposes, as well as on the current year incomes of superannuation funds and certain other trusts. As announced in the September 1985 tax reform statement, the company tax rate is to be increased to 49 per cent in 1987-88 to help defray the cost of the new imputation system that is to apply from the commencement of that year. Legislation to declare that higher rate for 1987-88 and subsequent years, which will also be payable by trustees assessed in respect of trust income of non-resident company beneficiaries in 1986-87 and subsequent years, will be introduced later in these sittings. Accordingly, the rate of tax declared by this Bill for 1986-87 for companies and the other bodies taxed as companies will remain at 46 per cent. However, lower rates are to be declared by this Bill on the relevant income of some superannuation funds and on ineligible approved deposit funds as a consequence of the reductions in personal income tax rates. A further lowering of these rates, reflecting the second stage of the personal income tax cuts, will be contained in the later legislation to which I have just referred. I turn now in more detail to the personal income tax rate measures contained in this Bill. The personal income tax burden will be substantially reduced by an increase in the tax-free threshold from $4,595 to $5,100, and by a reduction of all marginal rates of tax, with major reductions in those rates applying at average and higher earnings. The reform of the rate scales will be in two stages. With effect from 1 December 1986 a five-step scale will apply and from 1 July 1987 this will reduce to a four-step scale. From 1 December 1986 the existing 25 per cent rate on income to $12,500 will be reduced to 24 per cent and the threshold level will increase to $12,600. The 30 per cent rate will reduce to 29 per cent and the next two rates of 46 per cent and 48 per cent will reduce to 43 per cent and 46 per cent respectively. There will be a significant drop in the highest marginal rate applied to incomes above $35,000 from 60 per cent to 55 per cent. From 1 July 1987 the marginal rates applying to income in the ranges $19,501 to $28,000 and $28,001 to $35,000 will both be reduced to 40 per cent, and the top marginal rate will drop from 55 per cent to 49 per cent. These changes to the rate scale will be reflected in the rates payable by non-residents. Because of the commencement date part-way into the 1986-87 financial year, the rate scale for that year is to be an average of the 1985-86 rate scale and the scale to apply from 1 December 1986-made up of five-twelfths of the 1985-86 scale and seven-twelfths of the new scale. The average rate scale will mean a tax-free threshold of $4,890 for 1986-87 with the rate of tax on incomes to $12,500 being 24.42 per cent. A rate of 26.5 per cent will apply in the income range $12,501 to $12,600, 29.42 per cent in the range $12,601 to $19,500, while for taxable incomes in the range $19,501 to $28,000 and 428,001 to $35,000 the rates will be 44.25 per cent and 46.83 per cent respectively. The maximum marginal rate applying to income over $35,000 will be 57.08 per cent. An adjustment is to be made to the maximum rate of tax on the unearned income of minors for 1986-87 to reduce the 60 per cent rate now applying to income over $35,000 to 57.08 per cent. For 1987-88 and subsequent years a flat rate of 49 per cent will apply to all unearned income of minors, subject to shading-in arrangements for such income just over $416. The rate of tax on trustees assessed under section 99a of the Income Tax Assessment Act will be 57.08 per cent for 1986-87 and 49 per cent in 1987-88 and subsequent years. I referred earlier to the adjustment in certain circumstances of the level of the tax-free threshold. In 1986-87 and subsequent years, this threshold will be available only on a pro-rated basis in the year of income in which a person first ceases full time education at a school, college, university or similar institution. The adjusted threshold level will be the proportion of the full threshold that reflects the number of whole months in the year when the person was not engaged in full time education, including the month in which such education ceased. Where income is derived in the part of the year before the person ceases education, the adjusted threshold level will be increased by the lesser of the amount of that income or the balance of the full year threshold. The tax-free threshold will also be available only on a proportionate basis where a person becomes, or ceases to be, a resident of Australia in a year of income. This measure will not affect the present treatment of non-residents receiving Australian social security pensions and repatriation pensions that are taxable in Australia. The provisions of the bill are explained in detail in a memorandum, a copy of which I now table. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr Lloyd) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(9.58) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill will formally impose income tax for the 1986-87 financial year at the rates declared by the Income Tax Rates Bill 1986 that I have just introduced. As explained in my second reading speech on that Bill, the rates imposed on individuals, and trustees generally, reflect the significant cuts in personal income tax that were announced in the September 1985 tax reform package and are to apply with effect from 1 December 1986. No change is proposed for the 1986-87 financial year in the rates of tax, which will also be imposed by this Bill, on companies, registered organisations and unit trusts treated as companies for tax purposes. However, for certain superannuation funds and for ineligible approved deposit funds the tax rates will be lowered. This Bill will also formally impose provisional tax payable for 1986-87, and authorise the collection of instalments of tax payable by companies and unit trusts treated as companies on income of 1986-87 year of income. Details of the various rates are set out in the explanatory memorandum that has been made available to honourable members. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(10.01) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. This Bill will amend various taxation Acts, mainly as a consequence of the reforms to be made to the personal income tax rate scale by the Income Tax Rates Bill 1986. The Bill will also give effect to some 1986-87 Budget proposals. It will amend the Income Tax Assessment Act to increase the taxable income level, at or below which the maximum pensioner rebate of $250 is available, from $5,595 to $5,914 in 1986-87 and to $6,142 in 1987-88 and subsequent years. The maximum levels of the beneficiary rebates will also be increased from $220 to $280 for married beneficiaries and from $170 to $190 for other beneficiaries. The income levels above which the rebates are to shade-out will also be increased. In addition, the Bill will extend the benefit of the beneficiary rebates to recipients of benefits or payments under the Commonwealth's Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme and the Adult Secondary Education Assistance Scheme. The changes to the pensioner and beneficiary rebates are to take effect from the 1986-87 year. Other amendments of the Income Tax Assessment Act will reduce the level of the rebates of tax available for net medical expenses in excess of $1,000, payments of home loan interest by a first home buyer and the assessable proceeds of certain life assurance policies. These rebates will be allowed at the rate of 29.42 per cent for 1986-87 and 29 per cent for 1987-88 and subsequent years. Also reflecting the changes in personal tax rates, another amendment proposed will adjust the method of calculating the amount of any rebate allowable where payments in consequence of a taxpayer's termination of employment are included in his or her assessable income. Other Acts that are proposed to be amended by this Bill as a consequence of the new personal tax rates are the Income Tax (Bearer Debentures) Act 1971, the Income Tax (Mining Withholding Tax) Act 1979, the Trust Recoupment Tax Act 1985 and the Trust Recoupment Tax Assessment Act 1985. Detailed explanations of the amendments to these Acts and others I have mentioned are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum which is being made available to honourable members. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer)(10.04) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The Medicare Levy Bill 1986 will declare the basic rate of Medicare levy for 1986-87 and, until the Parliament otherwise provides, for 1987-88. As announced in the Budget, the basic rate of the levy is to be increased from one per cent to 1.25 per cent from 1 December 1986. Consequently, a composite rate of 1.145 per cent will apply for the 1986-87 financial year. The Bill also contains increases in the income threshold levels below which people with low incomes will not be called on to pay any levy. For 1986-87, individuals with taxable incomes of $8,030 or less, and married couples and sole parents with family incomes of $13,370 or less, will be exempt from the levy. The income threshold for married couples and sole parents will increase by a further $1,660 for each dependent child or student. An explanation of the Bill is contained in the explanatory memorandum which is being made available to honourable members. I commend the Bill to the House. Debate (on motion by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Bill-by leave-presented by Mr Hurford, and read a first time. Mr HURFORD(Adelaide-Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs)(10.06) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this Bill is to repeal the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs Act 1979 and the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs Amendment Act 1985. The legislation will commence on a day to be proclaimed. Its effect will be to abolish the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs-AIMA. I remind honourable members of the communique of the National Economic Summit Conference in April 1983, which stated: . . . the future well-being of this country depends upon the acceptance of the cultural, social and economic implications of a multicultural Australia. That aspiration is an important objective of the Hawke Labor Government and our hopes were expressed during the debate last year about the proper role of AIMA. We believe that enormous improvements were made to AIMA over the ensuing year but not sufficient to avoid a further re-evaluation. The Review of Migrant and Multicultural Programs and Services, ROMAMPAS, under the chairmanship of Dr James Jupp, which has recently reported, has convinced us of the need for a range of approaches that will more effectively ensure that multicultural principles are accepted. In dealing with diversity, we must use diverse approaches to achieve acceptance of the values and benefits of our developing identity built on multiculturalism. Government must take direct responsibility for achieving objectives, and we believe we are now embarking on an improved strategy for that purpose. Part of our strategy involves the setting up of an office of multicultural and ethnic affairs to be staffed and funded within my portfolio in the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs. The Government appreciates the contribution made by the Council and staff of the Institute to the cause of multiculturalism in our community. However, in our view the continuing life of AIMA is no longer the most effective means of achieving our objectives. The Institute will therefore be wound down and abolished before the end of this year at a saving of $1m during 1986-87 and $2m in a full year. This Bill protects the Commonwealth's interests in that process. In commending the Bill to the House I table a copy of the explanatory memorandum. Debate (on motion by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Bill presented by Mr Barry Jones, and read a first time. Mr BARRY JONES(Lalor-Minister for Science and Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce)(10.10) —I move: That the Bill be now read a second time. The Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1986 which is now before the House proposes the removal of the 2 per cent revenue duty applicable to imports from general tariff sources under item 71.07 in Schedule 3 to the Customs Tariff Act 1982. This item covers gold, including platinum-plated gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured. The removal of the duty is to take effect on the third day after the legislation receives the royal assent. The main commodity involved in the removal of the revenue duty is gold bullion. It is accepted by the Government that the duty is impeding the development of the Australian gold market by restricting imports and preventing the necessary liquidity in periods of peak demand. The gold market could become in important source or foreign exchange earnings as an export oriented service industry. With the removal of the duty, Australia could become an attractive alternative for secure storage of gold bullion because of its geographical remoteness from Europe and political stability, thus earning foreign exchange from storage fees and commissions. The removal of the import duty should have no adverse effect on domestic producers. In accordance with the Government's commitment to simplification of the Customs tariff, the removal of the duty has been extended to the whole of the tariff item which includes gold bullion, rather than splitting the item to remove the duty from bullion alone. Financial Impact The removal of the duty from the relevant item is estimated to result in a loss to the revenue of the order of $20,000 per annum. I commend the Bill to the House and I present the explanatory memorandum to the Bill. Debate (on motion by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Mr BARRY JONES(Lalor-Minister for Science and Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce)(10.13) —I move: Excise Tariff Proposals No. 9 (1986), Customs Tariff Proposals No. 14 (1986) and Customs Tariff (Uranium Concentrate Export Duty) Proposals No. 1 (1986). I do so in the terms of the printed proposals which are now being circulated to honourable members. Excise Tariff Proposals No. 9 (1986), Customs Tariff Proposals No. 14 (1986) and Customs Tariff (Uranium Concentrate Export Duty) Proposals No. 1 (1986), which I have just tabled, introduce certain tariff changes in relation to manufactured tobacco, refined petroleum products and to uranium concentrate from the Alligator Rivers region in the Northern Territory. These changes give effect to measures contained in the 1986 Budget. These proposals are operative from 8 o'clock this evening by standard time in the Australian Capital Territory. Excise Tariff Proposals No. 9 (1986) increase the rate of duty on manufactured tobacco and certain refined petroleum products for the purposes of the Excise Tariff Act. Customs Tariff Proposals No. 14 (1986) make complementary changes to the Customs Tariff Act in respect of duties applying to imported manufactured tobacco and refined petroleum products. The increase of $1.90 per kilogram in the rate of duty applicable to manufactured tobacco in the Budget completes the alignment of the tobacco rate with that for cigarettes which was begun in the 1983 Budget. Customs Tariff (Uranium Concentrate Export Duty) Proposals No. 1 (1986) increase the export duty on uranium concentrate produced from the Alligator Rivers region in the Northern Territory from 11c to 80c per kilogram of anhydrous triuranium octoxide contained in the uranium concentrate. The duty, which has been imposed since 1980, is in recognition of the special costs of environmental monitoring and research activities related to uranium mining in the Alligator Rivers region. The increase reflects the Government's decision, made within the budgetary context, to move closer to recovery of the costs of this monitoring and research. Summaries of the alterations contained in these proposals are being circulated to honourable members. I also advise honourable members that the rates of diesel fuel rebate will increase in conjunction with the duty changes on refined petroleum products. The new rebate rates for currently eligible use of diesel fuel will be 23.884c per litre in respect of primary production, 21.496c per litre for mining operations and 18.185c per litre for other prescribed use in residential premises, homes for aged persons, nursing homes, hospitals and other institutions providing medical or nursing care. Honourable members will note that the rebate for eligible primary production remains a 100 per cent rebate of the duty and the new rebate rate for eligible mining operations effectively means no increase in duty payable. I commend the proposals to the House. Mr Tim Fischer —Mr Deputy Speaker, this is part of the reason why those three Government members walked out tonight on the Budget, making history. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER(Mr Rocher) —Order! Debate (on motion by Mr Tim Fischer) adjourned. Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Order! It being 10.15 p.m., I propose the question: That the House do now adjourn. Question resolved in the affirmative. House adjourned at 10.16 p.m. The following notices were given: Mr West to move- That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: State Mail Centre, 501 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne. Mr Howe to present a Bill for an Act relating to social security. Mr Lionel Bowen to present a Bill for an Act to repeal the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry Act 1986, and for related purposes. Mr Peter Morris to present a Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Land Transport (Financial Assistance) Act 1985, and for related purposes. The following papers were deemed to have been presented on 19 August 1986: Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 181. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 168. Air Navigation Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 141. Air Navigation (Charges) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 169. Apple and Pear Levy Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 128. Audit Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 183. Australian National Airlines Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 201. Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 161. Banks (Shareholdings) Act-Regulation-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 116. Canberra College of Advanced Education Act-Statute-No. 59-Election of Graduate Member of Council 1986. Canned Fruits Levy Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 118. Companies Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 136, 152. Companies (Acquisition of Shares) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 149. Companies (Acquisition of Shares-Fees) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 146. Companies (Fees) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 145. Conciliation and Arbitration Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 154. Customs Act- Notice-1986-No. 5. Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 144, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 180. Dairy Industry Stabilization Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 119. Dairy Produce Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 166. Dairy Produce Levy (No. 1) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 167. Defence Act- Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal-Determinations-1986-Nos 2, 3, 4, 5. Determinations-1986- No. 30-Intermediate Term Duty Living Allowance and other allowances. No. 31-District Allowance and other allowances. No. 32-Outfit Allowance For Special Appointments. No. 33-Overseas Living Out Allowance and Supplementary Living Allowance. No. 34-Charge for Excess Water. No. 35-Antarctic Allowance. No. 36-Salary and Allowances of the Vice Chief of the Defence Force. No. 37-Charge for Rations and Quarters. No. 38-Salary of Permanent Force Members and other allowances. No. 39-Travelling Allowance and other allowances. No. 40-Overseas Living Out Allowance and other allowances. No. 41-Trainee's Dependant Allowance. No. 42-Determination 0211, Table Money (Revocation) and Determination 0212, Entertainment Allowance (Revocation). No. 43-Outfit Allowance and Outfit Allowance in Lieu of Issues of Uniforms. No. 44-Travelling Allowance and other allowances. No. 45-Bounty Payable to Members of the Emergency Reserve. No. 46-Overseas Living Out Allowance and other allowances. No. 47-Post Allowance. No. 48-Overseas Living Out Allowance and other allowances. Departure Tax Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 170, 1971. Director of Public Prosecutions Act-Direction under sub-section 8 (1), dated 13 June 1986. Dried Fruits Export Charges Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 137. Dried Vine Fruits Equalization Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 120. Excise Act- Notice-1986-No. 7. Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 173. Family Law Act- Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 140. Rules of Court-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 193. Federal Court of Australia Act-Rules of Court-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 157. Fisheries Act-Notices-Nos 169, 170. Futures Industry Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 150. Futures Industry (Fees) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 151. Grape Research Levy Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 162. Grape Research Levy Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 163. Health Insurance Act- Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos. 156, 195. Statement of particulars of Ministerial determination made pursuant to section 106AA, dated- 21 May 1986. 17 July 1986. 18 July 1986. 24 July 1986. Health Insurance Commission Act- Directions pursuant to sub-section 8j (1), dated 14 July 1986. Regulation-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 127. Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act -Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 159. International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 184. Land Acquisition Act-Statements (6) of lands acquired by agreement authorised under sub-section 7 (1). Lighthouses Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 179. Live-stock Export Charge Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 205. Live-stock Slaughter (Export Inspection Charge) Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 121. Live-stock Slaughter Levy Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 204. Live-stock Slaughter Levy Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 122. Meat Chicken Levy Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 186. Meat Inspection Act-Meat Inspection (Orders) Regulations-Orders-1986- No. 1-Meat Inspection (New South Wales) (Amendment). No. 2-Meat Inspection (Australian Capital Territory) (Amendment). National Companies and Securities Commission Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 153. National Health Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 194. National Measurement Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 172. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 206. Navigation Act- Navigation (Orders) Regulations-Orders-1986- No. 5-Marine, Part 46. No. 6-Marine, Part 47. No. 7-Marine, Part 13. No. 8-Marine, Part 15. No. 9-Marine, Part 17. No. 10-Marine, Part 25. No. 11-Marine, Part 26. Protection of the Sea (Powers and Intervention) Regulations-Order-1986- No. 4-Marine, Part 92. Oilseeds Levy Collection and Research Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 123. Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 182. Pay-roll Tax (Territories) Assessment Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 189. Postal Services Act-Australian Postal Commission-By-laws-1986- Postal-Amendment-No. 2. Postal (Staff)-Amendment-No. 1. Postal Staff (Salaries)-Amendment-No. 1. Poultry Industry Levy Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 142. Proclamations by Their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Administrator fixing the dates on which the following Acts and sections of Acts shall come into operation- Air Navigation Amendment Act 1986-Sections 5, 6, and 7-5 August 1986. Air Navigation (Charges) Amendment Act 1984-Paragraph 4 (1) (a) and section 10-1 July 1986. Australian Citizenship Amendment Act 1986-20 August 1986. Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Amendment Act 1986-1 July 1986. Companies Amendment Act 1985-Sections 3 to 12 )(inclusive)-30 June 1986. Companies and Securities Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1985-Section 77-21 July 1986. Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904-Amendments of Part VIIIaa, made by the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No. 1) 1985-30 June 1986. Director of Public Prosecutions Amendment Act 1986-18 July 1986. Federal Airports Corporation Act 1986-13 June 1986. Futures Industry Act 1986-1 July 1986. Health Legislation Amendment Act 1986-Sub-section 4 (3) and sections 6, 7, 51 and 52-1 August 1986. Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946-Amendments made by the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No. 1) 1985-1 July 1986. Insurance (Agents and Brokers) Act 1984-Section 10-1 July 1986. Public Service and Statutory Authorities Amendment Act 1985-Sections 14, 18, 21, 22, sub-sections 30 (1) to (7) (inclusive) and section 32-1 July 1986. Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No. 2) 1985-Section 7 and the amendment of section 41 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966-9 June 1986 (in substitution for the paper presented on 20 May 1986). Wheat Marketing Amendment Act 1986-Provisions, other than Part 1, section 30 and Parts III, IV and VI-1 August 1986. Public Service Act- Determinations-1986-Nos 33, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64. Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 124, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 155, 187. Radiocommunications Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986 Nos 125, 197. Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986 No. 198. Radiocommunications (Temporary Permit Tax) Act-Regulation-Statutory Rules 1986 No. 199. Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986 Nos 129, 200. Remuneration Tribunals Act- Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 138, 158. Remuneration Tribunal-Determinations- 1986/5-Holders of public offices on the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry and the Trade Practices Commission. 1986/17-Holders of public offices on the Review of Material Relating to the Entry of Suspected War Criminals into Australia and other bodies. Rural Industries Research Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986 No. 143. Seat of Government (Administration) Act- Determinations, dated 30 June 1986, listing fees for purposes of- City Area Leases Ordinance. Real Property Ordinance. Unit Titles Ordinance. Ordinances-1986- No. 12-Air Pollution (Amendment). No. 13-Children's Services. No. 14-Children's Services (Miscellaneous Amendments). No. 15-Crimes (Amendment). No. 16-City Area Leases (Amendment). No. 17-Leases (Special Purposes) (Amendment). No. 18-Married Persons' Property. No. 19-Imperial Acts (Substituted Provisions). No. 20-City Area Leases (Amendment) (No. 2). No. 21-Unit Titles (Amendment). No. 22-Real Property (Amendment). No. 23-Consumer Affairs (Amendment). No. 24-Milk Authority (Amendment). No. 25-Remand Centres (Amendment). No. 26-Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment). No. 27-Crimes (Amendment) (No. 2). No. 28-Criminal Injuries Compensation (Amendment). No. 29-Credit (Amendment). No. 30-Credit (Amendment) (No. 2). No. 31-Sex Discrimination (Miscellaneous Amendments). No. 32-Poisons and Narcotic Drugs (Amendment). No. 33-Magistrates Court (Amendment). No. 34-Motor Traffic (Amendment) (No. 3). No. 35-Games, Wagers and Betting-houses (Amendment). No. 36-Gaming and Betting (Amendment). No. 37-Crimes (Amendment) (No. 3). No. 38-Bookmakers (Amendment). No. 39-Church Lands Leases (Amendment). Regulations-1986- No. 3-(Magistrates Court (Civil Jurisdiction) Ordinance). No. 4-(Air Pollution Ordinance). No. 5-(Machinery Ordinance). No. 6-(Motor Traffic Ordinance). No. 7-(Motor Omnibus Services Ordinance). No. 8-(Machinery Ordinance). No. 9-(Scaffolding and Lifts Ordinance). No. 10-(House of Assembly Ordinance). Securities Industry Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 148. Securities Industry (Fees) Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 147. Sex Discrimination Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 191, 192, 196. States Grants (Petroleum Products) Act-Amendments of the schedules to the subsidy schemes in relation to the States, dated- 11 June 1986. 28 July 1986. Superannuation Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, Nos 126, 139, 188, 207. Taxation Boards of Review (Transfer of Jurisdiction Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 190. Telecommunications Act-Australian Telecommunications Commission-By-laws- Telecommunications (Charging Zones and Charging Districts)-Amendments Nos. 67, 68, 69. Telecommunications (Community Calls)-Amendment Nos 43, 44. Telecommunications (General)-Amendment No. 49. Trade Union Training Authority Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 203. Veterans' Entitlements Act- Approvals by Minister, dated 22 May 1986, to the- Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veterans' Pensions, pursuant to sub-section 29 (3). Treatment Principles, pursuant to sub-section 90 (5). Vehicle Assistance Scheme, pursuant to sub-section 105 (3). Veterans' Children Education Scheme, pursuant to sub-section 117 (3). Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 202. Wheat Tax Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 185. Wildlife Protection (Regulations of Exports and Imports) Act-Declarations under sub-section 9 (1) deeming to amend- Schedule 4, dated 15 July 1986. Schedule 6, dated 27 July 1986. Wine Grapes, Levy Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 164. Wine Grapes Levy Collection Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 165. Wool Industry Act-Regulations-Statutory Rules 1986, No. 160. The following answers to questions were circulated: (Question No. 157) Dr Klugman asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 19 March 1985: (1) Is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation paying the Legal costs in Mr G. Sims' libel suit against Mr N. Wran; (2) If so, will any damages awarded be a private benefit for Mr Sims or will they go to the ABC. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice provided by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), is as follows: (1) In a staff circular issued on 20 October 1983, the Board of the ABC stated that it had resolved to support Mr Sims in respect of his costs because the Board accepts the principle of support for staff who are defamed in the course of their duties. (2) The details of the limitations on the total costs the ABC has agreed to bear and the arrangements as to the disbursement of any damages awarded in relation to this matter are the subject of a confidential agreement between the ABC and Mr Sims. Prior to entering into the agreement, the ABC sought independent legal advice to ensure that any agreement it entered would not result in improper expenditure of public moneys and would not result in a commitment to an open-ended arrangement. The ABC has also made a point of publicising to staff that its decision in this instance was based on the particular circumstances, merits and facts relating to this matter and must not be taken as a precedent for other cases. Further, the ABC advised my Department on 7 March 1986 that the Corporation's solicitor has given a written opinion that a statement containing information as to any apportioning of damages between the ABC and Mr Sims may affect the current case of Sims V Wran. Therefore the ABC considers that it would be inappropriate to make further information public until the matter is resolved. Taking account of the legal advice given to the ABC I am therefore unable to provide all of the information requested by the Honourable member. However, I do accept that this information is of interest to the Parliament and upon resolution of the case I will advise Parliament of the conditions of the agreement. (Question No. 1212) Mr McVeigh asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 22 May 1985: (1) Is it a fact that his Department's staffing is to be reduced by 50; if so, in what sections will reductions occur and how many personnel will each section lose. (2) Have the extra staff employed to clear the backlog of claims under the Export Market Development Grants Scheme been affected by the reduction; if so, how many extra staff have been put on to assist with the processing of claims since 1 May 1985. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) It is a fact that the average operative staffing level for the Trade portfolio for 1985/86 will be at least 50 less than the 1984/85 level. The reductions are expected to be achieved by attrition. The areas affected are -Central Offices of the Department of Trade and the Australian Trade Commission and the State Offices of the Commission. (2) A special task force was formed between 11 March and 30 June 1985 to assist the Export Development Grants Board process additional claims. A total of 19 officers were involved in the task force but all were provided from existing staff resources. No additional staff were recruited for this purpose. (Question No. 1213) Mr McVeigh asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 22 May 1985: (1) What is the backlog of claims expected to be under the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Scheme by 30 June 1985. (2) What extra funds or staff have been or will be allocated to clear the backlog of claims before 30 June 1985. (3) Does the $48m saving from the EMDG Scheme for 1985-86 reflect a transfer of expenditure from 1985-86 to 1984-85. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The 1984-85 Annual Report of the Export Development Grants Board indicated that the claimed value of outstanding claims as at 30 June 1985 was $44.3m representing some 3568 claims. The Report states that the expected cash payout figure for these claims, based on estimates made by the Board, is of the order of $28m. (2) Funds of $54m were provided by way of Advance to the Minister for Finance in June 1985 to reduce the backlog of outstanding claims. These Funds were additional to the 1984-85 Budget allocation of $125m and resulted from the Government's consideration of a recommendation by the National Export Marketing Strategy Panel (the Ferris Panel) on the EMDG claims backlog. As regards staff, a special task force was formed from within existing staff resources to assist the Export Development Grants Board (EDGB) process the additional claims. That is, no additional staff were recruited for this purpose. The task force operated during the period 11 March to 30 June 1985 and involved a total of 19 officers. (3) As indicated by the Treasurer in his May 1985 Economic Statement, the savings of $48m under the EMDG scheme for FY 1985-86 relate to savings in the forward estimates of expenditure. These savings result from the implementation of amendments to the scheme from 20 May 1985 and a deferral of payment of some commitments into future years when the reduced cost of the amended scheme will make less of a call on the Budget. (Question No. 1494) Mr Blunt asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 20 August 1985: (1) What brands of computer or ADP hardware are in use in the Minister's Department and each authority for which the Minister is responsible. (2) For each major system (a) what is its principal function, (b) when was it installed, (c) what was the hardware cost, (d) what is its anticipated life and (e) what action is being taken in relation to its replacement. (3) Is any major system shared with any other user, if so, who and for what main purpose. Mr Young —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) to (3) The following table details the major computing systems in use within the Department of the Special Minister of State and other authorities for which I am responsible. The table does not include hardware serving small standalone administrative applications involving for example, micro-computers, where the cost was less than $40,000. Although not strictly within the context of the honourable member's question, I have included details of hardware used in the Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in Bangkok, supplied by the Australian Government under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Thailand and Australia, and used for drug control and law enforcement systems. DETAILS OF MAJOR SYSTEMS System hardware Principal function Installed Cost Anticipated life Replacement action $'000 DEPARTMENT OF THE SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE Burroughs B21, B25, XE520 microcomputers Departmental wordprocessing Departmental Office automation 1985 700 5 years None Sigma Data Royal Commission wordprocessing NGEN microcomputers Wang OIS systems Wordprocessing 1982 110 None Burroughs items above National Advanced Systems NAS7000 Computing Centre mainframe servicing National Crime Authority Second hand 1984 1,300 1 year Replacement sought in 1986/87 NAS9000 Computing Centre mainframe servicing Department of the Special Minister of State Second hand 1984 1,800 2 years Upgrade being considered for 1988/89 Department of Local Government and Administrative Services Department of Education Australian Electoral Commission IBM Communication controllers Part of Computing Centre network 1985 1,000 6 years None Terminals Part of Computing Centre network Memorex Magnetic tape drives Part of Computing Centre 1986 260 6 years None Storage Technology Laser printer Part of Computing Centre 1982 400 3 years None Disk storage Part of Computing Centre 1982 1,500 4 years None on current disk Currently tendering for additional disk Telex Terminals Part of Computing Centre network 1985 100 6 years None Rank Xerox Star Network system Database analysis and processing 1986 960 6 years None Telex/Raytheon Terminals Control Units Rayword Database analysis and processing 1982 300 (annual lease) None Staged replacement with Rank Xerox equipment OFFICE OF THE NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD, THAILAND Under a memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Thailand and Australia, the Australian Government is supplying mainly IBM computer equipment, software and services to the Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board in Bangkok. The Australian Team is assisting the ONCB in developing law enforcement and drug control related systems as well as assisting the training of Thai personnel. The project is due to be completed by 1988. 1982 2420 Unknown Unknown AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMISSION Sigma Data NGEN, MEGAFRAME microcomputers Office Automation Throughout 1985 431 5 years None NCR 8200 minicomputer Maintenance of Electoral Rolls Second hand 1978 Unknown 2 years Proposed for replacement in ??? COMMONWEALTH GRANTS COMMISSION AWA Terminals Tax Sharing System 1979 40 5 years None Digital Terminals Tax Sharing System Wang OIS system Wordprocessing 1984 37 None Upgrade proposed 1985/86 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE National Advanced Systems NAS 6630 Disk storage Computing Centre mainframe servicing crime intelligence databases, and adminstrative functions Part of Computing Centre 1984 (Annual leasing costs) 648 None The AFP is currently evaluating tenders for re-equipment of their computing facility IBM Laser printer Part of Computing Centre 1984 31 None Memorex Solid State Disk Part of Computing Centre 1984 None Storage Technology Magnetic tape drive Part of Computing Centre 1984 36 None Telex Terminals Part of Computing Centre network 1984 348 None Note: AFP provides access to parts of its database to: Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence Australian Customs Service (Question No. 2321) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 12 November 1985: (1) What was the expenditure by the Minister's Department and authorities under the Minister's control on public relations in (a) 1983-84 and (b) 1984-85. (2) What was the nature or subject of the public relations expenditure. (3) Was outside assistance obtained for public relations, if so, (a) who provided the assistance (b) what payments were made and (c) why was the assistance sought. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based in part on information provided by the statutory authorities within the Communications portfolio, is as follows: (1)- (a) 1983-84 (b) 1984-85 $ $ Department of Communications... 285,346 287,252 Telecom Australia... 1,281,920 1,332,040 Australia Post... 1,628,000 2,049,000 Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia)... 300,000 379,000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation... 252,830 386,469 Australian Broadcasting Tribunal... 41,500 43,000 Special Broadcasting Service... 170,256 111,073 (2) Department of Communications The expenditure was on overtime, other administration costs and publishing. Telecom Australia The expenditure, mostly on salaries, was devoted to informing people about the activities, products and services of Telecom. Australia Post The main areas of expenditure were on salaries, promotional and information publications and films. Overseas Telecommunications Commission As the provider of all of Australia's international communications services, there is a substantial obligation on OTC to inform the Australian public of OTC's role, of the services available and the prices for such services. These activities include a national program of exhibitions and displays, preparation of publications for the public and staff and special ethnic communities. Australian Broadcasting Corporation The expenditure includes staff salaries and expenses together with the printing and publishing costs of posters, press releases and numerous booklets and leaflets. Australian Broadcasting Tribunal Public relations expenditure relates to the salary of a full time Journalist Grade A1 and the production and distribution of a fortnightly newsletter, ABTEE. Special Broadcasting Service The expenditure is for the promotion of programs and personalities of the Service's television and radio operational arms. (3) Department of Communications No outside assistance was obtained. Telecom Australia No outside assistance was obtained. Australia Post No outside assistance was obtained. Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia) (a) Herk Advertising (b) $20,000 over two years (included in (1) (a) & (b) above) (c) Developing a promotional campaign for the ``Herogram Project'' in support of Australia's athletes at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The project has been rated an outstanding success. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (a) Ogilvy and Mather-1984-85 (b) $109,839.31 (included in (1) (b) above) (c) To promote ABC's public image in a corporate advertising campaign. The assistance was sought because of the specialised nature of the campaign and the need for a range of appropriately placed media advertisements. Australian Broadcasting Tribunal No outside assistance was obtained. Special Broadcasting Service (a) Outside assistance was obtained from time to time from the SBS's advertising agency JWT Enterprise Pty Ltd (b) Normal agency service fees on materials produced (c) This assistance was sought for the provision of services and resources not otherwise available within the SBS itself. (Question No. 2348) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 12 November 1985: (1) What was the expenditure by the Minister's Department and authorities under the Minister's control on advertising (other than classified newspaper advertising) by individual subject or program in (a) 1983-84 and (b) 1984-85. (2) Who (a) initiated and (b) conducted each campaign. (3) Why was each campaign necessary. (4) What was the basis of remuneration for each campaign. (5) Was the assistance of the (a) Information Co-ordination Branch or (b) Australian Government Advertising Service obtained. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Department of Territories (a) $4,400-New round-about give way rules $95,000-Canberra Tourist Bureau (b) $6,592-Unleaded petrol $140,000-Canberra Tourist Bureau Parliament House Construction Authority (a) $10,120 (b) $11,463 National Capital Development Commission (a) $15,052 (b) $21,931 ACT Electricity Authority (a) $23,501-`Keep off the Peak' (b) $12,102-`Keep off the Peak' $29,913-`Trees Causing Blackouts' ACT Schools Authority (a) and (b) NIL ACT Health Authority The Health Authority has provided information for inclusion in a response by the Minister for Health to question No. 2346. The answer appeared in the Hansard of 13 March 1986. (2) Department of Territories (a) Round-about sign-Traffic and Transport Branch; Tourism-Canberra Tourist Bureau; Unleaded petrol-Environmental Protection Section (b) Information and Public Relations Section conducted all programs except for the Canberra Tourist Bureau Advertising Program which were conducted by the Australian Government Advertising Service (now Central Advertising Service, Information Co-ordination Branch, Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism). Authorities (a) Parliament House Construction Authority; National Capital Development Commission; ACT Electricity Authority. (b) Parliament House Construction Authority; National Capital Development Commission; ACT Electricity Authority. (3) Department of Territories To alert motor vehicle drivers to a new traffic rule. To promote Canberra as a tourist venue. To inform motor vehicle drivers of introduction of unleaded fuel. Authorities (a) Parliament House Construction Authority-As part of an ongoing campaign to advise the public how, where and when they could learn about the new Parliament House project. National Capital Development Commission-To deal with public comment on planning and or developing proposals in Canberra. ACT Electricity Authority-`Keep off the Peak'-Due to a change in the method by which the Authority is charged for bulk electricity, the cost of that electricity was influenced by the maximum demand within a month. By encouraging consumers to use electricity at other than peak hours, costs to the Authority are reduced. `Trees Causing Blackouts-Trees interfering with power lines are the cause of blackouts and fires. The aim of the campaign was to make consumers aware of those dangers and to ensure that they understood that it was their responsibility to have offending trees trimmed. (4) All advertising for the Department of Territories and the Parliament House Construction Authority, National Capital Development Commission and ACT Electricity Authority were paid for in accordance with Commonwealth rates of advertising as arranged through the Central Advertising Service. (5) Department of Territories-(a) No and (b) all departmental advertising is placed through the Central Advertising Service which co-ordinates all Commonwealth Advertising. Parliament House Construction Authority (a) No (b) Yes National Capital Development Commission (a) and (b) No ACT Electricity Authority (a) and (b) No The cost of answering this question is estimated at $410. (Question No. 2438) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 15 November 1985: (1) When did the current advertising campaign for Army Reserve recruitment begin. (2) How long is the campaign intended to continue. (3) What is the estimated expenditure on the campaign. (4) What firms were responsible for (a) devising and (b) implementing the campaign and at what cost. (5) What was the net change in the strength of the Army Reserve in each month since the campaign began. (6) What is the current target strength of the Army Reserve. (7) When is it expected that this target will be achieved. (8) Have any studies been undertaken into the feasibility of achieving the target; if so, do they indicate (a) whether the target is likely to be achieved and (b) what the likely upper limit of Army Reserve strength will be. (9) What is the projected active and efficient strength of the Army Reserve at (a) 14 November 1985, (b) the present target strength and (c) the likely strength referred to in part 8 (b). Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The current campaign covers both the retention of ARes and recruitment of ARes. These separate parts began in July and August 1985 respectively. (2) The campaign is intended to run to 30 June 1988. Continuance of the campaign after that will depend on Army's assessment of its effectiveness. (3) The estimated expenditure if $2.5m for FY 1985/86 which includes Special to Unit Advertisements (STU) of $.6m. (4) (a) Creative Oasis of Sydney devised and implemented the campaign. (b) Monahan Dayman Adams are the booking agents for the electronic media and USP Needham are the booking agents for magazines and newspapers. The total cost of the campaign is $2.5m. (5) The retention and recruitment campaigns were not expected to produce immediate results, given the normal lead time for processing inquiries and applications and testing applicants. The net monthly changes in Army Reserve strength since the campaign began are: July -49; August -147; September -113; October +27; November -28; December +155; January -78 and February -232. (6) 30,000. (7) 1987/88. (8) ARes strength has exceeded 30,000 on several occasions. The most recent being the period from July 1981 until May 1984. Current Army perceptions are that recent underachievement can be reversed by effective recruitment/retention advertising campaigns, improved administrative/management procedures within the ARes, and the positive benefits achieved through closer integration of the Ares and the ARA. The target and upper limit of strength are the same. (9) The projected active strengths are set out below. The efficient strength is only assessed at 30 June each year. As at 30 June 1985 it was 15,565 out of a strength of 22,722. (a) Not yet available, but 28 February 1986 strength was 23,257. (b) 30,000. (c) 30,000. (Question No. 2582) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 20 November 1985: Which international airlines are presently allowed to interline, or provide cabotage for passengers in Australia. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Air India has rights to carry international interline traffic on flights between Perth and Sydney/Melbourne. However the airline does not currently operate through Perth and is not exercising these rights. Singapore Airlines has rights to carry international interline traffic on flights between Darwin and Sydney/Melbourne/Perth. However the airline has not operated services through Darwin for some years and is not exercising these rights. In regard to cabotage, in common with the practice followed by most countries, no international airlines have rights to carry domestic traffic between points in Australia. (Question No. 2848) Mr Tickner asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: Has any action been taken by his Department to investigate the potential for uniform co-operative legislation similar to that implementing the National Companies and Securities Scheme. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: My Department has not undertaken an investigation of the potential for uniform co-operative legislation similar to that implementing the National Companies and Securities Scheme. State co-operative legislation varies from State to State; it covers a wide area including housing, credit and rural co-operatives. Whilst the ideal of uniform legislation is most commendable its achievement would require an active desire, on the part of the States, for this to be achieved. (Question No. 2959) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: What action has been taken to establish a National Transport Safety Board to investigate transport accidents occurring under federal jurisdiction. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Against the background of stringent budgetary constraints, it has not been possible to establish a National Transport Safety Board. Arrangements for investigating transport accidents or allegations of unsafe transport equipment which are subject to federal jurisdiction have been strengthened. The Federal Office of Road Safety now includes a unit which investigates all claims that equipment or parts for motor vehicles may be hazardous. These investigations may lead to possible vehicle safety recalls. Recent amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974 will also facilitate safety recalls. Provision was included (section 70) in the Australian National Railways Commission Act 1983 for the Minister for Transport to establish an independent Board of Inquiry to conduct investigations into accidents involving AN. Two such Boards of Inquiry have been established since then. In the marine field the Navigation Act 1912 provides for investigation of accidents. Preliminary investigations are carried out by Departmental marine surveyors. In the light of a preliminary inquiry, I may request a Court of Marine Inquiry to investigate the accident. This is an independent judicial inquiry. Within the Department of Aviation, the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation also carries out a specialist task in investigating all accidents and incidents involving civil aircraft operating within Australia and reports directly to me. These arrangements have proved effective in dealing with accidents subject to Federal jurisdiction. (Question No. 3091) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) What funds were allocated to the (a) Community Employment, (b) Jobs on Local Roads, (c) Country Towns Water Supply Improvement Projects, (d) Community Youth Support, (e) Community Youth Special Projects, (f) Volunteer Youth, (g) Adult Wage Subsidy, (h) Commonwealth Rebate for Apprentice Full-Time Training, (j) General Training Assistance, (k) Group Apprenticeship Support, (l) Industry Training Services, (m) Skills in Demand, (n) Special Youth Employment Training, (o) School to Work Transition, (p) Women's Research and Employment Initiatives and (q) New Enterprise Incentive schemes in (i) 1982-83, (ii) 1983-84, (iii) 1984-85 and (iv) 1985-86. (2) What (a) amount and (b) proportion of funds was specifically allocated in each year for projects to be undertaken in NSW. (3) How and by which body were the funds administered in each year for each scheme. (4) How and by which body were decisions made in each year on the detailed allocation of funds for projects under each scheme. (5) What specific projects were funded under each scheme in each year in the electoral division of Richmond. (6) For each project in the electoral division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant, (b) which individual or group received the grant, (c) what was the amount of the grant and (d) what evaluation has been made to determine if the grant achieved the original objectives for which it was made. (7) What specific projects were denied funding under each scheme in each year in the electoral division of Richmond. (8) For each project denied funding in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant sought, (b) which individual or group applied for the grant, (c) what was the amount of grant sought and (d) what was the reason for refusing funding for the application. (9) How does funding for projects under the schemes in each year in the electoral division of Richmond compare on a per capita basis with funding for projects under the schemes in the electoral divisions of (a) Wills, (b) Reid, (c) Parramatta, (d) Robertson, (e) Shortland, (f) Cunningham, (g) Werriwa and (h) Blaxland. (10) How and when were applications sought for grants under each scheme in each year. (11) Was any specific advertising undertaken to alert residents of the electoral division of Richmond to the existence of these schemes. (12) Will he ensure that in future comprehensive information concerning grant availability and eligibility under these schemes is drawn to the attention of local government bodies, community groups and residents in the electoral division of Richmond; if not, why not. (13) If so, (a) how and (b) when will the information be provided. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1)-(4) (a) Community Employment Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $285,422,000 $405,543,000 $290,000,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $86,297,000 $125,316,000 $90,750,000 . . 28.8% 30.6% 31.3% Community Employment Program project applications received from State Government departments and statutory authorities, local government authorities and instrumentalities and community and other non-government organisations are assessed against established guidelines, criteria and priorities by State/Territory Consultative Committees comprising representatives of Government and community organisations. Final approval of projects is made jointly by the Commonwealth and the relevant State/Territory Government on the basis of the Committee's recommendations. Funds are administered by the relevant State/Territory Governments. Community Employment Program applications received from Commonwealth departments and authorities are assessed against established guidelines, criteria and priorities and are endorsed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Final approval is given by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. In the case of Commonwealth CEP Aboriginal Projects, applications are assessed by the Regional Assessment Committee and recommended projects are approved by the relevant State Director as the Minister's delegate. (b) Jobs on Local Roads FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $70,000,000 $45,000,000 $43,236,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $14,538,000 $12,638,000 $13,948,000 . . 20.8% 28.1% 32.3% Jobs on Local Roads is an element of the Community Employment Program and funds are administered and allocated as for that Program except that project applications are also examined by the Federal Department of Transport within the assessment process. (c) Country Towns Water Supply Improvement Projects FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $20,000,000 $15,466,000 . . AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . $7,479,000 $8,383,000 . . . . 37.4% 54.2% . . Country Towns Water Supply Projects were also part of the Community Employment Program and funds were administered and allocated as for that Program except that project applications were also examined by the Federal Department of Resources and Energy within the assessment process. (d) Community Youth Support Scheme The figures provided in the tables below are for the Community Youth Support Scheme (CYSS) grant year from 1 November to 31 October. FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85* 1985-86* (est.) $17,880,000 $21,348,000 $26,056,000 $32,000,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $4,759,000 $6,464,000 $8,182,000* $10,260,000* 30.3% 31.0% 31.7% 33.0% * includes Special Initiative Grants CYSS grant funds are allocated to and administered by publicly elected Local Management Committees (LMCs) to operate a CYSS project within the local community for one year. In accepting a CYSS grant, LMCs agree to comply with the terms, conditions and procedures set out in the CYSS Guidelines and Departmental manuals. These include the provision of quarterly financial returns and an annual audit report, at the end of the grant period, to the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. All applications for CYSS grants are submitted to the CYSS State Advisory Committees (SACs) which consider submissions against the CYSS Guidelines and also seek the views of local Federal Members on projects in their electorates. The SACs then make recommendations based on these factors to the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations who is responsible for approval of CYSS project applications. (e) Community Youth Special Projects FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $1,499,000 $2,794,000 $3,342,000 $5,280,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $766,480 $1,674,320 $1,621,900 $1,918,034 51.1% 59.9% 48.5% 36.3% The funds allocated under Community Youth Special Projects are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations through grants approved by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. Grants are made to incorporated non-profit organisations or local government authorities which are required to meet the guidelines of the respective schemes and satisfy the requirements of the Audit Act. The grants for projects under the scheme are decided each year by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, following recommendations by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. (f) Volunteer Youth Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $178,000 $392,000 $529,000 $1,020,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $72,420 $140,950 $174,980 $257,000 40.68% 35.96% 33.07% 25.2% The funds under the Volunteer Youth Program are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations through grants approved by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. Grants are made to incorporated non-profit organisations or local government authorities which are required to meet the guidelines of the respective schemes and satisfy the requirements of the Audit Act. The grants for projects under the schemes are decided each year by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, following recommendations by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. (g) Adult Wage Subsidy Scheme FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $375,000 $23,200,000 $35,134,000 $27,300,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $91,000 $7,461,000 $11,952,000 $9,000,000 24.3% 32.2% 34.0% 33.0% Funds are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. The wage subsidy provisions of the Scheme provide for the local offices of the Commonwealth Employment Service to match eligible unemployed job seekers with vacancies lodged by employers who have indicated their intention to participate in the program. The program was subsumed under a new general wage subsidy program called JOBSTART which commenced operations on 2 December 1985. Projects have not been funded under the wage subsidy programs. Funds are allocated to the Department's State/Territory Offices having regard to past activity levels and forecast labour market trends and activities. (h) Commonwealth Rebate for Apprentice Full-time Training FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $84,938,506 $86,602,868 $99,361,667 $98,000,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $34,548,314 $34,014,730 $34,268,850 $13,652,003* 40.67% 39.3% 34.5% 41.4% * expenditure to November 1985. Funds are administered by the State Directors of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations under the provisions of the Commonwealth Rebate for Apprentice Full-time Training. These funds are not allocated on a projects basis or by electoral division. (j) General Training Assistance Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $5,998,000 $5,588,000 $5,321,000 $3,800,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $2,247,000 $2,159,000 $1,326,000 $950,000 37.5% 38.6% 24.9% 25.0% Funds for the Program are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. The formal training provisions of the General Training Assistance (GTA) program (subsumed on 1 January 1986 by the Adult Training Program) provided for local Commonwealth Employment Service offices to assess an individual job seeker's training needs and where appropriate approve a course of training for an occupation considered to be in demand. Under GTA a few special projects were funded to permit the establishment of formal training courses for occupations assessed as being in demand. Funds were allocated by the Department as and where needs were identified. (k) Group Apprenticeship Support Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $472,347 $588,082 $671,377 $1,023,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $185,950 $197,410 $219,600 $231,500 39.4% 33.6% 32.7% 22.6% Funds were administered in each year for the Group Apprenticeship Support Program by a management committee according to the Commonwealth/State policy on financial assistance to Group Apprenticeship Schemes. The management committee is composed of representatives of interested parties including the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and the relevant State/Territory Department or Authority. Decisions on the allocation of funds are made each year by each Scheme's Management Committee according to the Commonwealth/State Policy on Financial Assistance to Group Apprenticeship Schemes. (1) Industrial Training Services Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $5,222,000 $6,943,000 $8,649,000 $12,000,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $362,773 $502,412 $818,960 $1,019,308 6.95% 7.24% 10.64% 8.49% Funds were administered by Industry Training Committees. The Industry Training Services (ITS) Program is designed to aid and stimulate the development of training through all sectors of industry and commerce, including small business. The Program's aim is to use training to promote efficiency, productivity and safety as well as industry's capacity to cope with new equipment, new techniques and changes in processing and market requirements. Under the Program, funds are provided for the employment of Training Development Executives (TDEs) and Training Development Officers (TDOs) by National and State Industry Training Committees (ITCs), as well as for the development of new training programs, research into training needs, the production of training manuals and the promotion of training. ITCs also may receive training development grants. These grants are provided to enable ITCs to research training needs, develop training activities and products, to purchase minor items of training equipment and to promote ITC activities to the industry. Most projects are national in character, though some are undertaken in particular States. The Industry Training Standing Committee of the National Training Council recommends the allocation of funds for training development grants under the Industry Training Services Program. (m) Skills in Demand FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $2,008,000 $2,068,000 $3,092,000 $4,509,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $1,109,000 $1,290,000 $1,627,000 $1,869,000 55.2% 62.4% 52.6% 41.5% Funds are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. Assistance under the Skills in Demand (SID) program (now being progressively replaced by the Adult Training Program) is provided on a project basis where the proposed training will overcome a skill shortage, the training arrangement has the acceptance of both sides of industry, trainees successfully completing the training are assured of employment and the industry concerned contributes substantially to the cost of the course. Through its analysis of skills shortages in the labour market, the Department provides periodic information on those occupations for which training under SID may be considered. Funds have been allocated on a project basis as suitable proposals have been put forward. (n) Special Youth Employment Training Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $63,625,000 $120,192,000 $97,637,000 $68,000,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $17,316,000 $33,901,000 $28,178,000 $20,500,000 27.3% 28.2% 28.9% 30.2% Funds are administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. The wage subsidy provisions of the Program provide for the local offices of the Commonwealth Employment Service to match eligible unemployed job seekers with vacancies lodged by employers who have indicated their intention to participate in the program. The program was subsumed under a new general wage subsidy program called JOBSTART which commenced operations on 2 December 1985. Projects have not been funded under the wage subsidy programs. Funds are allocated to the Department's State/Territory offices having regard to past activity levels and forecast labour market trends and activities. (o) School to Work Transition Program FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $11,365,000 $14,564,000 $16,121,000 $15,571,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) $3,472,000 $4,142,000 $5,611,000 $5,421,000 30.6% 28.4% 34.8% 34.8% The School to Work Transition Program is administered jointly by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and the Department of Education in collaboration with State education authorities. Courses are funded by the Department of Education. The Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) recruits eligible trainees to the courses and arranges for payment of their allowances. This involvement by the CES has continued under the Participation and Equity Program. Approval of courses for training allowances is the responsibility of the State/Territory Training Branches of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. (p) Women's Research and Employment Initiatives FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . . . $150,000 $200,000 AMOUNT AND PROPORTION FOR NEW SOUTH WALES 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . . . $41,353 $40,000 27.6% 20.0% The funds are administered by the Women's Bureau, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, Canberra. Recommendations for funding are made to the Minister by the Women's Research and Employment Initiatives Programs Advisory Committee. Membership of this committee is drawn from the National Labour Consultative Council's Committee on Women's Employment and comprises a representative from the Confederation of Australian Industry, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. Funding for projects is approved by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations. (q) New Enterprise Incentive Scheme FUNDS ALLOCATED 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (est.) . . . . $1,500,000 $1,500,000 Funds are not specifically allocated to individual States. In respect to New South Wales, agreement was reached with the State Government to fund 100 participants from the Western Suburbs of Sydney from a national allocation of 600 places. On a pro-rata basis the allocation to NSW is estimated at $700,000 over the two financial years 1984/85 and 1985/86. New Enterprise Incentive Scheme funds are administered by State Offices of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. Decisions on the allocation of funds to participants are made by State assessment committees comprising Commonwealth and State Government officials and other members with specific knowledge in the area of small businesses. (5) to (13) These parts of the question ask for extensive detail which is not readily available. I am not prepared to authorise the use of the considerable resources of time and money that would be involved in providing the information sought. (Question No. 3111) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) Did his decision to establish a committee to review the international air freight policy relating to export of primary produce arise from (a) a departmental request, (b) requests from primary produce exporters, (c) requests from air freight charter operators, (d) State governments or (e) some other source; if so, which source. (2) Was the committee, either by oral direction or by the terms of reference of the review, specifically limited to investigating only those areas of air freight policy relating to charter or non-scheduled carriers. (3) Did the committee investigate (a) possible variations to the existing scheduled services or (b) variations to Qantas' current networking philosophy and practice, as a means of increasing primary produce export; if not, why not. (4) Does the new air freight policy depend for its success on Australian charter operators being granted access to consolidated inbound cargo. (5) Is access to consolidated inbound cargo within his powers to grant or is such access a bilateral matter requiring the consent of the source nation of such flights. (6) Did Qantas in its submission to the committee state that it derives no less than 83% of total cargo revenue from the carriage of inbound freight. (7) Did Qantas also state that outbound freight contributes a meagre 17% in revenue terms to cargo yield. (8) Do the other scheduled carriers operating to and from Australia experience similar percentages of revenue attributable to inbound and outbound freight. (9) Has he any evidence to suggest that non-Australian scheduled carriers or their governments, will willingly allow access to consolidated cargo from their countries destined for Australia, to non-scheduled Australian charter operators. (10) If non-scheduled outbound charter flights take place under this new policy, will each subsequent inbound flight carrying consolidated cargo result in a loss of cargo to Qantas and/or existing scheduled carriers. (11) Did the committee state on page 77 of their report that (a) the evidence presented to the committee indicated that round trip charter operations from Australia would not be viable solely on the basis of achieveable outbound freight rates, even with access to inbound consolidated cargo the viability of round trip operations would most likely be marginal, (b) there would normally be little interest amongst shippers in using a charter to fly inbound general cargo to Australia at rates above scheduled airlines rates and (c) charter aircraft would not fly unless sufficient cargo were found for the inbound legs and therefore it would appear that charter operations would need to ensure inbound cargo by matching, or undercutting inbound freight rates being offered at points of uplift for carriage on scheduled services, before round trip charters would be contemplated; if so, does this imply that the success of this new policy is based on non-scheduled operators taking commercial decisions to negotiate charter outbound flights with exporters and to negotiate access to inbound consolidated cargo with foreign governments to achieve round trip operations which the committee asserts, on the evidence presented to it, would have marginal viability. (12) How many new flights does he expect to operate in the 1st year of operation of this new policy. (13) Would a lack of new flights operating in the 1st year of the new policy indicate that (a) the policy was a failure or (b) there was little demand for such flights. (14) If there is little demand foreseen for such flights, why did he say in his press release that the new policy was a boon for primary producers. (15) Did Qantas state in its submission to the review that (a) in a situation where genuine demand exists for the carriage of primary produce out of Australia which is unable to be met by capacity available at the appropriate time on scheduled service, Qantas cannot, nor would wish to argue that such demand remain unsatisfied, (b) in order that all major aspects of the national interest can be served in these situations, they believe there is every justification for tests of (i) genuine demand for export to a given destination exists and (ii) prior availability of capacity on designated flag carriers in each case and (c) if these elementary inquiries show demand which cannot be met there should be no im- pediment to the procurement of outside capacity. (16) Was Qantas referring to tests to be applied to ad hoc operations; if so, are the comments of Qantas equally applicable to the consideration of applications for new scheduled services which are able to meet the tests applied by Qantas. (17) Has Qantas announced 3 new B747 EUD ser- vices to operate from April 1986 on a Melbourne/Bombay/London route. (18) Is Qantas investigating one-stop Australia/UK flights via Singapore, similar to flights now operated by Singapore Airlines; if so, will some load restrictions apply. (19) Is it reasonable to assume that any load restrictions will be more likely to apply to cargo rather than passengers. (20) How will the new Qantas frequencies referred to in part (17) provide any uplift to Australian produce exporters to (a) South-East Asia and (b) the Middle East. (21) How do Qantas flights Sydney/Melbourne/Perth/Bombay/London assist Victorian or Western Australian produce exporters to reach (a) South-East Asian or (b) Middle East markets. (22) How will Qantas one-stop via Singapore to London flights assist primary produce exporters if load restrictions apply. (23) How many Qantas flights per week included a Middle East port on 1 November in (a) 1975, (b) 1980, (c) 1984 and (d) 1985. (24) How many Qantas flights per week will include a Middle East port on 1 November 1986, on best available information. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The decision to hold the Review arose from representations received from both primary produce exporters and some State Governments regarding seasonal shortfalls in cargo capacity on scheduled services from certain Australian destinations. (2) No. (3) The Terms of Reference gave the Committee the authority to examine the role played by Qantas and other international scheduled operators in the carriage of air freight. The Committee did not provide recommendations to the Government on airlines' scheduling procedures. (4) No. (5) Approval of international charter flights involves both the country of origin and the country of destination, and where applicable, overflight approvals from countries in between. (6) Yes. (7) Yes. (8) My Department does not have access to commercial information of this nature. (9) To date there has only been one flight operated under the policy by an Australian based charter operator, namely IPEC. On that occasion IPEC did not seek approval to carry any freight on the return leg from New Guinea to Australia. The Government of Papua New Guinea has on two occasions rejected applications from IPEC to operate 3 month programs of primary produce charters from Cairns to Port Moresby, following objections from Air Niugini. Again, IPEC did not seek approval to carry cargo on the return leg to Australia. Both applications were approved by the Australian Government. Transcorp Airways, which has operated the majority of flights under the primary produce policy, is not regarded as an Australian based operator. Guidelines for what constitutes an Australian based operator were published in Hansard on 26 May 1986. It should be noted, however, that on each occasion that Transcorp has sought to carry consolidated cargo to Australia in conjunction with an outbound primary produce flight, approval from the country where the inbound load was collected was forthcoming. (10) Granting charter operators access to inbound consolidated cargo will not automatically affect the loads of scheduled carriers. There could be situations, as has occurred in the past, where a temporary backlog exists for freight destined for Australia and scheduled carriers are unable to meet demand. In any case, the granting of approval to carry consolidated freight does not guarantee charter operators an inbound load. Charter flights must still compete for such loads in the market place and may not necessarily be able to match the price or level of service offered by existing scheduled services. It should also be noted that the primary produce charters are subject to a needs-based approach, i.e. charters operate where scheduled airlines are not able to carry the freight. This is administered by the Australian aeronautical authorities giving Qantas the right of first refusal on the outbound charter flight, provided Qantas can match the price and date of departure, and indicates its willingness to do so within 24 hours of notification of the charter. It is left to the aeronautical authorities of the destination country to assess the reaction of its national carrier. (11) Yes. However, an important objective of the policy change was to remove any unnecessary impediments to the operation of primary produce charter flights to allow exporters to test their market potential. Whether such flights actually operate is dependent on a range of factors, including buyer preference, harvest yields, and the commercial judgment of charter operators. (12) Accurate forecasts of that nature are not poss- ible. There are a number of variables including the success of the growing season, the value of the Australian dollar, the demand for Australian exports, available capacity on scheduled services, cargo rates offered and the attitude of other Governments. (13) (a) No. (b) Not necessarily. (14) Since November 1985 to the end of May 1986, my Department has approved 65 outbound primary produce flights under the new policy. This has had a significant impact on the amount of capacity available to exporters and has gone a long way towards eliminating the seasonal shortfalls in capacity and the associated delays and uncertainty which previously existed. It is now up to primary producers and their various marketing authorities to establish a more co-ordinated approach to testing and securing export markets. (15) Yes. (16) Qantas has advised that it was referring to other than scheduled services designed to meet ad hoc demands and/or for providing capacity for traffic destined for distribution/consumption at a port not served by scheduled carriers or to which no convenient international connections were available. (17) No. Qantas announced the operation of one B747-EUD and two B747-200 services weekly on the Melbourne/Bombay/London route from April 1986. (18) Qantas has advised that it is constantly evaluating the operation of fast services to UK/Europe using new and existing aircraft types. Such evaluations include consideration of optimum use of available cargo capacity. Any load restrictions which may apply to a one stop Qantas service would not affect cargo on the Australia/Singapore sector. In such cases cargo destined for Europe may be carried on other Qantas flights. (19) Yes. (20) The Qantas services to Bombay/London will not provide uplift for cargo destined for South East Asia or the Middle East. However, from April Qantas will still operate thirteen flights from Sydney/Melbourne to Singapore, seven of which will pass through Bahrain en route to London. Qantas will also operate thirteen flights a week to Singapore from other Australian cities. (21) Qantas has not operated flights on the route Sydney/Melbourne/Perth/Bombay/London since June 1981. There are no plans to reintroduce such a service in the near future. (22) Answered in (18) above. (23) (a) Seven B747 services weekly in each direction which provided 73.5 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly in each direction to/from Australia. (b) Ten B747 sevices weekly in each direction which provided 105 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly in each direction to/from Australia. (c) As for (a) above. (d) One B747-200 and six B747-300 services weekly in each direction which provided 94.5 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly in each direction to/from Australia. (24) Based upon current plans as at 31 May, Qantas will operate seven B747-300 services weekly in each direction which will provide 94.5 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly in each direction to/from Australia. (Question No. 3129) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 11 February 1986: (1) What procedures may residents of Belrose NSW, use in objecting to the siting of the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (OTC) earth satellite station and tower in the Snake Creek/Belrose Valley. (2) Does OTC have overriding powers to site a communications facility in a residential area in opposition to residents' expressed wishes. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), is as follows: (1) Procedures open to the residents of Belrose to object to the construction of the Sydney Earth Station included all steps available to residents in any other construction project. OTC, though a Commonwealth business enterprise, has submitted to all of the local government planning processes. Indeed, unlike many developers, OTC convened a number of widely publicised meetings with residents by distributing invitations by letter box drop, advertising in the local papers and by writing to State and Federal Members of Parliament. Full details of OTC's plans were displayed at the Belrose Community Centre, where OTC staff invited comments and suggestions. In addition, models of the site, plan drawings and an environmental assessment were on display at the council Chambers for almost two months (during October and November 1985). During December OTC's development application was heard by the Council and, despite wide notice, not a single resident attended in person to oppose the development. Residents with concerns or suggestions were further encouraged to make approaches to OTC, to Members of Parliament and to Local, State and Commonwealth tribunals established for these purposes. (2) As a Commonwealth statutory authority OTC is not bound by State or Local Government laws in the establishment of international telecommunications facilities. As with other public utilities, some residents in a particular area may consider that they are adversely affected by a development. OTC has always been mindful, however, of the need to explain its plans to local residents, to take into account local comments and criticisms and to seek ways of blending its developments in with local communities' wishes and expectations. Despite wide invitations to residents to lodge objections to OTC's proposals, only two written complaints were lodged with the Council in the case of the Sydney Earth Station and as mentioned above no residents appeared at the Council meeting discussing the proposal to speak against it. (Question No. 3176) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, upon notice, on 13 February 1986: (1) Further to his Secretary's synopsis on page 2 of the 1984-85 annual report of his Department, what attention did his Department give to (a) the avoidance of violence in sport and (b) the sporting needs of the unemployed during 1984-85 and what measures does it intend taking in 1985-86. (2) Will he provide a breakdown of the $1,487,824 shown on page 9 of the report as having been spent on special information campaigns giving (a) the title of each campaign, (b) creative fees paid, (c) placement fees paid and (d) the actual cost of advertising. (3) Following the negotiation of the new media rates mentioned on page 12 (a) what are the new rates, (b) what were the old rates, (c) who negotiated the new rates in each instance, (d) on what basis are the fees payable to Master Agencies for placement of Government advertising determined and (e) what sum was paid to each Master Agency for its services in this capacity during 1984-85. (4) With regard to the altered organisation of the Department mentioned on page 16 (a) what powers under the Public Service and Audit Acts did his Secretary delegate to the General Manager of the Australian Sports Commission and (b) what are the five sections into which the Sport and Recreation Division of his Department has been structured. (5) Following the transfer of the National Media Liaison Service and the Ministerial Media Group to his portfolio (a) in what capacity and (b) on what legal authority does his Department service these agencies. (6) What is the scope of the review of the Information Services Division referred to on page 17 of his Department's 1984-85 annual report and (a) who is conducting it, (b) what are its preliminary results or recommendations and (c) when will its full conclusions be known. (7) With regard to the staffing and establishment activity in the management support area mentioned on pages 16 and 17 (a) how many temporary staff were employed in each section in the interim period between the Administrative Arrangements Order changes of 13 December 1984 and employment of permanent staff, (b) for how long were they employed, (c) how many subsequently became permanent employees, (e) what amount was paid in overtime to the Department's management support staff during this period and (f) how does this figure compare with amounts paid out in overtime (i) before and (ii) after this transitional period. (8) Is the Department's active establishment and staffing level as at 30 June 1985 shown on page 9 as reported on page 18; if not (a) where is it shown and (b) if it is not shown in this report will he ensure that this omission is corrected. (9) What progress has been made with the implementation of the Industrial Democracy Plan mentioned on page 19. (10) Are any rents being paid on unoccupied sections of the Perpetual Trustees Building or the Silverton Centre in connection with the relocations mentioned on page 21; if so (a) what amount has been paid in each case and (b) what is the estimated amount that will be paid in each case before the relevant sections are relocated. (11) What was the exact nature of each of the problems experienced with the transfer of funds and obligation records from `losing' Departments referred to on page 24. (12) Further to details of the Australia Day trust account shown on page 25 (a) on what major promotions and programs was the $638,691 expenditure incurred, (b) what amount was spent on administration, (c) what amount was spent on travel and accommodation, (d) who expended money on travel and accommodation and what locations were involved and (e) what were the major sources of the $668,866 income to the account during 1984-85. (13) Further to the Freedom of Information requests summarised on page 36, (a) what documents were requested in each case, (b) who made each request, (c) which were refused and (d) on what grounds were they refused. (14) Who coined the term `the leisure continuum' frequently referred to in the report and to what useful extent does it improve upon the proposition that many people travel for leisure. (15) What has been the (a) yearly and (b) total increase in tourism from (i) Japan and (ii) the USA since 1983 relative to the amount of Commonwealth money spent in each of these countries on promoting Australia as a tourist destination. (16) To what degree of accuracy can his Department identify the estimated increases in tourism from (a) Japan and (b) the USA which are due to (i) strong economic growth in these countries, (ii) weakening of the Australian dollar and (iii) Australian Tourist Commission promotion. (17) Has consideration been given to using the offices which were used for the collection of departure tax at international terminals as information facilities for foreign tourists. (18) What progress has his Department made in discussions with rail unions regarding immunity for the Indian-Pacific train from industrial disputes. (19) Will he provide a breakdown by individual project of the estimates of (a) construction, (b) firmly committed construction and (c) proposed construction in tourism accommodation and resort development referred to on page 86 of the annual report. (20) What tourism projects (a) were financed by the Australian Industry Development Corporation (AIDC) and (b) are under consideration for AIDC assistance and what amount was provided to each project. (21) What remedies have been suggested to overcome the delays in international visitor arrival statistics referred to on page 98. (22) How has the $525,000 expended by the Commonwealth on South Australia's sesquicentenary been spent and how is it proposed that the remainder of the Commonwealth's $2m contribution be spent. (23) What are the details of the Australian Sports Commission's involvement with bicentennial events referred to on page 144. (24) What progress has been made towards (a) the National Headquarters for Sport and (b) the National Sports Plan referred to on page 144. (25) What is his Department's exact involvement with the America's Cup event referred to on page 145. (26) What is his Department's precise role in monitoring the Community Employment Program referred to on page 145. Mr John Brown —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) In July 1985 the Sport and Recreation Ministers' Council (SRMC) established a Task Force of government officials to look into violence in sport. Departmental officers assisted in the development of the terms of reference of this project, an officer of my department chaired the Task Force and the Australian Sports Commission was represented on it. A special meeting of Ministers was held on 30 April 1986 to consider the recommendations of the Task Force. The council agreed to introduce a series of strategies designed to reduce violence in sport. (1) (b) My Department was involved in 3 projects which assisted unemployed people with their sport and recreation activities. A project costing $6,000 was undertaken in conjunction with the Western Australian Department to introduce sport to people in demotivated circumstances (e.g. unemployed, housebound) in forms that would be attractive to them. A grant of $5,600 was made to the Broadmeadows Youth Forum to expand the Broadmeadows Equipment Pool through the purchase of equipment which would provide the opportunity for groups, especially youth (including Community Youth Support Scheme Groups), to experience unusual recreation activities. A grant of $20,000 was made by the Department to Project Hahn, Tasmania for costs associated with a proposal aimed to improve the self-esteem and social awareness of young disadvantaged people (including the unemployed) through a challenging outdoor recreation program. (2) (a) (b) (c) and (d) A breakdown of the amount spent from the Special Information Campaign vote in 1984-85 does not readily fall into the categories of creative fees paid, placement fees paid or actual cost of advertising. The following breakdown of the major items, when read in conjunction with my answer to PQ.1598 (Hansard of 14 March 1986), is however provided: Activity Amount spent in 1984-85 $ Taxation research phase 1 and 2... 160,000 Youth attitudes printing of Young Australians Today.... 5,012 Community access study consultant's travel... 638 Participation in education and training campaign campaign costs... 348,335 reimbursement of development costs to Campaign Reserve Trust Account... 24,324 additional costs associated with telephone lines installed for campaign... 2,215 Advertising availability of booklet `A Guide to Tax Reform' Transfer to Campaign Reserve Trust Account for media and creative costs... 100,000 payment of fees to two advertising agencies for development of submissions... 4,000 Development of campaign on tax reform issues... 25,000 Sex discrimination act campaign reimbursement of development costs to Campaign Reserve Trust Account... 46,378 Prices and income accord campaign campaign costs... 711,112 reimbursement of some development costs to Campaign Reserve Trust Account... 35,706 administrative costs associated with campaign preparation... 4,960 (3) (a) (b) (c) New master agencies were appointed, following a selection process based on the principles of open tender, for a three year period commencing on 1 October 1984: Monahan Dayman Adams (NSW) Pty Ltd, for Radio/TV/Cinema advertising; USP Needham (NSW) Pty Ltd, for press display campaign and miscellaneous advertising; Gordan & Gotch Limited, for press non-campaign advertising. The first task for Monahan Dayman Adams and USP Needham was to negotiate rates for Commonwealth Government advertising (USP Needham for all press advertising including that placed by Gordon & Gotch)-a process which takes place towards the end of each year, for the coming twelve months period. The negotiating principle followed by both agencies is based on volume. The higher the dollar volume, the lower the rates. In the case of television, Monahan Dayman Adams combines the potential spending power of all its clients (including Qantas and Westpac) as a lever to negotiate the best possible deal. The rates that are achieved are regarded by all parties-the individual media organisation or network, the negotiating agency and the Commonwealth-as commercial-in-confidence and not made public. In the highly competitive television medium, in particular, disclosure of special rates agreed to by networks or individual stations would be considered by them as a serious affront which would be prejudicial to any further negotiations between them and the advertiser concerned. (d) (e) Payment to master agencies is on a different basis for each. Contracts were awarded following the calling of open tenders and the best tenderer, both in terms of price and service offered, was selected in each category. With the existing contracts due to expire in September 1987, it would not be in the best interests of the Commonwealth to disclose the details of contracts with each company. The information has commercial value to intending contractors and could preclude the Commonwealth from arranging terms more favourable than the existing contracts. (4) (a) A full list of the delegations made by the Secretary to the General Manager of the Australian Sports Commission is as follows: SUMMARY OF POWERS UNDER THE PUBLIC SERVICE ACT, REGULATIONS AND DETERMINATIONS DELEGATED TO THE GENERAL MANAGER, OFFICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION Section of Act Power or Function Section 27 To create and/or abolish an office in the Office of the Australian Sports Commission Section 29a To alter the classification of an Office in the Office of the Australian Sports Commission Sections 31 (1) and 31 (2) To approve payment of increments where diligence, efficiency and attendance for duty are satisfactory Section 31 (4) To defer increments Section 31 (6) To forward appeals against deferment to the Public Service Board Section 42 To report to the Public Service Board that there is no officer available as capable of filling the vacancy as the person nominated for appointment Section 50 To approve provisional promotion and permanent transfers Section 50 (10) To confirm provisional promotion where no appeals have been lodged and the provisional promotion is not consequential on others not yet confirmed Section 66a To retire an officer who has been absent from duty without permission for a period exceeding four weeks and who does not explain his absence or seek permission for a further period of absence or does not return to duty within the period prescribed Regulation 17 To direct that an officer not under direct supervision shall keep a journal showing the duties performed. To require an officer maintaining a journal to produce his journal for inspection Regulation 33a To inquire into grievance matters as prescribed Regulation 33b To refer grievance matters to the Director, Grievance and Appeals Bureau as prescribed Regulation 68 To authorize payment of overtime meal allowance Regulation 108 To notify in the Gazette, vacancies, which in the opinion of the Board should be filled Regulation 109d (1) To nominate an officer to represent the Commission as a member of a Promotions Appeal Committee PSB Det 1983/10, Clauses 2.1.2 and 21.1.3 To approve the means of recording attendance and exempt officers from recording attendance PSB Det 1984/5 To approve payment of Higher Duties Allowance subject to the provisions of Section 7/B/2 of Volume 8 of the PMM Cl.9.1.2-PSB Det 1983/10 To approve an officer as an approved student for purposes of study assistance Cl.9.1.3-PSB Det 1983/10 To approve/disapprove reimbursement of study fees for approved students. Note: All the above Public Service Act powers were delegated by the Secretary of the Department. General Manager ASC is appointed Chief Officer and as such retains all Chief Officer powers referred to in the Act, Regulations and Determinations. SUMMARY OF POWERS UNDER THE AUDIT ACT AND FINANCE REGULATIONS AND DIRECTIONS DELEGATED TO THE CHAIRMAN AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION Head of Power Power or Function Finance Direction 13/12 Approve the installation and variation in conditions of Official Phones in private residences Finance Direction 14/27 (b) Approve the purchase of Miscellaneous Charges Order Finance Direction 26/14 Approve the loan or hire of stores Finance Regulation 45 (1) (c) Certify in relation to claim where a voucher is missing or defective that a correct copy cannot reasonably be obtained Finance Regulation 45 (1) (g) (ii) In relation to payments for supplies, certify that the requirements of the agreement relating to those supplies have been satisfied Finance Regulation 45 (2) In relation to payments not for supplies, certify that the claim is for expenditure that has been duly approved Finance Regulation 46 (3) Determine in writing that a requisition is not required Finance Regulation 60 (2) Authorize petty cash expenditure:- (i) without acquittance (ii) with acquittance Finance regulation 61 (3) Certify as correct, refunds of revenue and refunds from the Trust Fund Finance (Overseas) Direction 16.02 Authorize payments of moneys overseas (Form OA2) Finance (Overseas) Direction 20.03 Authorize procurement of supplies overseas (Form OA1) Finance (Overseas) Regulation 12 (1) (c) Certify that a missing or defective voucher cannot be easily obtained and that supplies are a reasonable and proper charge Finance (Overseas) Regulation 12 (1) (g) (i) (ii) Certify that the requirements of the agreement relating to the supplies have been satisfied Finance Regulation 48 (c)* Approve requisitions for administrative expenditure to the limit of administrative funds available for the ASC. * This power was delegated by the Minister. All other financial poweres in this schedule were delegated by the Secretary of the Department. (4) (b) The 5 Section structure of the Sport and Recreation Division following the creation of the Australian Sports Commission was as outlined on page 4 of my Department's Annual Report. The sixth Section mentioned there, ``Special Events'', was added following the Administrative Arrangements Order of 13 December 1984 as outlined on page 16 of the Annual Report. (5) (a) The Department provides general management services. (5) (b) A letter from the Prime Minister arising from the Administrative Arrangements Order of December 1984. (6) (a) (b) and (c) The reference in the Department's 1984-85 Annual Report to review activity affecting the functions grouped into the Information Services Division encompassed a range of review actions affecting the components of the new Division. It was also descriptive of the Department's overall approach to its newly acquired elements wherein each was looked at critically to ascertain the most appropriate organisational structures and interrelationships in their new setting. This is an ongoing task of Departmental management of the sort that is covered in successive Annual Reports. (7) (a) one, (b) one month, (c) none, (e) $25,159.78 (8 pay periods), (f) (i) $43,061 (12 pay periods), (ii) $20,606 (6 pay periods). (8) The active establishment and staffing level as at 30 June 1985 is shown at page 10. (9) Following endorsement of the Department's first Industrial Democracy Plan by the Secretary and all unions with coverage in the Department, the National Consultative Council was expanded to include three permanent sub-committees covering Equal Employment Opportunity, Industrial Democracy and Occupation Health and Safety. These sub-committees have membership drawn from both management and unions and meet regularly to pursue particular programs of activity determined by the Council. Other specific ID implementation action has included various initiatives taken by the Department and unions with a view to increasing union membership in the Department. In addition, the ID sub-committee prepared a questionnaire which was distributed in April 1986 to all white collar staff further explaining the concept and aims of ID and seeking their views on the form it should take in the Department. It is expected that analysis of this survey will be completed and a similar survey of blue collar staff will be completed in August 1986. (10) This Department is not paying any rent on unoccupied sections of the Perpetual Trustees Building or the Silverton Centre. The Department of Local Government and Administrative Services is responsible for leasing and payment of accommodation for all Government Departments. (11) As indicated in the Department's 1984-85 Annual Report the nature of the problems experienced with the transfer of funds and obligation records from `losing' departments was the timely receipt of proper documentation concerning existing obligations and appropriation funds transferred. In some cases desirable information was not available because of differences in the chart of accounts structures and internal accounting procedures between departments. The delay in providing the records was due, I understand, principally to a lack of available resources at the time in ``losing'' departments given other priorities. (12) Financial details requested about the Australia Day Trust Fund are as follows: (a) Expenditure on Major Promotion and programs-As outlined on p. 109 of my Department's Annual Report, these included promotion of the Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year, Citizen and Young Citizen Awards, student photography project, Australia Day Concert, private sector and local Government participation, media promotion, production of promotional material, research and salary assistance grants to State/Territory Australia Day Councils. (b) Administration costs (excluding salaries, travel and accommodation) amounted to $18,723. (c) Travel and accommodation costs were $35,622. (d) Travel and accommodation costs were principally for travel by Members of the National Australia Day Council to attend Council meetings and by Executive Directors of States/Territory Australia Day Councils to attend Marketing Committee meetings. These meetings were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth to raise the visability of the National Council in all States and Territories. (e) The major sources of income were: $ Commonwealth Government Contribution... 609,000 Corporate Sponsorships... 29,338 State/Territory AD Councils... 26,670 (13) Information disclosing the names of individual applicants under the Freedom of Information Act relates to the personal affairs of the applicants and is therefore considered confidential. However, the answers to parts (a), (c) and (d) are as follows: (a) (c) (d) What documents were requested* Were documents refused Grounds for Refusal under the FOI Act Participation in physical activity... Granted n.a. Sports promotion and information on various sports... Granted n.a. Sports promotion and operation of the Australian Institute of Sport... Granted n.a. Compensation after boycott of 1980 Olympics... Granted n.a. Support for equestrian events... Partial Access S41(1)+33A(1) Inwards duty free shopping... Refused No documents held by department Grants available to Aboriginal people... Refused No documents held by department Domestic Tourism Monitor... Refused S43(1) (c) S33A(1) Tourist industry in far North Queensland... Granted n.a. Documents concerning boat manufacturing... Refused S45(1) S43(1) (c) Documents from the Australian Rowing Council... Granted n.a. Inwards duty free shopping... Refused No documents held by department Documents concerning temporary employment... Granted n.a. Documents concerning disabled programs... Granted n.a. Report of the Interim Committee for the Australian Sports Commission (ICASC)... Granted n.a. Minutes of the Sport and Recreation Ministers Council meetings... Partial Access S33A Research Commissioned by the Information Co-ordination Branch... Granted n.a. Report of the ICASC... Granted n.a. AGPS Surveys and Marketing Plan... Partial Access S34(1) Surveys and Polls commissioned by the Government... Granted n.a. ANOP research on taxation... Granted n.a. * Requests which were transferred to other agencies or which were withdrawn by the applicant are not listed. (14) The term `leisure continuum' covers a concept that has been referred to in both English and American literature since the 1960's and is a useful framework for classifying activities which fall within the range of the Department's policy and program interests. (15) A comparison of visitor arrivals from USA and Japan in 1983, 1984 and 1985 relative to promotional expenditure in these two countries in 1982-83, 1983-84 and 1984-85 respectively is given below. Country 1983 1984 Increase 1984-83 1985 Increase 1985-84 Increase 1985-83 USA Visitor Arrivals... 140,000 161,300 21,300 *200,000 38,700 60,000 Promotional Expenditure ($m)... 0.925 5.913 4.988 11.300 5.387 10.375 Japan Visitor Arrivals... 71,800 87,900 16,100 *112,000 24,100 40,200 Promotional Expenditure ($m)... 0.661 1.209 0.548 1.385 0.176 0.724 * ATC estimate, in advance of ABS official estimate. (16) As the question itself acknowledges the growth in international visitors to Australia is due to a combination of factors. Statistical models available in the Department can provide an indication of the relative contribution of these factors but, given the complexity of the relationships involved, their reliability is uncertain. (17) No. (18) The Department has not been directly involved in discussions with rail unions concerning the Indian Pacific. Following the seminar referred to in the Annual Report, the Indian Pacific rail managements are discussing the service with rail unions within the recently established Rail Industry Council, which is comprised of representatives of Government transport ministries, rail managements and unions. (19) (a) (b) An individual breakdown of tourism projects ($5m and over) under construction and firmly committed is available from the Department-I refer you also to my press release of 21 March 1986. (19) (c) Data on proposed construction activity is supplied to my Department on a commerical-in-confidence basis by Cordell Building Publications. Under the terms of this contract I am unable to provide details of individual projects in this category. (20) (a) (b) I am advised that the Australian Industry Development Corporation (AIDC) committed fin- ance totalling $20.9m to five tourism industry projects during 1984-85. The individual amounts committed are in each case confidential to the client concerned. However an outline of each project is given below: Development of a new self-contained beachfront resort complex north of Cairns oriented towards both domestic and international tourist markets. Expansion and development of a motel in Alice Springs to specialise in accommodation for the coach and package tour market. The project is the first stage of an integrated development of tourist facilities in Alice Springs. Development of a waterway tourist resort and residential development alongside the Swan River, south of Perth. Development of a beachfront resort complex on North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane. Further development of the Kuranda Scenic railway, and associated projects, near Cairns. Tourism projects under consideration at the end of 1984-85 included: A motel project in Perth to be completed in time to accommodate overseas visitors to the America's Cup events. A new hotel complex in Canberra. An international standard tourist resort in the Blue Mountains. (21) The Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs is exploring a number of possible procedures which could reduce the delay in the provision of international visitor arrival statistics, including the introduction of a new automated system for processing movements data, and the possibility of capturing more data by means of automatic recognition equipment. (22) The $525 000 provided by the Commonwealth for the South Australian sesquicentenary in 1984/85 was allocated on the basis of the projected expenditure for the following projects: $ Establishment of a maritime museum in Port Adelaide... 370,000 Restoration of the old mining town of Burra Burra as a living museum... 105,000 Extension of existing facilities at historic Fort Granville and restoration of the fort proper... 50,000 525,000 The total gift of $2 million was allocated as follows. More detail is available at p.108 of my Department's Annual Report. $ Purchase and restoration of the historic Ketch `Falie'... 230,000 Maritime museum-Port Adelaide... 1,250,000 Burra Burra mining town-restoration as a living museum... 270,000 Fort Granville... 250,000 2,000,000 The final instalment of the $2 million gift was paid in March 1986. (23) At the request of the Australian Bicentennial Authority (ABA), officers of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) assisted in the initial evaluation of the various proposals received from national sporting and recreational organisations. They were then forwarded to the National Assessment Panel for its consideration. The Panel includes representatives from the ASC. The ASC will continue to work closely with the ABA in the sports program for the Bicentennial year. (24) (a) The Commission has discussed, in broad terms, the concept of a national headquarters for sport. To this point, it has not been considered a matter of priority. (24) (b) The National Sports Plan was an issue being handled and developed by the Department at the time of the change of functions. Under its enabling legislation, the Australian Sports Commission has an obligation to prepare, and submit for Ministerial approval, a strategic plan as a framework for its own activities. The Plan has been submitted to me. (25) My Department has little involvement in activities associated with the America's Cup defence. However, because of the significant sporting and tourism benefits associated with the America's Cup defence, my Department receives relevant information from the America's Cup Support Group Office in Fremantle and provides advice from time to time on matters relating to the defence. (26) The only monitoring of the CEP undertaken by my Department is to seek from time to time information on the number and type of sport and recreation projects assisted under the CEP. In addition the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations on occasions consults my Department in respect of applications for CEP funds for sport and recreation facilities. (Question No. 3337) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: What (a) was the stated purpose for each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85, (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip, (c) was the duration of each trip, (d) were the countries visited during each trip and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip with the airfare component identified separately. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO. 3337 OF 13 MARCH 1986 Details of Overseas Visits by Industry Technology and Commerce 1984/5 Purpose Officer Class Duration Countries Visited Total Cost Airfare component $ Departmental Travel Steel Industry Plan-Tripartite Mission Cl Ad 11 6.7-3.8.84 USA UK Japan Korea China 10,408 5,976 Trade Mission-Iron and Steel Industry Cl Ad 11 12.7-3.8.84 China 7,627 3,827 Conference on Small Business Research SES 21.9-15.10.84 Switzerland UK USA 7,564 5,214 BIE Research into Chemicals and Plastics SES 25.9-20.10.84 Hong Kong UK Canada USA 9,123 5,621 Australia/Korea Joint Trade Committee SES 8.10-15.10.84 Korea 3,924 2,994 International Small Business Congress SES 19.10-29.10.84 Netherlands France Britain 5,718 4,482 US Steel Negotiations Cl Ad 11 26.11-9.12.84 USA 6,262 4,328 Seminar on new computer memory device. Visit companies to discuss civil offsets in Australia SES 29.1-9.2.85 USA 6,008 4,081 Accompany the Minister for Science. (Technology Discussions) SES 3.2-9.2.85 Indonesia Malaysia 4,099 2,724 Visit Aerospace Industry Representatives Cl Ad 11 13.3-1.4.85 USA Canada 9,638 5,558 Visit Aerospace Industry Representatives SES 16.3-15.4.85 USA Canada UK France West Germany Italy 11,759 6,329 Discussions with US and Canadian Governments concerning the implementation of the 150% Taxation Deduction SES Cl Ad 11 22.3-1.4.85 22.3-1.4.85 USA Canada USA Canada 6,944 6,698 5,300 5,260 Study/Research in Materials Handling and Packaging SES 13.4-12.5.85 USA UK Netherlands West Germany 12,959 5,347 Accompany Minister for Trade-Discussions on removal of DC preference on steel SES 27.4-4.5.85 Hong Kong Korea 5,146 3,686 Attend BIOTECH '85 Conference. Attend discussions on Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Issues SES 17.5-4.6.85 UK France Hungary Singapore 9,740 5,225 Paris Airshow. Meet aerospace representatives Cl Ad 11 25.5-9.6.85 Italy France Switzerland UK Singapore 7,875 4,870 Foreign Affairs Conference Travel Accompany Minister for DITAC SEC 2.6-21.6.85 Hong Kong China Japan 13,076 8.764 Discussions on Technology and Structural Adjustments in Textile and Clothing Industries SES Cl Ad 11 3.6-20.6.85 3.6-20.6.85 UK West Germany USA Canada 9,698 8,809 5,998 5,219 Consult with EC Ministers. Aust/ Japan Committee Meeting. SES 7.6-21.6.85 UK Belgium Japan 7,588 4,903 OECD Steel Committee Meeting SES 29.9-28.10.84 Canada UK China 9,820 7,144 OECD Meeting SES 28.11-10.12.84 France, UK, Singapore 520 * OECD Steel Committee Meeting Cl Ad 11 19.1-29.1.85 UK, France 110 * OECD Industry Committee-56th Session SES 1.3-15.3.85 UK, Austria, France 680 * OECD Meeting CA 11 17.5-10.6.85 France, USA, Singapore 9,428 4,683 OECD Steel Committee Meeting SES 19.4-3.5.85 France, West Germany, Singapore 365 * OECD Meeting SES 20.5-1.6.85 France, Belgium, Singapore 1,850 * UNIDO IV Meeting Cl Ad 11 27.7-22.8.84 Austria * * UNIDO IV Meeting SES 26.7-1.9.84 Austria, UK, Thailand 5,307 5,307 UNIDO Industrial Board, OECD SES 10.5-18.6.85 Austria, UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Singapore 2,132 *117 Regional Trade Committee Meeting Cl Ad 11 6.7-14.7.84 Noumea, Nauru, Kiribati * * Accompany Minister for Defence Support SES 27.7-12.8.84 Europe, USA 7,953 5,557 ASEAN/Australian Forum SES 28.1-5.2.85 Malaysia, Singapore 230* * CITHSE, CHOGRM SES 7.9-2.10.84 Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia 3,181 2,244 CER Officals Meeting Cl Ad 11 3.6-15.6.85 NZ, Fiji 738 *168 Discussions with NZ Customs on Rules of Origin & SPARTACA Cl Ad 10 16.9-25.9.84 NZ 1,578 882 Meeting with NZ industry-Softwood production SES 25.9-30.9.84 NZ 1,257 937 Attend CER discussions with NZ Officials SES Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 11 27.11-30.11.84 27.11-30.11.84 27.11-30.11.84 NZ NZ NZ 1,332 1,095 1,147 947 867 867 Discussions with NZ Officials on ANZCER apparel arrangements Cl Ad 11 9.2-17.2.85 NZ 1,995 890 Attend consultations with NZ officals on Multilateral Economic issues and counterpart discussions Cl Ad 11 5.3-9.3.85 NZ 1,202 804 Other Travel Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries-Japan Cl Ad 9 21.2-9.3.85 Japan **4,056 1,114 SES Fellowship SES 25.4-3.8.85 USA, UK, Singapore, Canada, Sweden, West Germany, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland 25,442 6,401 Paris Airshow (Recall to duty) SES 1.6-4.6.85 France 390 . . Visit UK Steel Industry (Recall to duty) Cl Ad 5 21.6-28.6.85 UK 1,245 . . * Balance of costs associated with the trip paid by FA's ** $2,056 of total provided by Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION 3337 OF 13 MARCH 1986 Details of Overseas Visits by Australian Customs Service 1984/85 Name Level Purpose Period Countries Fare Travelling allowance $A $A G. Boyd Cl 8 Motor Vehicle Investigation 12.8-12.9.84 HK, Singapore 3,022 5,232 B. Hull Cl 8 Motor Vehicle Investigation 12.8-12.9.84 HK, Singapore 2,896 5,162 J. McCormack AS HS Working Party 5, Joint NC/HSC3, HS Seminar 7.9-21.11.84 Belgium, UK, Italy, India 6,288 6,895 H. Bates FAS GATT Meetings 22.9-17.11.84 Europe, USA, Canada, Mauritius 7,106 9,343 N. Foldi Cl 11 Attend 8th Session of Technical Industry Committee on Customs Valuation25.9-12.10.84 UK, Belgium, Malaysia, Singapore 4,402 1,766 W. Lester CSO 4 Attend USE Conference 29.9-12.10.84 USA 3,416 2,106 C. Karlsen CSO 4 Attend Computer Working Party of CCC 5-27.10.84 UK, Belgium, USA 4,892 2,446 A. Gardiner Cl 9 ACS/NZC Joint Liaison Visit 10.10-10.11.84 South Pacific 804 3,796 I. Foster Cl 11 Conduct course on Drug Identification and Concealment 24.11-9.12.84 Vanuatu 2,214 1,523 P. Lawler Ag AS Attend Chemist Conference, Joint Working Party No. 7, Harmonization Seminar 2.1-4.2.85 UK, Belgium, India 4,753 4,075 R. Woodrow Cl 9 CCC Seminar-Brussels 13.1-5.2.85 UK, Belgium, France 4,402 2,415 A. Wilson AS Attend CCC Meeting of ADP Working Party 8.2-3.3.85 UK, Belgium, Singapore 4,482 2,465 J. Pritchard Cl 11 Attend Conference on Export of Strategic Goods. Examine Passenger Processing. Attend CCC Enforcement Committee Meeting. 9.2-11.3.85 USA, UK, Belgium 2,479 3,394 N. Foldi Cl 11 Technical Committee on Customs Valuation and CCC Meeting 26.2-18.3.85 UK, Belgium, Singapore 4,402 2,649 J. Conlon AS Attend CCC Conference on Customs Enforcement 5-21.4.85 Japan, Korea, HK, Singapore 3,207 2,942 J. Hartley Cl 11 Interim Harmonized System Committee 54th Nomenclature Committee 1.5-3.6.85 UK, Belgium, Singapore 4,535 3,665 C. Vassarotti AS Pacific Basic Customs Enforcement Seminar. Study computer based Intelligence systems 6-27.5.85 USA 4,581 4,254 B. Bissaker AS Investigate commercial transactions with Australian importer 19.5-7.6.85 China, HK 3,664 3,805 W. Fitzpatrick Cl 9 Commercial Fraud Investigations 27.5-7.6.85 HK 3,282 2,297 N. Foldi Cl 11 Customs Co-operation Council Meeting 4.6-20.6.85 UK, Belgium, Singapore 4,535 1,886 D. Hogg Cl 9 Dumping (Normal Value) Reviews 14.6-9.7.85 HK, Korea, Japan 3,257 6,637 Foreign Affairs Conference Travel B. Wilkinson AS GATT Anti-dumping Subsidies Codes Meetings 18-30.4.85 Belgium, Switzerland, Singapore . . 232 Visits to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea R. Martindale Cl 9 Discuss NZ Bulk appropriations and program management with NZ Customs 19-29.9.84 NZ 1,002 1,218 J. Drury AS Discuss NZ Bulk appropriations and program management with NZ Customs 19-29.9.84 NZ 1,079 800 L. Alp Cl 10 Study NZ Customs air and sea barrier operations 26.8-7.9.84 NZ 918 1,100 J. Gobell Cl 8 Discussions with NZ Customs on rules of origin and SPARTACA 16-25.9.84 NZ 882 479 B. Wilkinson AS Discussions with NZ Customs on rules of origin and SPARTACA 16-25.9.84 NZ 1,088 500 R. Woodrow Cl 9 NZ Customs Management Training Program 22.9-11.10.84 NZ 882 1,089 E. Dixon Ag AS Disc. with Excise Section-NZ Customs 14-21.10.84 NZ 947 528 J. McDermott Cl 8 Carry out preference investigations 21.10-16.11.84 NZ 804 2,548 G. Hearn COB 6 NZ Customs Dep't Management Skills Course 4-21.11.84 NZ 870 759 G. Cowan Cl 9 NZ/Australian Customs Intelligence Conf. 16-25.11.84 NZ 867 835 M. Johnson Cl 8 NZ/Australian Customs Intelligence Conf. 16-27.11.84 NZ 870 609 B. Toohey Cl 8 NZ/Australian Customs Intelligence Conf. 16-25.11.84 NZ 707 424 T. Mether Cl 8 Preference inquiries in NZ 3-29.3.85 NZ 804 2,457 J. Tatnell Cl 9 ANZCERTA Inquiries 8-20.4.85 NZ 1,036 1,264 J. Lambert AS CER Officials Meeting in NZ 3.6-7.6.85 NZ 952 386 P. Lawler Ag AS Annual Conference of NZ Tariff Officers 9.6-14.6.85 NZ 940 421 G. Northey Cl 9 Annual Conference of NZ Tariff Officers 9.6-14.6.85 NZ 940 481 Other Visits W. Parker Cl 8 Relief Posting-Tokyo 9.7-19.8.85 Japan 2,652 6,134 L. Roux Cl 11 Long Term Posting-Tokyo 8.8.84 Japan 6,825 170 A. Pass Cl 9 Long Term Posting-New York 25.9.84 USA 11,963 196 K. Stilling FAS Exchange Program-Ottawa 17.12.84 Canada 7,270 834 M. Henry Cl 9 Long Term Posting-Brussels 27.12.84 Belgium 13,884 245 M. Bungey Cl 9 Long Term Posting-New Zealand 7.1.85 NZ 402 . . T. O'Connor Cl 8 Long Term Posting-CCC, Brussels 19.4.85 Belgium 14,892 713 K. Beaman Cl 11 Relief Posting-Hong Kong 30.6-30.8.85 HK 3,283 9,223 INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO. 3337 OF 13 MARCH 1986 (OVERSEAS TRAVEL BY OFFICERS)-HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MR D. M. CAMERON Details of Overseas Travel for 1984-85 for I.A.C. Officers. (a) Purpose (b) Classification of Officer (c) Duration of travel (d) Countries visited (e) Estimated costs (i) Total cost (ii) Air fare Discussions with New Zealand Industries Development Commission Chairman 26.11-29.11.84 New Zealand 1,619 1,252 Discussions and information gathering from overseas Governments and Industries relating to the Chemicals and Plastics Inquiry Commissioner and First Assistant Commissioner 20.9-24.10.84 Europe, United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America 24,154 13,292 Discussions and information gathering from Government and Industry related to the Apples and Pears Inquiry Commissioner (with Spouse) and Assistant Commissioner 22.1-31.1.85 New Zealand 4,862 3,498 Discussions and information gathering from overseas Governments and Industries relating to the Textiles Clothing and Footwear Inquiry Commissioner (with Spouse) and Assistant Commissioner 9.6-3.7.85 Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Hong Kong 25,242 15,270 Meeting at World Bank on inventory and measurement of protection especially non tariff barriers to trade (part sponsorship by World Bank) Head of Office 16.7-25.7.84 United States of America 1,501 827 Discussions related to overseas research on non tariff barriers. Interviews for recruitment First Assistant Commissioner 31.1-8.3.85 United States of America, United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore 11,392 5,236 Visit US International Trade Commission regarding research sources and material for IAC Library. Attended American Library Association Conference Librarian 3.1-17.1.85 United States of America 7,262 4,335 PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION NO. 3337 OF 13 MARCH 1986 Details of Overseas Visits by Automotive Industry Authority Purpose Officer Class Duration Countries visited Total Cost Airfare component To have discussions with the management of Automotive Companies in Japan. To obtain an understanding of the Automotive industry in that country. Chairman Assoc. Member Member Member 14.6-30.6.85 14.6-30.6.85 14.6-30.6.85 14.6-30.6.85 Japan 34,136 15,936 (Question No. 3182) Mr Shack asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 13 February 1985: (1) What amount has been spent on the promotion of Priority 1, including the Priority 1 phone-in since the presentation of the 1985-86 budget? (2) What amounts have been spent on the production and running of (a) press advertisements, (b) television commercials, (c) cinema commercials and (d) bill board posters for the campaign? (3) What amount has been spent on Priority 1 (a) pamphlets, (b) T-shirts and sweatshirts and (c) other promotional material? (4) How and to whom were the promotional materials listed in part 3 distributed? (5) Which companies were engaged in the production of the items listed in parts 2 and 3. (6) How were the companies involved in the Priority 1 promotion campaign selected? (7) What was the cost of the Priority One phone-in campaign? (8) Which companies were engaged to conduct the phone-in and how were they selected? (9) Did those companies engage any other companies to help conduct the phone-in? (10) What are the principal business activities of each of the companies involved in the phone-in? (11) How many phone calls were received during the phone-in? (12) What was the cost of his `expressogram' letter to people who called the phone-in? (13) Will (a) the companies which conducted the phone-in and (b) the Government retain a copy of the complete data base compiled as a result of the phone-in? (14) If the Government has or intends to retain a copy of the complete data base, for how long will it be retained? (15) Which other individuals or companies have or will have access to the complete data base produced as a result of the phone-in? (16) Which individuals and companies were engaged to organise and otherwise participate in the Priority 1 concert in The Domain, Sydney and on what basis were they selected? (17) What were the (a) responsibilities and (b) remunerations of each individual and company involved in organising the Priority 1 concert? (18) What arrangements were made for the distribution of Priority 1 promotional pamphlets at the concert and were they fulfilled? (19) How many youth traineeships have been created? (20) Which employers have completed agreements with the Government to establish traineeships? (21) How many trainees has each company agreed to employ? (22) What is, or will be, the wage rate of each trainee? (23) In which occupational categories have traineeships been established? (24) How many trainees of each sex have been hired in each category? Mr Dawkins — Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Youth Affairs-The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The total amount spent by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on the promotion of Priority One including the phone-in since presentation of the 1985-86 budget was $2,130,190 at 23.4.1986. $ (2) (a) press advertisements...599,988 (b) television commercials...11,881 (c) cinema commercials...160,102 (d) billboard posters for the campaign...243,846 (3) (a) pamphlets...85,133 (b) T-shirts and sweatshirts...3,142 (c) other material...24,335 (4) A tabloid newsheet was distributed to young people through youth organisations, cinemas, CES offices, shopping centres, schools in the ACT, and at a rock concert. T-shirts were provided to actors in the cinema advertisements, to people involved with the rock concert, to people involved with shopping centre displays and to people answering the phones at the phone-in centre. Other material in the form of display materials was provided at the phone-in centre, a rock concert, at shopping centres, and distributed to radio stations, and the press. (5) Chandler, Hambleton and Mier were contracted to conduct the Priority One campaign, and as such were responsible for the production of all the promotional material listed in parts 2 and 3, except for some of the display material (posters and stickers) which the Office of Youth Affairs purchased from Captain Flash Instant Signs ACT, Rock Advertising Supplies Pty Ltd and Inkline Advertising. (6) Chandler, Hambleton and Mier was chosen by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism, according to the procedures established for the selection of advertising agencies, on the basis of credentials and work already performed for the Commonwealth Government. The other companies were chosen on the basis of their availability and expertise to undertake the job as well as the competitiveness of their prices. (7) $1,049,691. (8) CAMCO Systems Pty Ltd was sub-contracted by Chandler, Hambleton and Mier to conduct the Priority 1 phone-in. Chandler, Hambleton and Mier satisfied itself that CAMCO Systems was the most adequately equipped and competitively priced organisation for the task. (9) CAMCO Systems engaged no other company to assist. (10) CAMCO Systems is a direct marketing service bureau. (11) 25,931 phone calls were received. (12) The expressogram service was provided by CAMCO Systems within its budget. The unit cost of the expressogram is estimated at 50 cents. (13) (a) The company which conducted the phone-in will not retain a copy of the complete data files. (b) The Government will retain a copy of the data files. (14) The Government will retain a copy of the data files to assist in the development or refinement of youth policy. (15) No other individuals or companies have or will have access to the complete data base produced as a result of the phone-in, but the ideas that young people provided will be made available to those individuals and organisations such as the Youth Affairs Council of Australia who can use the material to enhance the provisions that they make for young Australians or who can be expected to make a positive contribution to the future of young Australians as a result of examining the ideas expressed. (16) The non-profit Australian Rock Company organised the rock concert in The Domain. The Government provided a grant towards the cost of the concert. (17) The concert was not held by the Government and this information is not available. (18) The distribution of Priority 1 pamphlets at the concert was organised by the Commonwealth Office of Youth Affairs. The pamphlets were distributed by ten temporary employees hired by the Commonwealth Office of Youth Affairs. (19) In total 2080 traineeships have been created at 23.4.86. this figure is subject to change as negotiations are finalised, agreements signed, and recruitment action completed. Of the 2080 traineeship positions created, 1053 had been filled at 23.4.86. (20) Under the provisions of the Australian Traineeship System, an individual employer does not in fact enter an agreement with the Commonwealth Government to establish traineeships, except in the ACT. Rather, an agreement is reached between the employer, the trainee and the relevant State/Territory Training Authority. Once the traineeship proposal supporting this agreement is ratified by the relevant State Training Authority, an appropriate industrial agreement is reached, and the trainee has commenced, the Commonwealth Government pays the appropriate on and off-the-job training fees. The following employers have completed agreements to establish traineeships. Public Sector Australian Public Service All State/Territory Governments Local Government and Shires' Association of NSW WA Tourist Commission Private Sector WA Credit Unions Coles Myer Limited Woolworths Limited Beaufort Hotel, Darwin Queensland Confederation of Industry Jetset Tours (WA) Motive Travel (WA) Traveland (WA) WA Newspaper Travel (WA) (21) The table below indicates how many trainees each employer is proposing to employ, the number of traineeship positions actually created, and the number of traineeship positions which had been filled at 23.4.86. Employer Traineeships Total proposed Created Filled Public Sector Australian Public Service... 800 602 595 Victorian Government... 171 117 107 WA Government ... 500 318 318 WA Tourist Commission... 15 15 15 Private Sector Woolworths Limited... 500 500 . . Coles Myers Limited... 500 500 . . Jetset Tours (WA)... 1 1 1 Motive Travel (WA)... 1 1 1 Traveland (WA)... 1 1 1 WA Newspaper Travel (WA)... 1 1 1 Beaufort Hotel, Darwin... 10 10 recruiting WA Credit Unions... 14 14 14 2514 2080 1053 (22, 23) The following table indicates the occupational categories in which traineeships have been established and the associated trainee wage rates. The wage rates are expressed as a range covering individual 16 year old, 17 year old and 18 year old rates, and, in most cases, a rate for trainees turning 19 during the traineeship. Employer Occuption wage Rate (p/w) $ Australian Public Service... Clerical 104.00-168.00 Victorian State Government... Telephonist/Clerical 95.91-137.31 Word Processor Officer 115.68-157.75 Stenographer 119.49-153.25 Typist 98.33-140.29 WA State Government... Clerical, Information Technology, Land Management, Data Processing 99.00-165.00 WA Tourist Commission... Travel Agent 99.00-156.00 Beaufort Hotel, Darwin... Tourism & Hospitality: Waiting, Bar, Office, Reception 141.90-172.32 WA Credit Unions... Clerical 104.96-164.32 Coles Myer Ltd... Retail Operations (Sales) 100.00-135.00 Woolworths... Retail Operations (Sales) 100.00-135.00 Jetset Tours (WA)... Travel Agent 99.00-156.00 Motive Travel (WA)... Travel Agent 99.00-156.00 Traveland (WA)... Travel Agent 99.00-156.00 WA Newspaper Travel (WA)... Travel Agent 99.00-156.00 (24) The following table shows the current knowledge at 23.4.86 of number of trainees of each sex in each occupational category. Employer Occupation Male Female Total Australian Public Service... Clerical... 207 388 595 WA State Government... Clerical... 52 86 138 Vic. State Government... Clerical... 34 60 94 WA Credit Unions... Clerical... 2 12 14 Total Clerical... ... 295 546 841 WA Tourist Commission... Travel Agent... 7 8 15 4 Private Travel Agent Firms in WA... Travel Agent... 2 2 4 Total Travel Agent... ... 9 10 19 WA State Government... Information Technology... 26 24 50 Vic. State Government... Work Processing Officer... . . 13 13 WA State Government... Typist... . . 11 11 WA State Government... Data Processing... 28 22 50 WA State Government... Field Management... 63 6 69 Total... ... 421 632 1053 (Question No. 3206) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 17 February 1986: (1) How many pensioners have been affected by the change in his Department's manual in regard to the withdrawal of earnings concessions. (2) Was this number predicted before his Department changed the manual. (3) What sum is expected to be saved in (a) 1985-86, (b) 1986-87 and (c) 1987-88. (4) What decrease in disposable income will each affected pensioner experience because of this change to the manual. (5) Did he know of the change before it occurred. (6) Did he investigate the matter when it was first brought to his attention. (7) Did he initiate a reversal of the decision. (8) Did he consult with pensioner organisations before agreeing to the change. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Details of the number of persons whose pension is paid subject to the earnings concession are not maintained. However, it is estimated that some 4,000-5,000 persons may have been granted an earnings concession in a 12 month period. (2) See (1) above. (3) Details required to calculate the effect upon pension expenditure are not available. However, it is broadly estimated that the effect upon pension expenditure in 1985-86 (the year in which the concession is being phased out) would be less than $1 million and would be less than $2 million in each of 1986-87 and 1987-88. (4) There is a wide range of possible effects on disposable income depending upon such factors as the extent of the pensioner's earnings, the period over which the earnings were derived, the level of other income and the rate of taxation applicable. (5) and (6) The phasing out of the earnings concession followed a High Court decision which pointed to the fact that there is no basis in the legislation to allow application of the earnings concession. I was aware that the concession was to be phased out over a 12 months period as part of the total revised approach to overpayments following the relevant amendments to the legislation in that area in November 1985. (7) and (8) Given the lack of legislative support for the concession, consultation was not appropriate. However, welfare organisations have been consulted on the design of a substitute incentive for pensioners to enter the workforce which is free of the poverty traps, anomalies and inequities of the old earnings concession. (Question No. 3207) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 17 February 1986: (1) What will be the cost savings from the withdrawal of earnings concessions in (a) administration and (b) pension payments. (2) How many pensioners will be affected by the change. (3) What measures is the Government implementing to boost its poverty traps steps now that the withdrawal of earnings concessions have been supported by him. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Administrative savings will be minimal. (b) See answer to question No. 3206. (2) See answer to question No. 3206. (3) The Government will be implementing its poverty trap reduction measures in November 1986 as scheduled. There are substantial changes involving additional outlays of $215m in a full year. In addition, the Government has initiated consultations with welfare organisations to examine various options to provide an incentive for pensioners to participate in the workforce which is free of the poverty traps, anomalies and inequities of the old earnings concession. The Government is also continuing to examine possibilities for further amelioration of poverty traps and increasing work incentives among pensioners and beneficiaries generally. (Question No. 3274) Mr Blunt asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 20 February 1986: (1) Has he entertained members of the Economic Planning Advisory Council (EPAC) at dinner at public expense; if so, on what occasions. (2) What was the cost on each occasion. (3) Who attended each dinner. (4) What was the purpose of each dinner. (5) What approach will be adopted for tax liability for those dinners that occurred after the prohibition on tax deductibility of entertainment expenses. (6) Did a dinner take place in December 1985; if so, what was the (a) menu and (b) quantity of each wine and other liquor served. (7) Who was responsible for catering at the December dinner and was the standard satisfactory. (8) Was the dinner necessary to the conduct of EPAC's affairs; if so, why. (9) If the dinner was not necessary to the conduct of EPAC's affairs, why was it held. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. 6 December 1984; 16 May 1985; 12 December 1985. (2) 6 December 1984 $190.00 (for 16 persons, exclusive of wages, overtime and floral table decoration). 16 May 1985 $250.00 (for 21 persons, exclusive of wages, overtime and floral table decoration). 12 December 1985 $1,224.48 (for 28 persons, inclusive of wages, overtime and floral table decoration). NOTE: The dinners of 6 December 1984 and 16 May 1985 were held at The Lodge. The prices listed above are at cost. Catering at The Lodge was done by the regular staff as part of their normal duties. Their wages are not based on a fee for duties performed. The dinner on 12 December 1985 was held in the Private Dining Room, Parliament House. The price listed above is based on cost plus the percentage markup applicable at the time. Because the dinner was held outside the normal sitting hours of the Parliament, labour costs were incurred. (3) It has been the practice of successive governments not to reveal guest lists for The Lodge. Those who attended the dinner on 12 December 1985 were: Members of Council The Hon. R. J. L. Hawke, AC, MP The Hon. P. J. Keating, MP The Hon. R. Willis, MP The Hon. B. Burke, MLA The Hon. I. Tuxworth, MLA Dr J. B. Braithwaite Mr A. W. Coates, AO Mr S. F. Crean Ms L. F. Cutts Mr F. M. Davidson, OBE Mr D. M. Gibbons Mr B. N. Kelman, CBE Mr W. J. Kelty Mrs J. I. Marsh Mr C. K. Menzies Officials and Advisers Mr G. Miller Mr B. Fraser Mr G. Evans Dr B. Hughes Mr S. Sedgwick Mr D. Ingles Mr L. Sylvester Mr P. Schapper Mr D. Challen Dr A. Elek Mr P. Mussared Mr J. Nott Ms L. Dickens (4) To discuss the current economic outlook and to review the work of the Council in a less formal setting. (5) Dinners of this kind provided after 19 September 1985 are not affected by the prohibition on the tax deductibility of entertainment expenses. That measure relates only to entities which would otherwise have been entitled to an income tax deduction for the particular expense. After 30 June 1986, the proposed tax on non-cash fringe benefits will apply in cases where entertainment to the benefit of employees is provided by an employer who is either wholly exempt from tax or does not derive assessable income from the activities to which the entertainment relates. It would apply to that extent, for example, to a dinner held at Government expense principally for members of EPAC where Commonwealth employees or Ministers attend. (6) Yes. (a) Smoked Salmon with avocado slices Rack of Lamb Fresh Strawberries with cream. (b) 12 bottles white wine, 8 bottles red wine, pre-dinner drinks $70.24, liqueurs $68.70. (7) Commonwealth Parliamentary Refreshment Rooms. Yes. (8) Yes. The Agenda for the meeting on 13 December 1985 was particularly long and it was decided to cover a number of Agenda items on the evening of 12 December 1985. An informal dinner was organised for Council members, after which the Council was convened. Officials and advisers required to attend the meeting that evening were also invited to the dinner. (9) See answer to (8). (Question No. 3309) Mr Beale asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 11 March 1986: (1) How does his Department measure (a) labour and (b) capital productivity (i) generally and (ii) in small business. (2) How is increased productivity normally distributed to the community. (3) What departmental publications and papers are available to Members on the productivity calculus. (4) Have plans been made by him or his Department to turn productivity increases into superannuation benefits; if so, what are the details. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) (i) In 1975 a Working Party on the Measurement of Labour Productivity was established by the Minister for Labor and Immigration to consider the appropriate method of measuring labour productivity for wage fixation purposes. The Working Party Report recommended that labour productivity should be measured using market sector output (as the numerator) with labour input (the denominator) being market sector employment adjusted for hours worked and changes in the quality of labour. In addition, it favoured an adjustment to the measure of output for changes in the terms of trade to yield a measure of ``effective productivity''. Because short-term movements in productivity may be highly volatile, it was recommended that labour productivity estimates should be based on a long-term trend rather than on short-term changes. However, the current state of the economy (including short-term fluctuations in productivity and the terms of trade) should be taken into account in determining whether it is appropriate to increase wages or improve conditions of work on account of productivity growth. My Department supports use of this measure in the context of centralised wage fixation. (a) (ii) Official data that would enable the calculation of labour productivity in the small business sector are not currently available. (b) (i) & (ii) Estimates of the amount of capital inputs used in the production process are difficult to quantify. Among the considerations for the measurement of capital are: how to aggregrate the capital stock-whether to use net or gross capital stocks; what depreciation rate and age efficiency assumptions are appropriate; whether to include land and inventories; and whether to adjust for capacity utilization. Because of the considerable conceptual problems which arise from such considerations there is no generally agreed method to measure capital productivity. (2) Productivity growth is normally distributed to the community in a variety of ways. It can result in improvements in the profit share and/or the wage share, or it can result in lower prices. Alternatively, the Working Party on the Measurement of Labour Productivity, noted above, suggested it can be used for other purposes ``either of a private character (such as increases in leave or reduced working hours or other improvements in conditions of employment), or of a community nature (such as expansion in the size of the non-market sector and the functions undertaken by government. . .)''. (3) Report of the Working Party on the Measurement of Labour Productivity, AGPS, 1976, a copy of which is available in the Parliamentary Library. (4) The question of any change in wages or conditions of employment, including employer contributions to superannuation schemes, based on national productivity grounds is for determination by the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. (Question No. 3324) Mr MacKellar asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 12 March 1986: (1) Has the Government come to a decision on the adoption of the recommendations contained in the report by Professor Kerr L. White entitled `Australia's bicentennial health initiative-Independent review of research and educational requirements for public health and tropical health in Australia'; if so, what (a) re- commendations are to be adopted and (b) are the estimated (i) establishment and (ii) full year operational costs for implementing each recommendation. (2) Is it a fact that the full year cost of introducing all the report's recommendations is estimated to be $100.5 million. (3) Is there a shift underway from control of the entire health sciences and health care system from the supply side to control from the demand side. (4) Does Australian experience confirm Professor White's claim that 40 to 60 per cent of the benefits associated with nearly all interventions directed at both individuals and communities are accounted for by the placebo and Hawthorne effects. (5) Has the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine outlived its usefulness; if so, what remedial action is proposed. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) No. The Government is still considering the recommendations made by Professor Kerr L. White. (2) No. The figure of $100.5 million mentioned in the report includes all current expenditure on health and medical reseach including current grants of some $50 million under the Medical Research Endowment Fund. (3) The containment of health care costs clearly requires action on both the demand and supply sides. An important contribution to this objective will be a major inquiry into medical education and the supply of doctors which will be initiated shortly. (4) I am advised there is no Australian evidence relevant to the statement by Professor White to which the honourable member refers. (5) The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has made a major contribution to Australia's health care and public health system over many years. However, the arrangements within which the School was set up jointly between the Department of Health and the University of Sydney date from 1930 and are now in need of review. (Question No. 3331) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 12 March 1986: Has the Government decided to assist 42 of the 150 isolated communities originally listed to receive ABC television via the Remote or Underserved Communities Scheme; if so, will he consider giving Government support such as self-help schemes for translators, to the remaining 108 isolated communities. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Government announced on 20 January 1986 that it will be providing ABC television retransmission facilities to 42 remote communities through the Remote or Underserved Communities Scheme (RUCS). The facilities are planned to be completed by 1988. In the meantime, the Government will continue to provide retransmission facilities for ABC television through my Department's ongoing Capital Works Program. This program provides the basis for extending or upgrading ABC transmission facilities in various centres across the entire country. All communities considered, but not selected for RUCS, will be considered individually for inclusion on this program. However, they will be competing for priority with other similar projects and their inclusion will be subject to the availability of funds in the context of the budgetary process. Any community not selected for provision of a Government-funded facility, either through RUCS or through the regular Capital Works Program, is able to consider building their own facilities under the Self-Help Broadcasting Reception Scheme. However, while every effort is made to simplify planning, licensing and administrative requirements under this scheme, Commonwealth funding through my Department is not provided under the self-help scheme. (Question No. 3338) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions Nos 3216 to 3243 what (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85 (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip (c) was the duration of each trip (d) were the countries visited during each trip and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the air fare component identified separately. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: Since the Department of Community Services was created on 13 December 1984 to 30 June 1985, one overseas trip was undertaken. Officer-Mr D. Limbrick (a) (i) to attend meeting of International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Lisbon in regard to a steering committee concerning the transition from school to work of the disabled (ii) to attend meeting of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris in regard to an expert group meeting on rehabilitation processes (iii) to meet with officials of Italian Government in Rome (iv) to meet with officials of British Government in London and Manchester and to hold discussions with officials of non-government welfare organisations in England (b) Acting First Assistant Secretary (SES Level 3) Divisional Head, Rehabilitation Division (c) 2 weeks, 5 days from 4 May 1985 to 22 May 1985 (d) Portugal, France, Italy and United Kingdom (e) Total cost $8,208.35 including $4,684.00 for airfares. (Question No. 3347) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: (1) What was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in the financial year 1984-85? (2) What was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip? (3) What was the duration of each trip? (4) What were the countries visited during each trip? (5) What was the estimated cost of each trip, with the air fare component identified separately? Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Statutory Marketing Authorities (SMAs) within my portfolio have responsibilities for export marketing. This involves export control, product promotion or, in the case of the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) export sales. In view of these responsibilities members and staff of the SMAs frequently travel overseas on marketing missions. The enabling legislation of the authorities provides them with powers to do all things necessary for the purpose of carrying out their functions. The SMAs are funded by producers through statutory levies or, in the case of the AWB, from the proceeds of wheat sales. Under the extremely difficult marketing conditions facing rural industries it is essential that the SMAs maximise commercial returns from expenditure of producers' funds. The details sought by the honourable member would require a significant commitment of those funds to extract and collate. This would involve an unreasonable diversion of the resources of the SMAs from the crucial marketing functions they perform for their industries. In addition, the release of information on overseas visits by SMA members and staff would provide valuable information to Australia's competitors on the markets which are being targetted for rural export sales. With regard to each overseas trip made by employees of my Department, the following table lists each trip under the categories of: purpose of trip, classification or job description of each officer, duration of each trip, countries visited and the cost of each trip broken up into two components-fares and all other costs. Visits to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are not subject to the same approval processes as all other overseas visits, and are not included in the table. Purpose of visit Classification or Job Description Duration of visit Countries visited Cost Fares Other Attend Trade Research Consortium Conference, Washington; attend US Agricultural Economics Conference, NY; recruitment of post-graduates in UK and USA. Director (Level 3) 18 days USA/UK 2,239 1,429 Australian/Japan Negotiations on access for Australian beef First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 6 days Japan 2,670 676 Meeting of the ``Office International des Epizooties'' Regional Committee for Europe, Vienna; discussions with UK Ministry of Agriculture. Director (Level 3) 4 days UK/Austria (a) 482 Hold meetings with Chinese Agricultural Authorities regarding inaugural session of joint commission established under Aust/China Agricultural Co-operation Agreement. Principal Executive Officer (Clerical Administrative Class 11) 11 days China 3,165 862 Attend International Dairy Agreement Protocol & Council Meetings (Geneva); discussions with US and EEC officials. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 15 days Switzerland/ USA 5,040 809 Attend Wheat Exporters Meeting, Buenos Aries; discussions with Australian Statutory Marketing Organisations, NY; discussions with various Govt agencies, Washington Deputy Secretary (Level 5) 18 days USA/Argentina 6,997 2,951 International Society of Wang User's Conference; discussions with US Dept of Agriculture officials. Examination of various uses of Wang equipment in industry. Computer Systems Officer (Grade 4) 17 days USA 4,546 3,059 Discuss crop insurance, rainfall insurance and livestock marketing methods in the USA. Discuss crop insurance and rainfall insurance in South Africa Principal Research Officer 38 days USA/Sth Africa 5,373 4,358 Discussions with Economic Community officials, Brussels; discussions on Agricultural Policy, Washington Clerical Administrative (Class 11) 18 days Belgium France/USA 261 1,258 To examine field and laboratory diagnostic procedures utilised in Singapore for exotic livestock diseases. Veterinary Officer (Class 5) 4 days Singapore (b) 432 Attend Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) meetings-Technical Experts, Joint Working Party of the Committee for Agriculture, OECD Trade Committee and Working Party No. 2 Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 21 days Italy/Belgium/ W. Germany (c) 2,202 Trade Talks with officials of the Economic Community in Brussels, and with officials in London and Paris First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 10 days UK/France/ Belgium (c) 173 To provide keynote address at United States Dept of Agriculture Outlook Conference Deputy Director Bureau of Agricultural Economics (Level 3) 14 days USA 4,405 1,490 International Meat Council meeting, Geneva; discussions with Economic Community officials on beef access, Brussels. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 12 days Belgium/ Switzerland 4,500 917 Accompany Minister on official mission to Brussels and London Secretary 9 days Belgium/UK 6,368 1,892 Indian Fisheries Association Conference First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 6 days India 220 231 Attend ASEAN Food Conference 1985. Clerical Administrative (Class 8) 9 days Philippines 2,513 1,412 Attend Administrative Commission of the Office International des Epizooties, Paris; bilateral discussions with Chinese Animal Health Authorities, Beijing Director (Level 3) 13 days France/China (a) 961 Represent Australia at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia (APHCA) meeting. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 6 days Thailand 3,098 446 Discussions on developments in Japanese Beef Industry Assistant Director Bureau of Agricultural Economics (Level 1) 11 days Japan (d) 89 Assess Chinese Grain Import requirements over next 3-5 years. Assistant Director (Level 1) 23 days China 3,231 4,856 Discussions on Plant Quarantine, Japan, USA, Canada. Review Australian Horticultural Officer's positions, UK, Singapore. Science 5 7 weeks Japan/Canada/UK USA/Singapore 5,544 8,361 Accompany Minister on high level discussions relating to development of the 1985 US Farm Bill, and on discussions with new Canadian Minister for Agriculture. First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 9 days USA/Canada 7,488 1,338 Attend 17th session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) /World Health Organisation (WHO) Codex Committee on Pesticides Residues; agricultural chemicals discussions. Science 5 19 days Belgium/Holland (c) 295 Discussions on the international standardisation of meat inspection practices. Director (Level 4) 24 days USA/Canada 4,940 5,282 Shipboard Veterinary Clinical Service. Accompany shipload of Sheep. Veterinary Officer (Class 2) 39 days Libya 2,323 784 Discussions with Import authorities on animal import requirements. Veterinary Officer (Class 4) 4 days Hong Kong/ Taiwan 3,120 250 Public Service Board Senior Executive Service Fellowship. Assistant Director (Level 1) 4 months USA/Canada 8,768 19,036 Attend Wheat Exporters Meeting in Venice, and hold discussions with Food and Agriculture Organisation officials, and Embassy Officials in Rome. Deputy Secretary (Level 5) 12 days Italy 4,558 2,009 Attend Food and Agriculture Organisation Meeting on Pulp and Paper. Clerical Administrative (Class 11) 15 days Japan 2,658 3,124 Aust/USA technical meeting on Plant Quarantine. Observe Plant Quarantine operations in USA/Canada. Assistant Director (Level 1) 29 days USA/Canada 3,318 6,066 To supervise ova collection for importation of fat tailed sheep from Cyprus and supervise post-collection testing of donor animals. Veterinary Officer (Class 3) 31 days Cyprus 2,488 3,844 Attend International Council of Laboratories & Science meetings. Inspections and discussions in Gulf States. Assistant Director (Level 1) 17 days Bahrain/Kuwait 4,920 2,891 Attend conferences of the International Network Feed Information Centre and the Asian Australasian Animal Production Organisation. Present papers. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 10 days Korea/Hong Kong 3,500 1,513 Sheep and Wool Mission to China, under Aust/China Agricultural Cooperation agreement. Clerical Administrative (Class 11) State Department of Agriculture Officer Clerical Administrative (Class 11) 20 days China 3,128 3,128 3,128 677 628 677 Sheep and Wool Mission to China; Release of BAE study on the EEC in Brussels. Director (Level 4) China/Belgium 4,860 1,802 Accompany planeload of animals for 6th shipment of cattle from USA to Cocos Island. Veterinary Officer (Class 3) 6 days USA (e) 293 Accompany livestock shipment from USA to Cocos Island. Veterinary Officer (Class 5) 7 days USA/Singapore (e) 446 Discussions with Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia (APHCA) secretariat; discussion with International Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank officials; attend Administrative Commission and General Session of ``Office International des Epizooties''. Director (Level 4) 21 days Thailand/UK/France 5,335 3,487 Discuss administrative and technical inspection practices; attend International Symposium on meat and poultry inspection. Senior Assistant Director (Level 2) 27 days Japan/Korea/ Holland Singapore 5,204 4,585 Attend 36th Annual Tuna Conference, and technical discussions. Science 3 13 days USA 3,692 4,132 Joint Study Group on Wool, Beijing; International Wool Secretariat discussions, Hong Kong. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 8 days China/Hong Kong 3,474 1,035 Attend International Meeting on meat inspection practices, Netherlands; observe, review and evaluate trials of meat inspection systems, USA. Veterinary Officer (Class 4) 19 days Netherlands/USA 4,667 2,473 Plant Variety Rights policy discussions. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 5 days UK/Switzerland/USA New Zealand 6,117 5,425 Accompany Minister to Soviet Union for talks with Soviet officials; attend meetings of International Wheat Council, Australian Wheat Board, International Sugar Organisation and World Food Council. Deputy Secretary (Level 5) 19 days UK/USSR/France 3,976 1,258 Accompany Minister to the Economic Community Ministerial talks, and to Australia-Japan Ministerial consultations. Secretary 14 days UK/Belgium/Japan 6,822 2,820 Attend International Wool Secretariat Meetings; attend discussions on US Export Enhancement Program. First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 10 days UK/USA 4,000 1,513 Arrange for Australia/Japan Ministerial Consultations (AJMC); follow-up AJMC; support Minister in discussions with Japanese companies. First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 11 days Japan 3,653 2,687 Attend International Meat Council Meeting, Geneva; attend Food and Agriculture Organisation Council Meeting, Rome. First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) 27 days Switzerland/ Italy 10,000 4,707 Sheep and Wool Mission to China under the Australia/China Agricultural Cooperation Agreement. 4 State Department of Agriculture Officers Assistant Secretary (Level 10 Clerical Administrative (Class 7) 14 days China/Hong Kong 27,445 3,080 1,394 698 Attend International Sultana Conference, inspect horticultural trade facilities, hold discussions with importers and agents. Assistant Secretary (Level 1) 16 days UK/Belgium Singapore 4,952 2,411 Notes: (a) Fares funded by ``Office International des Epizooties'' (OIE) (b) Fares funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) (c) Fares funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) (d) Fares funded by the Japanese Government (e) Fares funded by Australian Livestock Imports (ALI) (Question No. 3349) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions Nos 3216 to 3243, what: (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all Statutory Authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85; (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip; (c) was the duration of each trip; (d) were the countries visited during each trip; and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the air fare component identified separately. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is provided in the following table. It does not include details of visits by Australian Defence Force personnel to participate in exercises conducted overseas or details of visits by Australian Defence Force personnel to Australian units based overseas. Air fare component costs are for travel by commercial means. The cost of travel by service aircraft is not readily available and is not included. The table is as follows: Purpose of visit Classification Duration of trip Countries visited Cost Air fare component $ $ Inspect RAAF School-Penang Clerical Administration (Cl Ad) Class 11 12 days Malaysia 2,768 1,018 Quadripartite Working Group (QWG) on Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Major (Maj) Maj 20 days Canada; USA 13,143 9,285 Computer Security Standards Computing Systems Officer, Grade 3 (CSO 3) 39 days USA, UK 11,760 4,600 F-111C Flight Trials with Harpoon Engineering Officer 2 Engineering Officer 2 Engineering Officer 3 Engineering Officer 1 34 days USA 6,000 - Review of Australia Defence Staff Posts Cl Ad 11 Commander (Cmdr) 30 days Philippines, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia 14,200 6,000 Allowances and Conditions Inspection Cl Ad 9 35 days Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei 7,703 2,000 Attend Industrial Security Seminars Cl Ad 9 26 days USA, NZ 8,283 4,603 Study Defence Audit Methodologies Senior Executive Service (SES) Level 1 27 days USA, Canada, UK 9,410 5,300 Discuss Australia Ordinance Council Relevant Matters Brigadier (Brig) 36 days USA, FRG, UK 8,900 4,650 The Technical Co-Operation Program (TTCP) on Threat Identification Research Scientist 29 days USA 9,276 4,926 TTCP on non Destructive Evaluation Principal Research Scientist 31 days UK, Canada, USA 9,300 4,500 Training: Support of F/A-18 Co-Production Science 2 Senior Technical Officer 1 54 days 58 days USA 13,330 14,406 4,600 4,200 Nomad Depot Level Maintenance Project Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 9 11 days Indonesia, Singapore 4,900 2,200 TTCP on Manpower Wastage Navy Psychologist, Class 2 15 days Canada 6,041 4,241 Sincgars Project: Long Term Attachment Engineer, Class 3 3 years USA 105,570 8,360 2nd International Hydrographic Conference Lieutenant Commander (L Cdr) 15 days UK 6,200 4,200 TTCP on Digital Beamforming Senior Research Scientist 36 days USA, Canada, UK 10,300 5,000 TTCP on Communications Countermeasures Principal Research Scientist 31 days USA, Canada, UK 9,939 4,759 US 7th Fleet Scheduling Conference Cmdr 8 days Japan 1,181 80 Anzus Seminar 84-2 Experimental Officer, Class 4 7 days USA 3,417 2,507 Conferences Commodore (Cdre) 11 days Indonesia, Singapore 4,132 2,522 Update Techniques for Non Destructive Evaluation Research Scientist 39 days USA, UK, Switzerland 9,600 4,700 TTCP on Materials Performance in Systems Principal Research Scientist 28 days UK, USA, Canada 10,000 5,000 Thai Propellant Plant Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 11 9 days Thailand 6,985 5,385 On-site Establishment Inspection Cl Ad 9 17 days Malaysia 300 - Participation in Trial Chace Surgeon Commander (Surg Cmd) 19 days Canada; USA 6,599 4,404 Internal Audit Review-Butterworth Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 7 Cl Ad 5 16 days 44 days 44 days Malaysia 2,196 742 US 7th Fleet Scheduling Conference Air Commodore (Air Cdre) Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Wg Cdr 10 days Japan 4,664 - Discussions with Head, Australian Defence Staff Wash & US Govt SES Level 1 5 days USA 905 155 Accompany Chief of Air Staff to Airmen to Airmen Talks Wg Cdr 10 days Japan 1,500 - Bridge Simulator Project Cmdr Experimental Officer, Grade 4 19 days FRG 12,760 8,800 Training: Attend Royal Military College of Science (RMC of S) CSO 2 103 days UK; US 14,600 4,700 QWG on Engineering Standards Colonel (Col) Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Engineer, Class 5 17 days 14 days 16 days Canada; US 19,893 13,539 Review of the USAF Initial Operational over the Horizon Radar System Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) 20 days USA 7,470 4,710 Conference on Off-Road Vehicles/Machines Engineer, Class 3 14 days UK 5,325 4,000 Wide Ranging High Level Discussions Rear Admiral (R Adm) 33 days FRG; Netherlands; France; UK; Canada; USA 14,000 7,000 18th Air Standardisation Co-Ordination Committee (ASCC) on Airborne Electronics Wg Cdr 28 days USA 6,090 2,900 Liaison Visit Air Vice Marshal (AVM) 8 days NZ; Tonga; Fiji; Vanuatu 1,485 - Follow on Support for RAN DDGS & FFGS Captain (Capt) L Cdr Cl Ad 8 Senior Technical Officer 2 24 days 31 days 20 days 24 days USA 23,119 14,919 Familiarization Visit Cl Ad 8 14 days Indonesia; Malaysia; Thailand; Philippines 4,557 2,877 4th ASCC on Avionics Systems Engineer, Class 4 33 days UK 7,500 4,400 TTCP on Infrared Surveillance Senior Research Scientist 29 days UK; USA 9,082 4,872 AQS-901 Software Integration and Performance Test Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) 31 days UK 8,771 3,999 Briefings/Discussions with Malaysian Army Warrant Officer, Class 1 (WO1) 17 days Malaysia 1,956 1,062 TTCP on Training Technology Lt Col 16 days UK 6,227 4,400 US/Aust. Special Undertakings SES Level 5 25 days USA 9,750 5,500 Long Term Attachment Engineer, Class 3 2 years UK; USA 61,300 12,900 Leopard User Nations Working GP Meetings Maj 21 days FRG 7,354 4,404 ANZUS Seminar 84-2 Group Captain (Gp Capt) Lt Col Wg Cdr 9 days USA 11,562 8,442 17th International Congress on Entymology Maj 13 days FRG 5,984 4,002 Long Term Attachment Engineer, Class 2 2 years USA 81,530 22,020 PR Aspects of Task GP Visit to Shangai Public Relations Officer (Lt) 42 days China 826 365 TTCP on Atmosphere Propagation Effects on Electro-Optic Sensors Senior Research Scientist 28 days USA; UK 7,700 4,500 Test Equipment for Sidewinder Aim 9L/Aim 9M Wg Cdr 38 days USA; UK 10,150 4,500 B52/Mirage Operations Gp Capt Sqn Ldr Wg Cdr Flt Lt 7 days Guam 2,188 - TTCP on Personal NBC Protective Equip Research Scientist 21 days Canada; USA; UK 9,100 5,000 Training: Servicing of Oberon G Subs Engineer, Class 2 100 days UK 27,202 4,402 Investigate Info Requirements for NORAD Senior Research Scientist Experimental Officer, Class 3 Wg Cdr 12 days USA 3,060 1,050 TTCP on Guidance and Control Technology Principal Research Scientist 25 days USA; Canada 7,906 5,058 Discussions Brig 13 day USA 7,300 5,000 Foreign Military Sales Training Workshop Cmdr 11 Days USA 450 - Teal Ruby users Group Meeting Wg Cdr 78 days UK; USA 17,160 5,500 Long Term Attachment Engineer, Class 3 18 months USA 86,000 19,000 Strategies of Air Warfare AVM Gp Capt Gp Capt 37 days Israel; France; FRG; UK; USA; Egypt 11,568 9,935 10,857 5,500 4,976 5,400 ASCC on Airborne Digital Systems Wg Cdr 28 days UK; France; Switzerland; Norway; Sweden; FRG 8,180 4,655 1984 Non Atomic Military Research and Development Prinicipals Meeting SES Level 6 25 Days USA; UK; Malaysia 9,700 5,500 Civil Defence and Counter Disaster Management AVM 38 days HK; Switzerland; Israel; Sweden; UK; Canada 13,900 6,000 Mapping and Charting Col 15 days USA; Canada 7,378 4,949 Manpower Policies and Systems SES Level 2 39 days USA; Canada; UK; Sweden 9,200 4,700 Quality Control/Assurance Policies SES Level 2 45 days UK; France; Italy 13,300 5,600 21st General Assembly of International Union of Radio Science Research Scientist 30 days Italy; USA 9,600 5,077 TTCP on Launch and Flight Dynamics Senior Principal Research Scientist 24 days UK; France; FRG 8,700 4,930 Computerised Maintenance Management Wg Cdr Cl Ad 8 54 days USA; Italy; FRG; Sweden; Netherland; UK; Ireland 13,665 13,665 5,400 5,400 XI Tropical Diseases Congress Col 14 days Canada 5,465 3,400 Discussions Cmdr 11 days Sinai 780 - Familiarization Maj 7 days NZ; Tonga; Fiji 224 74 America, Britain, Canada, Australia (ABCA) Conference on Explosive Ordnance Device/Diving Matters L Cdr 17 days Canada 6,385 4,325 TTCP on Automatic Detection/Tracking Senior Research Scientist 31 days USA 9,210 4,800 TTCP on Aerial Targets and Remotely Piloted Vehicle Systems Senior Research Scientist 30 days Canada; USA; UK 10,800 6,000 Seeker Technology Research Scientist 25 days UK; Canada; USA 10,800 6,000 Harpoon Flight Analysis Engineer, Class 3 15 days USA 5,473 3,332 Officer Training Systems Major General (Maj Gen) 28 days USA; UK; FRG 10,525 5,700 TTCP on Explosive Terminal Effects Principal Research Scientist 29 days USA; Canada; UK 10,860 4,700 Mine Hunter Weapons Systems Cmdr 57 days FRG; France 8,900 2,900 9th International Research Committee: Biokinetics Experimental Officer, Class 3 16 days Holland; UK 3,000 1,800 Radio Comms Real Time Frequency Management Engineer, Class 3 27 days Malaysia; UK; Canada; USA 8,336 4,976 F404 Engine CIP: F/A-18 Principal Research Scientist 30 days USA; Canada 12,600 5,400 TTCP on Technical Effects of Conventional Weapons Senior Research Scientist 30 days Canada; USA; UK 11,750 5,400 Personnel Management and Infrastructures Maj Gen 28 days USA; UK; FRG; Canada 10,460 5,000 High Level Conference Air Cdre 33 days USA; UK; Singapore 8,760 4,600 Australian Frigate Project Capt Cl Ad 10 19 days USA 14,085 10,000 TTCP/Subgroup: Behavioural Sciences Col 24 days UK 7,910 4,560 Defence Co-operation Program (DCP) Review Conferences SES Level 1 Cl Ad 9 Col 10 days Thailand; Philippines 11,300 7,900 USAF/RAAF Co-operative Airlift Agreement Gp Capt 12 days USA 5,687 4,177 TTCP on IR and Optical Countermeasures Senior Research Scientist 29 days USA; UK 10,582 5,112 Over the Horizon Radar Systems Senior Research Scientist 26 days USA 8,800 4,900 ABCA Navies Standardisation Meetings Engineer, Class 4 24 days Canada; USA; NZ 7,600 4,720 Westland: Rolls Royce Cmdr Senior Technical Officer 1 43 days 24 days UK; USA 14,857 9,252 Survey Projects-Proposed Planning Lt Col Senior Research Officer 15 days Solomons; W. Samoa; Fiji; Tonga 7,450 3,350 DCP Conferences SES Level 1 Cl Ad 10 Capt 12 days Malaysia; Singapore; Brunei 12,130 7,890 ASCC on Engineering Data Chief Draftsman 32 days Canada; USA 6,800 4,400 RAAF B707 Maintenance Schedule Sqn Ldr 21 days USA 6,682 3,622 TTCP on Underwater Weapons Capt 30 days USA; Canada; UK; Holland; FRG 8,812 4,523 Interrogation Techniques Lt Col 22 days USA; UK; HK 6,892 4,267 Discussions Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 9 16 days 30 days USA; Canada 15,166 8,856 ABCA on Military Food/Rations Lt Col 10 days USA 6,059 4,294 Personal Staff Support to Chief of the General Staff Lt Col 19 days UK; FRG 7,538 4,402 1984 Leopard User Nations Trng W. Group Lt Col 19 days Netherlands; FRG 7,042 4,702 TTCP on Propulsion Technology Senior Principal Research Scientist 37 days USA; UK; FRG; Switzerland; France 9,280 5,000 Capital Equip. Procurement for the RAAF Gp Capt 26 days UK; France; USA 7,545 4,400 Attend Courses at Uni College London Naval Architect, Class 1 16 months UK 39,690 4,556 TTCP on Helicopter Aerodynamics Principal Research Scientist 26 days USA 8,100 5,000 QWG on Surveillance Col Maj 11 days USA 8,352 5,630 Project Barra Cl Ad 11 20 days UK 6,970 4,500 Aust/US Joint Staff Talks AVM Cmdr 14 days USA 10,443 9,392.80 F/A-18 Program Management Review AVM Air Cdre Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Engineer, Class 5 Cl Ad 11 Gp Capt Wg Cdr 27 days 33 days 35 days 48 days 31 days 32 days 24 days 35 days 25 days USA 9,200 10,320 9,050 12,770 10,080 6,990 6,540 6,620 5,980 3,000 3,000 2,600 4,500 4,500 3,000 2,300 3,000 2,500 TTCP on Undersea Warfare Studies Principal Research Scientist 17 days Canada 8,790 4,890 TTCP on Sono Buoys Principal Research Scientist 28 days Canada; USA 10,500 5,900 F/A-18 Mission Performance Model Experimental Officer, Class 3 31 days USA; UK 9,320 4,800 TTCP on Mines/Mine Countermeasures Principal Research Scientist 25 days USA; UK 7,700 4,800 Sono Buoy Signal Processing R&D Program Principal Research Scientist 36 days USA; Canada; UK 10,600 4,900 Janus Program Research Scientist 29 days UK 9,802 4,402 TTCP on Aeronautics Technology Principal Research Scientist 28 days USA; UK 8,100 4,500 Aeroelastic Analysis Techniques Experimental Officer, Class 4 28 days USA; UK 7,100 4,000 TTCP on Airborne Sensor Technology Flt Lt 24 days Canada; USA 7,295 4,400 ASCC on Aerial Reconnaissance Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr 23 days 35 days USA; UK 3,851 4,180 2,210 1,300 Australian, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States Navigation Communications Committee Meeting Cmdr Senior Electrical Engineer, Grade 4 37 days 20 days USA 12,851 8,731 Health Services R Adm 30 days UK; USA; Canada 10,648 4,798 Allowance Inspections [US PX/Commissary] Lt Col 47 days USA 16,430 6,000 Project Barra Gp Capt Sqn Ldr 23 days 30 days UK; USA 16,020 9,000 TTCP on I.R. & Elec-Opt Sensors Superintending Scientist 28 days Malaysia; UK; USA 9,200 5,200 Long Term Attachment Experiemental Officer, Class 2 2 1/2 ys USA 135,000 10,000 TTCP on Underseas Warfare Studies Principal Research Scientist 23 days USA; Canada 7,700 4,890 Defence Archival Matters Cl Ad 10 13 days UK 902 . . Review Electronic Support Measures Subsystem Contract Maj Cl Ad 9 23 days 22 days USA 16,300 9,950 DCP: Maritime Surveillance Wg Cdr 19 days Indonesia 5,100 2,290 Project Saucepan Engineer, Class 3 10 days USA 571 . . Australian Frigate Project Engineer, Class 3 Senior Technical Officer 2 Principal Technical Officer 23 days USA 17,200 7,400 Project Winnin Superintending Scientist 3 Capt Superintending Scientist 3 Experimental Officer, Grade 5 27 days USA; UK; Italy 34,710 18,834 F111 Radar Homing & Warning System Senior Research Scientist Experimental Officer, Class 3 Technical Officer, Grade 2 Technical Officer, Grade 2 41 days 26 days 26 days 26 days USA 11,550 2,200 Discuss & Validate Training Under DCP Cl Ad 10 Col Maj Sqn Ldr L Cdr 17 days Philippines; Thailand; Singapore; Indonesia; Malaysia 29,600 15,000 21st ANZUS Staff Level Meeting Experimental Officer, Class 4 14 days USA 4,760 2,660 High Temperature Engine Materials Research Scientist 26 days USA; UK 8,000 5,000 ASCC on Aircrew Life Support and Safety Equipment Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr 20 days 26 days Canada 11,041 7,400 Automatic Test Equipment Flt Lt 28 days USA 7,664 3,100 T55 Component Improvement Program Conference Sqn Ldr 21 days USA; Canada 7,844 4,474 ANZUS Staff Level Meeting Air Cdre Gp Capt 12 days 8 days USA Solomon Is 6,380 1,923 2,900 975 DCP: Solomon Is: Police Communications Project Project Engineer, Class 3 1,923 975 TTCP on Helicopter Weapons Principal Research Scientist 28 days UK; Italy 7,620 4,000 DCP Cl Ad 11 Cmdr 11 days Fiji; Tonga; W. Samoa 5,600 2,000 Accompany Cas Flt Lt 10 days USA 900 . . TTCP on Electronic Warfare Sqn Ldr 30 days UK; Israel 7,761 4,402 F/A-18 Operational Flight Trainer Gp Capt 18 days USA 6,918 4,500 Submarine Experimental Fit Engineer, Class 3 CPOETC 3 10 days USA 824 . . Review F111C Harpoon Missile Program Wg Cdr 28 days USA 8,750 5,200 F111C Pave Track/GW System Wg Cdr 29 days USA 8,834 4,904 F/A-18 Handover SES Level 4 10 days USA 1,157 . . Future Australian Defence Force (ADF) Presence in Butterworth SES Level 1 14 days Malaysia 5,200 . . Mechanical Engineering Activities Update SES Level 2 30 days USA; Malaysia; UK; Thailand 9,540 5,140 Visit CINPAC L Cdr L Cdr 11 days USA 975 . . Destroyer/Utility Helicopters Capt L Cdr Cl Ad 9 21 days 25 days 25 days USA 25,747 13,922 Mirage (ATAR) Engine Flt Lt 18 days France 2,494 204 TTCP on Electronic Warfare Engineer, Class 3 21 days USA; UK 6,315 4,153 Electronic Support Measures Subsystem WO 22 days USA 8,360 4,600 TTCP on Chemical Defence Principal Research Scientist 24 days Canada; USA; UK 9,900 5,000 Symposium on Ballistics Senior Research Scientist 18 days USA 8,400 5,400 TTCP on Materials Technology Superintending Scientist 3 32 days USA; UK; Sweden 13,800 5,300 Discussions with US Department of Defense SES Level 6 SES Level 1 14 days USA 14,450 8,600 Inertial Positioning System Maj Capt 22 days USA; UK 17,380 9,854 Investigate Co-operative Laser Research Systems Principal Research Scientist 26 days USA; UK 10,000 5,000 Specwarex 85 Planning Conference L Cdr 12 days Guam 3,900 3,250 TTCP on Communications Technology Cl Ad 11 31 days UK; USA 10,550 6,450 Australian Corrosion Association Conference Senior Research Scientist 5 days NZ 750 150 Metrology and Calibration Resources Development Project Engineer, Class 4 12 days USA 1,000 . . ABCA on Electronic Warfare Gp Capt 26 days UK; HK 8,301 4,481 Propulsion System: Minehunter Assistant Design Manager 21 days UK; France; Netherlands 8,050 5,000 Long Term Attachment Senior Research Scientist 1 year Canada 52,854 2,000 Command & Control Support Systems Cmdr 20 days USA 7,150 4,570 Fleet Underway Replenishment Ship Cmdr Lieutenant (Leut) Cl Ad 8 Cl Ad 8 Cl Ad 9 15 days 11 days 16 days 17 days 17 days Canada; UK; France Canada UK; France UK; France UK; France 32,597 23,000 ASCC on Fuels & Lubricants Experimental Officer, Class 5 11 days NZ 1,500 800 F111/Harpoon Integration Visit Sqn Ldr Flt Lt Flt Lt 8 days USA 2,500 . . Future ADF presence in Butterworth SES Level 4 SES Level 1 SES Level 1 Gp Capt 18 days 14 days 14 days 14 days Malaysia; Indonesia 19,900 13,500 F/A-18 Handover AVM 10 days USA 1,489 . . USN Range Review Meeting \Officer in charge (OIC) Weapons Assessing Unit, Rantau 10 days USA 1,670 350 TTCP on Airborne Sensor Technology L Cdr 15 days Canada; USA 5,126 3,626 HMAS Darwin Combat Systems Trials L Cdr L Cdr Chief Petty Officer (CPO) CPO CPO 44 days 44 days 25 days 26 days 37 days 37 days USA 49,228 22,008 Evaluation of Exercise Mines L Cdr Engineer, Class 4 31 days UK; Italy 18,425 9,400 Towed Target Project Capt 10 days USA 350 . . Accompany CDF Cmdr 17 days UK; Malaysia; Sinai 2,863 . . ABCA on Combat Development Col Lt Col 22 days UK; USA; Canada; Belgium; FRG 16,040 9,000 DCP Policy & Programming Talks SES Level 1 Cl Ad 9 Lt Col 10 days PNG; Vanuatu 12,200 6,600 Long Term Attachment Senior Research Scientist 15 months UK 82 000 25,000 Discussions Col Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 9 Capt 11 days 15 days 16 days 11 days Thailand; Thailand; Indonesia Thailand; Indonesia; Singapore; Indonesia; Singapore 13,211 5,311 Review of ADF Staff Posts Cl Ad 10 12 days Thailand; Indonesia 3,750 3,000 Long Term Attachment Experimental Officer, Class 3 13 months UK; Canada 44,000 12,475 Project Raven Engineer, Class 4 94 days UK 19,630 4,340 Understanding Operation Gateway Cpl 14 days Malaysia 30 - Aust./US Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Logistic Support SES Level 6 SES Level 2 20 days 22 days USA; Canada; UK; France 23,300 16,500 1984 Mou Review Talks Gp Capt 12 days USA 4,860 3,400 F-111: Pave Tack Project Gp Capt 33 days USA 10,500 4,790 Training: Close-in Weapons System Mk 15 Senior Technical Officer, Grade 2 82 days USA 16,234 3,304 DCP with S.W. Pacific Lt Col Lt Col Maj Lt Col 26 days 18 days 12 days 12 days Solomon Is 16,942 6,800 Runway Maintenance: Henderson Airfield Air Cdre Chief Aerodrome Engineer 9 days Solomon Is 6,400 3,200 Annual Review of Aust./US MOU on Logistic Support SES Level 4 10 days USA 6,500 4,100 Performance Test of LM2500 Engine Engineer 4 8 Days NZ 835 160 Communications Signal Processing Engineer, Class 3 15 months USA 42,700 2,000 Photogrammetric Training Capt 34 days USA 8,593 4,513 F-111C Guided Weapons-Pave Tack Sqn Ldr 27 days USA 8,492 4,400 QWG On Proofing; Inspection; QA Brig Engineer, Class 5 22 days UK 15,702 9,308 Chair Joint Consultative Council (JCC) Meeting Cl Ad 9 8 days Malaysia 3,448 2,220 Seahawk Helicopter Project L Cdr Senior Research Scientist Experimental Officer, Grade 2 Engineer, Class 2 CSO 2 28 days USA 41,595 23,250 Physiotherapy Support Lt Capt 32 days 33 days Solomon Is 9,055 2,070 Computer for Army War Games Centre Lt Col 7 days USA 2,050 1,100 Project Raven WO 1 94 days UK 18,672 4,402 Training: RMC of S Engineer, Class 3 18 months UK; FRG 52,696 6,603 Discussions Cmdr 40 days UK; USA 10,382 4,974 Discussions Maj Sqn Ldr Lt 14 days Indonesia 11,200 6,000 Military Training Methodologies RADM 37 days Japan; India; FRG; UK; USA; Canada 12,771 5,600 QWG on Helicopter Interoperability Col Maj 19 days 21 days USA; UK; Italy 14,860 8,800 DDG Modernisation Cmdr Engineer, Class 3 Engineer, Class 4 Cmdr 17 days 17 days 21 days 19 days USA 26 790 16,000 Helicopter Simulator Project Cmdr L Cdr Engineer, Class 2 21 days UK; USA 22,256 14,469 Structural Integrity of NOMAD Aircraft Engineer, Class 5 5 days Japan 4,000 3,400 Discussions Cmdr 6 days Indonesia 3,500 2,300 Pre-planning of Exercise Starfish 85 L Cdr 5 days Singapore 2,576 2,036 Training: Maintenance AN/SLQ 32 Navy Systems Technician 90 days USA 15,240 3,475 Assistance in Respect of QA SES Level 2 6 days NZ 100 - Evaluate In-motion X-Ray System (AIMX) Engineer, Class 3 18 days USA; FRG 7,150 4,500 NOMAD Product Support Field Service Representative 37 days Indonesia; Thailand; Japan; Philippines; Sabah 8,700 4,500 Operations Vis-A-Vis Intelligence Col 21 days UK; USA; Canada; Israel 11,000 6,200 Towed Array Research Experimental Officer, Class 4 Experimental Officer, Class 4 41 days 44 days UK; USA 11,775 4,775 Supply Systems Redevelopment Project (SSRP) Wg Cdr Cl Ad 10 Lt Col Wg Cdr SES Level 1 48 days 48 days 48 days 34 days 48 days UK; USA; Canada 61,765 26,049 Strategic and Defence Studies Cmdr 35 days USA; UK; Singapore; Indonesia 8,051 4,651 TF30 International Engine Management Program Conference Flt Lt 23 days USA 8,156 4,200 TTCP on Laser Technology Senior Principal Research Scientist 22 days USA 17,500 11,000 Seventh Fleet Scheduling Conference R Adm Cmdr 11 days Philippines 5,884 4,413 Attend 76mm Mk75 Gun Mounting Maintenance Course Engineer, Class 3 87 days USA 23,064 3,700 GMTS Mk612 ATE Maintenance Training Engineer, Class 2 38 days USA 46,606 22,008 Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough Research Scientist 16 months UK 35,000 11,000 Deformation and Fracture of Engineer, Classing Polymers Senior Research Scientist 29 days UK, USA, Canada 10,000 5,200 Towed Array Research Experimental Officer, Class 4 43 days UK, USA 11,775 4,775 FFG Project Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 4 Cmdr Engineer, Class 3 24 days 24 days 24 days 24 days 17 days USA, Canada 36,000 23,000 TTCP on Fibre Optics Engineer, Class 5 26 days USA, UK 8,500 5,000 DCP Discussions SES Level 2 Cl Ad 11 24 days 27 days West Indian Ocean Island States, Mauritius, Malagasy, Seychelles, Comores, Maldives 19,036 10,220 Training-Weapons Design and Technology Engineer, Class 3 70 days UK 12,702 4,402 Review of Royal Ordnance Systems Cl Ad 10 31 days UK 9,380 4,132 Software-Ind/Eng Based Work Measurement Systems Cl Ad 10 56 days USA, UK 14,900 5,000 Helicopter, Seahawk Project CSO 3 1 day UK, USA 3,450 - Consultancy Visit Brig 6 days Indonesia 3,030 1,900 Combined Communications- Electronics Board (CCEB) Frequency Planners Meeting Brig Engineer, Class 5 7 days NZ 4,600 1,600 Facilities Plant Register Senior Technical Officer 3 17 days Malaysia 400 80 LM2500 Gas Turbine Conference Senior Technical Officer 2 34 days USA 12,077 5,174 Training-Overhaul and Depot Maintenance-FFG Senior Technical Officer 2 81 days USA 48,346 3,589 Military Clothing and Footwear Science 3 76 days USA, UK 12,300 5,200 Training-AN/SPS Long Range Radar Senior Technical Officer 2 28 weeks USA 82,506 11,600 DCP-Technical Training Lt Col 13 days Tonga 3,245 1,866 Recall to Duty-Hull Computer Code Experimental Officer, Class 2 17 days USA, France, FRG, UK 1,645 - Review New Surface Combatant Design Options Cmdr Naval Architect 5 Engineer, Class 3 25 days UK, FRG, Netherlands, USA 23,398 14,100 Demonstration of Nomad Aircraft Test Pilot 2 Senior Technical Officer 2 Cl Ad 7 Field Service Representative 96 days 96 days 96 days 119 days USA 16,190 10,590 Study Pre-commission Training Maj Gen 20 days UK, USA, Canada 16,504 11,924 Study in Relation to RAN Oceanographic Computer Science 3 16 days USA 5,900 3,800 Determine a Market for Winnin Capt Cl Ad 11 Principal Research Scientist 41 days USA 23,500 13,400 ABCA on Naval Fuels and Lubricants Cmdr 16 days UK 5,908 4,008 GAF Real Time Simulator Procurement Plan Engineer, Class 3 Engineer, Class 4 31 days UK, USA 20,900 9,600 TTCP on Structural Integrity Senior Research Scientist 23 days USA; UK 7,600 4,500 Bidders Conference for Sonobuoy Production SES Level 1 12 days UK 5,950 4,600 PNG New Combat Uniforms SES Level 1 6 days PNG 4,100 2,500 Cl Ad 10 Pursue Sales Initiatives Sales Manager 17 days Singapore; Thailand 3,156 704 LM2500 Gas Turbine Engine Technical Officer, Class 1 Technical Officer, Class 1 17 days USA 12,000 7,500 Auscannzukus Naval C2 Board Meeting Capt 20 days USA 7,820 5,200 TTCP on Conventional Weapons Superintending Scientist 26 days USA; UK 11,800 5,000 1985 Pacific High Frequency Direction Finding (HF DF) Conference Petty Officer (PO) 19 days USA 1,881 606 Bidders Conference for Sonobuoy Production Engineer, Class 5 18 days USA; UK 7,200 4,700 Attend IEC Meetings Engineer, Class 3 16 days Finland 6,780 4,700 1985 Pacific HF DF Conference Sergeant (SGT) 20 days USA 1,423 365 Australian Frigate Project Capt Capt Engineer, Class 4 Engineer, Class 3 Cl Ad 8 Cl Ad 8 19 days 19 days 20 days 18 days 18 days 20 days USA 41,036 28,058 USN Communications Sat L Cdr Engineer, Class 3 8 days USA 7,850 5,600 Computer Training Facility Cl Ad 10 9 days Tonga 2,200 1,250 New Construction Submarine R Adm 25 days UK; France; FRG; Netherlands; Sweden; USA; Canada 15,000 7,000 Aust/US Joint Facilities Brig Air Cdr 18 days USA 18,788 12,828 Maintenance & Calibration Tasks Technical Officer, Class 2 Technical Assistant 2 11 days Malaysia 773 - QWG on Army Operational Research SES Level 2 Research Scientist Lt Col 30 days 19 days 19 days USA; Canada 21,450 14,300 Hydrographic Survey Capt 7 days W. Samoa 2,100 1,260 Program Management; Training; Equipment Cl Ad 10 25 days UK; USA 7,950 4,600 F/A-18 Fatigue Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr 21 days USA 8,963 5,135 TTCP on Electro-optic Sensing Technology Principal Research Scientist 26 days Thailand; UK; USA 8,600 5,000 Familiarization & Discussions Cl Ad 8 Cl Ad 9 13 days Vanuatu; Solomon Is.; New Caledonia 6,260 2,680 Patrol Boat Propellers Naval Architect 4 23 days Netherlands; UK 7,450 4,200 Explosive Ordnance Clearance Maj 15 days Solomon Is. 2,800 978 Conferences Lt Col Maj Maj 21 days 17 days 12 days UK; USA; HK; Singapore UK; USA UK; Singapore 18,855 12,805 Senior Executive Fellowship: Management SES Level 6 105 days Thailand; Netherlands; France; UK; USA 29,934 8,638 International Programs Principal Research Scientist 32 days Malaysia; Thailand; UK; USA; Canada 9,500 5,500 Scientific, Technical, Industrial Discussions SES Level 6 SES Level 6 SES Level 4 8 days Indonesia 10,400 8,600 Chemical & Biological Warfare Conference Cl Ad 10 15 days Canada; USA 6,376 4,556 Discuss Quality Assurance [QA] of Ammunition Engineer, Class 3 14 days UK; Norway 6,370 4,570 TTCP on Radar Signal Processing Principal Research Scientist 23 days UK 7,490 4,500 Precision Guided Weapons Technology Experimental Officer, Class 4 26 days UK 6,900 4,500 Underwater Shock Testing of Naval Ships Experimental Officer, Class 4 23 days USA; FRG; Sweden; UK 10,500 5,500 F/A-18 Familiarization Training Engineer, Class 3 Engineer, Class 3 27 days 29 days USA 15,740 7,540 Preventative Medicine Maj Gen 24 days UK; Malaysia 8,777 4,427 UK Inward Mission: Simulators/Training Aids Gp Capt Cmdr Lt Col SES Level 1 17 days 17 days 17 days 16 days UK UK UK Paris 5,564 1,120 Engine/transmission testing facilities Engineer, Class 4 19 days UK; USA; Canada 7,150 5,000 Conferences Cl Ad 8 22 days Iran; Saudi Arabia; Iraq 5,080 2,220 Maritime Intelligence Conference (Marintcon) Cmdr 21 days Canada 3,311 Excerise Bell Buoy 85 Cmdr 36 days USA; UK 6,106 4,159 Fatigue Tests: F/A-18 Principal Research Scientist 15 days USA 6,000 4,000 ASCC on Weapons Technology Wg Cdr 23 days USA; Canada 8,650 5,200 Training on PAP-104 Mine Disposal System Senior Technical Officer, Class 2 Technical Officer, Class 2 42 days France 80,857 9,400 5.56mm Weapons Standards Lt Col Lt Col Engineer, Class 4 25 days USA; Canada; Belgium; Austria 25,620 16,500 Project Raven Col Lt Col Maj Maj Engineer, Class 3 23 days 23 days 18 days 18 days 18 days UK; USA UK; USA UK UK UK 42,965 23,500 Commonwealth Defence Science Organization Conference Principal Research Scientist 24 days UK; USA 11,000 6,000 Gun Barrel & Ordnance Manufacture Engineer, Class 5 18 days USA 7,100 4,300 Appointment of Marketing Agents Cl Ad 10 Cl Ad 9 17 days Singapore; Malaysia; Thailand 12,370 3,200 Discussions Cl Ad 8 18 days Japan; South Korea; HK 5,354 2,454 QWG on Health Services Support Brig Lt Col Lt Col 21 days USA 18,970 12,300 Staff Visit Lt Col Capt 12 days Malaysia; Brunei 1,500 1,440 India Silver Jubilee Brig 11 days India 3,856 2,856 Study Tour Cl Ad 10 Cl Ad 6 Capt 13 days Philippines 12,500 6,849 Staff College Education Gp Capt 23 days Canada; USA; UK 6,330 4,230 Training Under DCP Lt Col Lt Col Lt Col 8 days Indonesia; Singapore 9,210 5,550 Marintcon Cmdr Cmdr L Cdr Flt Lt 24 days 24 days 19 days 19 days Canada; USA 24,941 14,088 Marintcon L Cdr 18 days Canada 8,095 3,522 Leopard Users Steering Committee Lt Col 22 days Greece; FRG 7,257 4,600 Study Engineering practices Col 21 days USA 11,477 6,349 Senior Executive Fellowship SES Level 4 45 days USA; Canada; UK; Netherlands; Sweden; FRG 21,670 11,000 GSIP 560m Coordinate Measuring Machine Senior Technical Officer, Class 2 Technical Officer, Class 2 27 days Switzerland 8,185 5,000 Training: Phalanx Close-in Weapons System Engineer, Class 2 Technical Officer, Class 2 85 days USA 168,100 6,668 F/A-18: Tool Maintenance-Training Engineer, Class 3 17 days USA 5,440 3,400 Attend Food Study Group Symposium Defence Food Science Advisor 31 days Malaysia; UK; USA 11,120 6,000 Review Weapon Systems Cmdr Cmdr Engineer, Class 4 32 days UK; Netherlands; FRG 25,440 14,100 Propellant & Explosive R&D Principal Research Scientist 32 days USA; UK; FRG; Switzerland; France; Japan 10,000 5,000 Attend Food Study Group Symposium Defence Science 3 17 days UK 9,760 5,000 QWG on Combat Communications Col Lt Col Maj 19 days USA; Canada 27,250 15,000 Exercise North Star WO1 30 days UK; FRG 4,194 875 EDP Network Development Sqn Ldr 19 days USA 2,474 2,297 Overseas Posts Inspection Cl Ad 9 42 days USA; Mexico 15,000 6,000 Modern Training Technology Col 17 days USA 6,382 4,699 Mou/Project Plan: T58 Engine Cl Ad 10 Cl Ad 9 Sqn Ldr 10 days 6 days 6 days Indonesia 10,368 10,218 Supply of Repairables for F/A-18 Wg Cdr 11 days USA 710 . . Naval Aviation Policy (Paris Air Show) Cmdr 36 days USA; Canada; UK; France 9,700 4,800 SH60B Lamps III & S70B Cmdr L Cdr Engineer, Class 3 10 days USA 15,094 11,982 Training: RS2273B & CGT114B Senior Technical Officer, Class 2 20 days UK 7,550 4,400 Pacific Area, Senior Officer Logistics Seminar (Pascols) SES Level 4 Cdre Gp Capt 8 days USA 12,520 8,700 Service Accommodation & Works Brig 21 days USA; UK 8,902 5,100 Satory X Exposition of Fr Military equipment Maj Gen 26 days UK; France; FRG; Sweden 9,711 4,800 ASCC on Charts & FIPs Sqn Ldr 17 days USA 7,345 5,000 Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Conference Engineer, Class 4 10 days USA 4,460 2,980 F/A-18 Ferry Support Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Corporal (Cpl) 21 days USA 6,160 1,830 Science & Technology Update Senior Superintending 33 days USA; UK 11,300 6,000 TTCP on Undersea Warfare Senior Principal Research Scientist 14 days USA; Canada 8,650 6,450 Management of Supply & Armament Depots SES Level 1 27 days USA; UK; Canada; France 13,200 7,600 FMS Review Meeting SES Level 3 23 days USA; UK 10,200 6,500 Sales Promotion of DFM 28V Generators Sales manager 33 days Thailand; UK; Canada; USA 9,200 4,400 Preparation of F/A-18 for Ferry Flt Lt 18 days USA 2,180 900 TTCP on Manoeuvering Aerodynamics Principal Research Scientist 21 days UK; FRG 6,600 4,000 QWG on Surface-Surface Arty Col Maj 19 days Canada; USA 14,440 10,000 QWG on Engineering Col Lt Col Maj 20 days USA; Canada 18,324 13,020 Army Education Col 21 days UK; FRG 8,500 4,600 Study an Operating US Corps HQ Brig 10 days USA 4,140 2,820 F/A-18 Project Engineer, Class 3 22 days USA 8,200 4,000 Attend Commonwealth Defence Science Organization Conference Maj 32 days UK; Sweden; Switzerland 8,121 4,721 Staff Visit Capt Capt WO2 8 days Malaysia 133 - International Conference on Aeronautical Fatigue Senior Research Scientist 32 days UK, Italy, Sweden, FRG 8,400 5,000 Tricentennial Celebrations: 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards Lt Col WO1 8 days FRG 841 428 Training Development/Techniques Col 15 days USA 6,460 5,080 Automated Tactical C2 and Information Systems Col 21 days USA 9,045 4,900 Fuzes for 105 and 155 mm Ammunition Maj Ammunition Engineer Engineer, Class 3 21 days UK, France, Netherlands, Frg, Norway, Sweden 26,500 15,300 Leopard Weapons Systems Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 15 days FRG 6,950 4,600 Paris Air Show Cl Ad 11 Journalist A1 Experimental Officer, Class 3 21 days 15 days 15 days UK, France 13,500 5,200 Defaussat Project Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 4 30 days UK, Sweden, France, Canada, USA 18,500 10,000 Familiarization: Discussions Lt Col Maj Cl Ad 8 9 days 9 days 16 days Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia 14,236 9,371 1985 RAN/USN Bilateral Talks R Adm Cdre 14 days USA 13,017 9,080 FMS Review Meeting SES Level 4 9 days USA 7,500 5,780 TTCP on Undersea Warfare Principal Research Officer 27 days Canada, USA, UK, France 8,700 5,400 Hydrography and Training Advice Cmdr L Cdr 14 days Malaysia 14,500 4,160 Arms Export Policies Cl Ad 9 36 days Italy, Sweden, France, UK, Canada, USA 12,000 11,880 DDG Modernization Project Engineer, Class 4 Engineer, Class 3 20 days 18 days USA 16,127 10,487 Inspection of RAAF School Penang SES Level 2 10 days Malaysia 2,081 1,535 Executive Responsibility Budgets Lt Col 21 days UK 7,300 4,750 Terminal Ballistics Research Senior Research Scientist 28 days USA, Sweden, UK 10,500 550 RAST System Installation: FFGS Naval Architect, Class 4 Supervisory Draftsman Supervisory Technical Officer 43 days 43 days 39 days USA 38,995 13,161 Long Term Attachment Engineer, Class 3 18 months USA 41,300 5,100 Submarine Command Team Trainer Engineer, Class 3 CSO3 CSO3 29 days USA, UK, FRG, France 29,670 15,000 Australian Frigate Project Engineer, Class 3 Supervising Draftsman Engineer, Class 2 14 days 12 days 14 days USA 19,512 12,527 Aerial Photographic Resolution Testing Flg Off 14 days USA 3,018 300 Operational Counter Terrorist Training Col 22 days UK, FRG, France, Indonesia, Singapore 8,912 5,400 Gun Wear Measurement Experimental Officer 4 15 days UK 6,050 4,000 Paris Air Show Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Sqn Ldr 19 days France 14,149 - CCEB Principals Meeting Brig Cmdr Lt 6 days NZ 4,820 2,400 FFG Project Cmdr Cl Ad 10 Cl Ad 8 14 days 17 days 17 days USA 21,250 14,400 Submarine Experimental Fit Equipment Engineer, Class 2 12 days USA 2,160 80 Mine Hunting Weapon System Engineer, Class 4 Senior Research Scientist 41 days 34 days FRG 18,500 8,800 Combat Systems Trainer Cmdr 15 days USA 7,550 5,100 Long Term Attachment Experimental Officer, Class 2 15 months Canada 51,500 22,000 Long Term Attachment Experimental Officer, Class 2 18 months USA 64,780 3,286 Long Term Attachment Research Scientist 18 months USA 56,000 18,000 QA Inspection of HF Antennae Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 15 days Malaysia 184 - Long Term Attachment Research Scientist 15 months FRG; France 46,500 4,400 21 International Symposium on Military Psychology Lt Col 15 days France; FRG; Israel 6,340 4,400 Basic Pilot Training Aircraft Gp Capt Sqn Ldr 18 days UK 14,320 8,880 Winnin Market: Attend Paris Air Show Engineer, Class 5 Cmdr 24 days 26 days France; UK; Italy France; UK; USA 26,080 9,080 High Speed Displacement Hull Form Project Naval Architect 5 12 days Netherlands 6,400 4,900 Management of R & D in Defence Environment Cl Ad 11 31 days India; Israel; UK; France; FRG; USA; Canada 10,900 6,000 Ship Stability & Seakeeping Naval Architect 3 29 days UK; FRG; Netherlands; USA 7,442 4,290 Conferences Cdre SES Level 1 Wg Cdr Cl Ad 10 26 days 17 days 17 days 17 days USA; Thailand; Singapore; Malaysia 30,600 18,500 US Origin Cryptographic Equipment Maj Maj 18 days USA 15,360 10,300 P20 Fuel Control Contract Review Engineer, Class 3 4 days NZ 483 - Bi-annual NOMAD Field Service Field Service Representative 11 days PNG 1,600 1,300 Provide Training on 100 AMP 28V Alternator Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 19 days Singapore 6,500 2,000 Pacific Patrol Boat Project SES Level 2 Capt Cl Ad 9 10 days PNG; Solomon Is.; Vanuatu 15,600 11,800 Pacific Patrol Boat Project SES Level 2 L Cdr Cmdr Lt Col 17 days Fiji; Tonga; W. Samoa; NZ 15,600 9,000 Utility Helicopter Project Capt Cmdr 29 days USA; UK; Switzerland 21,194 12,044 155mm & 81mm Ammunition Engineer, Class 3 32 days USA; Canada; UK; Norway; FRG; Sweden; Netherlands; France 12,020 5,300 Training within Three Services Gp Capt Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 11 4 days NZ 180 - Discussions with Keeper of RAF Museum Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr 15 days UK; USA 3,315 104 Technological Transport Programs Nomad Promotion Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 5 24 days 81 days France; UK France; UK; USA 22,600 11,200 GAF Product Support Program Engineer, Class 4 28 days PNG; Philippines; Thailand; Indonesia 7,500 4,000 TNT Effluent Technology SES Level 1 34 days UK; FRG 10,000 4,400 TTCP on HF Surface Wave Radar Senior Research Scientist 39 days Canada; USA; UK 10,600 5,050 TTCP on Military Manpower Trends Maj 17 days UK 6,970 4,600 TTCP on Military Manpower Trends Navy Psychologist 2 17 days UK 7,211 4,872 Project Air 5225, F/FR-111C Avionics Wg Cdr 18 days USA 8,186 5,000 Modular Electronic Gauging Engineer, Class 3 Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 28 days UK; Denmark; Switzerland; USA 24,000 11,000 Fuzes for 155, 105mm Ammunition & 81mm Mortar Engineer, Class 3 21 days UK; France; Netherlands; FRG; Norway; Sweden 9,000 5,500 TTCP on Military Manpower Trends Psychologist 2 17 days UK 7,211 4,872 National Rifle Association Championships (Bisley) WO2 Lt Col Capt Capt Capt 2nd Lieutenant (2Lt) WO1 Sgt Sgt Cpl Cpl Craftsman (Cfn) 36 days UK 5,180 - Reconstitution of TTCP on practice ammunition Experimental Officer, Class 4 28 days USA; Canada; FRG; UK 10,910 5,500 P3-C AQS-901 Computer Flt Lt 23 days UK 5,943 4,602 ATAR Engine and Fuel Units Sqn Ldr Principal Research Scientist 28 days France 18,396 9,878 Signal/Data Processing: Active Sonar Systems Engineer, Class 3 17 days USA 8,778 4,721 DISCON contract review SES Level 1 40 days USA; UK 13,680 5,400 NOMAD litigation defence Cl Ad 8 Principal Legal Off., Attorney-Gen's Dept. Barrister (no Dept.) Senior Counsel (no Dept.) 62 days 62 days 26 days 41 days USA 129,200 30,000 Minehunter project Capt Cmdr 27 days UK; France; Netherlands; FRG; Sweden; Italy 21,400 12,000 NOMAD Searchmaster Evaluation Aircraft Electrician 155 days USA 8,680 4,000 New construction submarine SES Level 2 32 days India; UK; France; Sweden; Netherlands 13,000 5,650 Accompany Network 10 television crew Public Relations Officer 14 days Sinai 750 - Long term attachment Senior Research Scientist 12 months USA 35,470 4,500 TTCP on metals Superintending Scientist 24 days USA 11,000 5,500 Development of overseas commercial markets Engineer, Class 3 33 days Finland; Canada; USA; Thailand; UK; Netherlands; Sweden; Norway 12,100 6,500 QA Audits of US Contracts Engineer, Class 5 24 Days USA 7,740 3,800 Advanced Technology Programs SES Level 1 28 Days USA 11,270 6,700 AOR project Cmdr Lieut 16 days France; UK; Canada; USA 15,000 10,500 New utility helicopter project Air Cdr Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Wg Cdr Sqn Ldr Maj Flt Lt Sqn Ldr Cl Ad 10 Engineer, Class 4 Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 5 52 days 69 days 61 days 58 days 61 days 61 days 69 days 69 days 57 days 61 days 61 days 61 days USA; UK; France 182,020 62,214 Attend CDSO Conference SES Level 6 24 days UK; USA 10,000 4,800 Engineering technologies Engineer, Class 4 36 days USA 13,726 6,500 Demonstrate NOMAD aircraft and attend Paris Air Show SES Level 2 Project Manager 3 Engineer, Class 5 Cl Ad 11 35 days 35 days 35 days 49 days Bahrain; Pakistan; Thailand; Malaysia; Philippines; France; FRG; Netherlands; UK; Ireland; Italy 45,150 26,000 QA study Senior Technical Officer, Class 2 22 days USA 8,329 3,685 Training: DDG modernization Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 23 weeks USA 47,016 5,586 Training on GFCS MK 68 MOD 19 Engineer, Class 1 59 days USA 16,902 4,415 Training: offset manufacture F/A-18 Foreman, Grade C 18 days USA 6,200 3,500 Hot, wet, close country warfare Lt Col 20 Brunei; Singapore 2,849 2,103 Manufacture of precision optical equip Engineer, Class 3 16 UK 6,642 4,402 Works support for RAAF Butterworth Gp Capt Wg Cdr 10 Malaysia 715 160 Aviation medicine topics Sqn Ldr 6 Indonesia 2,790 1,850 Support PM's Visit Cl Ad 11 11 USA 6,200 4,500 Teal Ruby experiment demonstration Wg Cdr 29 USA 8,260 3,350 Share 7 computer time sharing system Computer Officer 3 29 USA 8,311 3,741 DISCON project design review SES Level 4 SES Level 2 Engineer, Class 5 CSO 4 37 35 36 36 UK; Canada; USA 40,860 19,200 Finance for works at Butterworth Cl Ad 8 10 Malaysia 330 - Surveillance radar systems Flying Officer (Flg Off) 54 USA; UK 8,011 4,151 International electrotechnical commission (IEC) Chief Draftsman 18 Finland 7,234 4,714 International standards organisation of lifting applicances, etc Engineer, Class 3 16 FRG 6,622 4,402 TTCP on teal ruby program Research Scientist 38 USA; Canada; UK 8,820 4,800 Study high explosives and gun propellant manufacture Engineer, Class 3 54 UK, Sweden, France and W. Germany 12,600 5,280 Discussions with government officials SES Level 2 16 USA, Canada 8,120 5,100 Ikara M7 related visit SES Level 1 SES Level 1 19 Italy and UK Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 5 Engineer, Class 4 19 29 19 Italy 36,300 20,000 Radar training course related to DDG modernisation Naval Systems Technician 189 USA 42,253 3,823 Engine inspection HMAS Canberra Senior Technical Officer, Grade 1 7 Singapore 3,258 2,036 International machine tool fair and visit manufacturers Engineer, Class 4 Engineer, Class 3 17 Japan 6,800 3,800 Train NEAS personnel in maintenance of Nomad 25 Netherlands 8,000 4,400 F/A-18 related training Foreman Gr C 25 USA 7,270 3,500 Contract negotiations Cl Ad 10 24 USA 8,300 4,000 Discussions on Barra project Engineer, Class 5 17 UK 6,872 4,562 Discussions with Tkokol Corp; McDonnell Douglas and Comtech A/Engineer, Class 5 13 USA 5,546 3,986 Annual product support visit to Nomad distributors and Farnborough Air Show Engineer, Class 4 47 Tahiti, Western Samoa, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, USA, UK, France, Germany, Holland 11,900 6,000 Biannual coordination meeting- Farnborough Air Show Engineer, Class 3 20 USA, UK 7,400 4,100 Visit aerospace manufacturers Farnborough Air Show. Negotiations for Nomad sales to Bahrain, visit A.R.E. (UK) for discussions Cl Ad 10 Project Manager, Class 3 24 19 UK, France, Holland, Bahrain 19,950 12,000 Study manufacturing processes for large calibre cartridge cases Engineer, Class 3 Senior Technical Officer, Grade 1 39 USA, UK, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland 28,000 10,000 F/A-18 Training Senior Technical Officer, Grade 3 30 USA 8,475 4,000 Evaluate short listed equipment Computing Systems Officer, Grade 4 Engineer, Class 4 36 USA 20,000 10,000 Investigate radiographic equipment and state of art instrumentation for 20/30mm proof range Engineeer, Class 3 30 USA, UK, Sweden and W. Germany 8,900 4,200 Training at McAir and Boeing 32 USA 8,480 3,700 Study combustable ordinance products and developments in nitrocellulose. Discussions with manufactureres and R&D establishments Engineer, Class 3 35 UK, Austria, W. Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland and USA 12,900 5,970 Study pipe fabrication and sheet metal techniques Foreman, Grade 3 Foreman, Grade 2 17 17 USA 18,291 6,812 Visit laboratories to study practices applicable to GWESF activities Engineer, Grade 2 Senior Technical Officer, Grade 2 27 20 USA 14,550 7,750 Accompany Ministers to advise and participate discussions with Government and industry representatives SES Level 4 24 Greece, Italy, UK, USA, Canada 16,700 8,000 F/A-18 training Senior Technical Officer, Grade 1 39 USA 9,370 3,500 Training at US Defence Systems Management College, visit ship builders and replace DDS engineering representative for recreation leave SES Level 1 64 USA, Canada 17,286 6,000 Attend 15th Annual Symposium at the Society of Flight Test Engineers Senior Technical Officer, Grade 2 12 USA 4,910 3,500 Vibration trials on HMAS Tobruk Naval Architect, Class 1 Engineer, Class 2 Naval Architect, Class 2 10 Vila 2,530 1,250 Attend explosives safety seminar and obtain information for operational safety committee SES Level 2 28 USA 10,740 4,890 Defence Cooperation Program-advise on propellant plant acquisition Engineer, Class 4 Engineer, Class 4 SES Level 2 Cl Ad 10 21 28 10 14 Thailand 36,000 20,500 Sales Mission for Nomad Cl Ad 7 Engineer 15 USA 10,250 8,000 Representative present at delivery of F/A-18 SES Level 3 10 USA 1,734 - Discussions re Nomad sales 8 Philippines 3,854 2,354 Project Winnin Engineer, Class 5 27 USA, UK, W. Germany, Italy and Switzerland 9,400 4,800 Relief of engineering representatives (USA) for mid term briefing session Engineer, Class 4 51 USA 13,550 5,000 Discussions with Boeing, Sikorsky and others 30 USA 10,355 4,500 Study quality control/quality assurance aspects of the AFP Senior Technical Officer, Class 2 Senior Technical Officer, Class 1 23 USA 13,650 7,204 Visit McDonnell Douglas re F/A-18 25 USA 13,935 7,000 Discussions with Sikorsky, Amtech, Roam and Rockwell Corporation SES Level 2 Engineer, Class 5 Cl Ad 10 17 17 16 USA 20,550 13,200 Testing of Ikara missiles and discussions Engineer, Class 3 18 UK 6,400 4,000 Discussions and F/A-18 and F111-C aerolastic analysis techniques Engineer, Class 3 27 USA 7,330 3,500 Conduct combat systems sea trials on HMAS Darwin Senior Technical Officer, Grade 1 9 USA 5,934 5,094 Liaison visit Capt (RAN) 6 PNG 2,151.79 1,314.20 Defence Co-operation Project Visit Familiarisation Gp Capt Wg Cdr Wg Cdr 7 4 4 PNG PNG PNG 2,486.99 1,811.09 2,015.71 1,336.00 1,336.00 1,336.00 Combined Communications Electronic Board Principals Meeting Lt Brig Cmdr 6 6 6 New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand 1,365.00 1,237.00 1,380.00 872.20 952.80 712.00 Secure Communication Test Engineer, Class 4 12 New Zealand 345.01 - New Zealand Navy Technical Officer, Grade 2 12 New Zealand 336.59 - Technical Officer, Grade 2 12 New Zealand 334.55 - Senior Technical Officer, Grade 2 12 New Zealand 336.59 - Liaison NZ Defence Gp Capt 4 New Zealand 29.65 - $ $ ANZUS Secretary SES Level 4 General 3 4 4 New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand 614.84 848.13 1,110.12 - 474.00 602.00 Commonwealth Regional Colloquium SES Level 1 4 New Zealand 1,389.40 997.60 Defence Co-operation Project Technical Training Chief Instructor Sqn Ldr Flt Lt 6 6 PNG PNG 2,012.80 1,619.70 1,023.00 837.20 Manpower Study Colonel Colonel 3 months 3 months PNG PNG 3,790.84 3,804.04 1,058.40 1,050.40 Medicine/Scientific Conference Lt Col 5 New Zealand 1,460.18 804.20 Manpower Study WO2 34 PNG 2,432.35 1,064.20 Training Team Visit Cl Ad 10 Major Lt Col Sqn Ldr 5 5 5 5 PNG PNG PNG PNG 1,352.00 1,697.73 1,330.81 1,638.07 1,010.00 1,010.00 1,010.00 1,010.00 Combined Communications Electronic Board Conference Lt Col Brig 7 7 New Zealand New Zealand 1,535.00 1,599.00 867.20 947.40 AS/PNG Supply Support & Arrangement Review SES Cl Ad 11 Cl Ad 10 Lt Col 4 6 6 6 PNG PNG PNG PNG 1,830.00 2,440.00 2,057.00 2,235.00 1,190.40 1,298.20 1,294.20 1,298.20 Investigate TRNG Requirements Lt 6 PNG 1,231.80 1,231.80 PNGDF Manpower Study Review Lt Col 7 PNG 2,223.30 1,110.20 Computer Systems Review Cl Ad 9 13 PNG 4,110.20 1,110.20 ANZ Consultative Council General Secretary SES Level 4 AVM Cmdr Flt Lt Cl Ad 11 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand 1,368.00 1,368.00 1,711.00 1,690.00 1,231.00 1,231.00 1,309.00 1,368.00 1,368.00 1,368.00 1,368.00 917.50 917.50 966.60 Training Assistance Major Librarian 13 13 PNG PNG 7,622.26 1,594.00 973.00 Training Team Visit L Cdr 5 PNG 1,330.81 1,010.00 Consultations SES Level 1 1 Norfolk Island 100.00 - Discussions Govt Officials SES Level 1 14 PNG 4,213.92 1,493.20 Training and Liaison Cl Ad 5 14 PNG 3,622.56 1,493.20 Consultations Re PNGDF Air Capabilities Gp Capt 8 PNG 2,558.75 1,228.20 Discussions RNZAF Supply Personnel Air Cdre Sqn Ldr 8 8 New Zealand New Zealand 810.00 545.00 167.00 111.30 Defence Cooperation Cmdr 14 PNG 2,970.79 1,064.20 Annual Policy Talks SES Level 1 Cl Ad 11 Col 9 9 9 PNG PNG PNG 5,352.08 3,078.63 3,066.03 2,484.20 1,949.00 1,949.00 ANZ Defence Policy Group Meeting AVM SES Level 1 SES Level 1 3 3 3 New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand 1,143.00 1,163.00 1,163.00 943.40 943.40 943.40 Feasibility Study SES Level 4 7 PNG 2,009.28 1,144.00 Audit of AIR NZ Engineer, Class 4 7 New Zealand 781.92 276.20 Attend Ninth Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS 1 X) 3 x Col Lt Col Maj 9 New Zealand 6,995 3,245 Conduct review of AS/PNG Supply Support Arrangement Lt Col 7 Papua New Guinea 2,174 1,124 Observe Australian troops during Exercise TASMAN RESERVE Maj Gen 5 New Zealand 515 - Discuss combined training exercise Maj 7 Papua New Guinea 2,174 1,124 Discuss personnel employment and soldier management with senior NZ Army staff Col 9 New Zealand 1,860 950 Conduct `Other Rank' career management interviews Col 7 Papua New Guinea 2,960 1,590 Conduct career interviews and counsel ARA officers, liaise with Aust Defence and Army staff, and update on officer career management matters Brig Maj 7 Papua New Guinea 5,155 2,500 Invitation from NZ CGS CGS and wife WO1 11 New Zealand 3,197 - Invitation from UK CGS to visit UK and Exercise `LIONHEART' CGS and Staff Officer 19 United Kingdom and Federal Republic of Germany 16,860 11,472 Discuss matters of concern, inspect facilities, consolidate links with respective armed forces CGS and Staff Officer 17 Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia 10,759 4,421 Calls on PNG Minister of Defence, Secretary of PNGDF visit military bases throughout PNG. CGS and Staff Officer 8 Papua New Guinea 5,934 2,239 Invitation from US Army Chief of Staff CGS and wife 23 United States of America and Canada 31,196 15,475 Patrol Boat Discussions SES Level 1 11 PNG 5,683.90 1,275.00 Cl Ad 9 11 PNG 3,742.84 1,256.00 Cmdr 11 PNG 3,742.84 1.256.00 Attend RNZIR Triennial Corps Conference Col 7 New Zealand 1,260 772 Conduct liaison visit to NZ on Logistic matters Lt Col 9 New Zealand 1,062 939 Attend 11th Meeting of Quadripartite Working Group on Air Defence Col Lt Col 2 x Maj WO 10 New Zealand 4,827 3,770 Co-ordinate study of Anopheles Faranti mosquito for research into effectiveness of prophylactic drug to control spread of malaria Maj 8 Papua/New Guinea 2,474 1,146 Attend annual conference of Australian Society of Parasitology Society in Christchurch Scientific Officer 6 New Zealand 1,080 560 Attend Five Nations Mapping, Charting and Geodesy Directors Conference Col 8 New Zealand 1,367 800 Attend RNZEME Corps Conference Col 9 New Zealand 762 645 Discuss Army materiel aspects of Defence Co-op with NZ Maj Gen 15 New Zealand 1,792 1,032 Attend RNZE TRIENIAL Corps Conference Col 8 New Zealand 1,134 775 To hold Navy to Navy discussions as an official guest of the Indian, Pakistan and Sri Lankan CNS CNS plus one staff officer 20 India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka 11,203 6,872 To hold Navy to Navy discussions as an official guest of the Malay, Singaporean and Indonesian CNS CNS plus wife and one staff officer 13 Singapore, Indonesia Malaysia 13,097 8,172 To hold Navy to Navy Defence and DCP discussions CNS plus Defence/Navy party of 9 11 SW Pacific including Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Western Samoa, Vanuatu 3,000 - To represent CDF at the CINCPAC and CINCPACFLT command changeover ceremonies CNS plus wife and one staff officer 4 Honolulu 17,200 15,300 To attend the 8th Seapower Symposium and hold Navy to Navy discussions CNS plus one staff officer 10 USA/Canada 20,500 16,190 Discussion with foreign counterparts. Liaison with senior Defence officials visit RAAF units CAS 12 Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong 3,800 - Airman to Airman talks with CAS RNZAF CAS 8 New Zealand 1,450 - Discussion with foreign counterparts. Liaison with senior Defence officials. Visit RAAF representatives abroad. Visit selected defence manufacturers and update on latest developments. CAS 28 US, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Canada 22,300 - (Question No. 3353) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions Nos 3216 to 3243, what (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85, (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip, (c) was the duration of each trip, (d) were the countries visited during each trip and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the air fare component identified separately. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The information you requested in relation to my Department is supplied in the document entitled `Overseas Travel 1984-85 Department of Aviation', a copy of which is held by the House of Representatives Bills and Papers Office. The air fare component of each trip has not been identified separately due to the resource cost involved in providing this information. In relation to the IAFC; the IAFC sent two officers overseas during 1984-85 (a) to consult with Government officials, airlines and aircraft manufacturers on matters related to the committee's responsibilities under the Independent Air Fares Committee Act, in particular technical/financial methodologies related to the setting of passenger air fares (b) the officer's levels were; Chairman IAFC, and Secretary, SESL1 (c) the durations of the visits were: the Chairman, 15 September 1984 to 7 October 1984, and the Secretary 15 September 1984 to 6 October 1984 (d) the countries visited were the USA, Canada and Britain (e) the total cost of both visits was $21,200 and the air fares component was $12,800. In relation to TAA, the information is regarded as commercially sensitive and confidential. (Question No. 3392) Mr Burr asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 14 March 1986: (1) Further to the answer to my question No. 1558 (Hansard, 11 February 1986, pages 133-4), has the Australian Broadcasting Corporation taken steps to ensure that the copyright accreditation after its productions is written in Arabic numerals. (2) Will he write to the management of the ABC and each of the commercial television stations asking them to use whatever influence they have among overseas television producers whose programs are destined for Australia to include as many programs as possible with the date of production in Arabic numerals; if not, why not. (3) Will he write to the management of each of the commercial television stations asking them to conclude all Australian produced television programs with the date of production shown in Arabic numerals; if not, why not. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) No. As far as the ABC is concerned it obtains overseas program material from diverse sources and is not in a position to influence the style of captioning adopted. Each of the Australian commercial television stations purchase their overseas programs either independently, or more commonly, through a networking arrangement. The Government does not have any control or influence over the purchasing practices of the commercial television stations. The only external regulation would be in terms of the Program Standards of the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (ABT). These standards do not, however, extend to prescribing such matters as placing the date of production in Arabic numerals. Concluding programs with the date of production in Arabic numerals is really a matter for the producer and is not a significant matter for Ministerial representations to the ABC nor Australian commercial television stations who purchase overseas programs. (3) No. For Australian produced programs, the date of production in Arabic numerals is a matter first and foremost for the producers themselves and also possibly for the purchasers of those programs. It is not a matter which comes within the area of my responsibility just as it is not something upon which the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal has specified a standard. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to exercise any influence over how producers show the date of the production of their programs. (Question No. 3401) Mr Jacobi asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 14 March 1986: (1) How many staff of the Health Insurance Commission are engaged in monitoring, detecting and gathering information in respect of suspected breaches of the Health Insurance Act as it releates to fraud and over-servicing. (2) Where are staff located. (3) At what levels are the staff employed and where do they fit into organisational strucuture of the Commission. (4) How many are employed (a) full time and (b) part time on the investigations. (5) Were the fraud and over-servicing detecting system developed by his Department and the profiles that it produced continued by the Health Insurance Commission. (6) Have new systems been developed to replace or augment the detecting system; if so (a) what are the methods and assumptions used by the systems and (b) are peer group comparisons still used. (7) Will he give details of (a) the systems used, (b) examples of profiles or their equivalents and (c) explanatory notes on the interpretation of the profiles. (8) How many referrals have been made to the medical services committees of inquiry in each year since 1980. (9) What sum has been recovered from doctors for fraud and over-servicing in each of those years. (10) How many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions for medical benefits fraud occurred in each year since 1980 and what penalties were imposed. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: It has been necessary to separate answers to questions 1 and 9 as (a) related to fraud matters and (b) related to overservicing. (1) (a) A total of 125 persons are at present involved in detecting and gathering information in respect of suspected breaches of the Health Insurance Act 1973 in regard to fraud related matters throughout Australia. (b) A total of 79 persons are at present involved in detecting and gathering information in respect of suspected breaches of the Health Insurance Act 1973 in regard to overservicing. (2) Staff involved in both aspects (i.e. fraud detection and the administration associated with overservicing) are located in Canberra and in all State capital cities. (3) A breakdown of staff currently employed in fraud investigation and related duties is as follows: Canberra: Manager, Level 1... 1 Principal Executive Officer Grade 2... 3 Executive Officer Grade 3... 4 Executive Officer Grade 2... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1... 8 Administrative Officer Grade 3... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 1... 1 Typist... 1 Sydney: Principal Executive Officer Grade 1... 1 Executive Officer Grade 3... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2... 5 Executive Officer Grade 1... 9 Administrative Officer Grade 4... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 3... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2... 3 Clerical Assistant Grade 4... 8 Typist... 1 Melbourne: Principal Executive Officer Grade 1... 1 Executive Officer Grade 3... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2... 3 Executive Officer Grade 1... 9 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 5 Clerical Assistant Grade 2 ... 1 Typist ... 2 Brisbane: Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 3 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 5 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 4 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 2 ... 2 Typist ... 1 Adelaide: Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 4 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 3 ... 1 Clerical Assistant Grade 2 ... 1 Perth: Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 4 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 2 ... 1 Typist ... 1 Hobart: Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Clerical Assistant Grade 3 ... 1 A breakdown of staff employed in duties related to the analysis of data to detect overservicing and/or those staff employed in duties associated with Medical Services Committees of Inquiry is as follows: Canberra: Level 3 (Medical Director) ... 1 Principal Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Principal Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 2 Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 4 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 4 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 3 Administrative Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 2 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 2 Typist ... 1 Sydney: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) ... 5 Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 4 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 5 Typist ... 1 Melbourne: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 3 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 4 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 4 Typist ... 1 Brisbane: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) ... 2 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 2 Typist ... 1 Adelaide: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 1 Typist ... 1 Perth: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 1 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 1 Typist ... 1 Hobart: Level 1 (Medical Adviser) (Part-Time) ... 1 Executive Officer Grade 2 ... 1 Administrative Officer Grade 4 ... 2 Clerical Assistant Grade 4 ... 1 Typist ... 1 Both the Investigations Branch and the Medical Division are directly responsible to the Commission's General Manager for their performance and action. (4) All but one officer involved in duties associated with the investigation of medical fraud and overservicing are employed by the Health Insurance Commission on a full time basis. The only officer who is employed on a part-time basis is a Medical Adviser in the Hobart Office of the Commission, who is employed for twenty hours per week. (5) No. The Fraud and Overservicing Detection System developed by the Commonwealth Department of Health was discontinued by the Health Insurance Commission following transfer of the investigation functions from the Department on 20 May 1985. (6) The Commission has developed its own procedures for reviewing the information contained within its data base. Experienced Review Officers examine data on all participating medical practitioners, however, peer-group comparisons as such are not routinely carried out by those officers. These new procedures have been developed within different areas of the Commission to assist in the detection of both fraud and overservicing. (7) The Health Insurance Commission is not prepared to provide details of the systems it employs, as the release of this information to Parliament would in effect be its release to the general public and such action may affect the Commission's effectiveness in auditing what is a major Government programme. However, should Mr Jacobi wish to observe the systems currently being used by the Commission to identify fraud and overservicing, Commission officers would be pleased to demonstrate them to him. (8) Details of the number of referrals to Medical Services Committees of Inquiry since 1980 are as follows: 1980, 8; 1981, 14; 1982, 20; 1983, 21; 1984, 16; 1985, 8; 1986, 8. N.B. A further six matters have been carried over from 1985, making a total of fourteen referrals that are currently under consideration by MSCIs. (9) (a) The following are the amounts ordered by the Courts as restitution in successful prosecutions for breaches of the Health Insurance Act 1973 or the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914 in cases involving medical fraud since 1980: 1980, $1,172.25; 1981, $9,306.65; 1982, $7,131.85; 1983, $6,539.70; 1984, $6,899.80; 1985, $5,175.70; 1986, $18,000.00. (b) The following amounts have been recovered from doctors for overservicing in each calendar year since 1980: 1980, $7,369.70; 1981, $31,075.16; 1982, $3,651.65; 1983, $48,908.31; 1984, $137,133.60; 1985, $15,324.05; 1986, $9,113.65. Following recommendations by the various Medical Services Committees of Inquiry, a total of $170,138.22 has been determined as amounts due to the Commonwealth as a result of overservicing. Of this figure, $69,779.40 was determined in previous years, leaving an amount of $100,358.82 outstanding for the 1985-86 financial year (i.e. in addition to the $9,113.65 already recovered). Six matters involving $40,823.70 are currently in the appeal period (30 days), whilst the remaining $129,314.52 involves eight matters that have been appealed against and which are awaiting consideration by Medical Services Review Tribunals. A further three matters involving $9,601.33 are the subject of ongoing consideration by MSRTs, however, to date no recommendations have been forthcoming. (c) In addition, the following amounts were recovered by the Health Insurance Commission from providers by way of voluntary restitution during 1985: January-June... $40,934.08 July-December... $47,927.67 Total recovered 1985... $88,861.75 (10) A total of 82 prosecutions against medical practitioners for offences against the Health Insurance Act 1973 and/or the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914 have been finalised since 1980. Of these prosecutions, eighteen were unsuccessful. A breakdown of the unsuccessful prosecutions by year is as follows: 1980, 1; 1981, 2; 1982, 4; 1983, 2; 1984, 7; 1985, 2. A total of 64 prosecutions have been successful since 1980. A breakdown of the successful prosecutions together with details of the penalties imposed by the Courts is as follows: 1980-Offence Proven (No Conviction). 1980-Fined $2,000.00, subsequently deregistered for one year. 1980-Fined $3,150.00, subsequently deregistered. 1980-Fined $2,000.00, subsequently deregistered. 1980-Fined $1,900.00, subsequently deregistered. 1980-Offence Proven, $200.00 Good Behaviour Bond 1 year, Pay $150.00 to Court `Poor Box'. 1981-Fined $48,000.00, subsequently deregistered for two years. 1981-Offence Proven, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond 2 Years, subsequently deregistered for one year. 1981-Fined $300.00. 1981-Fined $200.00. 1981-Offence Proven (No Penalty). 1981-Fined $2,700.00. 1981-One year's imprisonment, to be released after one month on $5,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for remainder of year. 1981-Fined $5,900.00. 1981-Fined $50.00. 1981-Offence Proven, $2,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1981-Fined $700.00, subsequently deregistered for one year. 1981-Fined $2,000.00. 1981-Fined $4,400.00, subsequently deregistered for six months. 1981-Fined $27,500.00, (he chose to serve six days imprisonment in lieu). 1981-Fined $1,500.00, subsequently deregistered. 1981-Fined $950.00. 1981-Fined $1,400.00. 1981-Fined $6,500.00, subsequently deregistered. 1981-Offence Proven, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years. 1981-Offence Proven, $500.00 Good Behaviour Bond for two years. 1981-Fined $2,150.00, subsequently deregistered for six months. 1982-$20.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1982-Offence Proven, $300.00 Good Behaviour Bond. 1982-$20.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1982-Offence Proven, $500.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1982-$20.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year, subsequently deregistered for two months. 1982-$200.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years. 1982-Offence Proven, $300.00 Good Behaviour Bond for eighteen months. 1982-Offence Proven, $250.00 Good Behaviour Bond for two years. 1982-$4,400.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1982-Fined $2,000.00. 1982-Fined $6,000.00. 1982-Offence Proven, $500.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1982-$200.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years. 1983-Fined $1,100.00, subsequently deregistered for one month. 1983-Fined $500.00, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for one year. 1983-Six months imprisonment, $500.00 Good Behaviour Bond for two years, subsequently deregistered for two years. 1983-Fined $2,850.00, subsequently deregistered for three months. 1983-Fifteen months imprisonment with non-parole period of five months, but released upon entering $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years, subsequently deregistered for one year. 1983-Fined $950.00. 1983-Offence Proven. 1983-Offence Proven, pay $300.00 to Court `Poor Box'. 1983-Offence Proven, $200.00 Good Behaviour Bond for six months, pay $200.00 to Court `Poor Box'. 1983-Offence Proven, $200.00 Good Behaviour Bond for six months. 1983-Offence Proven, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years. 1983-Offence Proven, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond for three years. 1984-Fined $250.00, disqualified from Medicare benefits eligibility for three years. 1984-Fined $3,600.00, disqualified from Medicare benefits eligibility for three years. 1984-Offence Proven, $1,000.00 Good Behaviour Bond. 1984-Offence Proven (No Penalty). 1984-Fined $4,200.00. 1984-Fined $950.00. 1984-Fined $2,400.00, disqualified from Medicare benefits eligibility for three years. 1985-Offence Proven, Good Behaviour Bond for two years. 1985-Offence Proven, Good Behaviour Bond. 1985-Fined $1,000.00. 1986-Fined $1,000.00 on each of seven charges, sentenced to twelve months imprisonment on each of five charges, suspended upon entering a Good Behaviour Bond for five years, in addition pay a penalty of $2,000.00 in respect of each of these charges, a total of $17,000.00 in fines. 1986-Fined $1,000.00 on each of nine charges; fined $100.00 on one charge and on the remaining two charges was released on self recognizance of $100.00 (each charge); Good Behaviour Bond for four years. Pecuniary Penalty of $4,000.00 on each of the latter two charges. Total fines and penalties was $17,100.00. (Question No. 3413) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 14 March 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to an article in the January 1986 edition of Australian Aviation entitled `How bad are ATC delays at Sydney Airport'; if so, what is his response to the criticisms concerning (a) standard instrument departures, (b) flow controller restrictions, (c) speed control and (d) the spacing of aircraft. (2) What action is being taken to correct any shortcomings. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (a) Standard Instrument Departures have been devised at most airports in Australia where Air Traffic Control is in operation. They are designed to reduce pilot and air traffic controller workload by predetermining a path for an aircraft to establish itself on its outbound route. They also take into consideration other arriving or departing flight paths which may impose restriction to a pilot's preferred flight path. Additionally the Standard Instrument Departures take special account of environmental aspects by routing aircraft, where possible, over open or less built-up areas; for example at Sydney, over Botany Bay and via Bontany Bay Heads. The Standard Instrument Departures at Sydney are not restrictive by overseas standards and in most cases incur very little increase in distance to be flown. The author of the article has quoted the most restrictive Standard Instrument Departure, which applies to jet aircraft departing from runway 16 and proceeding to the west. A comparable procedure at San Francisco when departing to the east would, in some runway configurations, necessitate an aircraft reaching 13000 feet west of the airport prior to taking up its eastbound track. (b) Flow control restrictions at Sydney are more stringent than at Melbourne because Sydney is almost twice as busy an any other major airport in Australia, apart from those used exclusively or General Aviation. Additionally, with airspace limitations in the Sydney area, the benefit of extensive radar vectoring of aircraft is not always possible. At many overseas airports, aircraft are radar vectored over greater distances, often at lower levels, to achieve an orderly flow of air traffic. (c) Speed control is used frequently by Sydney air traffic controllers in order to reduce the need for aircraft to enter holding patterns. This cannot always be achieved when delays of more than approximately four minutes are necessary. The holding patterns usually flown are at medium levels away from residential areas alleviating noise nuisance as much as possible. (d) The spacing of aircraft at Sydney is in accordance with international standards. The author of the article appears to overlook the fact that the runway used for arriving aircraft is often the one used for departing aircraft. Thus for equity to departing traffic, the time interval between arrivals is usually two to three minutes. Large aircraft, such as Boeing 747s, take longer to vacate the runway after landing, and, even if departing aircraft were not a consideration, two minutes between arriving Boeing 747s would barely be sufficient. In addition, wake turbulence separation must be applied between most passenger aircraft operating in Australia. For example, the minimum distance between a departing Fokker Friendship and a Boeing 747 is six miles; or two minutes apart. Notwithstanding the limitations mentioned above, Sydney air traffic controllers are regularly achieving movement rates of between 55 and 60 aircraft per hour. (2) My Department has taken and is taking further steps to improve the system and alleviate delays. Already in use is a system where, under certain conditions, aircraft can land on one runway whilst, simultaneously, others can land or take-off from the crossing runway. This system is limited to certain aircraft types by day, with specific meteorological conditions. The taxiway augmentation program approved by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has commenced. The program will reduce runway occupancy time to provide an estimated two per cent increase in practical runway capacity. This will achieve savings in runway operation delay costs and aircraft taxiing costs. (Question No. 3414) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 18 March 1986: (1) What are the full implications for the redistribution of air space following the selection of Badgerys Creek as the site for the second Sydney airport, in view of the fact that the Kingswood Ammunitions Storage Facility, St Marys Munitions Factory, and Fluers Radio Observatory are all within approximately 10 nautical miles of the airport site and subject to their own air space restrictions. (2) Are changes to military air space restrictions necessary to allow the unrestricted use of the Badgerys Creek site; if so, what are they. (3) Is he able to say what the views are of the Department of Defence towards any proposed adjustments to military air space. (4) Are these considerations likely to lead to restriction on the use of the proposed airport at Badgerys Creek. (5) What are the implications for general aviation of any redistribution of controlled air space particularly for training operations from Bankstown and other Sydney airfields. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The full implications of siting the second Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek with regard to the facilities specified are as follows: (a) Kingswood Ammunition Storage Facility in its present form will have no adverse effect on Badgerys Creek due to a combination of normal aircraft performance operations and Air Traffic Control procedures which will keep aircraft clear of the Restricted airspace. Likewise Badgerys Creek will have no adverse effect on Kingswood. (b) St Marys Munitions Factory will have no adverse effect as projected future flight paths will take aircraft clear of the area. Conversely Badgerys Creek will have no adverse effect on St Marys. (c) As has already been identified in the Environmental Impact Statement the Fluers Radio Observatory could not co-exist with an airport at Badgerys Creek. Also reflected in the Statement is the fact that increased residential and industrial development in the area would seriously restrict Observatory operations in the future. Once this facility has been relocated the requirement for restricted airspace and its effect on the airport would no longer exist. (2) The detailed airspace arrangements are matters for discussion between the Departments of Aviation and Defence through the interdepartmental Air Co-ordinating Committee. (3) Any questions regarding the views of the Department of Defence should more properly be directed to my colleague the Minister for Defence. (4) No. Air Traffic Control procedures will be developed and airspace will be designed to overcome restrictions. (5) My Department is confident that by working in co-operation with the General Aviation industry, we will arrive at a fair and equitable allocation of airspace that will meet the continued and developing requirements for General Aviation training. (Question No. 3416) Mr Lloyd asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 14 March 1986: (1) Why were the occupants of the positions of the secretaries of the Departments of Transport and Aviation exchanged. (2) Is this a preliminary to the merging of the 2 Departments. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Government, as part of its statement in 1983 on the reform of the Public Service, announced its intention to adopt a more active policy on the rotation of officers from one position of Secretary to another. In doing so, the Government recognised, as had the Coombs' Royal Commission on Australian Government Administration, the Reid Committee of Review of Commonwealth Administration and the report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts on the selection and development of senior managers, that the creativity and vitality of departments could be enhanced by the deliberate movement of staff at senior management levels. The transfers of the Secretaries of the Departments of Transport and Aviation were made in accordance with this policy. (2) There is no current proposal to merge the Departments of Transport and Aviation. (Question No. 3433) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 19 March 1986: (1) What reports has the Australian Railway Research and Development Organisation prepared since 1980. (2) Which of the reports have been released publicly. (3) Have any reports not been released; if so, (a) why and (b) when will they be released. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) A complete list of reports and papers prepared by the Australian Railway Research and Development Organisation (ARRDO) since 1980 is available. As the list is substantial, it has not been included, however I have provided the honourable member with a copy. (2) The list provided for the honourable member outlines the public availability of ARRDO reports and papers. (3) Yes. (a) Some papers and reports are prepared for internal use and others are not publicly available for reasons of confidentiality. (b) Except where prevented by the dictates of confidentiality, published papers and reports are generally made available upon request. (Question No. 3444) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 19 March 1986: Has it been proposed that the costs of printing and distributing Air Navigation Orders, regulations and amendments be recoverable from the aviation industry; if so, will his Department ensure that each amendment is sent only to those pilots and companies which are directly affected. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Yes. The Independent Inquiry into Aviation Cost Recovery rcommended that the costs incurred by Government in printing and distributing Air Navigation Orders and other publications should be recovered from the aviation industry. A draft plan has been developed, in consultation with industry and unions, to implement the recommendations of the Bosch Committee to recover the costs of regulatory services. The draft plan includes, inter alia, a proposal to recover the costs of printing and distributing Air Navigation Orders, Aeronautical Information Publications and other publications and amendments. Charges are not proposed for Airworthiness Advisory Circulars nor for the Aviation Safety Digest. The draft plan has not yet been considered by Government. The Department of Aviation is currently reviewing the policy and procedures for the distribution of operational documents in order to rationalise the process and minimise the costs involved and hence required to be recovered from individuals and the industry. (Question No. 3498) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Did he state in his reply to my question No. 1979 (Hansard, 30 November 1985, page 4087) on Soviet forces in Afghanistan that although Australia has condemned the Soviet invasion of that country time constraints did not permit a detailed discussion of Afghanistan. (2) If so, what discussions on Afghanistan did occur. (3) Will he now raise the issue with the Soviet Union. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I did state that during my visit to Moscow in May 1984 I discussed with the then Soviet Foreign Minister, Mr Gromyko, a broad range of bilateral, regional and international issues, including the crucial questions of nuclear disarmament. I also stated that time restraints did not permit a detailed discussion of Afghanistan. (2) During my visit, however, I did state to the then Foreign Minister, Mr Gromyko, Australia's unambiguous condemnation of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. (3) Australia's strong opposition to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan and the continuing presence of Soviet troops in that country has been made clear in Moscow, Canberra and at multilateral forums. The Government, moreover, will continue to make similar representations to the Soviet authorities until the situation in Afghanistan is favourably resolved. (Question No. 3525) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to reports that in Kampuchea persons, suspected of resistance activity, are routinely tortured in detention by Vietnamese and Heng Samrin officials; if so, what representations has he made to the Vietnamese Government regarding this matter. (2) If representations have not been made, why not. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I am aware of the paper entitled Human Rights in Kampuchea published by the Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights in December 1984. A number of reports of torture in Cambodia were based on the Lawyers Committee paper. (2) The Government has not made any representations to the Vietnamese Government on specific cases of human rights abuses in Cambodia. It has, however, made clear to the Vietnamese Government on a number of occasions, our concern that internationally recognised standards of human rights should be observed. When and if specific cases of human rights abuses are brought to the attention of this Government, they will be pursued in the most appropriate and constructive manner in accordance with the high priority the Government places on the promotion and protection of human rights. (Question No. 3526) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to reports that during 1985, the Vietnamese and Heng Samrin regime greatly expanded forced labour defensive work projects in support of combat operations in western Cambodia; if so, what representations has he made to the Vietnamese Government regarding this matter. (2) If representations have not been made, why not. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Following the 1984-85 Vietnamese dry-season offensive against Khmer resistance camps along the Thai-Cambodia border work began on the construction of a defensive barrier on the Cambodian side along parts of the border. The barrier is designed to limit the entry of Khmer resistance fighters, supplies and equipment into Cambodia. Cambodian labourers are being conscripted, along with Vietnamese civilians in Cambodia and elements of the armed forces of Vietnam and the People's Republic of Kampuchea, to construct the barrier. (2) The Government has not made specific representations to the Vietnamese Government regarding this conscription program. The Australian Government's views on human rights matters and on the need to seek a peaceful, comprehensive and durable settlement of the Cambodian dispute are well known to the Vietnamese Government. (Question No. 3527) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to reports that there have been extensive transfers of resources from Kampuchea to Vietnam such as rice, fish, logs, maize and sesame; if so, what representations has he made to the Vietnamese Government regarding this matter. (2) If representations have not been made, why not. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) I am aware of reports that Cambodian primary produce is exported to Vietnam. We do not have adequate information on the level of trade or transfers to be able to make a judgment as to whether these activities are detrimental to the Cambodian economy or whether there is any reason to consider representations. (Question No. 3529) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say to what extent Vietnamese immigrants have been able to use their privileged status in Kampuchea to force Khmer out of desirable occupations of land. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I have seen no firm evidence to support claims that Vietnamese immigrants have been able to force Khmer out of desirable occupations of land. The Government has been unable to find sufficient evidence to verify the proposition that Vietnam is pursuing a deliberate policy of migration to Cambodia or of changing the ethnic balance there. We accept, however, that some movement of ethnic Vietnamese into Cambodia has taken place in recent years. Our current assessment is that there are about 300,000 Vietnamese residents in Cambodia, many of whom would appear to have been resident in Cambodia prior to the Pol Pot years. The Australian Government has made it clear to Vietnam and the ASEAN countries that we would be seriously concerned if allegations that Vietnam intended to change the population balance of Cambodia were substantiated. (Question No. 3530) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say to what extent Vietnamese personnel are involved in monitoring the Heng Samrin administration's internal security apparatus. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Government has no specific information on this matter. However, it is believed that Vietnamese advisers are present in most, if not all, ministries of the PRK administration. (Question No. 3531) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Has his attention been drawn to reports that (a) the Vietnamese and Heng Samrin regime have systematically conscripted Khmer civilians from throughout Kampuchea for work on military related projects in or near combat areas along the Thai-Kampuchean border and (b) the Kampuchean workers have suffered frequent loss of life from mines and malaria and other diseases in the remote border areas. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) I am aware of reports of conscription of Cambodian labourers to help construct defences along sections of the Thai-Cambodia border; and (b) I am also aware of reports that there has been loss of life among these labourers for the reasons mentioned. (Question No. 3532) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether elections under the Heng Samrin administration of Kampuchea (a) do not allow genuine political participation but rather are staged by the regime to attempt to demonstrate legitimacy through voter activity and (b) underscore the relative status of leaders by varying percentages of the vote. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) and (b) I understand that elections for the PRK National Assembly took place in mid-1981 and that there have been at least two sets of country-wide local council elections since 1979. In all these elections only members of the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP) have been permitted to stand as candidates. We have received reports that more than one KPRP candidate has contested a single seat. The limited information on the internal situation in Cambodia which is available to the Australian Government, however, does not permit me to make categorical statements about the conduct of elections there. The Australian Government's views on the importance of freedom of political expression are well known. (Question No. 3533) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say to what extent major Kampuchean policies are controlled by Vietnam, and whether many day to day administrative decisions, especially in internal security matters, are made unilaterally by Vietnamese officials. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Government has no detailed information as to the extent of Vietnamese control of major Cambodian policies and administrative decisions, including on internal security matters. It is believed, however, that Vietnamese advisers are present in most, if not all, ministries of the PRK administration. (Question No. 3534) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether the Soviet Union shipped 50 tanks to Kampuchea in 1985 to strengthen Vietnamese units battling resistance forces; if so, what representations has he made to the Vietnamese Government regarding this matter. (2) If representations have not been made, why. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I am not aware of specific reports that the USSR shipped 50 tanks to Cambodia in 1985. We believe, however, that Soviet military equipment has been sent to Cambodia in recent years. (2) The Government has not made any specific representations to the Vietnamese Government on this matter. However, we have condemned Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia and we have made known to the Vietnamese Government, on a number of occasions, Australia's concern at actions which may increase the level of military tension in the Indo-China region. (Question No. 3535) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether both Vietnam and the Heng Samrin Regime have rejected any change in the Kampuchean administration imposed following the Vietnamese invasion calling the situation irreversible. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Vietnam and the Heng Samrin regime have frequently referred to the Cambodian situation as irreversible, but in other statements they have referred to the holding of free elections, excluding Pol Pot and his associates, after the achievement of a settlement in Cambodia. The concept of `irreversibility' appears to be intended to imply the rejection of a return to the pre-1979 situation rather than the rejection of the possibility of future change through elections. (Question No. 3536) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether power continues to be held in the Khmer Rouge by the pre-1979 leadership although Pol Pot purportedly retired as military commander in 1985 and assumed a position of adviser on national security. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Khmer Rouge's pre-1979 leadership appears to continue to hold power, despite Pol Pot's announced change of office in August 1985, when he became Chairman of the Kampuchean Republic's Technical Office of National Defence. Khmer Rouge support for the view that Pol Pot retains a substantial level of influence was implicit in a statement made on 30 December 1985 by Khieu Samphan, Vice-President of the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea, to the effect that Pol Pot would cease all military or political activities in exchange for the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia by the end of 1986. (Question No. 3537) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to indicate the size of the membership of the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (KPRP) claimed, in its Fifth Congress Political Report of October 1985, to have a total membership of 7,500. Other observers' estimates have varied, with one academic authority suggesting a figure of 3,000. None of the estimates available to the government distinguishes between alternate and full-rights membership. The KPRP has a number of ancillary organisations: the People's Revolutionary Youth Union of Kampuchea, the Young Pioneers, the Youth Association and the Women's Association. It is possible that the discrepancies between the available figures on membership stem from a lack of precision about these membership categories. (Question No. 3538) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether authorities in the Hen Samrin regime have not permitted investigation of charges of human rights violations. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I understand that human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists have not been allowed access to Cambodia in the post-1979 period. I understand from media reports that the ``Lawyers Committee for International Human Rights'', which published a report in December 1984 entitled Human Rights in Kampuchea, was denied permission by the PRK authorities to visit Cambodia, and collected information for its report in refugee camps along the Thai-Cambodia border. (Question No. 3540) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: What has been the Australian financial commitment to the Kampuchean Humanitarian Assistance Program each year since its inception in 1979. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I am not aware of a program by that name, but it is possible that by this is meant the United Nations Border Relief Operation (UNBRO) which is co-ordinated by the Secretary General's Special Representative for Humanitarian Assistance to the Kampuchean People. Australian assistance to UNBRO and other humanitarian assistance agencies operating inside Cambodia since 1979 is as follows: UNBRO UNICEF UNHCR A$ million 1979-80... - - - 1980-81... - - 2.636 1981-82... 2.000 .300 1.019 1982-83... 1.801 - 1.320 1983-84... .750 1.500 .635 1984-85... .730 - 1.154 1985-86... .775 1.450 .815 (Question No. 3541) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Has his attention been drawn to reports that the Vietnamese occupation forces in Kampuchea are not allowing Kampuchean children to learn their own language; if so, what representations has he made to the appropriate Vietnamese officials regarding the destruction of Kampuchean culture. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I am aware of reports to the effect that Vietnamese occupation forces in Cambodia are not allowing Cambodian children to learn their own language. The Government, however, is not convinced that these reports are correct. The reports of most western visitors to Cambodia in the past few years suggest that, while the Vietnamese language and a number of other foreign languages are available in the Cambodian school system, the Vietnamese language is not being taught at the exclusion of the Khmer language. (Question No. 3542) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether there is a minimum age for the employment of children in Kampuchea, and what attention has been given by authorities to ensure acceptable conditions of work. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I understand that there is no minimum age of employment in Cambodia. The PRK authorities do not appear, however, to condone the use of young children in the labour force. The PRK is attempting to establish compulsory six-year primary education for all Cambodian children. The Government has no specific information as to the attention given by the PRK to ensuring acceptable working conditions. (Question No. 3543) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say to what extent the Vietnamese continue to attempt to integrate the economies of Laos and Kampuchea with that of Vietnam, particularly the exploitation of timber, rubber and fishing resources. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The limited information available to the Government on conditions inside Cambodia prevents a full assessment being made of the extent to which the Vietnamese may be attempting to integrate the economies of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, particularly in respect of the exploitation of timber, rubber and fishing resources. Economic co-operation between Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam was formalised at the Indo-Chinese Summit in Vientiane in 1983 and is believed to be structured around a series of interlocking bilateral agreements in various fields. To date, co-operation appears to have been directed primarily at developing an integrated infrastructure to facilitate trade, for example interlocking road systems. Recent evidence suggests that the pattern of trade between the Indo-Chinese states is basically one of an exchange of Cambodian and Lao primary products for Vietnamese machinery, construction materials and consumer goods. (Question No. 3559) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Is his Department considering a request for aid from Dr Sathi Arafat, brother of Yasser Arafat, for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. (2) Will the aid granted be in the form of university training in Australia for doctors and various specialists. (3) Is he able to say what other Governments have granted aid to the Society. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) The Department of Foreign Affairs is not aware of any current request for aid from Dr Arafat for the Red Crescent Society. In 1984 and 1985 eight Palestinian and Lebanese registered nurses employed by the Red Crescent Society and working in Middle East refugee camps received practical training in Australia in the fields of hospital and community health centre services and in methods for teaching health workers. This training was organised by the non-government aid organisation Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad, funded in part from Australia Government aid monies provided under the Bilateral-Non-Government Co-operation Program. (3) I am unable to say what other governments have granted aid to the society. (Question No. 3566) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether France is to develop a military base in New Caledonia. (2) If so, when is such a base likely to be completed and what facilities is it likely to contain. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) In a statement on 25 April 1985 relating to the future of New Caledonia, the then French Prime Minister announced that the French military presence in Noumea would be reinforced, in order to guarantee French strategic interests in that part of the world. (2) I am unable to say when the proposed reinforcement will be completed or exactly what facilities are envisaged. However in a recent essay on French foreign policy, President Mitterrand said that the base would provide docking facilities for French submarines, wharves for French warships and an airstrip for French supersonic aircraft. (Question No. 3653) Mr Hunt asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) What quarantine restrictions apply to the importation of uncanned pig meat into Australia. (2) Have these restrictions been altered in any way since 1982. (3) Did he meet representatives of the Australian pork industry early in 1986; if so, what assurances were given to producers in relation to quarantine provisions. (4) What disease identified overseas constitute the main threat to pork production in Australia. (5) Do the circumstances justify an easing of the current quarantine provisions. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The importation of uncooked pigmeat and uncooked edible parts of pigs is currently prohibited under Quarantine Proclaimation No. 90A. (2) This Proclamation has been in force since 1977 and is unchanged. I have however recently considered a change to the Proclamation and to some associated regulations to allow the entry into Australia of uncooked frozen pigmeat from Canada. (3) Yes. On 22 January 1986 I met a delegation from the Australian Pork Producers Federation. Members of the delegation were advised that any decision to lift the prohibition on uncooked pigmeat from Canada would be based on the development of procedures for producing the pigmeat which would ensure that no disease risk would result from any importation. Given the above the restriction on importation could no longer be sustained on quarantine grounds and Australia has international obligations not to use quarantine as a trade barrier. (4) The major diseases capable of affecting pork production which remain exotic to Australia are foot and mouth disease, Aujesky's disease, swine vesicular disease, swine fever and African swine fever. There are a number of lesser diseases of pigs which are also exotic to Australia. (5) In examining the feasibility of importation from Canada, it is relevant to note that Canada is free from the major diseases exotic to Australia. The remaining diseases of concern are transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) and trichinosis. The risk from trichinosis can be eliminated through freezing requirements included in appropriate importation conditions. Although no scientific evidence exists that TGE is transmitted in uncooked pigmeat, I have asked that Canadian authorities provide additional data on this possibility. My Department is awaiting the results of transmission trials currently being conducted by Agriculture Canada in Canada. On receipt of advice from Canada on the results of these trials I will be in a position to finalise a policy on possible future importation. The possible risk of Aujeszky's disease (which occurs in USA) has been raised as a concern by industry, however this disease does not occur in Canada. Detailed procedures can be developed for import of Canadian pigmeat which will provide ample safeguards against the theoretical risk of Aujeszky's disease. It is not a disease which has any significant history of spread to pigs through pig meat, and the evidence is that the virus survives for a limited time in frozen pigmeat. At our meeting in May 1986, the Australian Pork Producers Federation conceded that this was not a validly sustainable objection. (Question No. 3657) Mr Hodgman asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) What is his attitude to the reported agreement of Mr Robert Holmes a Court to pay a fine of $US450,000 (A$636,480) to settle charges of violating United States Anti-Trust Laws with reference to his unauthorised bid for ASARCO Inc. and directly involving Mount Isa Mines Holdings Ltd. (2) Will he make full disclosure of the involvement of the South African-owned but Bermudan-based Mineral and Resources Corporation in the present BHP takeover bid of Mr Holmes a Court. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Government has no comment on the matter referred to. (2) The Government is not aware of any involvement of the firm Mineral and Resources Corporation with the recent bid by Bell Resources to takeover BHP. (Question No. 3666) Mr White asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: What action is being taken to provide accurate and up to date tourism statistics. Mr John Brown —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: As the honourable member will be aware, the central statistical authority for the Commonwealth is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) which is responsible to the Treasurer. However I assume the honourable member's question relates specifically to ABS overseas arrivals statistics, which are based on data initially compiled by the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (DIEA) from information contained on international passenger cards which are completed by all passengers arriving from overseas. I have made several representations to my colleague the Honourable Chris Hurford, MP, Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, and his predecessor the Honourable Stewart West, MP, urging that high priority be assigned to this issue. This matter has also been the subject of frequent communication between my Department and DIEA and ABS. I am informed that the delay in publication of these statistics largely reflects the time taken by DIEA processing staff to manually transcribe passenger card information into computer format. The resources available for this function are quite limited and it is a task which has also suffered from the incidence of repetition strain injury. The workload faced has also grown as a result of increased tourist arrivals. In order to reduce the backlog, parts of the data entry workload have been contracted out but that has not been without difficulties. In the longer term further automation allowing capture of most data from alternative sources should significantly improve data timeliness. (Question No. 3675) Mr Ruddock asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: What are (a) names and (b) addresses of the chief executives of national non-government organisations which lobby on behalf of children in Australia with which the Minister's Department has dealings. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (a) names of chief executives have not been provided. This information is not kept because of changes, from time to time, to the executives within the listed organisations. (b) President Australian Early Childhood Association Knox St, Watson 2602 National President Australian Federation of Child Care Associations C/o Employers' Federation of NSW PO Box A233 Sydney South 2000 Chairperson National Association of Community Based Child Care 191 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065 Secretary Playgroup Council of Australia C/o ACT Playgroup Association PO Box 23 Barber Square Griffith 2603 National Chairman Secretariat of National Aboriginal & Islander Child Care 5 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 3065 President Ethnic Communities Council 78 Eastern Road South Melbourne 3205 President National Council for the Single Mother and her Child 16 Amaroo Street Reid 2601 Honorary Secretary Parents Without Partners Australia, Inc. PO Box 335 Hamilton 2303 National Co-ordinator Women's Electoral Lobby 3 Lobelia Street O'Connor 2601 President National Council of Women of Australia PO Box 242 Toorak 3142 President Women's Action Alliance (Australia) 493 Riversdale Road Camberwell 3124 President Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia College of Surgeons Gardens Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital 78-80 Phillip Street Parramatta 2150 Chairperson Australian Council of Social Service 149 Castlereagh Street Sydney 2000 Chairperson Federation of Aboriginal Women 2 Watt Street Thornbury 3071 (Question No. 3677) Mr Ruddock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: What are the (a) names and (b) addresses of the chief executives of national non-government organisations which lobby on behalf of children in other nations with which his Department usually has dealings. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Australian Development Assistance Bureau has provided the following list of organisations: Mr George A. Laxton Executive Director Adventist Development and Relief Agency 148 Fox Valley Road Wahroonga NSW 2076 02 487 0283 Mr Steve Kinkead Assistant Secretary Asian Aid Organisation 67 Knights Road Galston NSW 2159 02 508 019 Ms Carole Devine National Director Austcare PO Box K359 Haymarket NSW 2000 02 212 2188 Mr Michael Whiteley National Director Australian Catholic Relief 154 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 02 264 1592 Mr Graham Alliband National Director Australian Freedom From Hunger Campaign 6th Floor 321 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 02 295 791 Mr Leon G. Stubbings Secretary-General Australian Red Cross Society 206 Clarendon Street East Melbourne Vic 3002 03 419 7533 Mr Paul Madden Administrator Australians Aiding Children Inc 18 King William Road North Adelaide SA 5006 08 267 3269 Mr Laurie McGowan President Compassion Ltd PO Box 32 Broadmeadow NSW 2292 049 69 4388 Ms Peta Stewart Chairperson Committee In Solidarity With Central America and The Caribbean PO Box A431 Sydney South NSW 2000 02 698 9826 Dr Jeffrey O. Miller Executive Director and Principal Cumberland College Foundation PO Box 170 Lidcombe NSW 2141 02 646 6223 Mr Jim Gibson Executive Director For Those Who Have Less Australia 196 Lonsdale Street Dandenong Vic 3175 03 791 4411 Mr Geoffrey P. Williams National Director Foster Parents Plan of Australia PO Box 188 Kew Vic 3101 03 862 1077 Dr Peter Keast Secretary Interplast Australia Royal Australian College of Surgeons Spring Street Melbourne Vic 3000 03 862 2757 Mrs Valerie Nichols Convenor Quaker Service Council 3/16b Stoke Street New Town Tas 7008 002 28 2912 Mr Lionel Catt Chairman (Rotary) FAIM National Co-ordinating Committee PO Box 56 Victor Harbour SA 5211 085 52 2569 Ms Wendy Rose National Executive Officer Save The Children Fund Australia PO Box 486 Fyshwick ACT 2609 062 80 6740 Mr Ross Carlyon Executive Director South Sea Evangelical Mission Ltd PO Box 66 Gordon NSW 2072 02 476 2259 Col Robert Bath Chief Secretary The Salvation Army PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 2000 02 264 1711 Mr Robert Nestdale National Director Unicef Committee of Australia GPO Box 9911 Sydney NSW 2001 02 267 8984 Mr Harold Henderson Executive Director World Vision of Australia PO Box 399C Melbourne Vic 3001 03 699 8522 Ms Brenda Fitzpatrick National Executive Officer YWCA of Australia PO Box 59 East Melbourne Vic 3002 (Question No. 3682) Mr Hawker asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: (1) How many persons hold health care cards in each category of persons not receiving other social security cash benefits. (2) What is the (a) total cost and (b) cost of administration of each category of these benefits. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) As at 30 May 1986 there were 68,006 persons holding health care cards while not receiving a social security pension, benefit or equivalent payment. Of these 67,629 were entitled to the card on the grounds of low income and 377 on account of being a former invalid pensioner or recipient of sheltered employment allowance or rehabilitation allowance who had re-entered employment within the last 12 months. (2) (a) The total cost of supplying concessional pharmaceutical benefits to health care card holders during 1985-86 is expected to be $52 million. (2) (b) Staffing costs are as follows: Low Income earners Approximate Annual Salary Cost including allowances=$1.107 million. Former Pensioners Approximate Annual Salary cost including allowances=$0.007 million. (Question No. 3688) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: Is there a requirement to relocate underground Telecom cabling in Market, Pitt or Liverpool Streets, Sydney in connection with the building of the proposed monorail system between the city and Darling Harbour; if so, what is the estimated cost of the relocation and who will meet it. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: Yes. However, until such time as approval for the locations of the monorail footings is obtained from the relevant New South Wales Government Minister, the full impact on Telecom's services cannot be gauged and costs cannot be determined. Telecom understands that all relocation costs will be met by Thomas National Transport, the owner and developer of the monorail. (Question No. 3691) Mr Rocher asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: (1) Were any formal or informal targets, goals or guidelines, other than individual merit in direct competition with all other applicants, set for the selection of 101 men and 102 women as Assistant Research Officers (AROs) from the 3763 applicants, as stated in the 1984-85 Public Service Board annual report. (2) What guidelines are issued to Public Service Board staff interviewing potential AROs. (3) Are potential AROs asked their opinion on affirmation action, equal opportunity or associated concepts; if so, how do attitudes to these concepts influence the selection prospects of the candidates. Mr Hurford —The Acting Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) No. (2) The Public Service Board staff involved in interviewing ARO applicants are issued guidelines on the documentation they are required to prepare and a suggested approach for conducting the interview. A copy of the 1985-86 guidelines has been provided to the honourable member. (3) Selection processes include an interview at which various skills of ARO applicants are tested, including the ability to present ideas and argue a case logically. It is possible that applicants might be asked questions about affirmative action, equal employment opportunity or associated concepts. It would be their capacity in terms of selection criteria (listed in the Notes for Interviewers attached to the Board's guidelines) which would influence selection prospects, rather than personal opinions. (Question No. 3715) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: Will he make a decision on the restoration of `interlining' rights for Qantas as requested by the Western Australian Government before the report of the Independent Review of Economic Regulation of Domestic Aviation in order to assist tourism for the America's Cup; if not, why not. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: No. Qantas on the one hand and the domestic airlines on the other would be affected by a decision on this matter. I believe that there is considerable merit in having an independent committee of inquiry investigating this matter, including the potential effects on traffic, and identifying options for consideration by the Government. For this reason the Government has decided that it will make a decision of the question of the restoration of Qantas' `interlining' rights following the report of the Economic Review of Domestic Aviation expected later this year. With regard to the America's Cup defence, I understand that Qantas has in place plans to cater for the extra demand during the October 1986-February 1987 defence period. These arrangements involve two additional weekly B747 services to Perth from Sydney as extensions of the Company's US services, and up to six ad hoc B747 services to Perth from Sydney, connecting with flights from the US. The Company is ready to provide on a supplementary basis additional services between Singapore and Perth, if required. Qantas will also make ad hoc calls into Perth on its 13 weekly Europe services, as demand requires. In conjunction with these services, the Company has developed marketing strategies to promote tourism to Western Australia for the Cup Defence. These include special promotional fares and tour packages to Perth, joint marketing and advertising campaigns with the Western Australian Government, and the establishment of a special liaison officer in Western Australia. (Question No. 3716) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: What special arrangements or recognition for aviation are contained in the Closer Economic Relations Treaty with New Zealand. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There are no special arrangements or recognition for aviation contained in the Closer Economic Relations Treaty with New Zealand. However the Treaty recognises that the development of the relationship between Australia and New Zealand will be furthered by strengthening and fostering links and co-operation in such fields as inter alia, movement of people, tourism and transport. I am advised that the Closer Economic Relations Treaty is due for review in 1988 and that transport is one of the matters which will be considered in that review. I am aware of the role that aviation policies have in fulfilling the objectives of the CER Agreement. I firmly believe that the arrangements by which trans-Tasman air services are developed and operate are within the overall intent and spirit of the CER Treaty. (Question No. 3726) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to public concern about Telecom's refusal to name persons who have been convicted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of making offensive or obscene phone calls. (2) How many persons have been convicted of making offensive or obscene phone calls. (3) Why did Telecom decide not to reveal to the victim the identity of a person who is responsible for these phone calls. (4) Will he take action to change this situation. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: (1) Yes. The matter was highlighted in an article in the Melbourne Age of 1 April 1986. However, the case in question was not the subject of any action by the Director of Public Prosecutions at that time. (2) I am informed by Telecom that, in Victoria during the last twelve months, 11 persons have been convicted for making offensive or harassing telephone calls. (3) For many years Telecom operated under the assumption that call-tracing consituted an interception under the Telecommunications (Interception) Act and could only be disclosed by way of a prosecution of a person for making offensive or harassing telephone calls or in response to a subpoena. Recent advice from the Attorney-General's Department indicates that under certain circumstances a call-trace will not constitute an interception within the meaning of the Telecommunications (Interception) Act. Telecom is acting upon this advice to provide details of the telephone service from which an alleged nuisance call was made where this will not infringe the Telecommunications (Interception) Act. (4) As the honourable member is aware, the Telecommunications (Interception) Act comes within the Portfolio responsibility of the Attorney-General. I have asked the Attorney-General to review that part of the Act that prevents Telecom from providing this information to the victim of offensive or harassing telephone calls. (Question No. 3728) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Has the Forward Development Unit of his Department reported on the AM/FM radio conversion issue; if not, when will the report be given to him. (2) If he has the report when will he take action to ensure that the expansion of regional radio services takes place. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Forward Development Unit (FDU) of my Department has reported to me on issues associated with the possible conversion of AM radio services to FM frequencies. The report was released on 29 April 1986. (2) I am concerned that additional commercial radio services in regional areas become available as soon as possible. However, the report on AM/FM conversion refers only indirectly to the expansion of regional radio services. That matter will be covered in a further report by the FDU on future directions for commercial radio. This report should be available later in the year. Once the report has been received I will make it available for public comment. (Question No. 3732) Mr Conquest asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Are the bounty payments on certain steel products the only Commonwealth funds provided in the assistance to the steel industry package; if not, what other funds have been provided. (2) What further funds are still to be provided. (3) What has been the cost of assistance to the date of answering this question. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Commonwealth financial assistance to the steel industry under the Steel Industry Plan takes the form of bounties on certain steel products. Complementing the Plan, the Steel Regions Assistance Program (SRAP) was implemented in 1983 to broaden the economic and employment base of the steel regions of the Illawarra and Hunter in NSW, and Whyalla in SA. Funding over five years was allocated to infrastructure projects in these regions. The program was specifically designed to: * support the identified regional development strategies of the States and, accordingly, contribute directly towards regional economic development * maximise its positive impact on the regional economy by utilising, where possible, locally sourced capital, material and labour inputs. To ease the adjustment process for workers retrenched from the steel industry, the Labour Adjustment Training Arrangements (LATA) Program was made available to steel industry retrenchees in December 1982. In August 1983, LATA was extended to people retrenched from firms within the steel regions which supply goods or services to the steel industry, and the coal industry in NSW. * LATA provides assistance to eligible persons to undertake training or re-training, with the objective of improving their employment prospects and assisting their adjustment from the retrenching firm or industry to other firms or industries, in another location if necessary. Under the LATA Program retrenchees may be approved for more than one training course; the number of approvals of training in the steel and related industries in each of the periods set out below, is as follows: Year No. of approvals of training under LATA Steel Industry Proper Upstream and Downstream Industries 1982/83 ... 756 - 1983/84 ... 2412 532 1984/85 ... 1097 1011 1985/86 to date ... 253 171 (2) Under the Steel Industry Plan, scheduled to terminate on 31 December 1988, bounty payments to the steel industry have an annual ceiling of $71.6m (to be adjusted annually in accordance with movements in steel prices, if necessary). Under the Steel Regions Assistance Program the Government agreed to total funding of $100 million over the five year period. (3) Actual payments of bounty from the commencement of the Steel Industry Plan on 1 January 1984 until the end of May 1986 have totalled $78.96m, made up of $6.07m under the Bounty (High Alloy Steel Products) Act 1983 and $72.89m under the Bounty (Steel Mill Products) Act 1983. To date, under the Steel Regions Assistance Program, projects to the value of $78.8m have been approved in NSW, while projects to the value of $4.1m have been approved in Whyalla. Since the funding of the LATA Program is not allocated on an industry specific basis no costing on individual industries assisted to date can be identified. (Question No. 3733) Mr Conquest asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Will the revised system of granting tariff preferences to developing countries to be introduced on 1 July 1986 mean that the effective rate of tariffs on canned pineapple will then be 5 per cent. (2) Is this level of protection contrary to the level recommended by the Industries Assistance Commission in 1981-82. (3) Does the new tariff place Australian producers at a serious price disadvantage in the home market compared with imports from the Philippines and other developing countries. (4) Will the Minister take steps to increase the general tariff rate on canned pineapple to 15 per cent. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) The revised system of tariff preferences for developing countries to be introduced on 1 July 1986 will result in the developing country rate of duty for canned pineapples reducing from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. As developing countries supply almost all of the imports (99 per cent in 1984-5) the developing country rate will be the rate of duty applying to most imports of canned pineapples. (2) The level of assistance for canned pineapples recommended by the Industries Assistance Commission in 1982 and generally accepted by the Government at that time was that the long term rate of duty be phased down to 10 per cent and that no concessional developing country rate be applied. In taking its decision to introduce the new scheme, the Government was conscious that it would introduce new preferences where none existed under the current scheme. On the other hand, reduced margins of preference will now apply to some 790 items. Furthermore, the scheme establishes important new principles such as predictability, permanence, simplicity and broad coverage. (3) The local canned pineapple industry supplies the bulk of the domestic market. The introduction of a preference margin is not of itself expected to seriously affect the competitiveness of the Australian canned pineapple industry. It must be borne in mind that local producers are successful exporters of canned pineapples indicating that they are in the main internationally competitive. Other factors such as the level of world pineapple supply relative to demand and movements in exchange rates are likely to also effect the competitiveness of imports on the domestic market. (4) If the canned pineapple industry considers that it is being injured by imports from developing countries or any other source, and a case for assistance can be established, a reference on assistance arrangements appropriate to that industry will be sent to the Industries Assistance Commission. (Question No. 3736) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: Further to his answer to my question No. 2752 concerning applications for the importation of used passenger aircraft lodged since 1 January 1984, which applications are still being considered and when were they lodged. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There are no applications still being considered in relation to the period covered by my answer to your question No. 2752. (Question No. 3740) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether members of one of the radical Kanak organisations, Mr Jean Peu and Mr Yann Uregei, attended a meeting of terrorist organisations in Libya. (2) Is he able to say which Kanak organisation Mr Peu represents and what its relationship is with the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front. (3) Is he also able to say what assistance has been provided to Mr Peu by the ACTU and the Amalgamated Metal Workers and Shipwrights' Union during his residence in Australia. (4) Under what conditions did the Government grant Mr Peu residence in Australia. (5) Has the Government renewed a visa for Mr Peu; if so, what factors were considered in making the decision. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Mr John Peu and Mr Yann Uregei attended a conference of liberation movements in Tripoli in March. (2) Mr Peu is a member of FULK (Front Uni de Liberation Kanake), one of the constituent groups of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). (3) No. (4) Mr Peu was nominated by the FLNKS to staff the FLNKS Information Office which was opened in July 1985. He was issued with a temporary residence visa to enable him to work in the Information Office. As is the usual practice regarding the opening of such offices in Australia, the FLNKS Information Office is required to abide by the following conditions, namely: (i) that the Information Office is established for the primary purpose of disseminating information; (ii) that the office and its staff will not advocate violence as a means of achieving their political objectives; (iii) that the office will have no privileged status and its staff will have no special standing and will be required to abide by Australian laws; and (iv) that the office will not request or receive any financial assistance from the Australian Government. (5) On 6 April 1986 the Government decided to decline a request by Mr Peu for renewal of his temporary residence visa. The Government's decision took into consideration that fact that the FLNKS had in effect itself suspended Mr Peu as its representative: a decision to suspend the operations of FLNKS `Foreign Ministry' was made by the FLNKS Political Bureau on 15 March 1986 in the light of projected travel to Libya by a number of FLNKS members, including Mr Peu. The Government remains willing to consider nominations from the FLNKS leadership for an officer to staff its Information Office in Australia. (Question No. 3741) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to a new English language program on the world service of Radio Moscow entitled `Pacific problems viewed from Moscow' with Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific nations as the target audience. (2) Are there any Russian language programs broadcast by Radio Australia; if not, are any proposed. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice received from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, is as follows: (1) I am not aware of the program to which the honourable member refers. I am also advised that no one in the ABC or at Radio Australia, including the Monitors of Foreign Language programs, has heard the item on the World Service of Radio Moscow entitled `Pacific problems viewed from Moscow'. (2) Although Radio Australia does not broadcast any Russian language programs at present, there is a long-term provision in Radio Australia's Corporate Plan for the introduction of a service in Russian directed to Soviet audiences in Asia. (Question No. 3743) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 April 1986: (1) Further to his answer to question No. 2942 (Hansard, 8 April 1986, page 1845) concerning the former Australian Defence Force (ADF) contingency plan for situations arising out of industrial action in essential services, what was the plan called. (2) When was the plan (a) drawn up and (b) cancelled. (3) Who directed the ADF to draw up the plan. (4) What was the definition of `essential services' in the plan. (5) Did the plan envisage the use of armed force against strikers, pickets, union officials or offices; if so, (a) under what conditions and (b) on whose authority. (6) Under what circumstances was the plan to come into effect and on whose authority. (7) Did the plan envisage the replacement of absent workers by ADF personnel; if so, (a) in which industries and functions, (b) under what circumstances, (c) on whose authority and (d) which ADF units or types of unit were designated for the replacement function. (8) What provision did the plan make for treatment and evacuation of killed and wounded (a) ADF personnel, (b) strikers, picketers and union officials and (c) innocent bystanders. (9) If not provision was made, why not. (10) Did the plan rely on promulgated guidelines for aid to the civil power; if not, on what guidelines did it rely. (11) On what legal basis did the plan rest. (12) Will he make public a copy of the former plan; if not why not. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) PLAN CABRIOLE (2) (a) The plan was initiated in 1979 and development of the Plan was finalized in October 1982, (b) The plan was cancelled in January 1986. (3) Development of the planning document was initiated by the military staff of the Department of Defence (Central Office) based on a perceived need to provide Government, in a short time scale, information on the ADF capabilities to respond to a crisis situation and ultimately to carry out Government directives. (4) `Essential services' were not defined in the plan but the possible areas where Defence Force assistance could be required were listed in Annex A to the plan. The areas identified were transportation, fuel supply, communications, medical, garbage collection, fire services, electrical distribution systems, air traffic control, coal mining, storage and packaging, police, gas generation and distribution and water reticulation and sewage. (5) No. The plan specifically prohibited the carrying of arms by ADF personnel and contained no implication of the use of force. (6) On the direction of the Minister for Defence. (7) The plan did envisage that ADF members could be required to perform tasks normally performed by civilian workers in the areas detailed at Annex A to the Plan and listed under part (4). The Government was the sole authority for determining the type and level of assistance to be provided by the ADF and the circumstances under which the plan was to be activated. No specific ADF units were designated for the replacement function but the plan identified employment categories which could be used to maintain essential services in the areas detailed at part (4). (8) Nil. (9) The plan was based on `no force' assistance by the ADF. (10) The plan was developed to provide information to Government on ADF capabilities with the potential to assist in emergency situations. The plan uses a similar methodology to that used for defence force assistance to the civil community. (11) Government authority. (12) Yes. (Question No. 3752) Mr Downer asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: What (a) were the amounts paid to; and (b) projects undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84, (ii) 1984-85 and and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering the question. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I refer the honourable member to the information supplied in my reply to a similar question by Mr Blunt-No. 2047 of 9 October 1985 (Hansard of 23 May 1986, p. 3918). The payments in question were made in 1984/85. (Question No. 3758) Mr Downer asked the Minister representing the Minister for Finance, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: What (a) were the amounts paid to and (b) projects undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84, (ii) 1984-85 and and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering the question. Mr Hurford —The Minister for Finance has provided the following response to the honourable member's question: I am advised that no such amounts have been paid nor projects undertaken. (Question No. 3765) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: (1) What were the amounts paid to, and (2) What projects were undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84, (ii) 1984-85 and and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering the question. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) Mr Phillip Adams has received no payments in respect of services rendered, travel allowance, air fares, accommodation costs, hire car expenses or any other expenses. Mr Adam's company, Monahan Dayman and Adams Pty Ltd has been paid $3,669,467 for radio and television advertising charges. Mr Noel Gladstone of Monahan Dayman and Adams Pty Ltd has been paid $159.50 for travel allowance and an amount of $428.20 for air fares. Mr Rod Cameron has received no payments in respect of services rendered, travel allowance, air fares, accommodation costs, hire car expenses or any other expenses. Mr Cameron's company, Australian National Opinion Polls has been paid $25,000 as the Defence contribution to the survey into Young Australians Today carried out by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism. The company of Chandler Hambleton, Mier has received no payments from the Department. (Question No. 3773) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: What (a) were the amounts paid to and (b) projects undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies, for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84, (ii) 1984-85 and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering this question. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Since 1 October 1984 the firm of Monahan Dayman Adams has been the master agency for the placement and charging of all Commonwealth Government advertising on radio, television and cinema. The firm succeeded Fortune Communications (Holdings) Pty Ltd which ceased to act for the Commonwealth on 30 September 1984. Department of Territories Prior to 1 October 1984 the Department had no contact with Mr Phillip Adams or Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies. Expenditure incurred by the Department for Advertising placed through Monahan Dayman Adams since 1 October 1984 has been: (a) & (b) 1984-85 Phillip Testing Station... 2,412 Unleaded Petrol... 3,936 Public Transport... 12,068 Canberra Tourist Bureau... 8,635 27,051 1985-86 Phillip Testing Station... 1,136 Unleaded Petrol... 271 School Zones... 504 Canberra Tourist Bureau... 17,216 19,127 ACT Schools Authority (a) & (b) (i) Nil (ii) Nil (iii) 1985-86 ACT Schools Authority Music Festival $310.00. The National Capital Development Commission, Parliament House Construction Authority, A.C.T. Electricity Authority and the A.C.T. Health Authority have had no contact with Mr Phillip Adams or Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies. The cost of answering this question is estimated at $200. (Question No. 3790) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 15 April 1986: (1) What guidelines does his Department use in granting unemployment or sickness benefits to applicants who are out of work as a result of an accident at work. (2) What is his Department's policy in dealing with workers' compensation claims and section 115 of the Social Security Act. (3) Has the policy been changed in recent years. (4) What is the (a) amount and (b) value of claims made in each of the last 5 years. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Where a person is unemployed as a result of an accident at work it is unlikely that unemployment benefit would be payable since the person must be able to undertake suitable work to qualify for such assistance. Where this condition is met, benefit may be paid if the person is unemployed, willing to undertake employment, is taking reasonable steps to obtain suitable employment, complies with the income test and is aged 16-64 (male) or 16-59 (female). Sickness benefits may be granted if the person is temporarily incapacitated for work, has thereby suffered a loss of income and meets the income test and age qualifications specified above. (2) Where sickness benefit is granted to a person who has a worker's compensation claim in respect of the same incapacity for which sickness benefit is paid, section 115B of the Social Security Act requires that sickness benefit be reduced by the amount of any periodic compensation payments received, and, where a lump sum settlement is made, the settlement is apportioned over time and any sickness benefit already paid is recovered in whole or part depending upon the particular circumstances. Sickness benefit is also reduced for the remainder of the period covered by the lump sum. (3) The basic policy has not changed over recent years though the legislation was recast in 1982 when Division 3A, Part VII of the Social Security Act was introduced. This amendment improved the mechanics for recovery and removed the condition that recoveries could only be made where compensation and sickness benefit were paid for the same period. Similarly, the legislation passed by the Parliament in May this year provides a specified formula for apportioning lump sum payments over time and effectively precludes payment of sickness benefit for the period covered by a lump sum award. (4) No separate statistics are maintained for persons having a worker's compensation claim who claim sickness benefit or the amount of sickness benefit paid in such cases. However, as at 2 May 1986 some 15.5 per cent of current sickness benefits were identified as either receiving or having an outstanding claim for some form of compensation such as workers' compensation or third party insurance. It is estimated that recoveries in 1985-86 will exceed $25 million. (Question No. 3794) Mr Reith asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 16 April 1986: (1) What delays occur in processing taxation returns lodged by self-employed building contractors where tax has been deducted from instalments paid pursuant to building contracts falling under the prescribed payments system. (2) What are the reasons for any delays. Mr Keating —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Commissioner of Taxation has advised me that some delays are being experienced in processing income tax returns where credit is claimed in respect of deductions made under the Prescribed Payment System. (2) The main factor contributing to the delays is credit mismatches, i.e. where there is a discrepancy between the amount of credit claimed by the taxpayer and the amount of credit recorded on the Taxation Office files. The Commissioner explained that the majority of mismatches are caused by errors or omissions by taxpayers or their agents. However, he did acknowledge that some mismatches result from procedural problems with his Office. The Commissioner is presently reviewing procedures for dealing with these cases and expects to significantly reduce problems associated with mismatches. (Question No. 3796) Mr Blunt asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 16 April 1986: (1) What proposed nursing homes for the aged in the electoral division of Richmond have been listed for Federal Government funding. (2) What priority do the proposed homes have under Departmental guidelines. (3) How many (a) beds are proposed and (b) aged persons are in any queue for a nursing home bed in the Division. (4) Did the Government make a commitment to supply extra funding for the proposed extra beds; if so, when will the funding be provided. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) There are no nursing homes in the electoral division of Richmond listed for Federal Government funding. (2) Not applicable. (3) (a) A 60 bed nursing home at Byron Bay has been assured of attracting benefits for residents once it becomes operational. (b) Not known. (4) No. (Question No. 3800) Mr MacKellar asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Was a Commonwealth/State working party on technology formed by the Government following the National Technology Conference in September 1983; if so, (a) what was its purpose, and (b) how often has it met. (2) What were the findings of the working party. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) The Commonwealth/State Working Party on Technology (WPT) was formed as an ad hoc body in April 1983 following a meeting of Officials supporting Commonwealth and State Industry and Technology Ministers. At the June 1983 Industry and Technology Ministers' Meeting the WPT was given standing status. (a) The Working Party's purpose was to support the technology interest of the Industry and Technology Ministers' Meeting, subsequently the Australian Industry and Technology Council. (b) The Standing Working Party on Technology met eight times up to September 1985. (2) The WPT has acted as an information exchange for the Commonwealth and States on technology-related policies and programs. It has provided advice on: - the National Technology Strategy; - technology parks and innovation centres; - co-ordination of government computing and information systems; - private sector R&D; and - the use of government procurement to promote technology development in Australia. (Question No. 3804) Mr Duncan asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Which Government agencies, including the Reserve Bank and statutory corporations, have received Bicentennial project grants. (2) What was the amount granted to each agency. (3) What individuals writing in the fields of history, economics and social sciences have received grants from (a) Government agencies, (b) universities and (c) other tertiary education institutions acting for the Bicentennial grants authorities. (4) What was the amount granted in each case. (5) Which recipients of grants subsequently discontinued their projects. (6) What amount had been expended before the discontinuation of each of those projects. Mr Cohen — Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Bicentennial-The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) The following Commonwealth Government agencies (as distinct from universities and other tertiary education institutions) have been awarded Federal Bicentennial project grants by the Australian Bicentennial Authority: Australia Institute of Aboriginal Studies - to prepare a publication entitled `After 200 Years'-$540,000 Department of Education - Australian Studies Project-$1.43m; - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Kit for Teachers-$196,000. Department of Housing and Construction - design preparation for the Australian Bicentennial Exhibition-$5,000; - project management for the Australian Bicentennial Exhibition-$140,000. Department of Science (Commission for the Future) - Futures Education Project-$300,000. Commonwealth Schools Commission (Curriculum Development Council) - Australian Studies Project-$680,000. Australian Broadcasting Corporation - 6 orchestral commissionings-$52,000; - radio project $25,000. Australian Film Commission (Film Australia) - video resource kits-$700,000. (3) (a) Research commissioned by Australian Studies Committee, Department of Education: - Mr Ian McShane for research on history and cultural resources-$8,550 - Mr Ian McShane for research on anthropology and folk lore-$8,550 (b) Research commissioned by the Australian National University - Professor John Molony to prepare `A General History of Australia'-$106,000 - Encyclopedia of the Australian People-$1m project grant. Individual contributors include: Mr Joseph Abela, Ms Ruth Alder, Mr Peter Alexander, CMG, OBE, Dr Katrina Alford, Mr H Alkadamani, Mr Malcom Allbrook, Mrs Constance Allmark, Dr John Altman, Dr Chris Anderson, Dr Gio Andreoni, Professor Reg Appleyard, Mr A Ata, Dr John Atchinson, Dr Alan Atkison, Dr Anne Atkinson, Mr T. D. Bain, Mr Chahin Baker, Mr Bernard Barrett, Mr Trevor Batrouney, Dr Peter Bayne, Dr Jeremy Beckett, Dr Diane Bell, Professor Ronald Berndt, Mr Lidio Bertelli, Dr John Besemeres, Dr Robert Birrell, Father Gracijan Birsic, Professor Leslie Bodi, Professor W. Borrie, Professor Richard Bosworth, Mr R. Bregu, Dr Ian Breward, Dr Frank Broeze, Mr Luka Budak, Pastor R. J. Burger, Dr Ian Burnley, Professor Ken Cable, Dr R. A. Cage, Mr Des Cahill, Mr Joe Chetcuti, Mr K. H. Chin, Professor Boris Christa, Dr M. E. Christie, Father Miltiades Chryssavgis, Dr Michael Cigler, Ms Julia Clark, Dr Michael Clyne, Dr Gerry Cohen, Mr Jock Collins, Dr Anthony Colson, Dr John Connell, Mr Julio Correa, Mr Joshua Cortes, Dr Eva Cox, Mr Gianfranco Cresciani, Mr Philimon G. Darmo, Dr Alistair Davidson, Mr Alan Deacon, Ms Hanifa Dean-Oswald, Professor Arthur Delbridge, Mr Barrie Dexter, Mr Antonio Do Nascimento, Dr Jim Docherty, Mr Tamsin Donaldson, Professor W. A. Douglass, Dr Ian Duffield, Dr Edward Duyker, Dr John J. Eddy, Ms Stravros Epaminonda, Dr Mariah Evans, Dr David Fitzpatrick, Dr Josephine Flood, Dr Henry Frendo, Mr Robert Frichot, Ms Salamo Fulivai, Dr Fay Gale, Mr Hugh Gilchrist, Professor Makram Girgis, Dr Leon Glezer, Dr Murray Goot, Ms Janise Gothard, Dr Alan Gray, Mr Jim Griffin, Dr Seamus Grimes, Dr Gunawan, Mr Ghassan Hage, Dr Paula Hamilton, Mr Ian Harmstorf, Dr Sue Harvey, Dr Peter Hill, Mrs Merval Hoare, Dr R. Hoffman, Ms Rosita Holenbergh, Mr Barry Howarth, Mr Arthur Hughes, Dr Michael Humphrey, Ms Gabriela Iana, Dr Christine Inglis, Professor Ken Inglis, Dr Andrew Jakubowicz, Mr A. Jamrozik, Dr R. Jayaraman, Professor L. Jayasuriya, Dr Stephen Jeffries, Ms Christine Jennet, Dr Ruth Johnston, Dr James Jupp*, Professor Manfred Jurgensen, Ms Elsa Kachwalla, Mr Michael Kakakios, Dr Gisela Kaplan, Dr Olga Katchan, Mr Ali Kazak, Ms Paula Kelly, Ms B. Kelly, Dr Brian Kennedy, Dr Ben Kiernan, Professor Colin Kiernan, Mr John M. S. Kim, Dr James Kirkland, Dr John Knott, Dr Olavi Koivukangas, Dr Erich Kolig, Dr Egon Kunz, Dr Konrad Kwiet, Mr Misha Lajovic, Ms Marcia Langton, Mr George Lavaka, Dr Michael Lawriwsky, Mr Philip Lee, Dr Gary Y. Lee, Dr Franko Leoni, Dr Frank Lewins, Mr Michael Liffman, Mr Axel Lodewycks, Ms Morag Loh, Dr David Lucas, Ms Isabel Lukas, Ms Lesley Lynch, Dr Ian McAllister, Dr T. McClaughlin, Professor Oliver MacDonagh, Mr Peter McDonald, Dr Ann McGrath, Dr Jim McKay, Dr John McKay, Dr Ken Maddock, Dr Lenore Manderson, Ms Claudia Marchesi, Dr Andrew Markus, Dr Alan Martin, Dr J. Martin, Dr Cathie May, Dr Vincent Megaw, Mr J. Meiliunas, Dr Kathleen Melhuish, Dr Diane Menghetti, Dr Robert Miller, Ms Nina Mistils, Mr Abdallah Moghraby, Professor Hans Mol, Dr Clive Moore, Ms Gloria Moore, Dr Spiro Moraitis, Father Tony Mutnik, Mr Marian Nikoloff, Dr Marlene Norst, Ms Ilma O'Brien, Dr John O'Brien, Mr Henk Overberg, Dr John Pakulski, Mr George Papadopoulos, Chris Paris, Dr Rob Pascoe, Dr L. Paszkowski, Dr Ros Patterson, Dr Philip Payton, Mr Charles Perkins, Dr Raul Pertierra, Ms Mary Pescott, Mr T. Phoumirath, Sisira Pinnawala, Mr Rod Plant, Mrs V. Podravac, Dr David Pope, Dr Malcolm Prentis, Dr Charles Price, Reverend H. F. W. Proeve, Dr M. C. Pryles, Mr Aldis Putnins, Ms Pamela Raykowski, Professor Jan Reid, Dr Richard Reid, Professor Barrie Reynolds, Dr Henry Reynolds, Professor Eric Richards, Mr Ken Rivett, Dr Michael Roe, Dr David Rubinstein, Mrs Suzanne D. Rutland, Dr Kay Saunders, Dr Hans J. Schneider, Professor A. G. L. Shaw, Dr Peter Shergold, Dr Geoffrey Sherington, Dr Anna Shnukal, Dr K. K. Shum, Dr David Sissons, Mrs Maureen Skilton, Ms Glenda Sluga, Dr Barry Smith, Mr Neven Smoje, Dr George Smolicz, Dr Dan Stefanovic, Mr Carlo Stransky, Dr Anny Stuer, Dr Dianne Sydenham, Mr Anastasias Tamis, Dr Jurgen Tampke, Professor Colin Tatz, Dr Carl Thayer, Dr Elain Thompson, Dr Neil Thompson, Mr Namgul Tsering, Dr Alex Tyrrel, Ms Nusheen Vahdat, Mr V. Vilder, Dr Alfred Vincent, Dr Frank Vnik, Dr John von Sturmer, Dr David Walker, Dr Michael Walsh, Dr Wang Sing-wu, Dr Helen Ware, Mr Michael Watt, Ms Susan Wegmann, Dr Naomi White, Dr Stephen Wild, Mr Peter Wilkinson, Mr Eric Willmot, Professor A. T. Yarwood, Mr Barry York, Dr Christobel Young, Mr Chung Ming Yuan, Professor George Zubrzicki-each specialist has received under $1,000. *Note: Dr James Jupp is also editor of the Australian Encyclopedia and is employed in a full-time capacity by the Australian National University. Research commissioned by the University of Queensland - Dr I. Gillman to prepare a publication on the major faiths and denominations in Australia-$38,500; (c) None to date (4) See 3 (a) and (b) (5) None (6) N/A (Question No. 3812) Mr White asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) How many uniformed members of his Department are waiting for the settlement of a compensation claim. (2) What is the average length of settlement of claims. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) As at 30 April 1986 there were 4,567 claims awaiting determination. (2) The average time to determine a claim is approximately 38 weeks. The following information is provided as an appreciation of the position: (a) There is a considerable back log of undetermined claims due to a major loss of experienced staff on promotion outside the department over the past 15 months. (b) Claims received from service personnel are generally complex. The main reasons being problems associated with the interpretation of the `on duty' aspects and in respect of those lodged many years after an injury/disease has occurred; these require intensive investigation. (c) Considerable delays occur in obtaining satisfactory medical evidence to substantiate a claim. These delays occur where Medical Referees are required to provide an opinion in respect of an injury/disease that occurred many years previously and also where examination by the National Acoustic Laboratories is necessary. (d) Claims from service personnel generally involve: (1) Many that are unlikely to attract any entitlement. (2) Conditions that may possibly require medical treatment at some time after discharge. (3) Lump sum payment for a permanent disability. (4) Incapacity payment after discharge. (5) Dual eligibility under both the Compensation (Commonwealth Government Employees) Act and the Repatriation Act. (6) Cases where an entitlement exists under the Repatriation Act in respect of war/operational service. Action on claims lodged under the Compensation Act for the same condition have to be deferred until a decision is given under the Repatriation Act. (7) Claims from dependants in respect of death. Due to the number of outstanding claims it is necessary to set priorities with preference being given to those suffering financial hardship. Where hardship occurs, claims are determined in a matter of weeks, provided sufficient evidence is available. It is not unusual for a member to submit up to 10 claims on discharge; such action further aggravates the position. (Question No. 3819) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, upon notice, on 30 April 1986. (1) What are the (a) total and (b) overhead (including mailing), costs of producing Government in focus, the monthly digest of Federal Government activity compiled by the National Media Liaison Service. (2) How many staff are employed to produce the publication. (3) Which department pays for the (a) production and (b) distribution of Government in focus. Mr John Brown —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The distribution and printing costs associated with the production of Government in focus vary from month to month but are in the order of $116,000 per annum. More detailed cost information is not readily available and would create an unnecessary diversion of resources to produce. (2) The publication is produced by one journalist who also has other duties. (3) (a) and (b) The Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism. (Question No. 3838) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Will he seek information concerning allegations that the Hopi and Navajo Indian people of Arizona, United States of America, are being threatened with forced eviction from their traditional lands. (2) Should the investigations reveal apparent breaches of human rights, will he ensure that the matter is raised by Australian representatives in appropriate United Nations forums. (3) Will he publicly advise the results of his investigations. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) In 1974 the United States Congress addressed a long-standing dispute between the Navajo and Hopi Indian people, involving 1.8 million acres of land in northern Arizona, through the passage of the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act which: (i) ordered the surface of the land partitioned equally between the two tribes; (ii) provided financial assistance for those people required to relocate; and (iii) established the `Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation Commission' under the Secretary of the Interior to assist with relocation. I am informed that it was the intention of Congress that benefits to relocatees would be generous. The Settlement Act provides cash incentives and compensation for voluntary moves, improvements on the land being vacated, actual moving expenses, and replacement dwellings. With this in mind, the Commission submitted a relocation plan to Congress which became effective on 6 July 1981. Since the Act provided that relocation would take place in accordance with the Commission's plan, and be completed by the end of five years from its effective date, relocation of Navajo and Hopi Indians from land partitioned to the other tribe was to occur by 6 July 1986. This legislative settlement, however, created a number of problems, especially for Navajo Indians residing on what was established as Hopi Land. The Courts of the United States, including the Supreme Court, and the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government have all been involved in this question. Although most Hopies have been resettled some 250 Navajo families, for various reasons, have refused to leave the land partitioned to the Hopi tribe. It is apparent that the 6 July deadline will not be met. A Bill to minimise relocation of Navajo families from the Hopi partitioned lands was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February 1986. It would provide for land exchanges between the two tribes, require the Navajos to pay the Hopis about $300 million in mineral royalties, and settle legal disputes between the tribes. The proposed legislation has not been well received by all those concerned and its future is uncertain. At present, therefore, the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act is the law in the United States. It requires the partitioning of land and the relocation of Indian people. Only the Congress of the United States has the power to amend the law. (2) and (3) My Department's preliminary investigation of the United States Legislation does not reveal any apparent breaches of human rights. (Question No. 3840) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Is the Minister able to say what quantity of uranium has been mined at the Manyingee mine, W.A. (2) Where is the uranium which has been mined located and under whose control is it. (3) What is the extent of French ownership and control of the mine. (4) What company owns the mine and which companies have direct or indirect financial interests in the mine. (5) Is he able to say whether the uranium is mined at the site by a solution method. (6) Has the Australian Atomic Energy Commission been critical of this form of mining; if so, what are the criticisms. (7) Will the Government allow the export of any uranium which has been mined at this site. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) During trials to test an alkaline solution mining technique, which were conducted in 1985, a small amount of uranium (less than 500 kg) was leached from the ore body at Manyingee. These trials have now ceased. (2) The material is stored at the test site in a storage facility which conforms with the physical protection requirements of the Australian Safeguards Office. The material is controlled by Total Mining Australia Pty Ltd, the operators of the joint venture exploring the prospect. (3) and (4) I am advised the Manyingee prospect is covered by Exploration Licence EL 08-52, issued by the Western Australian Government. This licence is held by a joint venture comprising Total Mining Australia Pty Ltd (80 per cent interest), Elf Aquitane Triako Mines (10 per cent) and Urangesellschaft Australia (10 per cent). The venture is therefore 90% owned by French controlled interests. (5) See (1) above. (6) The AAEC has made no specific comments on the Manyingee proposal nor has it made any general criticism of solution mining. It considers that this form of mining can have advantages over mining techniques in appropriate situations. The advantages or disadvantages are both site and operation specific. (7) The Government's uranium policy permits the mining and export of uranium only from the Ranger, Nabarlek and Olympic Dam mines. The Government will not permit the export of uranium mined at Manyingee and Total Mining Australia Pty Ltd is aware of this. (Question No. 3845) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Have sporting organisations proposed Government action to enable an exemption of sales tax levied on the purchase of sporting trophies for presentation by amateur sporting clubs. (2) Will he initiate discussions with the Treasurer to investigate the feasibility of this action. Mr John Brown —The answer to the honourable member's questions is as follows: (1) I am unaware of approaches on this subject by amateur sporting clubs other than the honourable member's representations on behalf of the Sutherland Shire Netball Association which operates within his electorate of Hughes. (2) Sales tax on such goods as sporting trophies must be considered in the overall context of such taxation. I refer the honourable member to my letter to him of 15 November 1985 concerning this subject. (Question No. 3856) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) How many engineering consultancy contracts concerning the construction or alteration of airports have been let to Australian companies by the Australian Development Assistance Bureau (ADAB) over the last 10 years. (2) Of those contracts which have gone to Australian companies, which companies have been involved and on what projects. (3) Is it a fact that the majority of the contracts have been let to one company; if so, why. (4) Is it also a fact that the company recently awarded the contract for consultancy work involved in an engineering study of the Fua'amotu Airport, Tonga, is the same firm, or a subsidiary or an affiliate of the firm which was contracted by ADAB for consultancy work in the construction of a desiccated coconut factory in Tonga. (5) Is it a fact that this project proved to be a severe embarassment to the Australian Government and a source of economic problems and great irritation for the Tongans as it was eventually finished 4 years late, at a cost of over $4 million, or 170 per cent more than originally expected. (6) If either part (4) or (5) is answered in the affirmative, was the previous record of this company taken into account in the most recent letting of a contract; if not, why not. (7) Will he give an assurance that ADAB will, in future, consider all applicants for aerodrome engineering contracts equally. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Five contracts directly related to construction or alteration of airports and five contracts dealing with airport management assistance, technical training, specifications and studies were let in the period, all to Australian companies. (2) (i) ACCA (Airport Consulting and Construction Australia Pty Ltd): Bangladesh-Kurmitola International Airport Airline Complex, Dhaka. Tonga-Fua'amoto Airport Study. Vanuatu-Bauerfield Airport Upgrading Study. Upgrading of Bauerfield Airport. (ii) Creak, Richard David: Vanuatu-Bauerfield Airport Study. (iii) Department of Construction: Solomon Islands-Resealing of Henderson Airport. (iv) QANTAS: Bangladesh-Management Assistance Program and Technical Apprentice Training Program for Biman (v) Trippett, Allan and Associates Pty Ltd Malaysia-Malaysian Air Traffic Services Facilities Implementation. Surveillance Radar Specification for Kuching Airport. Nepal-Transfer of Airways Facilities at Kathmandu International Airport (3) No. (4) Yes, it is affiliated with MacDonald Wagner Pty Ltd. (5) Ministerial approval for this project was given in 1979. The Factory was completed in 1981 at total cost of $2.2m. On commissioning, major problems emerged and an independent review was undertaken. Rectification work totalling $1.89m was undertaken bringing the total cost to $4.09m. The Factory was handed over in operational condition to the Tongan authorities in December 1985. (6) No. Although it is an affiliate of Macdonald Wagner, ACCA has its own personnel who are proficient in works related to airports. ACCA also has a good track record on projects conducted on ADAB's behalf. In the particular case of selection of consultants for the Fua'amotu airport project, the technical advisory panel rated ACCA ahead of other proposals by a clear margin. (7) Current selection procedures provide equal opportunity to all applicants. The assessment and recommendation of applicants are made by a technical advisory panel comprising experts in the particular field. These representatives are drawn from both the public and private sectors as well as a representative from the Appraisal, Sectoral Studies and Evaluation Branch of ADAB. Each recommendation of this panel is further considered by the Consultant Tender Board of ADAB which gives final approval. (Question No. 3862) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) What launches, marine bases and equipment does his Department maintain and why. (2) Where are they located and what is the annual running cost of each. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Department of Aviation maintains only one marine base, at Botany Bay near Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) Airport. A sea rescue launch, the 14 metre Triton, and other search and rescue (SAR) equipment for most of the NSW region is based there. The facility provides an emergency sea rescue capability in the waters adjacent to Sydney Airport. (2) The annual running cost of the Botany Bay marine base is $290,000. (Question No. 3863) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) What is the justification for the $165,000 spent on studies and consultancy for the implementation of the separate airways/airports proposal as outlined in the Explanations for Additional Estimates of Expenditures for his Department in 1985-86. (2) What organisations were contracted to carry out this work. (3) What were the specific individual matters investigated by these organisations. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The $165,000 for studies associated with the implementation of separate airport and airway charges outlined in the Explanations for Additional Estimates of Expenditure for the Department of Aviation in 1985-86, is comprised of two elements: $100,000 for detailed design and programming of the Separate Charges Computer System and $65,000 for data processing utilising Bureau services. The additional funds for design and programming were required firstly because the successful tender price ($338,000) exceeded the original estimated cost ($300,000) and secondly, to cover changes to the system's initial design which have arisen during the course of consultations with the aviation industry. A decision was made to contract out the data processing for the system and funds were sought to cover data processing during trial running of the system for a period in 1985-86. These funds were offset by corresponding reduction in the relevant part of the Department's salaries requirements. (2) Computer People Pty Ltd were contracted to undertake the computer system design and programming work. Keydata Pty Ltd was contracted to undertake the data processing work. (3) Computer People developed a detailed design for the Separate Charges computer system and undertook the associated system programming and implementation work. Keydata prepared flight data in an electronic form (tape) from manually recorded flight information for use in trialling of the Separate Charges computer system. (Question No. 3867) Mr MacKellar asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) What were (a) the course subjects, (b) the number of course participants and (c) the trade unions they represented, for Trade Union Training Authority (TUTA) courses conducted in 1984-85 in (i) Cobar, NSW, (ii) Emerald, Qld, (iii) Magnetic Island, Qld, (iv) Maroochydore, Qld, (v) Naracoorte, SA and (vi) Orbost, Vic. (2) Will he make available the results of the TUTA review during 1984-85 of publicity and promotion methods in the NSW Centre. (3) Does the TUTA conduct monitoring or evaluation surveys of participant response to the effectiveness of its courses; if so, will he give consideration to having these survey results incorporated into future TUTA annual reports. (4) Is such surveying considered an essential practice for a training/educational authority. (5) When did the position of Director of the NSW Centre become vacant and has it been now filled; if so, by whom. (6) What are the major components of the 1984-85 expenditure of $1,803,528 identified in the TUTA accounts only as `Services'. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Course Subjects (i) Role of TUTA, Role of the Union Represent- ative, Conduct of Union Meetings (including exercise), Workplace Law and the Accord, Negotiating Principles (including exercise), Occupational Health and Safety-the NSW Act; (ii) The Law and Industrial Relations, The Industrial Relations System, Prices and Incomes Accord, Wage Fixation-New Principles, Economics, Negotiating; (iii) Training in Local Government, The Accord, The Arbitration Commission and its Principles, Meeting the Changes of the 80's, Technology in the 80's, MOA Members' Needs in the 80's, Summing-up; (iv) Conciliation and Arbitration-History and Principles, Prices and Incomes Accord, Wage Fixation, Negotiating Technique, Current Queensland Industrial Legislation; (v) Introduction to the new Telecom Occupational Health and Safety Agreement, The Accord, Current Telecom Industrial Relations Practices-a Management Perspective; and (vi) Trade Union History, Award Interpretation, Federal Industrial System, Job Protection, Workers' Compensation, Health and Safety, Role of the Shop Steward, The Accord, Assessing Members's Needs, Negotiating, Reporting Back to Members. (1) (b) Number of Course Participants (i) 11; (ii) 17; (iii) 42; (iv) 12; (v) 22; (vi) 24. (1) (c) Trade Unions Represented (i) Commonwealth Bank Officers' Association; Public Service Association of NSW; Amalgamated Metal Workers' Union; Federated Engine Drivers' & Firemen's Association of Australasia; Electrical Trades Union of Australia; Australian Workers' Union; (ii) Amalgamated Metal Workers' Union; Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen; Australian Railways Union; Australian Telecommunications Employees Association; Australian Workers' Union; Federated Engine Drivers' & Firemen's Association of Australasia; Queensland Colliery Employees' Union; (iii) Municipal Officers' Association of Australia; (iv) Administrative and Clerical Officers' Association; Australian Postal and Telecommunications Union; Building Workers' Industrial Union of Australia; Electrical Trades Union of Australia; Federated Clerks Union of Australia; Queensland Teachers' Union of Employees; (v) Australian Telecommunications Employees Association; (vi) Australian Timber Workers' Union; Australian Postal & Telecommunications Union; Australian Workers' Union. (2) Yes. (3) Yes, from time to time TUTA does undertake surveys of participant responses to the effectiveness of its courses. When such surveys are conducted they are incorporated in relevant annual reports from the Authority. The most recent survey is covered in the Authority's 1983-84 Annual Report. (4) The Authority considers that the type of survey referred to in (3) is a valuable practice for the purposes of evaluating the effectiveness of its courses. It is not the sole indicator. TUTA continually monitors and evaluates other aspects of its training activity so as to ensure that its training programs reflect the needs of trade unions and trade unionists. (5) The position of Director of the NSW Centre became vacant on 14 June 1985. It has now been filled by Mr R. G. P. Anderson. (6) The major components of the 1984-85 expenditure of $1,803,528 which were identified in the TUTA's accounts as `Services' are: $ Regional Offices Rental... 731,371 College Catering, Cleaning and other Domestic Services... 432,808 Property, Furniture and Equipment Repairs and Maintenance... 163,514 Fuel and Electricity... 139,145 Rates and Taxes... 97,698 Regional Office Cleaning... 79,164 Other Services*... 159,828 (*Comprises security services, legal costs, insurances, data processing, bank charges, internal audits, bad debts, etc.) (Question No. 3870) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Are the services provided by the Bureau of Meteorology of benefit to a much larger proportion of the Australian population than that represented by the aviation industry, to which a large proportion of the cost of these services is attributed; if so, would reallocation of the cost of meteorological services attributed to aviation be more equitable. (2) What action could be taken to continue meteorological services at the current standard as there has been no provision for this in the estimates. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) The matters raised by the honourable member were covered in the Inquiry into Meteorological Services by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Expenditure. The Committee's Report was tabled on 3 June 1986 and is being considered by the Government. (Question No. 3871) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) What are the (a) number of hours flown and (b) costs incurred by officers of his Department in (i) simulator training, (ii) upgrading of licences, (iii) conversions, (iv) practice and (v) other categories of flying. (2) What aviation courses and flight training do officers of his Department, other than examiners of airmen, receive. (3) What is the (a) reason for and (b) cost of the training. (4) What training or practice in (a) gliding, (b) flying ultralight aircraft, (c) parachuting and (d) other aviation activities is given to Inspectors of Sport Aviation. (5) Do commercial institutions provide the training; if so, (a) why and (b) at what cost. (6) What training aids and consumable training equipment is provided to the officers of his Department and at what cost. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) In respect of Examiners of Airmen: (i) (a) 324 hours in 1985-86. (b) $162,000. (ii) It is not usual for the licences of officers at this level to require upgrading, but licences are renewed regularly during routine maintenance of proficiency flying. These flying hours are included in the response to part (iv) of this particular question. (iii) Conversions to or endorsements on new aircraft types are entirely dependent upon industry re-equipment programs. During 1985-86 airline Examiners received endorsement training on ATR42, BAE Jetstream 31 and Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Hours required and hence costs for endorsement purposes vary little from those flown each year for maintenance of proficiency purposes as set out in the answer to (1) (iv). (iv) (a) F28-840 hours. G1000-3295 hours. Hired aircraft-1350 hours. (b) F28 Costs (fuel & maintenance service charges)... $1.386M G1000 Costs (fuel & mainte- nance service charges)... $1.236M Hire Aircraft Costs... $1.891M Total... $4.513M (v) Examiners of Airmen do not incur any costs for flying other than those associated with their maintenance of proficiency activity. (2) and (3) In the Flight Standards Division, Airways Surveyors assist in the development and implementation of operational standards. Their ability to do this job depends to a large degree upon them having reasonably relevant flight experience, including the possession of current licences and ratings. In 1985-86 Airways Surveyors flew 320 hours in the Department's F28 aircraft at a cost of $0.528M. Hours flown in the G1000 by Airways Surveyors for maintenance of proficiency purposes for 1985-86 should reach 150 at a cost of $56,250 in fuel and maintenance services charges. The Department's two test pilots are required to assess the handling and performance qualities of aircraft coming on to the Australian register and to investigate difficulties with existing types. In 1985-86 the cost of their flying and simulator training on both rotary and fixed wing aircraft will be: * $48,565 flying hired aircraft including simulators. * $41,250 fuel and maintenance service charges flying the Department's F28 aircraft. Examiners of Airmen (Theory) prepare and mark written theory examinations. A small amount of flying training is allocated to these officers to ensure the examinations they write reflect some recent experience as a pilot. The estimated cost of this flying training in 1985-86 is $23,000. (4) Each Inspector (Sport Aviation) is provided with training to maintain proficiency in the activity in which he has expertise and to gain a working knowledge of those aviation sports in which he does not have experience. The costs vary for each officer depending on individual requirements. A typical average is approximately $2,000 per annum. In addition, two of the four Inspectors who hold appropriate flight crew licences are allocated 36 hours per year on Departmental single engined aircraft which costs $8,280 (fuel and maintenance service charges) in total. (5) Commercial institutions provide flying training other than that which can be carried out in the Department's own aircraft. (a) Access to aircraft types not operated by the Department must be arranged on a commercial basis with airlines and other operators/owners of the appropriate types. (b) Costs are included in (1)(iv) above under the heading of hire aircraft. (6) (a) KLM Human Factors course (for flight crew) is a training package purchased at a one time cost of $14,000 (b) F28 Interactive Video Trainer used by F28 qualified officers as a means of refreshing the knowledge of aircraft systems and operations purchased at a cost of $197,808. (Question No. 3873) Mr Duncan asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) How many immigrants were approved from (a) Zimbabwe and (b) South Africa in each month for each of the last 3 years and what was their racial breakdown. (2) How many immigrants from South Africa applied in Zimbabwe. (3) What procedures are adopted by immigration officers in Zimbabwe and South Africa to determine the suitability of prospective immigrants, particularly their ability to settle in a non-racist, multicultural society. (4) Are these procedures satisfactory and is Australia not accepting immigrants from Zimbabwe and South Africa who profess racist philosophies incompatible with philosophies of the Australian Government. Mr Hurford —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Formal statistics on migration approvals and visa issue are collected by post of action not by country. An analysis from April 1983 of migration cases in which visas have been issued by the Australian Consulate in Capetown and Embassy in Pretoria (whose responsibilities include South Africa and Zimbabwe) is shown at Table 1. While Table 2 gives the total number of persons issued with visas in South Africa ie from Capetown and Pretoria from July 1984. The figures in Table 2 are not available by country of birth or prior to July 1984. It should be noted that: (a) Country of birth does not necessarily equate with country of citizenship or country of residence. (b) Figures by country of birth are collated on a `case' not a `person' basis. On average each case represents 2.1 people. (c) Not all applicants who are approved and issued with visas travel to Australia. In keeping with the Government's non-discriminatory immigration policy, applicants' racial origins are not recorded. Table 1: MIGRATION CASES APPROVED AND ISSUED WITH VISAS IN PRETORIA AND CAPETOWN Date Country of birth of principal applicant Zimbabwe South Africa Other 1983 April ... 10 31 29 May ... 5 45 26 June ... 9 53 43 July ... 4 23 40 August ... 3 29 31 September 7 36 43 October ... 7 43 26 November 2 28 27 December 5 27 29 Total 9 mths 1983 ... 52 315 294 1984 January ... 9 25 35 February ... 10 49 46 March ... 6 33 28 April ... 1 15 12 May ... 7 28 28 June ... 3 22 19 July ... 9 40 46 August ... 5 30 22 September ... 7 41 43 October ... 8 35 51 November ... 10 34 34 December ... 5 18 20 Total 12 mths 1984 80 370 384 1985 January ... 4 41 23 February ... 11 40 35 March ... 9 37 41 April ... 3 35 24 May ... 8 49 35 June ... 4 40 24 July ... 5 49 25 August ... 12 86 54 September ... 1 50 30 October ... 5 69 24 November ... 9 82 37 December ... 7 107 39 Total 12 mths 1985 78 685 391 1986 January ... 8 88 35 February ... 9 59 39 March 13 101 47 Total 3 mths 1986 ... 30 248 121 36 mth total cases ... 240 1618 1190 Persons ... 500 3400 2500 (approx) Table 2: PERSONS APPROVED AND ISSUED WITH VISAS IN SOUTH AFRICA* Month 1984/85 July '85-Apr. '86 July ... 216 221 August ... 120 445 September ... 190 218 October ... 221 275 November ... 207 341 December ... 103 434 January ... 145 343 February ... 213 272 March ... 213 418 April ... 163 640 May ... 201 NA June ... 127 NA Total Year ... 2119 3607 * Excludes refugees and special humanitarian program (24 in 1984/85 and 19 to April 1985/86) (2) Harare is not a migrant processing post. As shown above, Pretoria and Capetown handle cases from South Africa and Zimbabwe. Applications sent to Harare are forwarded to Pretoria for processing. (3) The Government applies the same non-discriminatory migration policies in South Africa as in other parts of the world. One of the principles upon which immigration policy has been founded should be based on the premise that migrants should integrate into Australian society. Applications from people who are found to hold racist views which could lead them to act intolerantly and who could not live in a multicultural society are refused. Capacity to adjust to Australian society is part of the settlement assessment. This includes the criterion of tolerance and flexibility, which is tested using the following guidelines: awareness that the Australian community includes people of various races, religions and cultures; and attitudes to this whether applicants hold extreme views likely to put them in conflict with sections of Australian society awareness of options and willingness to consider them lack of rigidity in expectations and approach to problems. (4) Yes. While no practical process is foolproof the application of the selection criteria in (3) above is considered effective. (Question No. 3874) Mr Wright asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) What facilities exist at the State and federal level to control and test the consumer safety and health risk aspects of imported products. (2) What duplication of testing procedures exist at either the State or federal level. (3) What right does the Federal Government have to override an approval given by a State, should a product be considered to be unsafe by a federal consumer authority. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The range and type of product being imported into Australia varies greatly and the responsibility for the control and testing of these products rests with different areas of government. Within each of these areas, there have been established relevant legislative and administrative systems to facilitate the control of any unsafe product, including testing of products where necessary. By way of example, responsibility for the identification of potentially hazardous health-related products rests with the Commonwealth Department of Health and relevant State Health authorities; air transport products are the responsibility of the Commonwealth Department of Aviation; products relating to road transport are the responsibility of the State transport authorities but action is co-ordinated through the Common wealth Department of Transport; electrical products are controlled and tested by relevant State and Territory authorities; firearm control is essentially a matter for relevant Police Forces; and other consumer products are the responsibility of the Attorney-General's Department at the federal level and consumer affairs agencies at the State level. There is no single administrative organisation with sole responsibility for control and testing of imported products. If it is considered that legislative action should be taken against particular unsafe goods at the Commonwealth level, controls can be invoked under: Customs Act 1901 Therapeutic Goods Act 1966 Quarantine Act 1908 Trade Practices Act 1974 The enforcement of any such controls would be primarily a matter for the Australian Customs Service, the Commonwealth Department of Health, relevant quarantine authorities and the Trade Practices Commission respectively. Testing of goods for compliance with controls would generally be undertaken by appropriate independent technical experts such as the Australian Government Analytical Laboratory, State Government laboratories, Australian Federal Police, etc. Lines of communication have been established within and between relevant authorities to ensure that action to control and test imported products is co-ordinated. (2) Commonwealth and State authorities have established communication procedures to ensure unnecessay duplication is kept to a minimum. In some instances, differences in legislative requirements may result in duplication of testing to ensure compliance with different State limits. (3) The product safety provisions of the Trade Practices Act can be used to prohibit the supply of unsafe goods or to establish mandatory product safety or information standards. From 1 July 1986, the Act will provide the Attorney-General with the power to require mandatory recall of unsafe goods. Actions taken under these provisions apply throughout Australia. To such extent that any provisions of State and Territory law are inconsistent with actions taken under the Trade Practices Act, the Commonwealth law would prevail. (Question No. 3875) Mr Wright asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) What Federal Government assistance is available to (a) individual small businesses and (b) small business organisations in terms of (i) direct financial help, (ii) managerial or administrative advice, (iii) domestic and export marketing assistance, (iv) subsidy towards labour costs and employee training, and (v) pioneering new products. (2) Has consideration been given to the establishment of a small business bank; if so, what action has been taken. (3) What special role does the Development Bank play in providing finance to small business. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The Commonwealth and States are co-operating in a national program of assistance to small businesses, with States providing direct assistance and the Commonwealth responsible for support services and co-ordination. Under this arrangement, the State Governments, through their Small Business Agencies and Corporations, provide a range of services for small business including counselling, referrals, general advice and, in certain circumstances, financial assistance. As a general rule, the Commonwealth does not provide direct financial assistance to industry or small business. This is regarded as a matter for the banks and financial institutions. However, in certain instances the Commonwealth does provide finance for small business under the Management and Investment Companies (MIC) Program which was introduced in early 1984. The main objectives of the program are: -to encourage the development of the venture capital market in Australia -to attract management and financial support for the start-up and early growth of Australian-based enterprises which generally have the potential to grow rapidly into substantial businesses, are export-oriented and use innovative technology; the Management and Investment Companies Licencing Board has so far licensed 11 MICs. In the area of small business management education and training the Commonwealth is keen to see a major drive to reduce small business failure rates by improving the managerial skills of small business owners. A national strategy for small business management education and training is currently being considered by Ministers and we will be seeking its implementation as soon as possible. In the near future we hope to implement a National Small Business Management Program in conjunction with the States, to encourage small business owners to develop their management skills. To assist small firms in various aspects of operating a small business the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce has produced a wide range of management training materials, including a series of booklets on `Managing a Small Business'. Initiatives have been taken to assist marketing activities by local firms both in Australia and overseas. The Export Market Development Grants Scheme has been modified to ensure its cost effectiveness and to target funds towards assisting smaller firms. Separate export assistance arrangements have been made for the tourist industry, a major area of small business operations. Commonwealth purchasing arrangements have been reviewed to provide more effective preference for local industry in Commonwealth purchasing. From July 1985, the Federal Government has, in conjunction with the State Governments, progressively established the pilot New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) in all States. The Scheme provides a comprehensive package of training, establishment capital, income support for 12 months, and business counselling for 600 eligible partici- pants. The Commonwealth is responsible for the income support element, which is broadly equivalent to Unemployment Benefit, as well as the training element which is in the form of full-time institutionalised training in small business management skills undertaken before the commencement of the business. Under the auspices of the National Training Council, a network of Industry Training Committees has been established covering some 80 per cent of the private sector workforce, the majority of which are employed in small businesses. Industry Training Committees are partly funded by the Government and aim to promote and develop systematic training on an industry basis and give industries a channel they can use to advise the Government, through the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, on labour force and training matters. In recognition of the importance of training for small business owner/managers, the National Training Council established a Small Business Management Development Standing Committee in 1979 to stimulate awareness of the need for management training among small business owner/managers and intenders. The Standing Committee also facilitates communication on small business management development issues and provides advice for the National Training Council on policies, programs and priorities to meet small business management development needs. Small businesses have been significant participants in the various wage subsidy programs which have been administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. In 1985-86 it is estimated that the number of private sector placements under these programs will be around 70,000. The new JOBSTART wage subsidy program, which was introduced on 2 December 1985 and subsumed a range of former wage subsidy programs, has maintained this pattern. The program offers wage subsidies to employers as an incentive for them to engage long-term unemployed or especially disadvantaged job seekers. Recent information is not available, but past surveys indicate that 50 per cent of participating employers had a workforce of 7 or less, 85 per cent had 60 or less and 90 per cent had 100 or less. Under the Adult Training Program, assistance may be provided to small or other businesses under the National Skills Shortages component. Assistance is provided on an industry basis through special packages. The Heavy Engineering Adjustment and Development Program announced by the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, Senator Button, will provide considerable assistance to small businesses in this industry. This will include skills enhancement retraining and relocation assistance for elements of the work force in the industry. Another component of the Adult Training Program, that geared to meet local labour market shortages, is anticipated to provide training to more than 2,000 unemployed persons in the six months ended 30 June 1986. This will meet the needs of various employers including some small businesses where there has been difficulty in filling vacancies. The Commonwealth is actively encouraging the development of technology oriented small firms and of the use by small firms of technological developments. There are a number of Commonwealth and State Government industry development measures to encourage pioneering of new products. These include grants for industrial research and development and encouragement to venture capital companies and financial and other assistance for enterprises developing new technology. In answer to the second part of the honourable member's question we are not aware of any proposal to establish a small business bank. The Government's deregulation of the banking sector and the issuing of new banking licences is expected to lead to a much more competitive banking sector more attuned to customer needs and a change in focus away from security lending towards cash flow lending. The Commonwealth Development Bank (CDB) provides finance for the establishment or development of business undertakings, particularly small undertakings, where finance is not available on suitable terms and conditions from other institutions. It is mainly concerned with the enterprise becoming or continuing to be successful and does not place the same emphasis as the banking industry on the value of the security available. All major trading banks are agents for the CDB. In May 1985 the CDB Act was amended to extend and clarify the CDB's charter as a lender of `last resort' to small business and make provision for equity finance. These amendments reflect a recommendation of the Martin Group which saw a lending role for the CDB in a deregulated environment which would provide greater attention to borrowers' income flow prospects. Figures as at June 1985 show the CDB as a net lender of $3 billion to 285,000 applicants since 1960. The ratio of small business to rural loan approvals has been 1:3 but in 1984-85 reflected a significantly increased trend in lending patterns to the small business sector. As at 1 March 1986 over $100 million had been loaned to small business-exceeding rural term loans for the first time. (Question No. 3882) Mr Wright asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: What federal assistance is given (a) directly (b) through the States (c) through the Community/non-profit organisations, to persons who require access to medical aids (for example, wheelchairs, renal dialysis machines, artificial limbs, hearing aids, spectacles and AME2 home treatment units). Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (a) The Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service of the Department of Community Services may provide assistance to persons in the broad working age group (14-65 years) who require access to medical aids. The aids are provided directly to the client as part of a rehabilitation program to redress the effects of disability in the work place or in activities of daily living. (b) The Program of Aids for Disabled People (PADP), a Commonwealth funded program administered by State Government Authorities, provides assistance to persons who require aids and appliances and places emphasis on providing aids that will enhance individual independence. (c) The Department of Community Services provides no assistance through Community/non profit organisations. (Question No. 3885) Mr Wright asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: What Federal assistance is given (a) directly, (b) throught the States and (c) through community/non-profit organisations, to persons who require access to medical aids (for example, wheelchairs, renal dialysis machines, artificial limbs, hearing aids, spectacles and AME 2 home treatment units). Mr Holding —The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (a) The Department of Veterans' Affairs directly assists eligible Repatriation beneficiaries who require medical aids. These aids are provided through the Repatriation Hospital system, Repatriation Artificial Limb and Appliance Centres and other Departmental facilities. The Department of Veterans' Affairs also meets the costs of treatment provided through the Local Medical Officer and Local Dental Officer Schemes, optometrical arrangements, etc. Beneficiaries who require hearing aids are supplied through the National Acoustics Laboratories. The Department of Veterans' Affairs administers the Free Limbs Scheme which meets the cost of artificial limbs for Australians who need them. Community patients treated in Repatriation hospitals are provided with those aids which normally would be available if the treatment were provided in a State public hospital. For example, home renal dialysis machines are provided on loan for patients who require them. (b) No assistance in providing medical aids is given through the States but the Department of Veterans' Affairs meets the costs of approved treatment, including medical aids, provided by State hospitals for entitled Repatriation beneficiaries. (c) No assistance in providing medical aid is given through non-profit organisations, but the cost of talking books and machines for eligible Repatriation beneficiaries provided by the Royal Blind Society of Victoria are met by the Department. The Department also meets the costs for guide dogs and training provided through the National Guide Dog and Mobility Training Centre. (Question No. 3887) Mr Wright asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) What Community Employment Program (CEP) projects have been approved for the electoral divisions of (a) Capricornia, (b) Dawson, (c) Hinkler, (d) Maranoa, (e) Kennedy, (f) Wide Bay, (g) Leichhardt and (h) Herbert since (i) the inception of the scheme and (ii) 1 December 1984. (2) What was the Federal Government contribution for each project approved. (3) What CEP projects were approved for (a) each of the local authorities in each of the divisions referred to in part (1) and (b) the Qld Government and what was the total value of the projects approved. (4) How many job positions were provided through the CEP referred to in part (1). Mr Willis —The provision of a complete answer to the honourable member's question would require a significant level of investment of departmental resources and would result in the presentation of at least 50 pages of tables. The Government is not prepared to authorise the substantial expenditure which would be required to provide such details. The following tables, however, do provide a summary of CEP projects approved, covering type of sponsor, number of projects approved, CEP funds approved, total project value and number of jobs created for the relevant Electoral Divisions: TABLE A-APPROVALS FROM INCEPTION OF CEP TO 22 MAY 1986 BY ELECTORAL DIVISIONS AND SPONSOR TYPE Sponsor Projects Approved Total Funds CEP Funds Jobs Created $ $ Electoral Division: Capricornia Community Groups... 21 1,724,197 1,258,197 131 Local Government... 56 4,792,232 3,221,982 300 State Government... 32 1,386,141 948,427 151 Commonwealth Government... 6 1,240,604 1,240,604 99 Total... 115 9,143,174 6,669,210 681 Electoral Division: Dawson Community Groups... 26 1,128,141 856,825 103 Local Government... 53 4,568,719 3,147,962 434 State Government... 30 1,918,857 1,282,710 151 Commonwealth Government... 2 73,836 73,836 6 Total... 111 7,689,553 5,361,333 694 Electoral Division: Hinkler Community Groups... 26 1,834,885 1,387,026 162 Local Government... 75 5,216,911 3,867,954 528 State Government... 28 1,677,360 1,108,835 148 Commonwealth Government... 1 96,566 96,566 6 Total... 130 8,825,722 6,460,381 844 Electoral Division: Maranoa Community Groups... 15 1,759,562 1,023,091 97 Local Government... 97 6,563,931 4,660,916 591 State Government... 30 1,868,096 1,172,823 133 Commonwealth Government... 8 780,030 780,030 68 Total... 150 10,971,619 7,636,860 889 Electoral Division: Kennedy Community Groups... 30 1,659,234 1,238,190 129 Local Government... 140 8,092,013 5,727,457 782 State Government... 42 2,384,902 1,587,643 231 Commonwealth Government... 20 1,498,888 1,498,888 136 Total... 232 13,635,037 10,052,178 1,278 Electoral Division: Wide Bay Community Groups... 19 1,581,412 1,125,481 121 Local Government... 87 5,263,673 3,844,045 413 State Government... 35 2,232,057 1,515,331 218 Commonwealth Government... 4 326,432 326,432 36 Total... 145 9,403,574 6,811,289 788 Electrical Division: Leichhardt Community Groups... 37 2,619,417 1,966,337 199 Local Government... 146 16,671,147 10,666,521 1,141 State Government... 50 4,645,170 3,144,144 360 Commonwealth Government... 49 3,939,572 3,939,572 410 Total... 282 27,875,306 19,716,574 2,110 Electoral Division: Herbert Community Groups... 28 2,527,333 1,770,910 209 Local Government... 34 5,337,533 3,493,939 369 State Government... 33 1,672,485 1,096,870 184 Commonwealth Govenment... 13 2,992,701 2,992,701 202 Total... 108 12,530,052 9,354,420 964 Note: In addition to the above, one Commonwealth Government project, the Mosquito Eradication Program, sponsored by the Federal Department of Health, received CEP funds of $4,598,538 and created 242 jobs. The project operated in all of the eight listed electorates; details of funds utilised and jobs created in each electorate are not available. TABLE B-APPROVALS FROM 1 DECEMBER 1984 TO 22 MAY 1986 BY ELECTORAL DIVISION AND SPONSOR TYPE Element Projects Approved Total Funds CEP Funds Jobs Created $ $ Electoral Division: Capricornia Community Groups... 13 654,817 498,044 65 Local Government... 20 1,464,236 1,076,579 89 State Government... 11 422,619 293,830 43 Commonwealth Government... 2 555,615 555,615 49 Total... 46 3,097,287 2,424,068 246 Electoral Division: Dawson Community Groups... 15 808,077 624,185 81 Local Government... 20 1,541,145 1,159,101 140 State Government... 18 1,199,158 819,321 96 Commonwealth Government... 1 20,399 20,399 1 Total... 54 3,568,779 2,623,006 318 Electoral Division: Hinkler Community Groups... 18 1,337,091 1,024,608 126 Local Government... 36 2,236,367 1,714,740 219 State Government... 18 1,270,487 856,383 103 Commonwealth Government... 1 96,566 96,566 6 Total... 73 4,940,511 3,692,297 454 Electoral Division: Maranoa Community Groups... 11 350,784 260,398 42 Local Government... 23 1,112,553 846,980 113 State Government... 12 646,216 427,503 49 Commonwealth Government... 5 495,669 495,669 38 Total... 51 2,605,222 2,030,550 242 Electoral Division: Kennedy Community Groups... 16 727,581 596,740 72 Local Government... 41 1,923,740 1,440,804 185 State Government... 35 1,713,810 1,160,150 179 Commonwealth Government... 9 737,812 737,812 57 Total... 101 5,102,943 3,935,506 493 Electoral Division: Wide Bay Community Groups... 9 660,322 495,681 53 Local Government... 47 2,448,744 1,869,282 207 State Government... 19 1,210,531 836,897 102 Commonwealth Government... 4 326,432 326,432 36 Total... 79 4,646,029 3,528,292 398 Electoral Division: Leichhardt Community Groups... 26 1,786,396 1,391,630 142 Local Government... 77 5,667,317 4,196,709 439 State Government... 28 2,820,738 1,949,251 209 Commonwealth Government... 20 2,132,922 2,132,922 198 Total... 151 12,407,373 9,670,512 988 Electoral Division: Herbert Community Groups... 8 985,895 729,262 76 Local Government... 13 2,237,273 1,551,201 151 State Government... 16 734,881 510,077 74 Commonwealth Government... 5 593,002 593,002 43 Total... 42 4,551,051 3,383,542 344 (Question No. 3891) Mr Wright asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) Prior to the decision to introduce unleaded petrol in Australia what studies were carried out by federal and State authorities into the possible negative effects of this decision. (2) What consideration was given to problems being experienced in other countries due to the emission of hydrogen sulphide gas. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) In the late 1970s the need for more stringent motor vehicle emission controls was considered by two national Councils: the Australian Transport Advisory Council (ATAC) and the Australian Environment Council (AEC). In July 1979 ATAC requested its Committee on Motor Vehicle Emissions (COMVE) to report on an effective long term national motor vehicle emissions strategy to achieve reductions in motor vehicle emissions. COMVE membership comprised relevant Federal and State environment, energy and transport authorities, representatives of the automobile and oil industries and, on behalf of consumers, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). COMVE's study primarily involved a comparison of leaded and unleaded petrol strategies and it reported to ATAC in February 1980 that the unleaded petrol approach would be the best strategy to achieve health and environmental objectives in terms of energy conservation and overall cost. Further detailed assessments by COMVE confirmed this conclusion. The Vehicle Emissions and Noise Standards Advisory Committee of the AEC independently assessed emission control options and arrived at similar conclusions favouring the unleaded petrol strategy. In 1981, State and Commonwealth governments agreed to require all passenger vehicles manufactured from 1 January 1986 to be designed to operate on unleaded petrol and to comply with more stringent emission standards. The long lead-time was provided to allow the petroleum and motor vehicle industries to carry out development to meet the new requirements. (2) COMVE's final report to ATAC reflected, inter alia, the conclusions from a study team comprising commonwealth officers and representatives of the oil and automobile industries, and from the AAA, which visited a number of other countries to investigate relevant issues. I am advised that at no time during discussions with authorities and experts in the United States and Japan was the question raised of hydrogen sulphide emissions from vehicles equipped with exhaust catalyst technology. The COMVE report on the development of a long-term national motor vehicle emissions strategy, published in February 1981, contains no reference to potential problems attributable to emissions of hydrogen sulphide gas. (Question No. 3900) Mr Langmore asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: What is the number of working days lost per 1,000 employees in the ACT (a) in each year since 1969-70 and (b) in each month since January 1980. Mr Keating —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) It is understood that the question relates to working days lost through industrial disputes. Relevant statistics are compiled by the ABS but only on a calendar year basis. Figures for 1970 and succeeding years are shown in the following table: Year Days Lost Year Days Lost 1970... 291 1978 127 1971... 51 1979 269 1972... 331 1980 100 1973... 374 1981 448 1974... 363 1982 146 1975... 411 1983 22 1976... 189 1984 93 1977... 91 1985 165 Working days lost per 1,000 employees have been compiled from those lost by workers directly and indirectly involved in disputes involving stoppages of work of ten man-days or more in the establishments where the stoppages occurred. Working days lost in agriculture, etc. and in private households employing staff have been excluded. (b) Figures for individual months are not available. (Question No. 3903) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) Do `aftermarket' exhaust systems pose significantly greater noise pollution problems than standard exhausts supplied with new motorcycles and genuine replacement parts provided by dealers; if so, has his Department considered emphasising the controls and standards for noise levels associated with these aftermarket exhaust systems, rather than original equipment. (2) Does he intend to drop or implement the proposed Australian Design Rule `ADR N-1'. (3) What steps has he taken to make aftermarket exhaust systems for motorcycles subject to the standards of the Australian Design Rules for the purpose of controlling noise emission pollution; if no steps have been taken, why not. (4) What consultation with the motorycycle industry, including manufactuerers, dealers and owner-riders, does he and his Department have in formulating proposals for Australian Design Rules and other issues which concern these people. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I am advised that aftermarket exhaust systems can pose significantly greater noise pollution problems than new standard exhausts and genuine replacement systems; yes. (2) The draft Australian Design Rule (ADR) N1 has been withdrawn. A new draft ADR, based upon international standards, is now being considered by the Australian Transport Advisory Council (ATAC) and the Australian Environment Council (AEC). (3) The proposed new ADR will require manufacturers to include noise test information on a label attached to the motorcycle. This will help noise enforcement authorities better control noisy motorcycles and aftermarket exhaust systems. (4) There are detailed consultations between authorities, industry and user group bodies in the formulation of ADRs. (Question No. 3906) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 5 May 1986: (1) Has the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) ever referred to the Soviet nuclear power industry in any of its official publications since 1978; if so, in which publications and what are the page references. (2) Will the Minister make available copies of any such publications. (3) Have any of the references to the Soviet nuclear power industry ever been critical of the safety aspects of the development of the industry or expressed particular concerns about safety aspects of the industry; if so, what were the concerns expressed. (4) Has the AAEC ever expressed concern in its official publications about safety aspects of the development of the nuclear power industry in any other part of the world; if so, in which publications. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Yes. Page references are as follows- 27th AAEC Annual Report 1978-79; page 15 (Table 3), page 16 28th AAEC Annual Report 1979-80; page 12 (Table 1), page 16 29th AAEC Annual Report 1980-81; page 18 (Table 1), page 22 Atomic Energy in Australia; July-October 1983; pages 14-15 Nuclear Power and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle-Status Report; September 1985; page 6 (Table 1), page 7 (Figure 2), page 11, and page 21 (Table 9) First Report of the AAEC Task Group on the Accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. (2) I understand that a copy of each of the above publications is available at the loans desk of the Parliamentary Library. (3) and (4) No. (Question No. 3920) Mr Coleman asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 6 May 1986: (1) How many staff positions within the Human Rights Commission are being financed under the Community Employment Program. (2) What is the annual cost of these positions. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There are no current employees of the Human Rights Commission who are being financed by the Community Employment Program. During this financial year, four people were employed by the Commission for various periods under the Community Employment Program. Two of those employed were in the Commission's Brisbane office and two in the central office in Canberra. (2) The amount paid to the employees from the Program was about $18,500. (Question No. 3925) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 6 May 1986: How many training days were allocated per member of the Australian Army Reserve in the years 1980 to 1986. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The allocation of training days per member of the Australian Army Reserve is not allocated on a per member basis but rather on the perceived need of the unit/formation. However an average number of training days per member is used as a basis for estimating the annual financial allocation for Army Reserve Salaries and Allowances. The average number of training days per member used in the calculation for the financial years 1979-80 to 1985-86 is given in the following table: Financial Year...Days per Member 1979-80...36 1980-81... 38.25 1981-82... 38.25 1982-83... 38.25 1983-84... 36 1984-85... 36 1985-86... 36 (Question No. 3928) Mr Downer asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85 Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The amounts spent by my Department and statutory authorities under my control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85 are set out below: Department- Department... 196,839.00 Guests of Government... 575,170.00 State Funerals... 4,588.00 Advisory Council for Inter-government Relations... 6,558.29 Australian Audit Office... 58,186.32 Australian Bicentennial Authority... 10,477.00 Australian Science and Technology Council... 8,340.98 Commonwealth Ombudsman... 12,479.00 Economic Planning Advisory Council... 22,943.00 Governor-General's Office... 78,161.00 Office of National Assessments... 15,757.34 Public Service Board... 162,919.26 (Question No. 3932) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Department-$3,226,529; National Occupational Health and Safety Commission-$34,258; Australian Trade Union Training Authority-$34,119. In respect of Departmental expenditure self drive motor vehicles are utilised primarily by departmental field officers in the delivery of Labour Force Programs which include outreach programs such as employment services to Aboriginals, schools liaison projects, youth services and Community Employment Programs. Such vehicles are also utilised by the Arbitration Inspectorate in line with its functional responsibilities under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. Commonwealth cars with drivers are used for short term journeys by officers in meeting essential Departmental responsibilities. (Question No. 3935) Mr Downer asked the Minister representing the Minister for Finance, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Hurford —The Minister for Finance has provided the following response to the honour- able member's question: The amount spent by agencies in the Finance port- folio on Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85 was $143,897.44. (Question No. 3938) Mr Downer asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: Within my portfolio there are essentially two different categories of use for Commonwealth vehicles. The first concerns the `long term' hire of cars and specialised vehicles from the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services (DOLGAS). All such vehicles are driven by portfolio staff. The specialised vehicles include trucks, tankers, etc. for field party use. The second category concerns `casual' hire of car with a DOLGAS driver. In terms of these two categories, the following expenditure in 1984-85 by my Department and statutory authorities was: Long Term Hire $ Casual Hire $ Department of Resources and Energy... 483,891 133,415 Statutory Authorities... 76,995 27,095 (Question No. 3943) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984/85. Mr Hurford —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Car transport arranged by Department of Local Government and Administrative Services for my Department amounted to $495,282 in 1984-85. This figure includes the cost of using non-commonwealth owned vehicles arranged by that Department; it does not include the cost of vehicle services contracted directly by the agencies in my portfolio. (Question No. 3946) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and Statutory Authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: During 1984-85 the amount spent on the use of Commonwealth vehicles by the Department of Aviation was $2,036,338 while the Independent Air Fares Committee (IAFC) used an additional $7,455. This includes all classes of Commonwealth vehicles. (Question No. 3949) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Science, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth Vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Barry Jones —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Expenditures for the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984/85 by my Department and statutory authorities responsible to me were: Department $536,124; Australian Institute of Marine Science-$130,754; National Standards Commission-$4,660; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation-$2,972,000. (Question No. 3958) Mr Jull asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: (1) Which international airlines have applied for rights to fly to Australia during (a) 1985 and (b) 1986 to date. (2) To which ports did they indicate they wished to fly. (3) What was the originating port for each application. (4) What other international carriers have indicated their intention to apply for rights to fly to Australia and what ports do they wish to serve. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is set out in the following tables: (1), (2) and (3) APPLICATIONS FOR RIGHTS TO OPERATE SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA: 1985-86* Date of proposal Governments involved Airline Australian ports to be served Originating port Aug 1985 Indonesia Merpati nusantara Darwin Kupang Aug 1985 Cook Islands Cook Islands International Airlines (CIIA) Sydney Rarotonga Oct 1985 Australia and Japan Qantas/Japan Air lines Brisbane, Cairns, Perth Tokyo Oct 1985 UK British Airways Perth London Dec 1985 US United Airlines Sydney, Melbourne Los Angeles, Honolulu Dec 1985/ April 1986 Indonesia Garuda Brisbane, Adelaide Jakarta Jan 1986 Sri Lanka Air Lanka Sydney, Melbourne Colombo Mar 1986 Republic of Korea Korean Air Lines Not specified Seoul Mar 1986 New Zealand Pacific Air Freight Air Courier Trans-Tasman Not specified Not specified Apr 1986 Thailand Thai Airways International Cairns via Darwin Bangkok * Please note that my response to the honourable member's earlier question which dealt with the applications received during 1983-84 and 1984-85 can be found on pages 4508-4510 of Hansard of 3 June 1986. The above answer therefore covers the period 1985-86. (4) INDICATIONS OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR RIGHTS TO OPERATE SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA Date of proposal Governments involved Airline Australian ports requested June 1985 Poland LOT Polish Airlines Not specified Apr 1986 Turkey THY Turkish Airlines Not specified Apr 1986 Spain Iberia Sydney, Melbourne (Question No. 3961) Mr Andrew asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) What time span will be covered by his Department's Corporate Plan referred to on page 1 of the April 1986 Government statement of economic and rural policy. (2) Will the Corporate Plan be updated annually; if not, at what period of time is it intended to revise the plan. (3) When does he expect (a) the first Corporate Plan to be completed and (b) to make his first progress report to Parliament. (4) Can the primary industry statutory authorites which are required to produce their own 5 year corporate plans do so before knowing the content of his Department's Corporate Plan. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) the Department of Primary Industry Corporate Plan will cover a medium term period, of about 3-5 years, in the first instance from mid 1986. It will be reviewed annually and updated when appropriate, to reflect prevailing economic and rural conditions, and the Government's economic and rural policies. Its focus and priorities will fully support the Government's intention, as outlined in the April 1986 Economic and Rural Policy Statement, to provide a basis for a more cohesive approach to rural problems across the community as a whole and to lay the foundations for a continuing long-term rural contribution to Australian economic growth. (3) (a) and (b) I expect the first Corporate Plan to be completed early in the 1986-87 financial year and that I will first report progress to the Parliament in the budget sittings in 1986. (4) Yes. Primary industry statutory authorities operate independently of my Department and are certainly able to develop for themselves the corporate plans required by their enabling legislation. The authorities and my Department do, however, consult regularly on all appropriate matters, and are aware of the strategies and priorities affecting each other's activities. All matters of Government policy or Departmental planning that may relate to or affect the authorities are made known to them at the time and do not need to await the formal publication of the Department's Corporate Plan. (Question No. 3963) Mr Hunt asked the Minister for Science, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) What funds have been provided to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for research in relation to the vaccine it has been developing for the control and eradication of cattle ticks. (2) What further funds would be required to enable the vaccine to be marketed. (3) Are funds to be allocated to the CSIRO for further research in relation to the vaccine; if not, why are they to be discontinued. (4) Could the results of CSIRO research into a cattle tick vaccine, if carried to completion, be adopted for the control of many other parasites of live-stock such as astertagia, screw worm and sheep blowfly. (5) Are funds for eye cancer research in cattle to be allocated in the next funding period; if not, why not. Mr Barry Jones —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Up to the present, funds have been provided from CSIRO's Appropriation, the Australian Meat Research Committee (AMRC), now succeeded by the Australian Meat and Livestock Research and Development Corporation (AMLRDC), and the National Biotechnology Program Research Grants Scheme. The following funds were provided in 1985/86: $ Appropriation... 353,700 AMRC... 318,500 National Biotechnology Program Research Grants... 129,000 Total... 801,200 A private firm is collaborating with CSIRO and is also in receipt of research funds from the National Biotechnology Program Research Grants Scheme. (2) CSIRO estimates that for the vaccine to be taken to the marketing stage the following total funds will be required: $ Research phase (3-5 years)... 2-3.5m Process development and field testing... 2.5m (3) It is expected that Appropriation funds will continue to be allocated at the current level. AMLRDC has indicated it will withdraw support from the end of 1985-86. The reason given is a change of priorities in AMLRDC away from animal production research to processing and marketing research. The National Biotechnology Program Research Grant terminates at the end of calendar year 1986. A new three-year research proposal has been submitted to the National Biotechnology Program. If successful, this will largely compensate for the loss of AMLRDC funding. When the stage of process development and field testing of the vaccine is reached, the firm collaborating with CSIRO will be expected to make a significant contribution to the costs of these activities. The Australian market for a cattle tick vaccine is estimated to be $30 million annually. Overseas markets would be at least three to four-fold greater. (4) CSIRO believes that the principle of using `concealed' antigens, which is the basis for the cattle tick vaccine, could be applied to the development of vaccines against other parasitic diseases of livestock. CSIRO has already commenced research into a vaccine against sheep blowfly applying methods developed during the cattle tick research. The blowfly research is supported by a private endowment. (5) CSIRO is not carrying out research on eye cancer in cattle. This is done by the University of Queensland. (Question No. 3977) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) Is it a fact that his Department advises tenderers for departmental contracts of changes to tendering specifications by telegram; if so, what was the cost to his Department of this procedure in (a) 1983-84, (b) 1984-85 and (c) 1985-86 to date. (2) Is this method of notification then followed by letter, advising the tenderer of the same details. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The alteration of tender specifications is of itself uncommon, and the promulgation of such changes by telegram/telex is only utilised in exceptional circumstances, particularly where the closing time is imminent. It is the usual practice in such circumstances for the Department to notify potential tenderers of the relevant changes by mail. The cost of issuing specification amendments by telegram/telex is negligible given their usage in isolated cases, and cannot be identified from the overall cost of the telegram/telex system. (2) Where a prospective tenderer is advised of a tender specification alteration by telegram/telex, normal practice would require the subsequent issue of written confirmation of the amendment forwarded through the mail. (Question No. 3983) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: Further to the answer to my question No. 1999 (Hansard, 30 April 1986, pages 2804-5) concerning the 12 designated security airports, (a) what additional levels of security have recently been applied and at which airports and (b) at each of the 12 airports, what levels of security apply. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) and (b) Assessments of the threat to civil aviation operations in Australia continue to indicate a low likelihood of terrorist attack. It would be inappropriate for me to reveal details of the measures which apply at each of the 12 designated security airports. Nevertheless these measures are in accordance with the Airport Security Programmes approved under Air Navigation Order 99.1 and the Airline Aviation Security Programmes approved under Part XVIA of the Air Navigation Regulations and Air Navigation Order 99.0. (Question No. 3984) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) How many air traffic controllers are employed in Australia. (2) What is the annual cost of (a) salaries, (b) overtime, (c) allowances and (d) other expenses associated with the controllers. (3) How many air traffic controllers are stationed at each airport. (4) Is the number of air traffic controllers in Australia, with regards to controllers per aircraft movement, comparable with other countries; if not, what are the relevant figures for numbers of air traffic controllers per aircraft in (a) Australia, (b) Britain and (c) the USA. (5) If Australia has significantly more air traffic controllers per aircraft than these other countries, why is this. (6) Will the introduction of better air traffic control equipment, such as better displays for air traffic controllers, the reintroduction of the `see and be seen' system and other operational considerations, allow a reduction in the present number of controllers. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) As at 26 May 1986 there were 1341 air traffic controllers. (2) The annual costs (1984-85) of expenses associated with controllers are: (a) Salaries... 37,738,141 (b) Overtime... 1,503,525 (c) Allowances... 12,211,136 (d) On costs 85 per cent (standard per cent for all Departmental employees) (3) There are 1,040 air traffic controllers employed on field duties throughout Australia and a breakdown by location is shown at Appendix 1. The balance of staff are employed in the Department's Central Training College, in training annexes and check control duties, as well as Regional and Central Office Air Traffic Control management. (4) Australia compares favourably. However comparisons between Australia and other countries incorporate certain assumptions and provisos due to the various national legislative environments requiring differing standards and types of services. Based on the information issued by the Government departments and agencies concerned, the following annual aircraft movements per traffic separating controller have been determined: Australia 2,849, United States 2,684 and Canada 2,321. Equivalent figures for the UK are not presently available. (5) See (4). (6) The planned modernisation of the Department of Aviation air traffic services system by the introduction of new concepts and technological developments will result in substantial productivity improvements. Total numbers of staff required to operate the air traffic services systems will progressively reduce as these improvements are made. NUMBERS OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AT AIRPORTS New South Wales Airport Controllers Queensland Airport Controllers Victoria and Tasmania Airport Controllers South Australia and Northern Territory Airport Controllers Western Australia Airport Controllers Sydney 216* Brisbane 128* Melbourne 170* Adelaide 83* Perth 87* Bankstown 20 Townsville 47* Essendon 20 Darwin 42* Jandakot 12 Camden 4 Archerfield 16 Launceston 21* Parafield 17 Port Hedland 8 Tamworth 5 Cairns 13 Moorabbin 21 Alice Springs 14* Karratha 5 Coffs Harbour 5 Mackay Hamilton Island 7 Hobart 7 Wagga 4 Rock- hampton 7 Avalon 5 Albury 6 Mt Isa 7 Canberra 24 Coolangatta 9 Proserpine 3 Maroo- chydore 7 * Includes en-route Air Traffic Control (Question No. 3989) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Do all telephone concessions paid by his Department relate to private telephones. (2) Is he aware of any abuse of the system and are no concessions applied to telephone connections used in business enterprises. (3) Does his Department reconcile its records of concession payments with Telecom records for private or business telephones. (4) What procedures are used by his Department to ensure there is no abuse of the system. (5) Has his Department, or any department, undertaken a recent review, investigation or program development to ensure that benefits are only paid to those entitled; if so, what was (a) the nature of the work undertaken and (b) the result. (6) Is it proposed to adjust the controls on this concession. (7) If investigations have revealed abuse of the concession, does this indicate that his Department is also unable to check accurately income declarations provided by pension beneficiaries. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) A telephone rental concession is paid, on application, to pensioners and sickness beneficiaries who are eligible for fringe benefits (as determined under the Social Security Act) and who satisfy a household income test (as specified by a Determination pursuant to the Telecommunications Act). All but a few of the telephone rental concessions are allowed in respect of private telephones. The exceptions relate to `business' telephones, for which the concession recipients are required to satisfy the abovementioned eligibility criteria. I am not aware of any abuse of the system. (3) Under current procedures Telecom submits monthly claims to the Department of Social Security for reimbursement of the concession. The fringe benefits status of the clients covered by the claims are checked using a statistical sampling methodology. My Department subsequently liaises with Telecom if any adjustments to the reimbursement claim are required. (4) As well as the same reconciliation of payment claims, my Department checks and advises Telecom on the fringe beneficiary status of each applicant for the concession; and advises Telecom whenever a pensioner who has a telephone number loses fringe benefits or pension entitlement, or changes his/her telephone number. (5) and (6) An Inter-Deparmental Working Party (with representation from Telecom and the Departments of Communications, Veterans' Affairs and Social Security) recently undertook a review to develop a more cost-effective means of administering the concession. The Government is currently considering the matter. (7) As stated in (2) above, I am not aware of any abuse of the system. The checking of (household) income declarations is a responsibility of Telecom, by virtue of the abovementioned Determination pursuant to the Telecommunications Act. (Question No. 4007) Mr Braithwaite asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: Are there any vacant positions in his Department; if so (i) how many (ii) at what level (iii) how long on average are these positions vacant and (iv) what measures are being taken to fill these vacancies. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Yes (i) The Department had 122 positions which were regarded as vacant as at 20 May 1986. (ii) The levels of these vacancies and related filling action which had commenced at 20 May 1986 were as follows: Level Number Vacant Filling Action Commenced Senior Executive Level 6... 1 1 Clerical Administrative Class 11... 6 6 Computer Systems Officer Grade 5... 1 1 Clerical Administrative Class 10... 2 1 Clerical Administrative Class 9... 17 14 Clerical Administrative Class 8... 15 13 Clerical Administrative Class 7... 7 6 Clerical Administrative Class 6... 16 11 Clerical Administrative Class 5... 12 11 Clerical Administrative Class 4... 9 5 Clerical Administrative Class 2/3... 2 1 Clerical Administrative Class 1... 2 1 Clerical Assistant Grade 4... 5 3 Clerical Assistant Grade 3... 7 4 Clerical Assistant Grade 2... 3 Nil Clerical Assistant Grade 1... 1 1 Assistant Printing... 1 Nil Motor Driver... 1 Nil Librarian Class 1... 1 1 Library Officer Grade 3... 1 1 Library Officer Grade 1... 1 Nil Typist Controller... 1 Nil Steno-Secretary Grade 2... 2 2 Steno-Secretary Grade 1... 5 5 Word Processing Typist Grade 1... 2 2 Typist Grade 1... 1 Nil (iii) From the time of notification of a vacancy in the Gazette until the date of promotion becomes effective (including time for completion of any appeal process), the average period of vacancy is five months. (iv) The Department seeks to recruit staff principally by advertising vacancies in the Gazette. However, these advertisements are supplemented by press advertisements for all postions in the Senior Executive Service and other positions where it is considered desirable to seek applicants from outside the Public Service. In pursuing filling action, the Department must pay regard to AOSL and salary constraints as well as other factors such as the need to place officers returning to duty from postings overseas or from a period of unattachment from the Department. (Question No. 4008) Mr Connolly asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) What is the maximum retirement age for female staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. (2) Does a recent circular to all Senators and Members from the Special Minister of State indicate that sections of the Public Service now have equal retiring age of 65. Mr Young —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) 65 years. Consistent with public service practice, the Special Minister of State however has the discretion to defer retirement if a Senator or Member considers it to be in the interest of the Commonwealth. (2) The Commonwealth Employees (Redeployment and Retirement) Act 1979 prescribes the maximum retirement age for Commonwealth employees. Generally the maximum retirement age is 65 years for both male and female employees. (Question No. 4011) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Does the procedure to claim refunds on departmental rail travel require (a) up to 6 signatures and (b) take up to 4 days; if so, does this encourage his departmental officers to travel by air at greater expense. (2) What is the annual (a) cost and (b) number of departmental (i) air fares and (ii) rail and car expenses. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Yes, (b) Yes-actual processing time is dependent upon the volume of claims-this factor does not encourage departmental officers to travel by air at greater expense. (2) (a) (i) cost of air fares-$2,350,228 (ii) cost of rail fares-$26,876-information on car expenses is not readily available. (b) (i) Number of air fares-8,488 (ii) Number of rail fares-57-information on number of car trips is not readily available. (Question No. 4016) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: Has his Department completed reviews of on-going projects as a prerequisite for consideration of continued funding in the forthcoming year; if so, (a) what were the results of these reviews; (b) have any projects been found lacking in these reviews and (c) has his Department advised any program directors that their funding is in question as a result of the performance measurements referred to in the 1984-85 annual report. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: All projects have been reviewed at Regional Office level of the Department. Assessment of recommendations flowing from these reviews against funds availability is currently being undertaken within the Department's Central Office. (a) In most cases the reviews have resulted in recommendations for continued funding, either at the same level or at a reduced level to reflect a rationalization of activities and priority assessments. (b) The reviews have identified minor administrative problems in some projects and a need to rationalize the activities of others. Variation to these projects will be undertaken in consultation with the organisations and will remain under continued Departmental scrutiny. (c) Where applicable, Program Directors and affected organisations have been advised of any proposed modification of funding. (Question No. 4019) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Have representations been made about the security and quality of Sydney's water supply with the construction of the second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek. (2) It is a fact that construction of the airport, creation of factories and service facilities and the likelihood of numerous flights over the area will require (a) strengthening of the Prospect Dam Wall, (b) closing the open channel from Prospect to Guildford, (c) construction of a water filtration plant and (d) cleaning of creeks. (3) What measures does he propose to overcome the potential problems and costs associated with these projects. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) Prospect Reservoir is about 15 kilometres from the Badgerys Creek SSA Site. During the course of the environmental impact study conducted in 1984-85 it was satisfactorily established that neither the reservoir nor the open channel would be significantly affected in any way by future airport operations at Badgerys Creek. (3) No measures are proposed as no potential problems have been identified. I understand that this view is endorsed by the relevant State Government authorities. (Question No. 4020) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Has he issued instructions to his Department or to any associated committees to take into account business links with South Africa when considering departmental contracts, leases or other activities; if not, has his Department adopted such a policy of its own volition. (2) Have South African business relationships been considered by the Regional Tender Boards when they determined tenders for airport car parks at Brisbane and Tullamarine; if so did the successful tenderers have no South African business connections. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes (2) South African business relationships were considered by the Business Boards in determining airport car park tenders; the successful tenderers have no direct South African business connections. The Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) lease tender is still under evaluation. (Question No. 4021) Mr Connolly asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Did he receive on 13 December 1985 a copy of the third legal opinion on Dr Armstrong's severance payment from Mr J. Kirk, Chairman of the Australian Bicentennial Authority. (2) Did Mr Kirk recommend that the Prime Minister forward a copy to the Leader of the Opposition. (3) If so, did he do this; if not, why not. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) Mr Kirk drew attention to legal advice that a copy should not be given to the Leader of the Opposition, but suggested that an opportunity to read it might be offered. (3) The Government decided not to take up this suggestion. The essence of the opinion was made public by the ABA. (Question No. 4023) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) How many Community Employment Program (CEP) projects have been wound up. (2) What CEP assets were funded by the Commonwealth and what has become of these assets. (3) What are the names and addresses of CEP projects funded by the Commonwealth. (4) What was the grant received by each body and what was it used for. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Over 11,000 CEP projects had been completed as at 28 May 1986. (2) to (4) The details sought by the honourable member would require a substantial commitment of time and resources to compile and the Government is not prepared to authorise the substantial expenditure which would be required to provide a detailed answer. However, a summary table of all CEP projects approved to 26 May 1986 by the broad category of type of project sponsor is provided as follows: Sponsor category No. of Projects Total Value CEP Funds Jobs Created $m $m Community Groups... 5,832 317.7 255.4 22,992 State Government... 4,719 360.2 250.7 27,343 Local Government... 7,840 640.1 466.2 45,127 Commonwealth Government... 861 114.3 110.6 9,172 Total... 19,252 1,432.3 1,082.9 104,634 (Question No. 4029) Dr Klugman asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 21 May 1986: (1) How many ultrasound examinations were carried out during the (a) latest and (b) previous 12 month period for which figures are available. (2) What was the cost of these examinations to Medicare. (3) How many medical practitioners received payments for ultrasound examinations during these periods. (4) Is the growth in these examinations similar to that in pathology services. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) The number of ultrasound examinations carried out in the last twelve months (by processing quarter) for which Medicare benefit was paid is as follows: June 85 Sept. 85 Dec. 85 Mar. 86 Work Days . 60.74 65.91 62.29 59.61 Services... 139,053 152,648 154,370 164,095 (b) The number of ultrasound examinations in the previous twelve months for which figures are available in the current data base and for which Medicare benefit was paid: Sept. 84 Dec. 84 Mar. 1985 Work Days... 65.00 62.11 61.61 Services... 120,277 122,526 135,395 (2) The cost of these examinations to Medicare by processing quarter was: Benefit September 84... $9,355,490 December 84... $9,526,959 March 85... $10,514,033 June 85... $10,875,334 September 85... $12,346,126 December 85... $12,541,854 March 86... $13,430,615 (3) The number of medical practitioners who received payments for ultrasound examinations during the same period were as follows: Providers September 84... 1,380 December 84... 1,421 March 85... 1,454 June 85... 1,507 September 85... 1,621 December 85... 1,655 March 86... 1,706 (4) Listed below are the number of pathology services for which Medicare benefit was paid and similar data for ultrasound examinations. Also listed are the percentage increases in services provided in the last three quarters over the previous corresponding quarters (adjusted for work days). Work Days Ultra- sound Services Increase Pathology Services Increase per cent per cent Sept. 84... 65.00 120,277 - 5,582,596 - Dec. 84... 62.11 122,526 - 5,366,187 - Mar. 85... 61.61 135,395 - 5,589,758 - Jun. 85... 60.74 139,053 - 5,606,421 - Sept. 85... 65.91 152,648 25.16 5,809,088 2.62 Dec. 85... 62.29 154,370 25.63 5,722,565 6.33 Mar. 86... 59.61 164,095 25.26 5,966,478 10.32 (Question No. 4031) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 21 May 1986: When may I expect answers to my questions Nos. 2751 and 2753 placed on notice on 26 November 1985. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I refer the honourable member to the answer provided to Question No. 2751 on 27 May 1986 (see Hansard, page 4097. A reply to Question No. 2753 appeared in Hansard 3 June 1986, page 4510. (Question No. 4032) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 21 May 1986: When may I expect answers to my questions Nos. 3111 and 3801 placed on notice on 29 November 1985 and 17 April 1986, respectively. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I refer the honourable member to the answer provided to question No. 3801 on 27 May 1986 (see Hansard, page 4099). A reply to Question No. 3111 was lodged with Table Office on 13 June 1986. (Question No. 4043) Mr Burr asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Is he able to state whether TasRail management is authorising laying of ballast in the centre of rail track covering timber sleepers to the running rail top; if so, (a) will this ballast impede wagon and locomotive wheel flanges and (b) how are (i) timber sleepers and (ii) rail fasteners inspected when covered by ballast. (2) Which other countries lay ballast on top of timber sleepers to the depth of the running rail top. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) TasRail management is not authorising laying of ballast over sleepers to the top of the running rail. Ballast is initially spread where required to within approximately 50mm from the rail top (a) Ballast does not impede wagon or locomotive flanges as they only extend a maximum of 35mm below the top of the rail (b) (i) and (ii) Timber sleepers and rail fastenings are inspected by experienced staff using twist trolleys by walking over the section to be inspected. Wherever the ballast is temporarily covering the sleepers, a close inspection is made by clearing away the ballast. (2) I am unable to advise on the practices of railways in other countries. (Question No. 4044) Mr Fife asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Is he able to state (a) the estimated cost of each of the 3 options for the proposed Hume Highway bypass of Yass being considered by the N.S.W. Department of Main Roads and (b) which option that Department prefers. (2) What is the cost of Barton Highway extensions to join these bypass options. (3) Will these extensions proceed concurrently with the bypass construction; if so, what is the timetable for the bypass and extension projects. (4) Will the full cost of the project be met from the Australian Bicentennial Road Development Trust Fund. (5) Do all sections of the N.S.W. project require his approval prior to the commencement of work. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1), (2) and (3) The New South Wales Department of Main Roads is currently evaluating options for a proposed bypass of Yass but no details, including the costs involved or the proposed timing of any construction, have yet been formally submitted for my consideration. (4) The full cost of the project, when approved, would be eligible for funding as a National Highway under either the Australian Bicentennial Road Development Program or the Australian Land Transport Program. (5) Yes. (Question No. 4054) Mr Hodges asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) What steps have been made to rationalise the wide range of income payments to young people identified in the Social Welfare Secretariat's February 1984 report `Income Security for Young People'. (2) What is the gap between TEAS allowance and unemployment benefit (a) now and (b) as at 1 March 1983. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) The Government undertook in 1985, a fundamental review of income support arrangements for young people, including the three general student assistance schemes-Secondary Allowances Scheme, Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme and Adult Secondary Education Assistance Scheme. As a result these schemes will be replaced from 1 January, 1987 by an age-related scheme with differential rates of allowances for 16-17 year olds and those aged 18 and over. Within each of these age groupings, the rates for secondary students will move progressively towards the corresponding rate for tertiary students until they are the same. This point will be reached in 1988 in the case of 16-17 year olds and in 1989 for the older age group. In terms of actual rates, secondary students in 1987 will receive maximum allowances of $40 at ages 16-17 and $45 if aged 18 or more; for tertiary and adult secondary students, maximum rates will be $50 (at home) $73.28 (away/independent) for 16-17 year olds and $55.80 for 18+ year olds. Education allowances will also be brought to a position of parity with unemployment benefit rates. Thus: from 1988, the rates of allowances for 16-17 year old students will be the same as for 16-17 year old unemployment beneficiaries from 1988, the rates for students 18 years of age or older living away from home or independently will be set at the same level as unemployment benefits for 18-20 year olds from 1989, the rates for secondary and tertiary students 18 years of age or older living at home will be set and maintained at 63 per cent of the away from home rate for this age group. These rate changes will remove the financial disincentives which currently discourage young people from low income families from continuing with, or returning to, education and training. Moreover, the rates of allowances will thereafter be indexed to ensure that they remain aligned and that their real value at least is maintained. The family income threshold level, i.e., the family income level at which the education allowances begin to be reduced, will itself be indexed annually to ensure that there is no drop in the proportion of students qualifying for allowances under the income test provisions. The Government has also rationalised from the beginning of this year the payments made under the Training Allowances administered by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. Special schemes of student assistance including assistance for isolated children and the schemes assisting Aboriginal students have been examined by the Task Force on Youth Allowance Administration to advise on the extent to which they can be rationalised with the new allowance structure. (2) The weekly rates of TEAS and unemployment benefits for recipients without dependants are: 1 March 1983 May 1986 1988 TEAS: at home... $38.65 $47.50 $60.00 TEAS: away from home/independent... $59.62 $73.28 $95.00 Unemployment benefit under 18 years... $40.00 $50.00 $53.50 18 years and over (1983)... $77.25 18-20 years (1986 and on)... $88.20 $95.00 Note: Figures for 1988 unemployment benefit to those under 18 are illustrative estimates only. The actual benefit will depend on indexation adjustment in the light of price movements. (Question No. 4055) Mr Hodges asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) What are the projected outlays for (a) the remainder of 1985-86 and (b) 1986-87 of the new $10 per week rent assistance allowance for long term unemployed. (2) What was the average length of unemployment in each year from 1981-82 to 1985-86. (3) Has the new allowance been introduced because the period people are remaining unemployed is lengthening. (4) Is he able to say what has been the average private rental for a 3 bedroom house in each year since 1982 in each of the State capital cities. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) and (b) Following a decision in the 1985-86 Budget context, rent assistance was extended to unemployment and special beneficiaries after six months on benefit, excluding those aged 18-24 years living with parents or guardians. It was estimated in the Budget that this measure would cost $9.5 million in 1985-86 and $58.7 million in 1986-87. (2) Based on weighted annual averages of data from quarterly surveys of unemployment benefit recipients, the estimated mean durations of both current and terminated unemployment benefits for the period 1981-82 to 1985-86 are shown below: Current benefits (a) Terminated benefits (b) (weeks) 1981-82 38.9 not available 1982-83 38.2 20.0 1983-84 48.6 25.4 1984-85 55.5 29.4 1985-86 61.0 30.8 (a) Average duration of benefits being paid. (b) Average duration of benefits terminated. (3) The extension of rent assistance to the long term unemployed was primarily intended, in the context of limited budgetary resources, to target extra assistance to a particularly needy group in the community. As I indicated to Parliament when introducing enabling legislation, this extension also recognises the increasing reliance on unemployment benefit as a means of long-term income support. (4) The Consumer Price Index produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics includes a private rent component. This component increased by 40.1 per cent for the weighted average of the 8 capital cities between the March quarter 1982 and the March quarter 1986. However, the rent component is not available as a dollar amount, nor is it classified by type of dwelling, as requested by the honourable member. There is no other regular source of data on private rent levels. The latest data are from the 1984 Household Expenditure Survey and are not available by type of dwelling. Average weekly private rentals for all types of dwelling, as shown in the survey, were as follows: $ Sydney... 83.03 Melbourne... 66.60 Brisbane... 70.66 Adelaide... 62.92 Perth... 57.90 Hobart... 57.99 Darwin... 78.61 Canberra... 84.11 All cities... 72.34 (Question No. 4056) Mr Hodges asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether a number of sacked South East Queensland Electricity Board (SEQEB) workers have stated that it is their intention to remain on unemployment benefit until they are reinstated by SEQEB. (2) Has his attention been drawn to the statements of the Queensland government and SEQEB that these workers will not be reinstated. (3) Will he investigate these matters and give an assurance that these workers are only receiving unemployment benefit following a proper application of the work test. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1), (2) and (3) I am unaware of the statement referred to in Part (1) but am aware of the statements referred to in Part (2). It should be understood that unemployment benefit may be paid only if a person satisfies the provisions of the Social Security Act. These include that the person is capable of undertaking, and is willing to undertake suitable paid work. In addition, the person must have taken reasonable steps to obtain such work. If those and the other general conditions of eligibility are not met unemployment benefit is not payable. I have no reason to believe that the law is not being properly applied in these cases. (Question No. 4061) Mr Burr asked the Minister representing the Minister for Finance, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) How many people receive benefit payments from the Commonwealth's Superannuation Fund. (2) How many receive weekly payments in the ranges (a) less than $500 (b) $501-$750 (c) $751-$1,000 (d) $1,001-$1,250 (e) $1,251-1,500 (f) $1,501-2,000 and (g) greater than $2,000. Mr Hurford —The Minister for Finance has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) As at 30 June 1985 there was a total of 72,498 adult Commonwealth superannuation pensioners. (2) (a) As at 30 June 1985 there was a total of: (i) 71,373 pensions being paid in respect of adult pensioners at rates of less than $500.00 per week; (ii) 683 pensions being paid in respect of adult pensioners at rates between $500.00 per week and $576.92 per week; (iii) 442 pensions being paid in respect of adult pensioners at rates in excess of $576.92 per week. (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) Figures are not readily available for the ranges of weekly payments. There are also 2,173 pensions being paid in respect of eligible children which are not included in the above figures. (Question No. 4062) Mr Fife asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) Was he aware of the Commissioner for Taxation's intention to distribute a `Guide for Employers' concerning the fringe benefits tax prior to the legislation being passed by Parliament; if so, does he approve of this action. (2) How many copies were (a) printed and (b) posted. (3) What was the cost of (a) printing and (b) postage. Mr Keating —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes, I was aware of the intention of the Commissioner of Taxation to distribute the booklet `Fringe Benefits Tax: a guide for employers' prior to the legislation being passed by Parliament. The Commissioner advised me that faced with the short time-frame likely between the passage of the legislation and the 1 July 1986 commencement date of the new system, he felt it incumbent on him, as a responsible administrator, to give employers details of the proposed tax at the earliest opportunity. As a result, he authorised the issue of the booklet with the express caveat that it had been prepared in advance of the legislation being passed by the Parliament. To have delayed publication until after the law had been enacted would, he considered, have been to fail in his responsibilities to employers and others affected. It would have undoubtedly given rise to large numbers of complaints that employers should have been given more time to be made fully aware of what is expected of them, to introduce systems changes and to prepare generally for the proposed new tax. (2) The Commissioner has advised me that 750,000 copies of the booklet were printed and 440,771 copies were posted to employers. The balance have been distributed to Taxation Offices and copies are available to members of the public, upon request. (3) The cost of printing the booklets was $180,565.66 and the cost of postage was $170,949.06. Other costs associated with the mailing of the booklets included envelopes ($10,417.23), packaging ($9,586.77), the circular to employers ($5,824), and the Request for Information form ($5,277). This resulted in a total cost of $382,619.72. (Question No. 4063) Mr Milton asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to an article in the Australian Weekender of 3 May 1986 giving details of a University of Arizona experiment on a solar and wind powered cooling system. (2) Will he investigate the feasibility of conducting a similar experiment in Australia; if not, why not. (3) What research projects on the use of wind and solar power for domestic and industrial cooling and heating systems are funded by his Department. (4) Under what schemes are these projects funded and which section of his Department is responsible for their administration. (5) What monies have been expended on these projects to date. (6) What funds are available for such projects. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Yes. (2), (3), (4) and (5). The Commonwealth Government provides direct support for energy research, development and demonstration projects through the National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (NERD&D) Program. The Program is administered by the Energy Research and Development Division of my Department. Each year, advertisements calling for NERD&D Program grant applications are placed in the national press. The closing date for the receipt of applications for 1986 has now passed and advertisements calling for applications next year are likely to appear in March 1987. NERD&D Program grant applications are assessed by the National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Council (NERDDC) which makes its recommendations for support to me. Should a grant application be received to demonstrate a system similar to the University of Arizona's experimental house in Australia it will be assessed in competition with all other applications received. Since the inception of the Program in 1978 some $14 million has been committed to solar and wind energy research, development and demonstration projects. Passive solar design is also an important part of the energy conservation in buildings subprogram. An additional $3.0 million has been approved for RD&D into energy conservation in buildings. Details of all relevant projects approved each year under the NERD&D Program are presented in the attachment. (6) Funding for energy research, development and demonstration, including solar energy and energy conservation research under the Program is provided by an annual appropriation; in 1985-86 it amounted to $13.2 million. Grant Project No. Grant Organisation Grant Project Title Grant Tot Commit $ Sub Program Sub Prog Desc = Solar: Thermal Applications 794 Australian National University Development and testing of an energy conserving greenhouse 18,057.00 417 Bitupave Ltd Conversion of bitumen bulk storage tank to a working tank by solar heating 216,000.00 659 City of Nunawading Application of solar-boosted heat pump for commercial pool heating 150,975.00 47 CSIRO Solar industrial demonstration programme technology transfer 80,045.74 248 CSIRO Development of a low energy complex for greenhouse cropping 187,800.00 559 CSIRO Development of a low energy complex for greenhouse cropping 71,084.21 29 Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria-Autogas Centre Solar assisted air conditioning-Dandenong district centre 79,400.00 569 Humes Limited Solar concrete curing 42,645.00 41 James Cook University of North Queensland Solar air conditioning 205,310.00 572 James Cook University of North Queensland India-Australia Corporation in solar cooling research-IIT (MAS) & Tas Cook UN 97,031.00 710 McLennan Magasanik Associates Pty Ltd The market for solar thermal systems in industry 47,500.00 279 Monash University Design of a low energy indoor heated swimming pool 62,139.00 211 NSW Department of Health Solar air conditioning installation at Jerilderie Hospital 25,000.00 273 NT Department of Mines and Energy Small scale application of solar energy in remote areas 25,700.00 199 SA Department of Housing and Construction Pt. Broughton area school-solar heating 18,000.00 810 Siddons Pty Ltd Solar boosted heat pump green house heating system 122,310.00 235 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Seriwa/Nerddc solar cooling workshop 5,200.00 360 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Solar steam generation for industrial applications-demonstration project 5,000.00 783 Sunspot Design Pty Ltd Thermosiphoning air collector panels and horizontal rock bed storage 17,200.00 842 Tatura Milk Products Pty Ltd Evaluation of single-pass solar water heating system 68,520.00 431 University of Adelaide Solar-powered bore pumping engine 17,500.00 40 University of Melbourne Air cooled solar absorption cycle plant 46,831.00 67 University of Melbourne Solar heat pump systems 96,905.00 232 University of Melbourne Demonstration of solar boosted heat pump systems 105,999.95 299 University of Melbourne The use of a liquid to collect and store energy in greenhouses 9,850.00 605 University of Melbourne Solar assisted heat pumps storage effects and control 86,553.00 730 University of New South Wales Demonstration and further development of non-tracking concentrators 87,993.00 784 University of New South Wales Computer software for the analysis of thermosiphon solar energy systems 107,358.00 787 University of New South Wales Thermal performance, energy consumption & evaluation of solar warmed school 44,675.00 62 University of Newcastle Swimming pool as a solar absorber/energy store for heating and cooling etc 66,182.00 369 University of Sydney Ammonia/water absorption cycle 89,335.28 464 University of Sydney Solar thermal desalination pilot plant 0.00 39 University of Western Australia Solar energy in new human performance and physical education complex 109,920.00 210 University of Western Australia Solar heated swimming pool designs for different Australian climates 36,797.36 625 University of Western Australia Concentrating solar collectors for high temperature hot water 65,404.00 376 Victorian Solar Energy Council Warrnambool wool scour 60,517.00 377 Victorian Solar Energy Council Thos. Borthwick and Sons plant 31,638.67 741 Victorian Solar Energy Council Transparent oxide films on glass for solar thermal applications 122,537.00 390 Vulcan Industries Vulcan concentrator solar collector-Swan Hill demonstration 72,200.00 430 Vulcan IndustriesVulcan package solar air-conditioning system 53,561.00 628 Vulcan Industries Wimmera Base Hospital-energy conservation 0.00 630 Widridge and Sinclair Pty Ltd Solar refrigerated fish store 154,660.00 Total of Grant. Tot Commit = $3,012,054.21 Sub Program. Sub Prog Desc = Solar: Collector Technology and Testing 313 Australian Solar Ponds Prototype solar pond demonstration 113,729.00 535 Australian Solar Ponds Prototype solar pond 64,973.00 653 Australian Solar Ponds Alice Springs solar pond project 192,466.00 877 Australian Solar Ponds Alice Springs solar pond project 142,455.00 326 Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology Solar radiation data collection 47,544.78 50 CSIRO Development of flat plate solar collectors for use up to 150 degrees 208,270.00 394 CSIRO Australian ``Responsible Researchers'' for IEA Solar and R & D Task III 88,125.00 395 CSIRO Collaboration with Japan on solar energy R & D - Advanced collectors 13,811.15 557 CSIRO Australian ``Responsible Researchers'' for IEA Solar R & D Task III 11,400.00 849 Department of Resources and Energy Solar ponds workshop 20,000.00 73 Energy Authority of New South Wales Solar appliance testing 100,900.00 15 Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria-Autogas Centre High temperature solar collector evaluation 15,000.00 835 James Cook University of North Queensland Long term testing of solar collectors in the Australian tropics 65,800.00 916 James Cook University of North Queensland Solar collector testing station in the Australian tropics 68,513.00 716 McLennan Magasanik Associates Pty Ltd Assessment of solar pond technology and application in Australia 22,500.00 861 McLennan Magasanik Associates Pty Ltd Potential application of 100-153 KWE solar ponds 47,500.00 257 Monash University Solar measurement studies 32,680.00 331 NSW Institute of Technology Stable absorber coatings for high flux solar applications 73,938.00 565 Ievell solar Revell deck solar roof 3,745.00 586 Rheem Australia Ltd Domestic solar hot water systems incorporating evacuated tubular collectors 110,344.00 922 Rheem Australia Ltd Solar domestic hot water systems incorporating evacuated tubes 222,000.00 37 S W Hart and Co Pty Ltd High efficiency solar collector 111,948.00 700 Siddons Pty Ltd Improved solar evaporator plate 139,705.00 361 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Radiation, temperature and wind monitoring network 119,800.00 437 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Construction of a high temperature solar test loop 18,039.50 844 Solarcon Technologies Effect of sloping walls and induced instabilities in operation of solarponds 4,500.00 930 Solarcon Technologies Instabilities induced by sloping walls in the operation of solar ponds 10,200.00 938 Techsearch Inc (SA Institute of Technology) Australian solar irradiance data handbook 67,156.00 306 University of Melbourne Production of low pressure steam using inexpensive stationary mirrors 101,311.00 444 University of Melbourne Feasibility study on use of solar ponds for salt production in Melbourne 77,939.00 602 University of Melbourne Solar ponds-heat and mass transfer effects 117,293.00 607 University of Melbourne Solar steam generation 181,533.00 722 University of Melbourne Development of solar saline ponds in Australia 149,931.00 25 University of New South Wales Stationary concentrators 65,150.00 72 University of New South Wales Long term performance of solar collectors 23,233.87 287 University of New South Wales Refracting concentrators 52,761.07 320 University of New South Wales Non-tracking concentrators-solar thermal and solar electric 27,653.00 356 University of New South Wales Characteristics of thermosyphon flow 9,210.00 425 University of New South Wales Thermal performance and design of concentrating solar collector systems 73,324.23 428 University of New South Wales Demonstration and further development of non-tracking concentrators 116,130.00 942 University of New South Wales Evaluation of solar water heater performance from outdoor test data 47,061.00 64 University of Newcastle Automated testing of solar panels 2,800.00 312 University of Queensland Monitoring of prototype solar pond 9,177.00 451 University of Queensland Heat production system using heat pipes with evacuated collectors 70,841,00 618 University of Queensland Honeycomb stabilized saltless non-convective pond 44,734.00 949 University of Queensland Honeycomb stabilized solar pond 34,730.00 599 University of Tasmania Investigation of solar potential in Tasmania using satellite imagery 19,600.00 763 University of Tasmania Satellite estimation of solar energy statistics for capital cities 122,745.00 955 University of Western Australia Solar pond operation and design 363,190.00 627 Victorian Solar Energy Council Production of solar absorptive coating by metal finishing for industry 25,000.00 743 Victorian Solar Energy Council Workshop on solar testing and labelling 4,023.00 816 Victorian Solar Energy Council Testing of solar domestic hot water services correlation study 43,413.00 328 Zane Solar Systems (Australia) High efficiency integrated solar roofing system 10,144.00 Total of grant. Tot-Commit: $3,930,295.14 Sub-Program, Sub-Prog-Desc: Solar: Photovoltaics 43 Australian Mineral Development Laboratories Solar-Electrical energy converter 5,360.00 529 Australian Mineral Development Laboratories Low level concentration of sunlight onto 1 sun photovoltaic cells 34,350.00 532 Australian National University Solar cell array studies 40,651.72 881 BP Solar Australia Advanced laser processed silicon solar cells 170,780.00 249 CSIRO Ion-beam deposited thin film coatings for solar energy devices 67,803.10 251 CSIRO Transparent conducting films for MIS solar cells 47,693.06 346 CSIRO Ion implanted photovoltaics 54,903.00 803 Department of Resources and Energy Photovoltaic workshop 15,000.00 27 Murdoch University CDS/CUES solar cells 42,538.41 587 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Innovative approaches to the production of low-cost silicon photovoltaics 70,000.00 928 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Reference spectral photovoltaic measurements 16,600.00 290 Telecom Australia Testing, evaluation and demonstration of solar cell arrays 788,023.11 708 Telecom Australia Testing solar cell arrays Australian and Japanese modules 229,250.00 33 University of New South Wales Development of low cost MIS silicon solar cells 244,765.98 71 University of New South Wales Solar fuel and power 82,476.52 236 University of New South Wales Silicon solar cells with integrated bypass diode 67,112,67 239 University of New South Wales Thermoelectric generation using a non-focussing solar concentrator 25,679.15 321 University of New South Wales Photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy 119,701.52 355 University of New South Wales Development of low cost MIS silicon solar cells 27,458.79 456 University of New South Wales Ultimate performance silicon solar cells 189,292.89 729 University of New South Wales Plasma process enhancement of second generation silicon solar cells 55,251.00 787 University of New South Wales Laser grooved solar cells 99,660.00 829 University of New South Wales 15% efficient solar cell module 108,410.00 940 University of New South Wales Fifth generation silicon solar cells 193,896.00 21 University of Queensland Induced junction silicon photovoltaic cells 35,160.23 68 University of Queensland Photovoltaic cells using electrodeposited semiconductor films 369,621.00 622 University of Sydney DC magnetron sputtered amorphous silicon photovoltaic devices 15,000.00 742 Victorian Solar Energy Council Application of transparent conducting films to photovoltaic cells 79,796.00 Total of grant. Tot-Commit: $3,298,234.15 Sub-Program. Sub-Prog-Desc: Solar: Wind Energy Technology 449 Australian National University Recording of wind data where wind power would save liquid fuel 68,500.00 747 Australian National University Review of wind energy for NERD & D program 2,000.00 833 Camp Scott Furphy Pty Ltd Wind power assessment for Australia 29,900.00 88 CSIRO Integration of wind power on a large scale into state electricity grids 41,765.72 893 Department of Resources and Energy Workshop on wind energy status and future directions 10,000.00 266 Flinders University of South Australia Vertical axis wind turbine 18,043.00 89 Hydro-electric Commission of Tasmania Bass Strait wind energy study 38,100.00 717 Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania Utilisation of wind energy in Tasmania 70,000.00 759 Hydro-Electric Commission of Tasmania Investigation into the untilsation of wind energy in mainland Tasmania 100,000.00 457 University of New South Wales Lord Howe Island detailed wind and solar energy survey 21,701.00 616 University of Newcastle Diffuser augmentation of wind turbines 10,550.00 800 University of Queensland Pilot survey of wind energy resources in southern Queensland 67,204.00 951 Unversity of Queensland Completion of pilot wind energy survey in southern Queensland 28,007.00 26 University of Sydney Generation of electricity in the tropopause 23,966.15 620 University of Sydney Gyromill generator-A concept demonstration 39,961.42 767 Westwind turbines Variable speed fixed pitch 30kw wind turbine 39,000.00 819 Wind Technology 75 Kilowatt wind generator with enhanced low wind output 90,500.00 Total of grant. Tot-Commit: $699,098.29 Sub-Program. Sub-Prog-Desc: Solar: Remote Area Power Supplies 30 Australian National University Solar power for remote areas-Fluid heating 200c and above 138,190.00 90 BHP Co Ltd Solar desalination project phase 2 107,800.00 189 BOS MR M A (private researcher) Solar house 5,040.00 841 Camp Scott Furphy Pty Ltd Desalination by wind powered electrodialysis 50,839.00 711 Commissioned study Market study for stand-alone power systems 156,000.00 862 Commissioned study Remote area power supply (RAPS) system design and optimisation 100,000.00 292 CSIRO Feasibility study of solar thermal power plant 143,439.81 561 Department of Resources and Energy Workshop on remote power supply 5,901.06 802 Department of Resources and Energy Co-operation with Japan on remote area power supply systems 175,781.00 906 Department of Territories Cocos (Keeling) Islands wind energy conversion systems 25,000.00 8 Dunlite Pty Ltd Hybrid energy system 143,275.00 776 Energy Authority of New South Wales Stand-alone remote area power systems 145,674.00 909 Energy Authority of New South Wales Use of medium sized wind generators in isolated community power grids 102,891.00 565 Energy Systems International Pty Ltd Monitoring of existing wind electric power supply system 22,000.00 411 Hytec Controls Pty Ltd Diesel/battery power supply control and power conditioning 95,694.00 674 Hytec Controls Pty Ltd Diesel/battery power-control demon- stration 51,540.00 677 Indian Pacific Solar Electric Co. On-line evaluation of solar electric water pumps 22,900.00 678 Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd Investigate the potential energy available from water storages 95,000.00 709 McLachlan Group Pty Ltd Feasibility of solar thermal electric systems for Australia 49,650.00 179 Metal-Craft Pty Ltd Pumped water energy storage and recovery 15,600.00 760 SA Department of Mines and Energy Wilpena inverter/battery storage unit for existing diesel generators 69,000.00 44 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Remote area power supply investigations 201,278.00 429 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia 6m cubed/day solar photovoltaic reverse osmosic desalination unit 87,272.00 591 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Remote community photovoltaic application investigation 71,420.00 761 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Photovoltaic powered grid interconnected inverter controller analysis 55,600.00 929 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Solar powered electrical services for remote Aboriginal homeland settlements 103,300.00 28 Solarex Pty Ltd Low concentration solar power supply 13,528.00 934 State Energy Commission of Western Australia Esperance 360 kw wind farm 265,000.00 707 Suntron Energy Company Pty Ltd Power conditioning for remote area power supply systems 68,455.00 598 Tamar Designs Pty Ltd Water turbines for small hydro electric schemes 83,928.03 23 University of Queensland Solar photovoltaic total energy system 33,633.00 67 University of Queensland Evaluation of a 5 to 10 kwe solar thermal electric generator 66,750.08 226 University of Sydney Solar/thermal electric generation with medium temperatures 153,827.52 367 University of Sydney High efficiency inverter for isolated homestead power 53,008.35 952 University of Sydney Evaluation of solar power pumps for irrigation 144,692.00 Total of grant. Tot-Commit: $3,127,906.35 Sub-program. Sub-prog-desc: Conservation: Buildings 524 Australia Post Demonstration of energy efficient postal building 65,000.00 845 Building Owners and Managers Association of Australia Ltd International energy agency co-operative study of strategies project XI 7,183.42 46 CSIRO Estimation of building energy use 154,558.90 393 CSIRO IEA commercial building monitoring project 100,000.00 553 CSIRO Evaluation of passive solar houses in several Australian climates 78,800.00 660 CSIRO Thermal design tool for small buildings 76,400.00 667 CSIRO Thermal design tool workshop 4,622.90 752 Department of Resources and Energy Monitoring of GMI Council impact 25,000.00 180 Enersonics Pty Ltd Economy of low energy office building with heat pump and heat recovery 6,450.00 181 Enersonics Pty Ltd Energy audit demonstration in existing commercial buildings 28,545.00 452 Enersonics Pty Ltd Computer based design and audit methods for energy use in buildings 107,820.00 804 Enersonics Pty Ltd Computer based design and audit methods for energy use in buildings 18,000.00 910 Enersonics Pty Ltd Design practices to simulate energy use in early stages of building projects 58,500.00 633 GMI Council of Australia Limited National low-energy dwelling demonstration programme 139,867.00 806 GMI Council of Australia Limited National low-energy dwelling demonstration programme 200,357.00 915 GMI Council of Australia Limited Housing design technology transfer program 350,000.00 913 Lincolne Scott Australia Pty Ltd Minimum energy dehumidifier systems for air conditioning 302,677.00 782 Mitchell Walker Wright Building data-base system for multiple thermal analysis programs 121,040.00 31 Monash University The use of rotary regeneration heat exchangers for conservation of energy 120,629.41 577 Monash University Design of a low energy indoor heated swimming pool 49,937.00 230 Nicholson and Partners Pty Ltd Computer aided graphical tools for evaluation of solar control 74,000.00 323 Queensland Institute of Technology Coolwall-Thermwall 28,472.00 696 Rodney Jensen & Associates Passive solar retrofitting project for Sydney housing 54,000.00 191 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Energy in building: Implementation strategies 29,058.08 508 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Tape/slide packages-passive solar design 22,310.00 697 SA Department of Mines and Energy Energy budget levels for non-residential buildings in Australia 143,500.00 359 Solar Energy Research Institute of Western Australia Solar housing competition 17,740.00 483 Solar Village Consultants Demonstration and monitoring of project solar housing 16,500.00 465 Sunspot Design Pty Ltd Inner-city passive solar retrofit/addition 6,553.00 42 Tasmanian College of Advanced Education Two demonstration houses with passive solar heating in Tasmania 13,906.62 600 Terra Space Projects Evaluation of earth sheltered passive solar home 0.00 307 University of Melbourne Passive solar demonstration houses: Direct gain and trombe wall 65,000.00 275 University of New South Wales Passive solar energy housing for Sydney Growth areas 106,619.00 459 University of New South Wales Passive solar homes promotion programme 13,069.83 500 University of New South Wales Workshop on passive solar design for residential buildings in Australia 9,000.00 614 University of New South Wales Solarch mobile monitoring facility 65,348.00 945 University of New South Wales Glazing energy performance and design optimization using daylight 80,000.00 24 University of Queensland Load management in commercial buildings 30,768.06 208 University of Queensland Passive cooling/heating: Variable emittance roofs 37,651.00 311 University of Queensland Passive cooling: Performance of an historical building 17,105.68 366 University of Sydney Energy conservation design of buildings using multi-criteria decision making 61,881.88 791 University of Sydney Practical guides for energy conservative design of residential buildings 99,837.00 737 University of Tasmania Performance test methods for domestic wood fuelled appliances 21,338.00 954 University of Tasmania Efficiency testing of domestic wood burning heaters 48,926.00 Total of grant. Tot-commit: $3,080,976.78 (Question No. 4070) Mr Hand asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 May 1986: (1) Is railgun research still being carried out at the Materials Research Laboratories (MRL) under a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the USA; if so, (a) are there any plans to review the continuation of this project prior to the expiry of the current MOU in 1987 or (b) will this research cease at the conclusion of the MOU. (2) Has Australia agreed to research specific areas of railgun technology as directed by the US. (3) Has the work at MRL on the railgun included research into (a) compact homopolar generators, (b) homopolar generators and (c) pulsed power conditioning power sources. (4) What information on railgun research has come to Australia from the US. (5) Is the MOU essentially a one way flow of information from Australia to the US. (6) Have MRL scientists working on the railgun gone to the US to work on the railgun; if so, (a) how many, (b) where have they worked in the US and (c) what have they researched. (7) Has Australian MRL railgun research contributed to space based railguns being developed in the US for ballistic missile defence. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I refer the honourable member to a reply given by Senator Evans to a Question on Notice No. 620 asked by Senator Vallentine concerning railgun development at the Materials Research Laboratories (MRL). (Senate Hansard, 11 February 1986, page 116). (Question No. 4080) Mr Jacobi asked the Minister for Science, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) Is he able to state what scope there is for the application of Australian scientific research and technology in India. (2) What steps have been taken to develop closer scientific links with India. (3) What is the extent of the scientific co-operation between the two countries. (4) Has Australia yet to fully develop its scientific links with India. (5) Will he consider leading a delegation to India to enhance scientific and technological links. Mr Barry Jones —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes I believe there is considerable scope for the application of Australian science and technology in India. There are several factors which point to this. For example there are many geological similarities. India, Australia and Antarctica were once contiguous in the super continent Gondwana Land. This is significant in relation to the mineral potential of the continents and the petroleum potential of the margins to mention just a couple. Additionally Australia and India share a common ocean which has major implications in areas such as fisheries and meteorology. The similarities augur well for the application of Australian science and technology. (2) Several steps have been taken over recent months to develop closer scientific links with India. In November last year, Australia took the initiative in forwarding to the Indian authorities a major research proposal in each of the fields of geoscience, meteorology and space science. We invited the Indian authorities to identify which of the three proposals was of greatest interest to them and in which they would wish to enter into a co-operative research effort. Additionally, as part of a broad thrust to improve science and technology links with India, my Department has invited a delegation of Indian scientists to Australia to look at what opportunities may exist. That delegation is to visit Australia for two weeks from the 10th of July this year. (3) Australia has had a science and technology agreement with India since 1975 but most of our exchanges since then have been in agriculture and through various aid schemes. Australia has had interactions with India in scientific and technological fields over many years. For the most part these exchanges have been individual scientists working within government laboratories and universities. (4) I confirm that Australia has yet to fully develop its scientific links with India. Indeed moves are afoot to strengthen those linkages. India has many sophisticated elements in its economy and technological infrastructure. Its major research organisation the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) resembles our CSIRO in some areas. Indian universities have done well in basic research, producing three Nobel Prize winners in science, less well in industrial applications. (5) I am grateful for the Member for Hawker's interest in my leading a delegation to India to enhance scientific and technological links, however I consider it more appropriate for the senior officers of my Department to lead such delegations. Keeping in mind the proposed visit to Australia of an Indian scientific delegation (which includes some very senior scientists indeed) it is proposed that Australia sends a similar senior scientific delegation to India in August or September this year. (Question No. 4081) Mr Sharp asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What qualifications has Mr M. Delaney for his position as director of the Government's `Drug Offensive'. (2) Was Mr Delaney a member of the Minister for Trade's personal staff; if so, what income (a) did Mr Delaney receive as a member of the Minister's staff and (b) does he receive in his role as director of the `Drug Offensive'. (3) Is he able to state whether Mr Delaney is also employed as a restaurant commentator for a Canberra commercial radio station. (4) How was Mr Delaney selected for the position of director of the `Drug Offensive'. (5) Were other people considered for this position; if so, how many. (6) Was this position advertised. (7) What is the term of Mr Delaney's appointment as director of the `Drug Offensive'. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The position of Campaign Manager for the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse is a senior administrative position and forms part of the Senior Executive Service within the Public Service. Mr Delaney was selected for the position as he was the most suitable applicant having regard to his broad administrative and other relevant experience, his academic qualifications and his personal skills and abilities. (2) Yes. (a) $58,420.36 (b) $57,085.00. (3) I am advised by Mr Delaney that he has never been employed as a restaurant commentator for a Canberra commercial radio station. (4) All Senior Executive Service positions are advertised in the national press and notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. The position of Campaign manager for the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse was advertised on 11 January 1986. There were eight applicants for the position who were assessed by a selection committee against selection criteria. The selection committee consisted of a Deputy Secretary from my Department and two very senior officers from other departments. It was approved by the Public Service Board. Mr Delaney was ranked as the most suitable applicant and was recommended to the Public Service Board for promotion to the position. The Public Service Board confirmed Mr Delaney's promotion within the Senior Executive Service of the Australian Public Service. (5) Yes. Seven other applicants. (6) Yes. In the national press on 11 January 1986. (7) Mr Delaney is a permanent officer of the Public Service. However, the Secretary of my Department may deploy staff to ensure the most effective and efficient use of human resources and it is this management of resources that will determine the period Mr Delaney heads the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse. (Question No. 4088) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) Is he able to state what progress has been made in the implementation of UN Resolution 2832 (xxvi) concerning the convening of an international conference on the establishment of an Indian Ocean Zone of Peace. (2) Is he also able to state if it is still the case that no Indian Ocean State has opposed the Zone of Peace concept. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean continues its work in preparation for a Conference on the Indian Ocean at Colombo `as a necessary step for the implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, adopted in 1971'. So far the Committee has been unable to complete preparatory work for the Conference. The fortieth General Assembly adopted resolution 40/153, which asks the Committee to complete the preparatory work and provides for the opening of the Conference at Colombo not later than 1988. (2) No Indian Ocean State opposes the idea of an Indian Ocean Zone of Peace. Indicative of this is the fact that Resolution 40/153 was adopted by consensus. (Question No. 4090) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: Further to the Minister's reply to my question number 2363 (Hansard, 11 February 1986, page 74), can the Minister advise what has happened to the Australian uranium since its sale to the French company Enership. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The Australian Safeguards Office has advised that the material in question, exported by Energy Resources of Australia to Urangesellschaft in February 1985, is stored in France at the uranium conversion facility operated by Comurhex at Malvesi. The Government is satisfied that the material is not destined for end-use in France. (Question No. 4095) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What action has been taken as a result of the report of the Australian Agricultural Council working party's report on ways of improving the legislative backing, financial structure and management of co-operatives? (2) How does the Government propose to support co-operatives? Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Standing Committee of the Australian Agricultural Council agreed to the establishment in February 1985 of a Working Party to undertake a Study of Agricultural Co-operatives with the following terms of reference: (a) to identify the size and significance of the agricultural co-operative sector within Australia; (b) to review the legislative, financial and management structure of co-operatives; (c) to identify impediments to the successful operation of co-operatives, and to make recommendations on the appropriate changes needed. The Working Party has not yet completed its task, but it is anticipated that the Working Party will present a Progress Report to the Standing Committee's July 1986 meeting. (2) Legislative responsibility for co-operatives lies within the jurisdiction of State Governments and any policy changes will require co-ordination and consultation between the States and Commonwealth. It would be prudent for the Commonwealth and States to give due consideration to the recommendations of the Working Party's report before implementing any policy changes. The Commonwealth will continue to support co- operatives by giving close consideration to those policy areas within its jurisdiction which impact on the efficiency of operations of co-operatives and which may require modification. (Question No. 4108) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: What action does the Government propose to take in response to the report of the Harkins Inquiry into Aboriginal and Islander legal services. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I refer the honourable member to the statement I made in the House on 5 June 1986. (Hansard, page 4675.) (Question No. 4117) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: Has he received complaints of under award payments by the Queensland Government to its Aboriginal and Islander employees on Queensland Reserves in each of the years 1983 to 1986; if so, what is (a) the nature of and (b) the response to each complaint. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: No. There have been no awards made under the Commonwealth's Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904 in respect of employment by the Queensland Government of persons on Queensland reserves. However, pursuant to the Queensland Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act awards may be made by the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Commission binding on the Queensland Government. My Department is aware of reports which indicate action is being taken against a Queensland Government Department in respect of its alleged failure to pay award wages to an Aboriginal employed by it on a Reserve. (Question No. 4120) Mr Andrew asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) How many of the 200,000 low and middle income earners have been paid benefits in 1984-85 and 1985-86 (a) throughout Australia and (b) in divisions of Deakin, Bennelong, New England and Wakefield. (2) What amount of First Home Owners Scheme funds has been (a) paid in 1984-85 and 1985-86 and (b) committed in 1986-87 and 1987-88 in respect of low and middle income earners (i) throughout Australia and (ii) in the divisions of Deakin, Bennelong, New England and Wakefield. Mr West —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) New Applications Approved 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (to 22 May 1986) Australia... 55,250 88,533 54,305 Deakin... 159 266 139 Bennelong... 135 162 50 New England... 333 555 415 Wakefield... 447 794 508 (2) Amounts Paid1 and Committed2 for FHOS Benefits 1983-84 Paid 1984-85 Paid 1985-86 Paid3 (to 22 May '86) 1986-87 Committed 1987-88 Com- mitted $000's $000's $000's $000's $000's Australia... 141,412 289,961 217,259 108,000 82,000 Deakin... 465 854 526 296 226 Bennelong... 414 510 203 189 140 New England... 789 1,754 1,688 696 518 Wakefield... 1,036 2,727 2,066 874 665 Notes: (1) Amounts paid in 1984-85 and 1985-86 include both new approvals and subsidy payments to previously approved applicants. (2) Amounts shown as subsidy commitments in 1986-87 and 1987-88 are based on estimated approvals to 30 June 1986. (3) Total value of FHOS benefits approved from inception of Scheme to 22 May 1986: $915 million. (Question No. 4122) Mr Downer asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What was the total cost of (a) telephone calls, (b) telexes, and (c) facsimiles between the Prime Minister in Japan and the Government in Australia during the Prime Minister's most recent trip to that country. (2) What was the total cost of (a) telephone calls, (b) telexes, and (c) facsimiles between the Prime Minister in China and the Government in Australia during the Prime Minister's most recent visit to that country. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) I am advised that it would be difficult and certainly time consuming to try to ascertain the costs involved and I am therefore not prepared to direct my department to expend resources in an attempt to do so. (Question No. 4125) Mr Andrew asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: Further to his answer to a question without notice from Mr Allan Morris (Hansard, 23 May 1986, pages 3883-4) that the fee setting processes are such as to mean that the general principles applying to wage and salary earners apply in these areas to the extent that is appropriate, has the Government or the Arbitration Commission established guidelines as to the appropriate general principles to apply to wage and salary earners in professions; if so, what are those guidelines; if not, when will those guidelines be determined and announced. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Wage and salary earners in the professions are covered by the same wage principles as govern other wage and salary earners. The Principles in the federal jurisdiction are set out in the 23 September 1983 National Wage decision (Print F2900). Similar principles were adopted by all State tribunals. The Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission's Principles were reviewed in the National Wage proceedings which concluded on 30 May 1986, and a decision is expected in the near future. (Question No. 4130) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 28 May 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to a Road Construction Authority of Victoria pamphlet entitled `Hume Highway: Springhurst to Wodonga' outlining a $93.9m project to upgrade this section of the Highway; if so, what is the source of the funds for this project. (2) If some or all of these funds come from the Federal Government is he able to say why the pamphlet does not acknowledge this. (3) Is he able to say who (a) authorised publication of (b) funded the publication and distribution of the pamphlet. (4) Was he or his Department consulted about the pamphlet; if not, why not. (5) What steps will he take to ensure that Federal Government finance for road construction is acknowledged adequately. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honour- able member's question is as follows: (1) Yes; the Federal Government. (2) No, and I am concerned at this oversight. However, the pamphlet does state that the Hume Highway between Melbourne and Sydney forms part of the National Highway network and indirectly acknowledges Federal funding in the development of this section of the Highway. (3) (a) The Road Construction Authority of Victoria. (b) The cost of publication and distribution of the pamphlet is being charged to the cost of the project. (4) No. I am concerned that in this, and other instances, media releases and publications issued by the states have consistently ignored the role of the Federal Government in such projects. This omission is of particular concern where National Highway projects are involved, because the Federal Government meets the full cost of construction and maintenance. I have repeatedly raised this issue with State Ministers. Victoria's media releases, at least, now acknowledge Federal funding. (5) I have directed the Department of Transport to make appropriate arrangements with the Road Construction Authority and other State road authorities to ensure that their media releases and publications give adequate recognition to the involvement of the Federal Government in road project funding. (Question No. 4136) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Further to question No. 1660 (Hansard, 11 February 1986, page 135), what are the (a) names, (b) routes and (c) type of cargo of the (i) 65 successful applicants, (ii) unsuccessful applicants and (iii) applicants pending approval for air freight charters since November 1985. (2) Would any of these charters not have been possible before the new air freight policy; if so, (a) which and (b) why. (3) Were there 723 charters to and from Australia between March 1983 and September 1985, prior to the new policy, of which 366 were from Australia; if so, upon that criteria does he conclude that the new policy is more successful than the old. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (i) The actual number of air freight charters approved by the Australian Government since 1 November 1985 (up until 10 June 1986) is 282, not 65 as suggested by the honourable member. The names, routes, and type of cargo carried on these 282 charters is listed in Table A. (ii) Fourteen cargo charter applications were not approved during the period 1 November 1985 to 10 June 1986 and are listed in Table B. (iii) There are no applications pending approval as at 10 June 1986. (2) Yes; (a) The applications by Transcorp for 50 outbound charters carrying consolidated primary produce, together with its applications for 46 inbound flights carrying general cargo; the 16 outbound primary produce flights by IPEC; and one flight by Air Niugini carrying primary produce. (b) These flights could not normally have expected approval as each sought to carry consolidated primary produce or general cargo which is not permitted under the single entity policy guidelines. (3) Yes, although as the honourable member would be aware, the 723 charters include other than just primary produce flights. The new policy has seen 67 outbound primary produce flights approved in the 7 month period from November 1985 to early June 1986. In contrast, under the previous policy only 73 primary produce flights were approved over the 2 1/2 year period from March 1983 to September 1985, all of which operated to Papua New Guinea, carrying very small quantities of primary produce. TABLE A CARGO CHARTER FLIGHTS APPROVED 1 NOVEMBER 1985-10 JUNE 1986 Applicant Route Cargo No. of Flights ABE Jet Charter Australia-Papua New Guinea Helicopter Parts 1 Air Canada Australia-China Livestock 1 USA-Australia Livestock 1 Air New Zealand Australia-New Zealand Livestock 44 New Zealand-Australia Livestock 43 Air Niugini Australia-Papua New Guinea Primary Produce 1 Air North Australia-Indonesia Mining Equipment 1 Aer Turas France-Australia Livestock 1 Australia-Malaysia-Singapore Livestock 1 Singapore-Australia Livestock 1 Australia-UK Livestock 1 Ansett Australia-New Zealand Livestock 3 New Zealand-Australia Wool 3 Country Courier Service Australia-Papua New Guinea Drilling Equipment/Dangerous Goods 1 Flying Tigers Australia-Japan Livestock 25 Australia-Taiwan Livestock 1 Australia-Korea Livestock 1 Canada-New Zealand-Australia Livestock 1 UK-Canada-New Zealand Australia Livestock 1 Australia-Singapore-Malaysia Livestock 2 New Zealand-Australia Livestock 1 Australia-Sierra Leone Mining Equipment 1 IPEC Australia-Papua New Guinea Primary Produce 16 Australia-Papua New Guinea Machinery 1 Japan-Airlines Japan-Australia Computers 9 Korean Air Japan-Australia Computers 1 Martinair Netherlands-Australia Computers 3 Pelair Australia-Solomon Islands General Cargo 1 Qantas Australia-Brunei General Cargo 4 Australia-New Zealand Concert Equipment 1 New Zealand-Australia Concert Equipment 1 Sempati Indonesia-Australia General Cargo 1 TAA Australia-New Zealand Livestock 2 New Zealand-Australia Livestock 1 New Zealand-Australia Primary Produce 1 Tradewinds UK-Australia Gambling Machines 1 Australia-Taiwan Livestock 1 Transamerica USA-Australia Livestock 1 Transcorp Airways Netherlands-Australia General Cargo 1 Singapore-Australia General Cargo 32 Hong Kong-PNG-Australia General Cargo 13 Singapore-Australia Generators 1 Australia-Thailand Livestock 1 Australia-Brunei-Singapore General Cargo/Primary Produce 12 Australia-Brunei-Singapore Primary Produce 21 Australia-Philippines-Hong Kong Primary Produce 13 Australia-Noumea Primary Produce 4 UTA Australia-UK Racing Cars 1 ZAS Netherlands-Austria-Australia Computers/Dangerous Goods 1 Australia-China Livestock 1 Total Inbound 119 Total Outbound 163 Total 282 TABLE B CARGO CHARTER FLIGHTS NOT APPROVED 1 NOVEMBER 1985-10 JUNE 1986 Applicant Route Cargo No. of Flights Transcorp Australia-Noumea Primary Produce 2 Transamerica USA-Australia-New Zealand General Cargo 12 (Question No. 4138) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: Further to Mr Duffy's reply to a question without notice (Hansard, 21 May 1986, pages 3647-48) regarding new AM/FM radio licence applications, which new services does he refer to when stating that proposals for other new services will be finalised in the next few months. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Eight proposals for public radio licences are currently being processed by my Department for the following areas: Brisbane (Qld) Fremantle (WA) Goulburn (NSW) Hay (NSW) Logan City (Qld) North-West Tasmania Parramatta (NSW) Roma (Qld) I expect that recommendations concerning invitations of applications for public radio licences to serve these localities will be made to me over the next few months. In addition, twenty-seven applications are with the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal, in various stages of processing, for the following areas. Public Radio Stations Alpha (Qld) Ballarat (Vic) Bowral (NSW) Canberra (ACT) Moruya (NSW) Footscray (Vic) Great Lakes (NSW) Launceston (Tas) Leongatha (Vic) Melton (Vic) Mornington (Vic) Perth (WA) Rockhampton (Qld) Rockingham (WA) Taree (NSW) Tenterfield (NSW) Whyalla (SA) Wollongong (NSW) Public Radio Translators Bass/Korumburra (Vic) Narooma (NSW) Orange (NSW) Commercial Radio Stations Mandurah (WA) Newcastle (NSW) Commercial Radio Translator Stations Bowen (Qld) Rosebery (Tas) National Radio Translator Stations Nabarlek (NT) Yulara (NT) (Question No. 4139) Mr Jull asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Has Korean Airlines made applications for rights to operate services to and from Australia; if so, when. (2) Will such services commence between Australia and Korea; if so, when; if not, why not. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Korean Air (formerly Korean Airlines) has itself made no formal application to the Government or to my Department for rights to operate services to and from Australia. However Korean Air has held a number of discussions with Qantas Airways Ltd which have included consideration of direct air services between Australia and the Republic of Korea. Whilst the two airlines have not agreed on the question of the viability of direct services between the two countries, they have established co-operative arrangements aimed at developing traffic flows over intermediate Asian ports. (2) The matter of direct air services has been raised by the Republic of Korea on a number of occasions at government level and at official level, most recently at the Joint Ministerial Trade Talks between Australia and the Republic of Korea in Canberra on 13-14 May 1986. In recognition of the expanding relationship between the two countries, agreement was reached at this meeting that Ministers responsible for aviation in the two countries will establish a working group of officials to improve aviation arrangements between Australia and Korea, desirably through commercially viable regular direct services between the two countries. Among the arrangements to be considered is a bilateral Air Services Agreement. It was agreed that a meeting of the working group of officials of the two Governments will take place in Canberra or Seoul before the end of 1986. It is not possible to advise in advance of this meeting whether direct services may commence between Australia and the Republic of Korea and, if so, when this might occur. (Question No. 4143) Mr McArthur asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) What subsidy (a) was received in 1984-85 and (b) will be received in 1985-86 by each nursing home in the Electoral Division of Corangamite; (2) How is this subsidy determined. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Within the Federal Electorate of Corangamite there are five nursing homes approved under the National Health Act. The following lists actual expenditure for the 1984- 1985 financial year, and estimated expenditure for the 1985-86 financial year for each of the homes. Balmoral Lodge Nursing Home 6 Peter Street Grovedale 3216 Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$1,092,654 Estimated 1985-86...$1,087,281 Glenfield House Nursing Home Queenscliff Road Leopold 3221 Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$515,942 Estimated 1985-86...$494,410 Lorne Nursing Home* Albert Street Lorne 3232 Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$113,241 Estimated 1985-86...$206,290 Pine Dene Nursing Home 1 North Valley Road Highton 3216 Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$265,510 Estimated 1985-86...$272,167 Queenscliff Nursing Home 20-28 Hesse Street Queenscliff 3225 Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$1,056,210 Estimated 1985-86...$1,084,844 Total Actual subsidy 1984-85-...$3,043,557 Total Estimated 1985-86...$3,144,992 *New Nursing Home. Payments from December 1984. (2) The Commonwealth provides financial assistance to nursing homes on behalf of residents to assist in meeting nursing home costs. This assistance is provided in one of two ways; either through the payment of Commonwealth nursing home benefits under the National Health Act to participating and State Government nursing homes or through deficit financing of approved costs of homes approved under the Nursing Homes Assistance Act conducted by religious and charitable organisations. The 5 homes funded by the Commonwealth in the Corangamite electorate are approved under the National Health Act to receive Commonwealth nursing home benefits; 4 of the homes are participating homes conducted by private enterprise while the Lorne Nursing Home is a State Government home. The Commonwealth usually sets nursing home benefits each November at a level whereby the benefit plus a minimum resident contribution of 87.5 per cent of the pension plus rental allowance will cover the fees charged in 70 per cent of beds in non-Government nursing homes approved under the National Health Act in each State. In May 1985 the Government decided to freeze the level of nursing home benefits payable to all Government homes and to participating nursing homes in Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory where benefits were already well above those applicable in the rest of Australia. Subsequent to this, however, the Government decided to increase nursing home benefits in South Australia by $3 per day effective from 14 November 1985 to cover the costs of the 38 hour week which was introduced in South Australia earlier in 1985, and was already allowed for in the level of benefit payable in Victoria. (Question No. 4144) Mr McArthur asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: Have farmers in the Electoral Division of Corangamite had their pensions cancelled or reduced because of increase valuations; if so, (a) who made the valuations, (b) on what were the valuations based, (c) were the farms inspected or was any other method used to confirm the valuation, (d) what net income could be expected from the farms in 1984-85 as a percentage of the valuations and (e) what was deemed to be the current market rental value of these properties. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Relevant figures for the Electoral Division of Corangamite are not available but the Division largely corresponds with the area covered by Belmont Regional Office. Within that office, 4 cases with farm properties had their pensions cancelled following the annual 1 May review of asset tested pensioners, 11 had their pensions reduced and 41 had their pensions increased. (a) The valuations were made by valuers from the Valuations Branch of the Australian Taxation Office. (b) The valuations reflect the current market value of the properties and were based on accepted valuation principles and on relevant sales evidence held by the Australian Taxation Office. (c) The majority of valuations were subject to a kerbside inspection. (d) This information is not available. (e) Current market rental value is not normally taken into account in valuing a property; accordingly this information is not available. (Question No. 4147) Mr McArthur asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) How many pensioners were there each month in each category of pension in the Electoral Division of Corangamite from December 1984 to April 1985. (2) How many pensions in each category have been (a) cancelled, and (b) reduced. (3) How many pensioners in each category have had their fringe benefits (a) cancelled, and (b) reduced. (4) What percentage of pensioners in each category have been affected by the assets test. (5) How many pensioners have not yet lodged the assets test forms. Mr Holding —The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) to (5): The information sought is not available by Electoral Division. Tables by post code as at 8 May 1985 are available showing the number of service pensioners, number of pensions reduced or cancelled and number of pensions suspended (ie. as a result of forms not being returned). These statistics for particular post code districts are available on request to the Secretary, Department of Veterans' Affairs. (Question No. 4149) Mr McArthur asked the Minister for Science, upon notice, on Thursday 29 May 1986: (1) Who initiated the publication of his Department's booklet entitled `Living by Our Wits: A selection of speeches'. (2) What were the objectives of the booklet. (3) Why did his Department publish a booklet relating to the ideas and practices of science which only contains a selection of his speeches. (4) How were the speeches selected and by whom. (5) Who authorised the publication of the booklet. (6) What editorial control, input or direction did officers of his Department have over the contents or publication of the booklet. (7) Which section of his Department produced the booklet. (8) How many staff were involved in the booklet's production and what period was involved. (9) What are the (a) printing, (b) staff and (c) administrative costs associated with the booklet's production. Mr Barry Jones —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Public Relations and Information Section in consultation with the Department's Executive. (2) To generate interest, among as many sections of the Australian community as possible, in Departmental and national science issues. (3) The bulk of the booklet deals with the social and cultural impact of science-an area in which there is increasing community concern and a shortage of material. (4) The Public Relations and Information Section and the Minister examined a range of speeches and determined those that would best raise the profile of the Department's activities. (5) The Executive of the Department and the Minister. (6) An officer of the Department examined and edited the speeches, determined graphics and presented a complete proposal to the Minister for discussion. The Departmental officer handled liaison with AGPS and design details. (7) The Public Relations and Information Section. (8) One officer from the Public Relations and Information Section who spent around 15 hours on the project. (9) The printing and associated distribution cost of the book was $3,200; staffing and administration costs were of the order of $300. (Question No. 4150) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) What percentage of social security payments were made by direct credit for each month since 1 June 1985. (2) What progress has been made in limiting overpayments as a result of direct crediting. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Statistics relating to direct credit payments are maintained on a quarterly basis. These show that the percentage of payments made by the direct credit method at the end of each quarter since June 1985 were: Per cent June 1985... 87 September 1985... 90 December 1985... 93 March 1986... 94 (2) Since the introduction of direct credit as the major method of payment there has been a significant reduction in the number of overpayments caused by the negotiation of both original and replacement cheques and in the number of cheques that have been fraudulently negotiated. Comparative figures for cases detected during February 1985 and February 1986 are: February 1985 February 1986 Original and replacement cheque negotiations 5,803 1,663 Fraudulently negotiated cheques 1,784 508 (Question No. 4152) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) How many staff in each State and Territory are employed (a) full time and (b) part time in his Department's Regional Administration Division. (2) What percentage of these staff are involved in (a) training and staff development, (b) equal opportunity, (c) industrial relations and (d) industrial democracy. (3) How many staff are employed in the (a) Industrial Section and (b) Equal Opportunity Section of his Department. (4) What is the operating cost of the Regional Administration Division. (5) Were the recommendations of the Joint Staffing Review forwarded to him in February 1985; if so, (a) what were they, (b) which have not been implemented and why and (c) what was the cost of those implemented. (6) How many (a) full time and (b) part time staff administer the Assets Test. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) As at 30 April 1986: (a) ACT... 125 Other States/Territories... Nil (b) ACT... 4 Other States/Territories... Nil Full Time Part Time (2) (a)... 61.24% Nil (b)... 14.73% 100% (c)... 1.55% Nil (d)... 1.55% Nil (3) (a)... 7 Nil (b)... 19 4 (4) $4m approximately in 1985-86. (5) The final report of the Joint Staffing Review was submitted to me and the Minister for Finance in April 1985. (a) Key recommendations were for: adoption in the short term of an Interim Staffing Model to determine necessary staffing levels in Social Security regional offices; development in the longer term of a model based more directly on work measurement; and a review of staffing needs in areas of State Headquarters. (b) Development of the longer term model and the review of State Headquarters staffing needs have not yet commenced. Conditions for proceeding with these projects have yet to be accepted by the relevant unions. (c) The base staffing level set for regional offices at the beginning of 1985-86 included an average operative staffing level (AOSL) of 9,745 derived from the Interim Staffing Model. This was 210 higher than the base AOSL for regional offices in 1984-85. However, it must be noted that client population levels differed in the two financial years and in any event it is not possible to say what AOSL would have been provided in 1985-86 had the Interim Staffing Model not been adopted. (6) (a) 270 full time staff. (b) Nil. (Question No. 4153) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) What has the extension of the Social Security Act 1947 to Christmas Island cost for each year since this change came into operation. (2) What are the (a) types of, (b) number of, (c) age of and (d) other general details of social security recipients and beneficiaries on Christmas Island for each year since the extension of the Social Security Act. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Costs of pensions, benefits and allowances are not separately identified for Christmas Island. However, it is estimated that the cost would be of the order of $0.2m in 1984-85 and $0.4m in 1985-86. Administration costs would be insignificant. (2) The number of persons in receipt of social security pensions, benefits and allowances on Christmas Island, since the extension of the Social Security Act in October 1984 to cover Christmas Island, are shown in the tables below (all data are based on quarterly surveys). PENSIONS Type of pension Age Invalid Widow B Total April 1985 6 1 1 8 June 1985... 6 1 1 8 September 1985... 6 . . 1 7 December 1985... 5 . . 1 6 April 1986... 5 . . 1 6 BENEFITS Unemployment benefit November 1984... 1 February 1985... 4 May 1985... 2 August... 1 November 1985... 25 February 1986... 23 In addition, there was one special beneficiary at November 1985 and at February 1986. There were no sickness beneficiaries at any of the above dates. The sex and age of the 23 unemployment beneficiaries at February 1986 are shown below: Under 18 Years 18-20 years 21 Years and over Total Males... 2 9 4 15 Females... 1 3 4 8 Persons... 3 12 8 23 FAMILY ALLOWANCES Families- No of Families Number of Children/Students in Family 1 2 3 4 5 6 December 1984... 201 65 74 40 18 3 1 March 1985... 329 122 108 64 26 8 1 June 1985... 360 132 117 71 30 9 1 September 1985... 397 146 128 76 36 10 1 December 1985... 439 167 142 84 33 10 3 March 1986... 452 171 154 80 34 9 4 Children- No of Children Age (groups) 0-4 5-10 11-15 16-20 21-24 December 1984... 426 178 163 84 1 - March 1985... 680 255 240 169 16 - June 1985... 750 283 254 180 33 - September 1985... 830 297 275 199 57 2 December 1985... 903 342 282 222 57 - March 1986... 924 351 292 223 58 - (Question No. 4156) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: What was the total square metres of office space occupied by his Department on 30 June for the years 1982-86. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services has advised that the total square metres of office space occupied by my Department at present is approximately 376,500 square metres. The information sought relating to office space occupied for prior years is not available. (Question No. 4157) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Were 11 videos produced by his Department's Audio Visual Unit in 1984-85; if so (a) what did they cost and (b) what was the (i) number of, (ii) payments made to and (iii) reasons for payments to, persons employed in production of these videos. (2) How many persons (a) are employed and (b) were employed for each of the last 3 years in his Department's Audio Visual Unit. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. They were: Counter Action Modbury-The Counterless Office About That Report Who's Who Starting off in Family Allowance Phone for your Life Stratplan Report 4 Freedom of Information Joint Staffing Review RSI-It is Preventable Update 5 (Stratplan) (a) Total production costs were approximately $45,000. (b) (i) (ii) and (iii) In addition to departmental staff, 22 people were employed in their production as script-writers and presenters. The total cost of payments to these people was approximately $11,000. (2) (a) As at 29 May 1986 there were 3 staff employed in the Audio Visual Unit. (b) 3 persons as at 31 December 1985 2 persons as at 31 December 1984 2 persons as at 31 December 1983 (Question No. 4158) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Did his Department conduct advertising campaigns in the press and on radio and television in the 6 month periods to (a) 30 June 1985 and (b) 30 December 1985. (2) In respect of each campaign, what was its (a) cost, (b) title and (c) purpose. (3) Did each campaign have the desired result. (4) How were those campaigns evaluated. (5) Will he publish the evaluation assessments of these campaigns; if not, why not. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) and (b) Yes (2) See table below. (a) Cost to 30.6.85 Cost to 30.12.85 (b) Title (c) Purpose $ $ 70,277 1,449 Assets Test Follow-up information campaign for the introduction of the Assets Test at the time it came into operation 169,990 6,896 Direct Deposit Introduction of direct deposit method of payment for unemployment, sickness and special beneficiaries; and follow-up after direct deposit was implemented 1,998 5,881 Campaigns on various Social Security payments To increase awareness of various Social Security payments, including Family Income Supplement, Carer's Pension, Handicapped Child's Allowance and other payments available to people with disabilities 31,189 Nil May 1985 pension and benefit rate changes To publicise the amending legislation increases in pension and benefit rates 45,000 Nil Leaflet ``Perhaps Social Security can help you...'' To publicise the availability of special `first point of contact' leaflet Nil 30,528 November 1985 pension and benefit rate changes To publicise the amending legislation increases in pension and benefit rates Nil 73,561 Update of leaflet ``Perhaps Social Security can help you...'' To publicise availability of updated version of this relatively new leaflet (3) (4) and (5) These campaigns were evaluated informally through community feedback, press monitoring etc. and were considered to be successful. No formal evaluation was carried out as they were, in the main, information campaigns relating to changes in Department of Social Security procedures. Consequently no publishable assessments are available. (Question No. 4160) Mr Jull asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) What sum was spent by the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) in the (a) North American, (b) European and UK, (c) Japanese, (d) New Zealand and (e) Asian (excluding Japanese) markets (i) in total, (ii) on administration of ATC operations, (iii) on television advertising in each country, (iv) on newspaper and magazine advertising and (v) on direct advertising to travel agents, in 1985-86. (2) What contribution to each expenditure was made by State and Territory tourism bodies. (3) What proportion of the sum spent in the North American market was on the `Paul Hogan' television campaign. Mr John Brown —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Estimated expenditure by ATC in 1985/86. (a) North America (i) Total: $A10,246,300 (ii) Administration of ATC operations: Nil (see footnote) (iii) Television advertising: $A5,183,751 (iv) Newspaper and magazine advertising: $A1,063,868 (v) Direct advertising to travel agencies: $A102,807 (b) Europe and UK (i) $A4,504,270 (ii) Nil (see footnote) (iii) Nil (iv) $A538,002 (v) $A62,301 (c) Japan (i) $A2,446,100 (ii) Nil (see footnote) (iii) Nil (iv) $A727,289 (v) $A50,000 (d) New Zealand (i) $A828,899 (ii) Nil (see footnote) (iii) Nil (iv) $A229,218 (v) $A29,289 (e) Asia (excluding Japan) (i) $A1,734,510 (ii) Nil (see footnote) (iii) Nil (iv) $A262,114 (v) $A25,013 Note: All expenditure by overseas offices is classed as operating costs. Head office administration costs are not allocated on an area basis. (2) Total contributions from State/Territory tourism bodies are estimated to be $76,663 mainly for newspaper and magazine advertising. Specific allocations to areas are not available. Most States and Territories withdrew from previously agreed co-operative advertising because of claimed budget cuts. (3) 50.6 per cent of total expenditure in the North American market was on the `Paul Hogan' television campaign. (Question No. 4164) Mr Tim Fischer asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) How may service pensions have been (a) cancelled and (b) reduced in the first year of operation of the assets test on service pensioners. (2) What has been the consequent reduction in government outlays. Mr Holding —The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) and (2) The information sought is not available. The annual review of service pensions assessed under the assets test has been delayed by industrial bans in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. (Question No. 4167) Mr Hawker asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 June 1986: (1) How many of the (a) liner ships days and (b) bulk ship days lost in Australia in each of the last 10 years were due to (i) Australian maritime disputes and (ii) waterfront disputes. (2) How many manhours were lost due to the (a) Australian maritime disputes and (b) waterfront disputes referred to in part (1). Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The information sought by the honourable member is not available. A record of significant disputes affecting all shipping, classified according to industry union type, has been maintained by the Department of Transport since 1981. This information may be of assistance and is provided in the following table. ESTIMATED SHIPDAYS LOST DUE TO INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES Year Steve- doring- Unions Maritime Seagoing Unions Maritime Harbour Unions Other shore based Unions Total 1981... 3076 565 1450 1660 6751 1982... 962 485 971 654 3072 1983... 676 89 464 355 1584 1984... 914 269 984 1156 3323 1985... 1049 140 770 1391 3350 (2) The information sought by the honourable member is not available. Statistics are only available covering workhours lost by operational employees of stevedoring companies. Operational employees are those employed in or in connection with the loading of cargo into, and the unloading of cargo from, ships and vehicles. This information is given in the following table WORKHOURS LOST BY OPERATIONAL EMPLOYEES OF STEVEDORING COMPANIES Year Hours lost 1976... 241,492 1977... 217,065 1978... 853,891 1979... 806,154 1980... 439,100 1981... 376,400 1982... 136,403 1983... 86,977 1984... 125,400 1985... 241,500 (Question No. 4168) Mr Hawker asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 June 1986: (1) What was the average number of containers handled per man each workday in each major port in Australia during each of the last 10 years. (2) Is he able to supply figures for the ports of (a) Rotterdam, (b) London and (c) New Orleans. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's questions is as follows: (1) The information requested is not available in the form requested by the honourable member. However, the following table indicates the estimated number of containers handled per man day by operational waterside workers at container terminals at the five major container ports in Australia over the period 1977-78 to 1983-84. These figures do not reflect containers handled at conventional berths, manhours worked by other classifications of labour at terminals or non-standard containers handled. ESTIMATED NUMBER OF CONTAINERS HANDLED AT MAJOR PORTS PER MAN/DAY FROM 1977-78 TO 1983-84 Year Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Fremantle 1977-78... 1.75 1.66 1.75 2.35 0.47 1978-79... 1.67 1.75 1.82 2.45 0.47 1979-80... 1.58 1.82 1.75 2.17 1.61 1980-81... 1.66 2.03 1.68 2.24 1.89 1981-82... 1.61 1.89 1.68 2.59 2.03 1982-83... 1.58 1.75 1.40 2.17 2.03 1983-84... 2.01 2.29 1.82 3.08 2.39 (2) Data of a comparable nature is not readily available for the overseas ports requested. (Question No. 4169) Mr Hawker asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 2 June 1986: How many (a) liner ship delays and (b) bulk ship days of delay have there been in Australia in each of the last 10 years. Mr Peter Morris —I refer the honourable member to my answer to question No. 4167. (Question No. 4175) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on June 3 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to allegations by Amnesty International that one Kurt Schwarz and others were given electric shock treatment and subjected to other forms of ill-treatment while in police custody in Vienna. (2) Will he investigate these allegations and if they are substantiated express appropriate concerns to the Austrian Government. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes (2) Inquiries made by our Embassy in Vienna have indicated that there is currently before the Austrian courts a case involving the allegded ill-treatment of Mr Schwarz while in police custody in Vienna. An investigation was made by Austrian authorities into the allegations and criminal proceedings have been instigated against several police officers. Mr Schwarz and his wife, who are the main witnesses for the prosecution, have apparently not responded to requests to appear in court. Their present whereabouts are not known. The case therefore remains unresolved. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor developments in this case and in respect of any other allegations of a similar kind. Pending the outcome of the legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment on the possibility of further action. (Question No. 4176) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to allegations by the Chilean Commission on Human Rights about a political murder, 5 attempted murders, 36 political detentions and kidnappings, 200 political detentions and kidnappings in mass raids and 20 incidents of cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners in Chile in February. (2) What action has the Government taken to (a) investigate these and other reported violations of human rights in Chile and (b) to raise the matters with the Chilean Government in 1986. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. The Department of Foreign Affairs receives regular reports on human rights in Chile from a number of organisations, including the Chilean Commission on Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the Chilean Church human rights organisation, the Vicariate of Solidarity. The figures presented by the Chilean Commission on Human Rights covering violations in February 1986 are consistent with other assessments which indicate that abuses continue in Chile at a deplorable rate. (2) (a) The Limited resources of our Embassy in Santiago restrict Australia's capacity to carry out independent investigations of abuses of the order reported by human rights organisations. Australia therefore relies considerably on the activities and reports of the organisations mentioned above. The Embassy has however investigated a number of individual cases which have been brought to my attention and, where appropriate, has made representations to Chilean authorities and visited detainees in gaol. (b) In 1986 Australia has continued to take a close and active interest in the human rights situation in Chile. At the forty-second session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva in March, Australia supported a resolution critical of the Chilean Government. It is hoped that the weight of international opinion, to which Australia contributes, will eventually be felt. In addition, our Embassy has investigated several specific allegations of human rights abuse, most recently in the case of two officials of the Vicariate of Solidarity. In Parliament on 29 May I expressed my concern at the detention of the two officials and about the human rights situation in general. Mr Beazley (representing the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs) commented on this issue, also in Parliament, on 20 May. Australian concerns regarding the officals have been communicated to the Chilean authorities, both in Canberra and Santiago. Officers of the Australian Embassy have visited the two officials in gaol. (Question No. 4179) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to allegations of discrimination by the government of Romania against ethnic minorities in that country. (2) Has he investigated these allegations, if so, what action has been taken as a result. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Various allegations have been made that the Romanian government discriminates against ethnic minorities in Romania. Such allegations mainly refer to the alleged mistreatment of the Hungarian ethnic minority. (2) The Australian Embassy in Belgrade, which is also accredited to Romania, monitors and regularly reports on the situation of Hungarian and other ethnic minorities. Reports on their situation are also available from other independent sources. In general, these reports suggest that while the Hungarian minority suffers various disabilities, the conditions in which it lives are broadly comparable with those experienced by all Romanian citizens regardless of ethnic origin. The Government is committed to upholding human rights in all countries. These views have been frequently and publicly conveyed and are known to the Romanian authorities. (Question No. 4185) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Did an officer or officers of his Department brief the Caucus Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on 14 March 1986 regarding the RAAF utility helicopter project. (2) What was the name of the officer or officers who conducted this briefing. (3) Did the officer or officers who conducted this briefing claim that the Aerospatiale Super Puma (a) angle of bank was reduced to 30 degrees at high all-up weights, (b) had a 10-minute limitation on its main gearbox dry running time, against a RAAF requirement of 30 minutes, (c) had a ferry range of only 700 nautical miles, (d) was a compromise between military and civil design needs and, as a result, aspects of its design such as the location of the fuel tank and the control junction box were unsatisfactory, (e) was not as crashworthy as the Blackhawk, (f) had a lower availability rate than the Sikorsky Blackhawks, (g) could not be retrofitted with an RTM 322 engine unlike the Blackhawk and (h) manhour servicing per flying hour rates were higher than the rates for the Blackhawk. (4) Has Aerospatiale contested the claims referred to above. (5) Was Aerospatiale given the opportunity to contest these claims before the Government made its decision on the RAAF utility helicopter project announced on 30 April 1986. (6) What is the justification for these claims. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Officers of my Department did not brief the Caucus Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee on 14 March 1986 on the RAAF utility helicopter project. However, some officers of my Department did brief the Defence Manufacturing Sub Committee of the Caucus Industry and Services Committee on 14 March 1986 regarding the RAAF utility helicopter project. (2) The names of the officers who conducted the briefing to the Defence Manufacturing Sub Committee were: Air Vice Marshal A. E. Heggen-Chief of Air Force Materiel, Dr M. K. McIntosh-First Assistant Secretary Defence Industry and Materiel Policy Division; and, Air Commodore G. Gunton-Director General Materiel Definition-Air Force. (3), (4) and (5) I do not regard it as appropriate to discuss here briefings that were given to a Caucus committee. However, a representative from the OFEMA office in Canberra, which represents Aerospatiale in Australia, was called in to my Department on 1 April 1986. He was given the RAAF assessment of a number of operational capability issues relating to the Super Puma, including some of those raised in the Question, and Aerospatiale was given the opportunity to refute them. I am advised that no formal refutation was made to my Department but some counter claims based on different interpretations of parameters as requirements were forwarded to others. (6) The Commonwealth's assessment of the Super Puma was based on documentation provided by Aero- spatiale and data gathered by the Evaluation Team in the course of its visit to the Company, as clarified and verified during contract negotiations. (Question No. 4187) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) What was the (a) number, (b) cost and (c) date of purchase of light-vessels purchased by the Navigational Aids Branch of his Department since 1 January 1976. (2) Who supplied these light-vessels. (3) What was the estimated working life of these light-vessels at the time of purchase. (4) What is the location of these light-vessels. (5) How many light-vessels were purchased with the intention of deploying them in Bass Strait. (6) Was the purchase of these light vessels the major item of capital expenditure for the Navigational Aids Branch over the past 10 years. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Four (b) The base unit price for each light-vessel was $1,099,432. (c) A contract was placed in June 1981 for the supply of two light-vessels. This contract was extended in November 1981 to provide for the supply of an additional two light-vessels. (2) Maritime Engineering Pty Ltd (trading as Ocean Shipyards), Fremantle, Western Australia. (3) It was envisaged that the light-vessels would have a minimum economic life of 25 years. (4) These four light-vessels are all presently located in Queensland to be used to service the light-vessel stations at Carpentaria Shoal and Breaksea Spit, with each light-vessel alternating on and off station. This arrangement enables the retirement from service of the two other light-vessels owned by the Department of Transport, each of which is now more than 70 years old. (5) Two. These were deployed in Bass Strait in June 1982 and withdrawn from that area in March 1986, following implementation of recommendations in a detailed review of the navigational aids marking the traffic separation scheme adjacent to the Bass Strait oil platform area. (6) Yes. (Question No. 4203) Mr Andrew asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Further to his answer to a question without notice (Hansard, 29 May 1986, page 4243) does his Department keep records of shipping, waterfront, rail, road and grain handling industrial disputes involving exports of primary produce; if not, can he provide the name of another Department which does keep such records. (2) If no Department keeps records of a type referred to in part (1), on what does he base his comments that it is mythology that primary producers are adversely affected by transport problems beyond the farm gate. (3) What actions have been taken since 1941 by other than conservative party governments to improve efficiency and reduce costs on the waterfront. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Department of Transport maintains records of industrial disputes which result in delays to shipping at Australian ports. These records do not separately identify disputes affecting exports of primary produce. (2) I refer the honourable member to my answer to his question without notice on this matter (Hansard, 29 May 1986, page 4243). In that reply I said it was `mythology that all the problems' of farmers were transport problems. I did not say that primary producers were not adversely affected by transport problems beyond the farm gate. (3) In 1942 a committee comprising Justice Sir Owen Dixon of the High Court, Sir Thomas Gordon, Director of Shipping and Mr J. Healy, General Secretary of the Waterside Workers Federation was appointed to determine what steps should be taken to overcome the problems arising from labour shortages on the waterfront. As a result of the committee's report a Stevedoring Industry Commission was established to stabilise the industry. In 1945 Mr Justice Foster of the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration was commissioned to conduct an inquiry into and whether control of the industry should continue. This led in 1947 to the establishment of a new Stevedoring Industry Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr Justice Kirby. The Stevedoring Industry Commission was disbanded in 1949. Judicial powers were returned to the Conciliation and Arbitration Court and responsibility for administrative matters vested in the Australian Stevedoring Industry Board. In 1973 Mr. N. K. Foster was commissioned to consult with stevedoring employers and other interested parties relating to the future of the industry. This report, presented to the Government in May 1974, provided an assessment of the principal problems requiring attention and outlined various alternatives available for permanent arrangements for the industry. In October 1975 Mr R. M. Northrop was requested to report on the future of Government statutory involvement in the industry. In September 1984 I established a Task Force on Shore-Based Shipping Costs to determine practical measures which would increase the operational efficiency and lower the cost of land-based elements of the movement of cargo by sea. The Task Force report is currenty being considered by the Government. (Question No. 4212) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) Did the Commonwealth Employment Service recently initiate an advertising campaign; if so, (a) why and (b) what did it cost. (2) Was the advertising campaign put to tender; if not, why not. (3) If the campaign was put to tender, (a) which agencies were invited to submit and (b) which agencies submitted tenders. (4) Who recommended the agency responsible for the advertisement. (5) Which agencies prepared the advertising and were responsible for placing it. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (a) The advertisement's objectives were to draw attention to the number of job vacancies notified to the CES over the past 12 months; encourage more employers to notify the CES of further vacancies, by indicating the reach and quality of the CES service; and enhance further the reputation of the CES among employers, securing greater numbers of vacancies to assist job seekers, especially the unemployed. (b) $101.126.67 (2) No, as the concept had already been developed for an earlier CES campaign in New South Wales and required modification only to adapt it for national application. (3) Not applicable. (4) The agency responsible for developing the advertisement was appointed by the Australian Government Advertising Service in 1984 to handle local CES advertising in New South Wales. (5) IHJ Advertising developed the advertisement and place it through USP Needham, the Commonwealth Government's master press campaign placement agency. (Question No. 4213) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: Was the copy changed between the first and second series of Commonwealth Employment Service full page newspaper advertisements featuring a bee hive; if so, (a) why, (b) what changes were made and (c) who (i) recommended and (ii) authorised these changes. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (a) Two copy options were considered, one relating to improvement of the economy, and the other to the labour market. The first advertisement place referred to the economy. Following release of the April current account statistics, reference to the economy was considered inappropriate. Subsequent advertisements referred to labour market growth. (b) The opening copy changed from ``The improving economic climate in Australia . . . '' to ``Australia's growing labour market . . . '' (c) (i) K. STEELE. Principal Executive Officer, Employer Services Section, Employer Services and Other Clients Branch, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. (ii) R. HILL, Acting Assistant Secretary, Public Communications Branch, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations. (Question Nos 4225-4252) Mr Hawker asked all Ministers, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: How many additional staff members will the Minister's Department need to administer the fringe benefits tax as it applies to the Department's operations. Mr Hurford —The Minister for Finance has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question on behalf of all Ministers: The Government is still assessing the impact of fringe benefits tax on Commonwealth Departments. Staffing resources required by departments to administer the fringe benefits tax payable by them will be considered by the Government as part of the determination of overall staffing levels for 1986-87. (Question No. 4270) Mr Price asked the Minister representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: Do any Commonwealth departments or authorities have responsibility for monitoring the development of new Australian products or processes; if so, does this monitoring extend to analysing whether or not the products or processes are taken up by Australian industry or lost to companies overseas. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce has: major responsibility for implementing industry and technology policy. the Department does monitor product developments and new technologies and is broadly aware of the extent to which products or processes are commercialised in Australia. The Technology Assessment Section of the Department has the function of: identifying priority areas of technology to which particular attention should be paid in Australia; and suggesting what action (if any) needs to be taken to encourage the adoption by Australian industry of the identified priority technologies or the establishment of new industries and/or enterprises based on these technologies. The 150 per cent tax scheme for R&D and the Grants for Industrial R&D (GIRD) recognise the importance of new product development and gives positive support GIRD also allows for support to `generic' technologies and to national interest projects. In addition, there are some Commonwealth agencies or bodies supported by the Commonwealth monitoring the development of specific new products or processes. For example: the Commonwealth supported Innovation Centres have been established to facilitate the commercialisation of Australian inventions (products or processes); the Australian Science and Technology Council advises the Commonwealth Government on the identification and support of new ideas in science and technology likely to be of national importance, the practical development and application of scientific discoveries, the fostering of scientific and technical innovation in industry, etc. the Technological Change Committee of ASTEC seeks to identify and evaluate new and changing technologies of importance to Australia, and factors favouring, or restraints impeding, the introduction or diffusion within Australia of new or existing technologies. the Patent Office has the capability to monitor patenting activity related to Australian-developed products or processes both in Australia and overseas. SIROTECH is involved in monitoring the emergence of new technologies and processes in CSIRO and a number of other institutions (hospitals, universities and research bodies). The central theme of SIROTECH'S activities is to promote the use by Australian industry of such emerging technologies and processes. the Department of Defence carries out monitoring relating to specific defence equipment or products the Department plans to buy. the Commission for the Future disseminates information and educates the community about new products and processes in two days. The Clearing House on Future Issues collects Australian and international information about new products and processes and disseminates the availability of this information very widely to trade unions, businesses, the education section, etc. The Communications and Education Program of the Commission is constantly raising awareness about new products and processes in the media, in the Parliament, in State Impact Seminars, etc. (Question No. 4283) Mr Carlton asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: Is he able to say what have been the number of working days (a) lost and (b) lost per thousand employees for (i) Australia, (ii) Canada, (iii) the U.S., (iv) the U.K., (v) Japan, (vi) West Germany, (vii) France, (viii) Italy, (ix) New Zealand, (x) the OECD and (xi) the 7 major OECD countries for each year 1966 to 1985. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The following table has been compiled from the 1976 and 1985 editions of the International Labour Organisation's Year Book of Labour Statistics for the period 1966 to 1984, which is the latest available time period. There are, however, relevant Australian Bureau of Statistics figures available for Australia for 1985 concerning the number of working days lost and working days lost per thousand employees. These figures are 1.255 million and 230 respectively. In examining the table, it should be noted that there are difficulties in making comparisons between countries on the basis of the ILO figures. This is because the definitions of what constitutes an industrial dispute, the statistical bases, and data collection techniques differ markedly from country to country. By way of example, the ABS and ILO figures for Australia include stoppages of 10 man-days or more which picks up quite small and short disputes. By contrast, whereas previously the U.S.A. used a threshold of 6 workers, since 1981 it has only recorded those disputes of more than one day's or shift's duration and involving more than 1,000 workers. It has been estimated that this change alone reduced the recorded number of days lost in the U.S.A. by between 30 and 40 per cent. Both the U.K. and West Germany count disputes involving more than 10 workers and of more than one day's duration, unless 100 or more working days are lost in which case shorter disputes or disputes involving fewer people may be counted. Canada counts disputes of 10 or more days lost or of more than half a day's duration. France has no restrictions on the size of disputes to be counted, but does not include public sector or agricultural employees in its statistics. Italy has no restrictions on the size of disputes counted. Further, in most countries reporting of disputes is voluntary whereas in Australia employers are legally obliged to file a return on a dispute identified by the ABS for official purposes. INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES-SELECTED OECD COUNTRIES 1966-84 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 Canada WDL ('000)... 5,178 3,975 5,083 7,752 6,540 2,867 7,754 5,776 9,255 10,909 WDL/1,000E... 724 539 674 996 830 355 931 659 1,013 1,175 France WDL ('000)... 2,523 4,204 . . 2,224 1,742 4,388 3,755 3,915 3,380 3,869 WDL/1,000E... 128 213 . . 111 85 214 182 187 160 185 Italy WDL ('000)... 14,474 8,568 9,240 37,825 20,887 14,799 19,497 23,419 19,467 27,189 WDL/1,000E... 777 455 491 2,032 117 794 1,064 1,266 1,030 1,395 Japan WDL ('000)... 2,742 1,830 2,841 3,634 3,915 6,029 5,147 4,604 9,663 8,016 WDL/1,000E... 57 37 57 72 77 118 100 88 185 153 United Kingdom WDL ('000)... 2,398 2,787 4,690 6,846 10,980 13,551 23,909 7,197 14,750 6,012 WDL/1,000E... 96 113 192 280 450 564 995 292 597 265 United States WDL ('000)... 25,400 42,100 49,000 42,869 66,414 47,589 23,066 27,948 48,045 17,563 WDL/1,000E... 348 566 645 550 845 601 331 343 559 205 West Germany WDL ('000)... 27 390 25 249 93 4,484 66 563 1,051 69 WDL/1,000E... 1 15 1 10 4 171 3 21 41 3 7 major OECD countries WDL ('000)... 52,742 63,845 70,879 101,399 110,571 93,707 87,194 73,422 105,611 73,627 WDL/1,000E... 241 291 351 450 487 407 374 315 444 314 All OECD countries WDL ('000)... 55,643 65,848 73,634 105,628 117,801 103,019 91,166 85,668 116,070 53,126 WDL/1,000E... 219 257 308 402 444 388 335 311 414 188 New Zealand WDL ('000)... 99 139 130 139 277 163 135 272 184 215 WDL/1,000E... 97 136 128 133 258 149 122 238 156 176 Australia (A) WDL ('000)... 732 705 1,079 1,958 2,394 3,087 2,010 2,635 6,293 3,510 WDL/1,000E... 154 145 216 381 451 570 368 469 1,097 601 Australia (B) WDL ('000)... 732 705 1,080 1,958 2,394 3,087 2,010 2,635 6,292 3,510 WDL/1,000E... . . 176 261 458 537 669 433 552 1,273 717 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 Canada WDL ('000)... 11,610 3,308 7,393 7,834 3,975 8,879 5,795 4,444 3,874 WDL/1,000E... 1,225 346 740 754 838 807 544 414 352 France WDL ('000)... 5,011 3,666 2,200 3,657 1,686 1,496 2,328 1,484 1,357 WDL/1,000E... 238 173 103 172 79 70 115 70 65 Italy WDL ('000)... 25,378 16,566 10,177 27,530 16,457 10,527 18,563 14,003 8,703 WDL/1,000E... 1,294 837 512 1,373 810 517 915 688 426 Japan WDL ('000)... 3,254 1,519 1,358 930 1,001 554 538 507 354 WDL/1,000E... 62 28 25 17 18 10 10 9 6 United Kingdom WDL ('000)... 3,284 10,142 9,405 29,474 11,964 4,266 5,313 3,754 27,135 WDL/1,000E... 146 448 413 1,273 521 195 248 178 1,282 United States WDL ('000)... 23,962 21,258 23,774 20,409 20,844 16,908 9,061 17,461 8,499 WDL/1,000E... 270 231 248 207 210 168 91 396 185 West Germany WDL ('000)... 534 24 428 483 128 58 15 41 5,618 WDL/1,000E... 21 1 17 19 5 2 1 2 228 7 major OECD countries WDL ('000)... 73,033 56,483 54,735 90,317 61,055 42,688 41,613 24,233 47,041 WDL/1,000E... 305 232 220 356 239 167 164 94 180 All OECD countries WDL ('000)... 112,907 115,610 72,446 119,151 83,796 79,349 48,605 49,407 65,689 WDL/1,000E... 394 392 244 390 275 263 162 163 221 New Zealand WDL ('000)... 488 437 381 382 374 388 330 372 425 WDL/1,000E... 396 350 306 304 293 305 255 291 328 Australia (A) WDL ('000)... 3,799 1,655 2,131 3,964 3,320 4,192 2,158 1,641 1,302 WDL/1,000E... 644 276 355 652 529 656 338 263 202 Australia (B) WDL ('000)... 3,719 1,655 2,131 3,964 3,316 4,192 2,158 1,641 1,307 WDL/1,000E... 773 336 434 787 649 798 392 249 246 NB: see following notes. Sources: ILO Year Book of Labour Statistics (1976 and 1985 editions) and ABS Industrial Disputes, Australia (Catalogue No. 6321.0) Notes: 1. WDL ('000)=working days lost in thousands; WDL/1,000E=working days lost per thousand employees. 2. Australia (A)-Figures have been compiled from the ILO Year Book of Labour Statistics (1976 and 1985 editions). 3. Australia (B)-Figures have been extracted from the ABS monthly publication Industrial Disputes, Australia (Catalogue (No. 6321.0). 4. The ABS, or ``official'', figures for working days lost per thousand employees are generally higher than those derived from the ILO because the former only include, in the employment level, paid employees (and not, for example, self-employed persons and partnerships). It is recommended, therefore, that for purposes of comparison only, the ILO figures be used. 5. Figures for the following countries are not available for the years indicated: * Luxembourg-all years * Greece-all years * France-1968 * Switzerland-1966-1974 and 1984 * Denmark-1966-71 * Belgium-1981-84 * Netherlands-1984 * Eire-1984 * Portugal-1983 * Iceland-1983 and 1984 * Turkey-1966-1974 and 1981-84. (Question No. 4306) Mr Ruddock asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) How many sponsorship applications for relations living in Bulgaria, East Germany, China, Romania, Vietnam and the USSR were lodged on or before 1 October 1985 and not processed. (2) Were fees of $25 for lodgement and $75 for further processing imposed from 1 October 1985 for sponsorship applications; if so, in respect of how many applications have fees at each level been paid. (3) How many applications lapsed on 31 December 1985 for failure to pay fees. Mr Hurford — The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) None. All sponsorships lodged on or before 1 October 1985 have been processed. (2) No. Fees are not imposed for sponsorship lodgement or processing. Fees relate to migration application and processing and are normally paid by applicants overseas although sponsors who lodge sponsorships with Regional Offices of my Department in Australia are asked to pay the $25 application fee on their relatives' behalf due to the difficulty which their relatives might otherwise face in paying the fee. Fees paid in advance by sponsors are refundable if applications are not subsequently lodged overseas. Up until 31 May 1986 applications where the $25 fee had been paid totalled 67,810 and those of the $75 fee totalled 16,014. (3) None. All applications lodged before 1 October 1985 are exempt from the fees. An unknown number of sponsorships made over a number of years, and for which valid applications had not been lodged, lapsed on 31 December 1985. Such sponsorship can be renewed without disadvantage when the sponsor considers the relevant relative is able to lodge an application. Mr Keating —On 11 April 1986 (Hansard, page 2143), Mr Duncan asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, in his capacity as Acting Treasurer, the following question without notice: Has the Minister read an article in the Australian Business of 2 August 1984 entitled `Bending the tax rules with gold?' Is the Minister aware that gold bullion may be bought and sold anonymously in Australia with impunity? Is the Minister aware that anonymous trading in gold bullion is widespread and greatly facilitates tax evasion and money laundering? What steps will the Minister take to provide for the licensing of gold bullion traders and for recording the identities of all parties to each gold bullion transaction that takes place in this country? The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Further to the response of the Acting Treasurer on 11 April 1986, I advise that Commonwealth restrictions on the freedom of Australian residents to own, buy and sell gold in Australia were removed in 1976. However legislation existed in some States to regulate gold buying and some dealings in gold. As to the potential for tax evasion through buying and selling gold for cash, I have obtained some comments for the Commissioner of Taxation. First, I should point out that there is nothing illegal per se about a cash business transaction; like any other commodity, gold can be bought and sold for cash. It is recognised that tax evasion is attempted by means of concealing income arising from cash transactions. However, although cash transactions can give rise to problems in establishing a `paper trail', the Commissioner has a variety of techniques available to him to detect tax evaders and to assess their liabilities. For example, for purposes of the income tax law, he has a general right of access to records and premises that he can exercise in relation to those who provide gold sales and storage facilities . . . and he has power to require information from them. Provisions enacted in December 1984 in the Taxation Administration Act provide severe penalties for falsifying or concealing identity with the intention of deceiving the Commissioner of Taxation or hindering an investigation. The Commissioner can also employ indirect income measurement techniques to audit returns where a taxpayer has not kept adequate records of cash transactions. Essentially these techniques involve the compilation of a statement of source and application of funds, taking into account living expenses, and do not necessarily rely on an ability to focus on specific aspects of a taxpayer's affairs or to detect specific income transactions. For its part the Government remains committed to providing the ATO with sufficient audit resources to increase the level of audit coverage from the present 0.75 per cent to 2 per cent of non-salary and wage earners by 1992. The Government is also sponsoring the Australia Card proposal which will have an impact on the cash economy. The proposals include the expansion of information reporting to the ATO. This expansion would reduce the scope for people to place funds or valuables under false names in investments, bank accounts or safekeeping facilities and should increase the likelihood of funds being invested where reporting measures apply. (Question No. 2335) Mr Blunt asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 12 November 1985: (1) What was the expenditure by the Minister's Department and authorities under the Minister's control on advertising (other than classified newspaper advertising) by individual subject or program in (a) 1983-84 and (b) 1984-85. (2) Who (a) initiated and (b) conducted each campaign. (3) Why was each campaign necessary. (4) What was the basis of remuneration for each campaign. (5) Was the assistance of the (a) Information Co-ordination Branch or (b) Australian Government Advertising Service obtained. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: 1. (a) Nil. (b) (i) Stay in School Campaign of September-October 1984. Campaign-$350,000. Hotline telephone service-$50,000. (ii) Guidelines Campaign of October-November 1984. Campaign-$35,000. Stay in School Campaign 2. (a) Initiated by the Department of Education with Ministerial approval. (b) Conducted by the Department of Education and by the advertising agency Connaghan and May Ayer under the Department's instruction. 3. To improve participation rates by encouraging young people to stay in the education system and to publicise benefits available under student assistance schemes. 4. Advertising agency remuneration was $24,324. 5. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. Guidelines Campaign 2. (a) Initiated by the Department of Education with Ministerial approval. (b) Conducted by the Department of Education. 3. To inform members of the public about the Federal Government's financial guidelines to the Commonwealth Schools Commission. 4. Standard government advertising rates for single placement advertisements. 5. (a) No. (b) No. The Government's policy is that all Australians have a right to equal access of information. The role of Government information programs, including advertising campaigns, is to inform Australians in the most efficient and cost effective manner of their rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities and matters deemed of national importance. The necessity of an information campaign, such as those listed above, is determined according to these criteria. (Question No. 2914) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: What action has been taken since March 1983 to require higher education institutions to undertake positive measures to (a) increase the proportion of school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds or isolated areas who participate in higher education, (b) increase the participation in higher education of persons from disadvantaged groups such as Aborigines and migrants, (c) achieve equal opportunities and expanded roles for women in and through their higher education, (d) expand access, recognition and support for members of the workforce seeking to upgrade their skills and qualifications within their fields of work, (e) expand opportunities for later life entry and (f) assist in the provision of childcare as a means of promoting equal opportunities and improving access to those with parenting responsibilities. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (a) In 1984, the Government provided $10 million for 3,000 additional places in higher education, with further increases in intakes of 1,300 in 1985 and some 2,000 in each of 1986 and 1987 being supported. After allowance is made for the flow through of these additional students into the second and later years of their courses (the pipeline effect), these measures will have provided in total over 22,000 additional places in higher education institutions. These increases have been largely directed towards institutions, such as those in outer metropolitan areas, which serve communities that have concentrations of disadvantaged groups. It has been emphasised that institutions should look to encouraging members of disadvantaged groups to take up the additional places. The Government has also established the Equity Program, which provides funding for projects in institutions to promote equality of opportunity in respect of higher education. Projects funded under this program usually involve innovative approaches to encouraging members of disadvantaged groups to undertake higher education or to provide support for such students once they are enrolled. $1 million has been provided under this Program for each of the years of the 1985-87 triennium. (b) In addition to the measures described in part (a), which include projects incorporating bridging and support programs for Aboriginal students, 150 of the 1985 increased intakes and 200 of those for 1986 have been set aside for Aboriginals. The places have been funded at a higher rate than the general intake, in recognition of the increased levels of support required for these students, who in general have little experience of the higher education environment. (c) A number of projects funded under the Equity Program have been specifically directed towards increasing opportunities for women and girls in non-traditional areas such as engineering and the technologies. More generally, a condition of payments under the States Grants (tertiary Education Assistance) Act is that the State will ensure that the benefits of, and opportunities created by, such payments will, as far as possible, be equally available to male students and female students. (d) & (e) Through the Equity Program, and more general measures, the development of a variety of entry modes to higher education is being supported. These include greater recognition of TAFE qualifications and work experience as a basis for entry into higher education, and the development of special forms of entry for mature age students who do not have a complete secondary education. Such measures recognise the needs and abilities of those who seek higher education as a means of upgrading their skills or who were denied the opportunity of higher education earlier in life. (f) The Government recognises the importance of adequate child care in expanding opportunities for many disadvantaged students. Funding for the building of child care centres at institutions and for the inclusion of child care facilities in multi-purpose buildings is available through the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission's capital program. Institutions are able to provide the running costs of child care from their general recurrent grants, as is the case for other student services. Additional funding may also be provided by the Office of Child Care through its general allocations based on community needs. (Question No. 2939) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) Is the Government opposed to (a) military bases, (b) installations, (c) fortifications, (d) weapons or (e) military movements in space and the (f) researching, (g) testing or (h) deployment of anti-satellite weapons or space-based anti-ballistic missile weapon systems by any nation including the USA and the USSR. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a)-(h) The Government has made it clear that it is opposed to any extension of the arms race into outer space. This would include military bases, military installations, fortifications, weapons and military movements, and the testing and deployment of anti-satellite weapons or space-based anti-ballistic missile weapon systems by any nation. It does not endorse the SDI research program but recognises that the research currently underway may also have wider applications. The Government firmly believes that arms control and disarmament would provide a more effective and lasting defence against ballistic missile attack than any ABM system and has consistently called on both superpowers to enter into balanced and verifiable agreement for significant nuclear arms reduction and for the prevention of an arms race in outer space. (Question No. 3092) Mr Blunt asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) What funds were allocated to the (a) Schools Commission Projects of National Significance and (b) Participation and Equity schemes in (i) 1982-83, (ii) 1983-84, (iii) 1984-85 and (iv) 1985-86. (2) What (a) amount and (b) proportion of funds was specifically allocated in each year for projects to be undertaken in NSW. (3) How and by which body were the funds administered in each year for each scheme. (4) How and by which body were decisions made in each year on the detailed allocation of funds for projects under each scheme. (5) What specific projects were funded under each scheme in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (6) For each project in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant, (b) which individual or group received the grant, (c) what was the amount of the grant and (d) what evaluation has been made to determine if the grant achieved the original objectives for which it was made. (7) What specific projects were denied funding under each scheme in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (8) For each project denied funding in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant sought, (b) which individual or group applied for the grant, (c) what was the amount of grant sought and (d) what was the reason for refusing funding for the application. (9) How does funding for projects under these schemes in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond compare on a per capita basis with funding for projects under the schemes in the Electoral Divisions of (a) Wills, (b) Reid, (c) Parramatta, (d) Robertson, (e) Shortland, (f) Cunningham, (g) Werriwa and (h) Blaxland. (10) How and when were application sought for grants under each scheme in each year. (11) Was any specific advertising undertaken to alert residents of the Electoral Division of Richmond to the existence of these schemes. (12) Will he ensure that in future comprehensive information concerning grant availability and eligibility under these schemes is drawn to the attention of local government bodies, community groups and residents in the Electoral Division of Richmond; if not, why not. (13) If so (a) how and (b) when, will the information be provided. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Projects of National Significance Program (a) The Program funds are allocated by calendar year. The following are the allocations for the relevant years: 1982... 1.486m 1983... 1.940m 1984... 1.785m 1985... 1.858m 1986... 1.866m (2) There are no allocations of funds by State under the Program. Grants are awarded on an Australia-wide basis to the projects that best meet the Program guidelines. Of the various elements of the Program only in the case of School Evaluation can the State and electorate in which the grant is to be spent be clearly identified. Listed below are the actual totals of grants made under School Evaluation in New South Wales in each of the relevant years. The grants are also shown as a percentage of all grants made under the School Evaluation element in each of the relevant years. The School Evaluation element will not operate in 1986. (a) (b) Year Grants in NSW Total Grants % $ $ $ 1982... 14,713 131,192 11.21 1983... 42,087 132,877 31.67 1984... 21,285 104,253 20.42 1985... 32,229 116,862 27.58 (3) At the national level funds are administered under the States Grants (Schools Assistance) Acts by the Commonwealth Schools Commission. Individual grants are administered by the grantees, who report to the Commission either periodically or on the completion of the project. (4) Recommendations on the award of grants under the Program were made to the Commission in the years referred to by advisory committees composed of Commissioners, senior Commission officers and outside experts. (5) None. (6) Not applicable. (7) One School Evaluation application was received in each of 1983 and 1985 from the Electoral Division of Richmond. In each case the application was unsuccessful. (8) Not available. I have been advised by the Commonwealth Schools Commission that information about unsuccessful proposals for funding under its programs is not made available to anybody other than the applicant, because each application is made on a confidential basis. (9) The Commonwealth Schools Commission does not make comparisons between States or electorates in regard to funding or numbers of grants made under the Program. Grants are made on a national basis and the criteria for funding are national significance, the quality of the proposal and the relevance of the proposal to stated priorities. (10) The Program guidelines (titled Commonwealth Programs for Schools in 1986), outline the administrative procedures for Commonwealth programs administered by the Commission (and in 1986 by the Department of Education). These are sent out to every school in Australia, and in 1986 and in some previous years they were also sent to the each school's parent group. The School Evaluation element, is the only element under which school level projects were funded. Brochures outlining arrangements for such grants were made available each year to system authorities, education centres, national parent groups, teachers' unions and other groups for distribution to schools and to their clients. In 1984 a one page insert was placed in Education News, a publication distributed by the Department of Education to every school in Australia. Advertisements have also been placed in capital city newspapers, and in some years in major provincial city newspaers. For other elements in the Program, under which national level projects have been funded, advertisements have been placed in the national press. (11) No specific advertising is undertaken in relation to any specific Electoral Division. (12) and (13) As indicated, extensive information will continue to be provided to schools, system authorities and interest groups in all parts of Australia. (1) (b) Participation and Equity Program This Program, which commenced in 1984, has a schools element (including an Aboriginal education element) and a TAFE element. Funding is provided on a calendar year basis. Funds allocated under the Program are as follows: Schools Year Government Non- government Aboriginal Education element $ $ $ 1984... 40,146,000 4,686,000 - 1985... 40,977,000 4,755,000 1,191,000* 1986... 20,563,000 2,376,000 599,000 * This additional element was initiated in 1985. (2) (a) and (b) The funds allocated to New South Wales in each year, together with the percentage of total allocation to the sector, are: Year Government Non- government Aboriginal Education element $ % $ % $ % 1984... 13,244,000 (33) 1,564,000 (33) - 1985... 13,390,000 (33) 1,580,000 (33) 213,720 (18) 1986... 6,749,000 (33) 770,000 (32) 106,910 (18) (3) At the National level the Participation and Equity Program is administered in the schools sector by the Commonwealth Schools Commission. Joint Commonwealth-State committees for both government and non-government sectors have been established in all States and Territories. These committees are responsible for advising at the State and Territory level on the administration and implementation of the Program in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Commonwealth Minister for Education. (4) Approval of projects and the allocation of funds is undertaken in two stages. Each year the Commonwealth Minister for Education or her delegate approves a program of activities submitted by each State and Territory government and non-government Participation and Equity Program Committee. These programs comprise an outline, in some detail including funding levels, of initiatives to be conducted in schools and at the system level. The second stage involves the identification of individual projects and grants and the forwarding of this information to the Commission. (5) The following government schools in the Richmond electorate have been designated target schools and received priority funding in 1984 and 1985: Nimbin Central School Tweed River High School. No non-government schools in the electorate received direct funding under PEP. Funding details for 1986 are not yet available. (6) to (9) These details are not available at the Commonwealth level. (10) In the main, PEP is not a submission or application based program. The bulk of funds is allocated to target schools designated by the State Program Committees as those schools serving the most disadvantaged students. Once targeted, schools' Participation and Equity Committees plan and develop proposals focussing specifically on the problems and difficulties which lead to their inclusion in the Program. The remainder of funds is directed at system level activities which may impact on all schools. In the New South Wales government system in 1985 some funds were available for activities in non-targeted schools. Advice about the availability of funds for this category of schools was issued by the New South Wales Department of Education to all New South Wales government schools with secondary enrolments. Funding proposals were approved by the State Program Committee on advice from regional PEP committees. System level funds have been made available for the conduct of activities by community organisations. Advertisements calling for applications for the funding in this category of projects are placed by the New South Wales Education Department in the Daily Telegraph, the Sydney Morning Herald and the newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of New South Wales. In November 1985, 500 handbills advertising the available funds were distributed to local government agencies throughout the State. Advertisements were also placed in provincial newspapers. (11) No specific action has been taken by the Commonwealth to advertise the Program in the Electoral Division of Richmond. However, at the beginning of 1984 copies of the Commission's report on the philosophy and development of the Program, Participation and Equity in Australian Schools: The Goal of Full Secondary Education, were forwarded to all Australian schools with secondary enrolments. Program guidelines (titled Commonwealth Programs for Schools in 1986), outline the administration guidelines for Commonwealth Schools Commission programs (and in 1986 certain Department of Education programs) and are sent out to every school in Australia. State systems also distribute to all schools details of the administration of the Program. (12) and (13) As indicated, extensive information will continue to be provided to schools, system authorities and interest groups in all parts of Australia. (1) (b) TAFE* 1984 ... $30,668,000 1985 ... $36,176,000 1986 ... $18,890,000 (2) (a) and (b) % 1984 ... $10,906,300 35.6 1985 ... $13,113,000 36.3 1986 ... $6,854,000 36.3 * includes grants under PEP for programs and projects of national significance funds. (3) TAFE sector funds are administered by the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission (CTEC) and paid to the State Treasuries for transfer to the State TAFE authorities after program/project proposals have been approved and forwarded by the State PEP Committee to CTEC for approval by the Minister's delegate. (4) Each year the Commonwealth Minister for Education or her delegate approves a program of activities submitted by each State and Territory. All States/Territories have PEP Advisory Committees which advise on the detailed allocation of funds for TAFE college courses and for courses provided by community groups. Funds for PEP (TAFE) Projects of National Significance are allocated and approved by the Minister's delegate after proposals have been invited. (5)- Course Course Weeks 1986 Lismore Retail/Auto Spares... 10 Horticulture/ Agriculture... 12 Office Preparation... 20 Murwillumbah Catering/Hospitality... 12 Hospitality/Tourism... 12 1985 Lismore (and centres) Introduction to Trades (Aborigines)... 17 Introduction to Trades (Aborigines)... 17 Basic Skills... 12 Introduction to Tourism... 13 Fibreglassing... 10 Retail Servicing... 12 Plant Operations & Maintenance... 12 Agriculture/Horticulture... 18 Roadies... 16 Hospitality (Ballina)... 18 Hospitality (Byron Bay)... 14 Basic Skills... 12 Murwillumbah Catering Hospitality... 10 Basic Skills... 10 1984 Lismore (and centres) EPUY (Byron Bay)... 13 EPUY (Ballina)... 10 EPUY (Lismore) x 2... 10 W.S. Retail... 12 W.S. Roadie... 16 W.S. Hospitality... 14 W.S. Hospitality (Ballina)... 14 GSN-Intro. to Trades for Aboriginals... 18 Murwillumbah W.S. Catering/Hospitality... 12 W.S. Home Aide... 13 (6) (a) Projects listed in 5 above, are courses, components of theState TAFE Participation and Equity Program. Principal purpose of these grants is to provide courses for young unemployed people which will lead to vocational training, employment or further education. (b) Grants are distributed to College or community group course providers by the State Advisory Committee. (c) Totals of grants to individual colleges are not available at the Commonwealth level. Funds are made available to State bodies for distribution. (d) A national evaluation of the Program has been commissioned. Individual States also undertake evaluative studies, but no details are available. (7) to (9) Information not available at Commonwealth level. (10) and (11) The national allocation of Participation and Equity funds is divided among the States on the basis of the size of the population of 15-24 year old unemployed persons. State Advisory Committees distribute the grant among the schools, TAFE non-government and community group sectors. The State Committee has responsibility for advertising the availability of the funds and encouraging and assisting proposals. In the TAFE sector in New South Wales, colleges are invited to submit proposals for courses to the State Committee; grants for community providers are publicly advertised. (12) and (13) The current practice of advertising the availability of PEP funds for the TAFE sector will continue. (Question No. 3184) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 14 February 1986: (1) Is it a fact that action has been initiated against both Mr D. L. Price of Murray Bridge, S.A., and the Aboriginal Development Commission (ADC) as a result of work which Mr Price undertook on behalf of the ADC. (2) Has the ADC decided not to assist Mr Price in the defamation action, Hillock-v-Price. (3) If the ADC will not provide financial assistance to Mr Price is it because he is not an Aboriginal; if so, is this decision inconsistent with the Government's stated policy of equality as set out in Article 1 of the Australian Bill of Rights Bill. (4) Does the Government support the decision of the ADC in this case; if not, will he ensure that the ADC provides appropriate support for Mr Price. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. Mr D. L. Price was sued in defamation over the contents of a report he provided to the Aboriginal Development Commission in his capacity as an independent professional consultant. Mr Price settled out of court and sought financial assistance from the Commission to meet his legal expenses. The Commission is being sued in defamation by a different plaintiff over the contents of a press release (September 1981) and a letter in the same month to the newspaper, the Adelaide Advertiser. The Commission is defending the action. (2) Yes. (3) It is the Commission's view that the costs were incurred by Mr Price in his capacity as an independent professional consultant. Accordingly the Commission does not have an obligation to Mr Price in this matter and consequently does not have the power to assist him under the Aboriginal Development Commission Act 1980. (4) The Commission is an independent statutory authority and is not subject to specific direction by Government on operational decisions taken in the exercise of its statutory powers. (Question No. 3190) Mr Braithwaite asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 14 February 1986: (1) What action has he taken in the development of trade with Taiwan. (2) What guidelines does his Department follow in relation to the development of trade with Taiwan. (3) What is the value to Australia of trade with Taiwan. (4) Has his Department prepared any projections on the potential for trade with Taiwan; if so, will he make the results available. (5) Has his Department been represented on an interdepartmental committee inquiring into issues affecting Taiwan and Australia; if so, what were the recommendations of the committee. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Province of Taiwan (Taiwan) was in 1984/85 our sixth most important trading partner and a valuable market for a number of Australian raw materials and agricultural products. I am aware of the high level of commercial interest in the market. Following representations to me from the private sector on matters concerning the trade and commercial relationship with Taiwan, an Interdepartmental Committee was convened. See (5) below. (2) In December 1972, Australia recognised the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China, including Taiwan. The Australian Government affords no recognition to the authorities in Taiwan and there is no Trade Commissioner based there. Assistance is available to companies to develop trade from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and its office in Taipei. (3) Strong growth rates in two way trade have been recorded in recent years reflecting a growing penetration of the Australian market by Taiwan and an expanding demand for Australian raw materials to support the development of Taiwan's industrial base. In 1984/85 Australian exports to Taiwan were valued at $856 million and imports from Taiwan were valued at $1,053 million. (4) No. However, information available to the Department of Trade on economic developments in Taiwan suggests that the outlook for continued growth in this economy is promising. The Australian Chamber of Commerce, through its office in Taipei, has undertaken studies on the market in Taiwan for a variety of products. These reports are available from the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Canberra. (5) Yes. The Committee was established to review various aspects of Australia's relationship with Taiwan, including the commercial relationship. The Committee was not required to make specific recommendations although a focus of activity has been the streamlining of visa issuing procedures for applications from Taiwan. (Question No. 3341) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions numbers 3216 to 3243, what (a) was that stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-1985, (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip, (c) was the duration of each trip, (d) were the countries visited during each trip and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the airfare component identified separately. Mr Young —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a)-(e) The following table sets out details of overseas trips made by employees of the Minister's portfolio. DEPARTMENT OF THE SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE Stated Purpose Classification Duration Countries Visited Costs Other costs Airfares Accompany the Political Exchange Program De-legation Executive Officer (Class 9) 15.7.84-12.8.84 USA, Canada $2,123.97 $4,174.40 Attend commissioning ceremony for Computer Installation and lead delegation at ONCB Joint Project Co-ordination Committee Meeting Secretary 27.7.84-5.8.84 Thailand $1,948.60 $3,364.00 Protective security survey in advance of Prime Minister's visit Clerical Admin Class 8 31.7.84-8.8.84 Papua New Guinea $900.54 $980.54 Protective security survey in advance of Prime Minister's visit Clerical Admin Class 11 18.8.84-27.8.84 Fiji, Tuvala $1,121.12 $1,672.00 Official fact-finding visit-Royal Commission on the Use and Effects of Chemical Agents on Australian Personnel in Vietnam Clerical Admin Class 9 21.9.84-22.10.84 USA, Britain, Singapore $5,662.55 $4,500.00 Official fact-finding visit-Royal Commission on the Use and Effects of Chemical Agents on Australian Personnel in Vietnam Judge's Associate 21.9.84-20.10.84 USA, Britain, Europe, Singapore $5,885.24 $4,500.00 Attend New Zealand Institute of Public Administration Conference Head, Commonwealth Grants Commission 30.9.84-8.10.84 New Zealand $792.86 $828.00 Protective Security survey of Canadian Papal visit Assistant Secretary Level 1 13.10.84-27.10.84 USA, Canada $1,759.08 $4,851.00 Extradition of R. Trimbole Det. Superintendent-Joint Task Force on Drug Trafficking 28.10.84-15.11.84 United Kingdom $1,421.17 $10,476.00 Extradition of R. Trimbole Det. Senior Sergeant-Joint Task Force on Drug Trafficking 28.10.84-29.11.84 United Kingdom $1,925.54 $10,476.00 Protective Security Survey-Funeral of Mrs Gandhi Assistant Secretary Level 1 1.11.84-4.11.84 India $120.86 $1,321.00 Protective Security Survey in advance of Prime Minister's visit Assistant Secretary Level 1 22.1.85-11.2.85 USA, Ireland, Belgium, Britain $2,739.60 $5,697.00 Attend 31st Session-United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs* A/g First Assistant Secretary Level 3 5.2.85-20.2.85 Austria $2,751.65 $4,500.00 Joint Project Co-ordination Committee meeting-ONCB A/g First Assistant Secretary Level 3 (and spouse) 1.3.85-8.3.85 Thailand $1,355.49 $4,500.00 Lead Australian Delegation at meeting of Joint Project Co-ordinating Committee ONCB. Discussions with Thai Law Enforcement officials Secretary 1.3.85-8.3.85 Thailand $1.251.44 $3,364.00 Protective Security survey in advance of Prime Minister's visit Clerical Admin Class 11 15.3.85-25.3.85 USA, Canada $1,715.14 $4,840.20 Administrative Post Inspection-ONCB Project Senior Assistant Secretary, Level 2 21.5.85-28.5.85 Thailand $1,118.21 $3,221.00 Overseas Study Tour-National Road Freight Industry Inquiry Secretary of Inquiry 2.6.85-11.6.85 USA $1,348.00 $4,168.00 Accompany Minister to discuss law enforcement matters particularly drug trafficking with senior officials Secretary (and spouse) 2.6.85-29.6.85 USA, Britain, Netherlands, France, Austria, Thailand, Hong Kong $15,800.00 $13,422.00 Attend South-West Pacific Police Commissioners Conference and talk with P.N.G. Government officers Assistant Secretary Level 1 8.6.85-13.6.85 Papua New Guinea $1,174.55 $1,545.00 Study Law Enforcement Techniques Chief Inspector (Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence) 15.6.85-14.7.85 USA, Canada $5,112.31 $5,315.20 * Funded by Department of Foreign Affairs NATIONAL CRIME AUTHORITY Stated Purpose Classification Duration Countries Visited Costs Other costs Airfares Attendance at (i) conference organised by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in co-operation with the OECD Committee for Information, Computer and Communication Policy, (ii) meeting of OECD Ad Hoc Committee on Computer-related Crim-inality. General Counsel Assisting the Authority, Melbourne Regional Office-appointed by AG under 6.50 of the National Crime Authority Act 1984 26.11.84-14.12.84 France, Federal Republic of Germany, Britain $2,718.00 $4,402.00 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE Stated Purpose Classification Duration Countries Visited Costs Other Costs+ Airfares* Temporary Posting Senior Sergeant 4.8.84-4.2.85 U.S.A., (Los Angeles) $4,682.00 $1,572.00 Temporary Posting Senior Sergeant 4.8.84-4.2.85 U.S.A., (Washington) $4,227.00 $2,072.00 Advance VIP Protection-P.M. Inspector 31.7.74-9.8.84 Papua New Guinea $682.00 $450.00 VIP Protection-P.M. Senior Constable 6.8.84-9.8.84 Papua New Guinea $160.00 RAAF VIP Protection-P.M. Detective Sergeant 6.8.84-9.8.84 Papua New Guinea $150.00 RAAF Extradition Det. Inspector Prisoner 19.8.84-26.8.84 U.S.A. U.S.A. to Australia $630.00 $3,646.00 $1,905.00 Extradition Senior Constable 19.8.84-30.8.84 U.S.A. $610.00 $3,646.00 Advance VIP Protection-P.M. Inspector 19.8.84-30.8.84 Fiji $763.00 $836.00 VIP Protection-P.M. First Constable 25.8.84-30.8.84 Fiji $465.00 RAAF Interpol General Assembly and Post Inspection Commissioner and Spouse 24.8.84-26.9.84 U.K., France, Cyprus, Austria, West Germany, Luxmembourg, Thailand $8,200.00 $15,100.00 Interpol General Assembly and Post Inspection Inspector 24.8.84-26.9.84 As above $5,000.00 $6,816.00 Operational Investigation Det. Sergeant 26.8.84-3.9.84 Germany $830.00 $4,402.00 International Forensic Science Conference Liason Visit Ass. Commissioner 5.9.84-3.10.84 Singapore, U.K., Hong Kong $2,693.00 $4,404.00 VIP Protection-P.M.'s wife Det. Sergeant 5.9.84-19.9.84 U.K., Belgium $2,932.00 $4,804.00 Operational Investigation Det. Sergeant 26.11.84-14.12.84 U.S.A., West Germany, Singapore $2,133.00 $4,974.00 Witness Travel Witness 1.11.84-8.11.84 From Fiji $984.00 Prisoner Escort Det. Sergeant 7.12.84-12.12.84 New Zealand $154.00 $860.00 Prisoner Escort Prisoner 7.12.84-12.12.84 To New Zealand $434.00 FBI Conference Inspector 5.1.85-18.1.85 U.S.A. $1,259.00 $860.00 Operational Investigation Sergeant 26.1.85.-31.1.85 New Zealand $182.00 $644.00 U.N. Commission on Narcotics and General Liaison Deputy Commissioner 28.1.85-26.2.85 U.K., Austria, Hong Kong (y) (y) Advance VIP Protection-P.M. Inspector 21.2.85-11.2.85 U.S.A., Belgium $3,611.00 $3,368.00 VIP Protection-P.M. Senior Sergeant 2.2.85-11.2.85 U.S.A., Belgium $2,640.00 VIP Protection-P.M. Senior Constable 2.2.85-11.2.85 U.S.A., Belgium $1,473.00 $2,507.00 Attend Officer Training Course as Tutor Chief Inspector 12.2.85-19.2.85 From New Zealand $110.00 $667.00 Advance VIP Protection-P.M. Inspector 15.3.85-25.3.85 U.S.A., Canada $1,718.00 $2,555.00 VIP Protection-P.M. First Constable 21.3.85-29.3.85 U.S.A., Canada $2,264.00 $4,419.00 VIP Protection-P.M. Sergeant 21.3.85-25.3.85 U.S.A., Canada $675.00 RAAF Operational Investigation Sergeant 26.3.85-29.3.85 Singapore $1,257.00 $2,036.00 VIP Protection-Governor-General Stn. Sergeant 8.4.85-15.4.85 Solomons, Papua New Guinea $469.00 RAAF Operational Investigation Chief Inspector 8.4.85-21.4.85 Hong Kong $2,019.00 $2,789.00 Officers Course Various Ranks 24 People 27.4.85-10.5.85 New Zealand $1608.00 $15456.00 Attend Course Liaison Visit Senior Sergeant (Ex Christmas Is) 10.5.85-11.6.85 Singapore, Australia $503.00 $2275.00 Operational Investigation Senior Sergeant 22.5.85-21.6.85 Spain, Greece, Italy $3921.00 $4854.00 Operational Investigation Det. Sergeant 25.5.85-2.6.85 Papua New Guinea $1496.00 $1274.00 Operational Investigation Chief Inspector 25.5.85-2.6.85 Papua New Guinea $1770.00 $1274.00 Australasian and South West Pacific Region Chief of Police Conference Commissioner 4.6.85-12.6.85 Papua New Guinea $1495.00 $1544.00 Australasian and South West Pacific Region Chief of Police Conference SES LV 3 4.6.85-12.6.85 Papua New Guinea $1110.00 $1544.00 VIP Protection-Governor General Stn. Sergeant 7.6.85-18.6.85 Norfolk Island, New Zealand $331.00 RAAF Temporary Posting (Relief Duties) Superintendent 25.6.85-2.9.85 UK (London) $4900.00 $4594.00 Temporary Posting (Relief Duties) Inspector 28.6.85-5.9.85 Hong Kong, Phillipines $8556.00 $3276.00 Notes (x) Honlea Conference funded by Department of Foreign Affairs International Conference Vote $665.00 represents additional airfare paid for post inspections (y) Funded by Department of Foreign Affairs International Conference Vote + T/A including Travelling Allowance, Equipment Allowance, Miscellaneous Expenditure * Airfares include excess baggage and reduced hotel accommodation if paid to Qantas AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION Stated Purpose Classification Duration Countries Visited Costs Other Costs Airfare To observe Greek elections Aust. Electoral Office 21 days* Greece $2611.00 $4026.00 To act as interpreter at Greek elections for Aust. Electoral Officer Clerical Admin. Class 8 21 days* Greece $1534.00 $3726.00 Attend Redistribution Seminar in London Electoral Comm. 7 days UK $356.39 $4270.80 Observe Administration of Funding and Disclosure legislation during Canadian general election and visit electoral officers in USA Clerical Admin. Class 11 29 days Canada, USA $2707.33 $5012.40 Postal Voting on SS Oriana, 1984 Elections Clerical Admin. Class 8 12 days **Singapore $453.13 $826.00 Postal Voting on SS Canberra, 1984 Elections Clerical Admin. Class 9 17 days **USA, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico $619.11 $2767.00 Postal Voting on SS Fairstar, 1984 Elections Clerical Admin. Class 5 10 days **Fiji $195.00 $461.00 * Trips commenced in 1983-84 Financial Year ** Ports of Departure and call on Cruises (Question No. 3348) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to question No. 3227, what (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85 (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip (c) was the duration of each trip (d) were the countries visited during each trip (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the airfare component identified separately. Mr West —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Purpose Classification Duration Countries visited Cost (i) Attend 9th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering in San Francisco and examine standards of technical excellence in engineering and construction organisations specifically Government Services Administration in Washington and Public Works Department and the Public Building Corporation in Canada. Director of Engineering, Level 4, Senior Executive Service 4 weeks USA, Canada Airfare-$5791.60 Other-$6646.03 (ii) Attend Conference entitled ``Architecture 1984-The State of the Art'' conducted by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Discussion with Property Services Agency in UK, and USA General Services Agency and various private architectural firms on urban developments in relation to the Darling Harbour redevelopment project being undertaken by the NSW Public Works Department. Director of Architecture, Level 4, Senior Executive Service 4 1/2 weeks UK, USA, FRG, France, Thailand Airfare-$4720.60 Other-$6831.47 (iii) Attend 9th International Congress of the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Housing in Hong Kong, attend the Cipta Karya Project Evaluation Board meeting to discuss village projects in Northern Sumatra on behalf of the Australian Advisory Unit in Jakarta and visit other Australian Aid Projects in Indonesia. Chief Hydraulics Engineer, Level 2, Senior Executive Service 3 weeks Hong Kong, Indonesia Airfare-$3084.00 -$3084.00 (Wife travelling at official expense) Other-$3415.65 (iv) Attend 12th Congress of International Association for Bridge and Functional Engineering in Vancouver. Attend International Symposium of Sea Structures in Arctic Regions, in Calgary. Liaise with US and Canadian Government authorities specialising in cold region engineering and construction in relation to the redevelopment of three Australian Antarctic stations. The Department of Housing and Construction has assumed full responsibility for program management, design, fabrication, construction and commissioning of all facilities. Engineer, Class 3 4 weeks Canada, USA Airfare-$5008.45 Other-$5667.03 (v) Joint RAAF, RMAF, DHC inspection of the airfield and civil facilities at Butterworth Airbase in preparation for handover to RMAF. Chief Aerodromes and Roads Engineer, Level 2, Senior Executive Service 10 days Malaysia Airfare-$1242.00 Other-$351.65 (vi) Attend Biennial Conference of the ``International Associations on Water Pollution Research and Control'' in Holland and the ``International Conference on the Planning, Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Sewerage Systems'' in UK. Engineer, Class 3 8 days (Recall to Duty) Holland, UK Airfare-$288.00 (UK to Holland return) Other-$1484.00 (vii) Joint discussions with RAAF, RMAF, Department of Housing and Construction and the Malaysian Minister of Defence on transfer of maintenance at Butterworth Airfield Base to RMAF. Engineer, Class 5 2 1/2 weeks Malaysia Other-$1195.31 Airfare-Nil (Transport provided by RAAF) (viii) Accompany Minister for Housing and Construction on a construction oriented trade mission aimed at increasing general awareness of the capacity and competence of the Australian Construction Industry. Secretary, Department of Housing and Construction 4 weeks China, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore Airfare-$4581.00 -$4581.00 (Wife travelling at official expense) Other-$4899.53 (ix) Accompany Minister for Housing and Construction on a construction oriented trade mission aimed at increasing general awareness of the capacity and competence of the Australian Construction Industry First Assistant Secretary, Level 3, Senior Executive Service 4 weeks China, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore Airfare-$4581.00 Other-$4351.64 (x) Assess impact of deregulation of US finance system on availability of housing finance. Examine developments in secondary mortgage market in the US. Review changes in provision of public housing assistance by the US Government. Assess effectiveness of government interventions in the supply and demand for private rental accommodation in North America and assess their application to Australian conditions First Assistant Secretary, Level 3, Senior Executive Service 4 weeks USA, Canada Airfare-$4586.20 Other-$5552.27 (xi) Inspection of aid and building projects by Project Manager Project Manager, Class 2 3 weeks Papua-New Guinea, China, Thailand, Malaysia Airfare-$2915.40 Other-$2673.80 (xii) Discussions on design and building of Beijing Embassy on behalf of the Overseas Property Office, Department of Local Government and Administrative Services Architect, Class 5 8 days China Airfare-$2996.00 Other-$784.27 (xiii) Examine various aspects of building design including fire safety, energy conservation power systems etc., in relation to Commonwealth Centre in Adelaide Architect, Class 4 2 weeks UK, USA Airfare-$4881.90 Other-$2397.65 (xiv) Study tour to obtain specific information on operations of the concrete paving equipment to be used on the new Brisbane International Airport, specifically paving train operations and use Engineer, Class 4 2 weeks UK, Belgium, Malaysia, Singapore Airfare-$4402.00 Other-$1395.76 (xv) Study tour of major public works authorities of similar size to the Department of Housing and Construction, looking particularly at developments in management aspects of construction, latest computing applications in works programming and design, management systems and asset management and personnel aspects of industrial democracy, occupational health and safety, unionism and management information systems Deputy Secretary, Level 5 Senior Executive Service 6 weeks Japan, Canada, USA, UK, FRG, Sweden, Singapore Airfare-$6732.00 $6732.00 (wife travelling at official expense) Other-$11290.04 (xvi) Discuss laboratory planning and inspect facilities with Department of Education and Science in London and Panum Institute in Copenhagen and inspect selected maritime museums in UK and Federal Republic of Germany relating to integration of new and old buildings, site developments, building and services design and exhibition fittings and layout A/g Director of Architecture, Level 4, Senior Executive Service 5 days (Recall to Duty) UK, Denmark, FRG No airfare involved Other-$1011.22 (xvii) Commence 2 year posting to Thailand-supervise construction of the Bangkok Embassy and Apartments project on behalf of the Overseas Property Office, Department of Local Government and Administrative Services Senior Technical Officer, Grade 1 2 years Thailand Airfare-$2720.00 (Accompanied by wife) Other-$29319.10 (Covers all allowances and other costs of posting for 1984-85 Financial year) (xviii) Commence 2 year posting to Saudi Arabia-resident Architect in Riyadh Embassy Project Architect, Class 4 2 years Saudi Arabia Airfare-$1488.00 Other-$61210.76 (Covers all allowances and other costs of posting for 1984-85 Financial year) (xix) Assist the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services in supply and installation of a new alternative power system in the Lagos Embassy and carry out site survey and investigation in New Delhi with a view to economically resolving problems in the standby power system at the High Commission. Electrical Engineer, Class 4 6 weeks Nigeria, India Airfare-$6,296.00 Other-$5,413.41 (xx) Provide assistance with the replacement of the Australian Exhibit at the Commonweath Institute, London on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Architect, Class 5 8 days UK Airfare-$2,906.90 Other-$933.12 (xxi) Study tour in conjuction with Department of Science to examine the suitability of building modules used overseas under similar rigorous cold climatic conditions to that in the Antarctic-Re Antarctic Rebuilding Program. Engineer, Class 3 5 weeks Norway, Sweden, Denmark, FRG, UK, France, USA, Canada Airfare-$5,651.28 Other-$6,697.69 (xxii) Inspection visits to Bangkok from Riyadh by resident architect on Bangkok Embassy and Housing Project. Architect, Class 4 3 weeks Thailand Airfare-$6,200.00 Other-$4,300.00 (xxiii) Attend ``International Seminar on Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams'' in Denver and have discussions with State/Private Water Resource Authorities. Engineer, Class 4 4 weeks USA Airfare-$4,465.20 Other-$4,172.08 (xxiv) Visit US defence establishments involved in fire protection specifically fire protection policies, design philosophies and types of equipment used, in view of the amount of work this Department does for Department of Defence. Supervising Materials Scientist 5 days (Recall to Duty) USA Airfare-$488.50 Other-$1,245.23 (xxv) Inspection of installations of Bangkok Embassy Project to ensure design intent, compliance with specifications and attend to any specific problems. Engineer, Class 3 2 weeks Thailand Airfare-$3,140.20 Other-$1,277.51 (xxvi) Inspection of projects on behalf of the Overseas Property Office, Department of Local Government and Administrative Services. Project Manager, Class 2 3 weeks China, Thailand, Japan Airfare-$3,769.00 Other-$3,423.84 (xxvii) Review of documentation for Beijing Embassy Project. Architect, Class 5 2 weeks China, Japan Airfare-$3,436.00 Other-$1,973.97 (xxviii) Investigate the extent of use of raised floors in office buildings for cable reticulation and evaluate success or otherwise of cable reticulation in various buildings in the UK and Federal Republic of Germany using raised floors. Architect, Class 3 4 days (Recall to Duty) UK, FRG Airfare-$302.00 (London to Cologne return) Other-$898.41 (xxix) Inspection of Bangkok Housing Project by resident Architect in Riyadh. Architect, Class 4 1 week Thailand Airfare-$1,620.00 Other-$1,580.00 (xxx) Attend ``ASHRAE Advance Program Annual Meeting'' (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Airconditioning Engineers, Inc.) Assistant Secretary, Level 2, Senior Executive Service 9 days USA-(Hawaii) Airfare-$3,122.00 Other-$2,547.94 (xxxi) Attend ``South Pacific Regional Workshop on Housing'' under IYSH Program. Present a paper on Australia's national IYSH Program to delegates. Assistant Secretary, Level 1, Senior Executive Service 7 days Papua-New Guinea Airfare-$1,462.00 Other-$1,051.84 Housing Loans Insurance Corporation (xxxii) Discussion with reinsurers in Europe and with mortgage insurers and other agencies involved in the secondary mortgage market in Canada and the USA. Chairman, Managing Director 4 weeks UK, France, Finland, Belgium, Canada, USA Airfare-$13,614.00 (Accomp. by wife) Other-$7,900.00 Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation Note: The information below relates to travel charged to Overheads-does not include Project Travel. (xxxiii) Discussions Trengganu and Batang Ai Projects SES 5 1 1/2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2282.00 Other-$1198.04 (xxiv) Short Term Assistance Malaysian Office Engineer A 3 months Malaysia Other-$5253.17 (1) (xxxv) IBC Meeting Khao Laem and Tank Irrigation Projects SES 5 1 1/2 weeks Malaysia, Thailand, Burma Airfare-$2779.00 Other-$786.89 (xxxvi) Short Term Assistance Indonesian Office Engineer Grade B 3 months Indonesia Airfare-$2911.91 Other-$10164.20 (xxxwvii) Discussions Champagne Project SES 5 1 week Mauritius Airfare-$3472.30 Other-$670.25 (xxxviii) Review of projects and Business Development Managing Director 1 week Indonesia Airfare-$2798.00 Other-$627.03 (xxxix) Discussions Kedung Ombo Project Chief Engineer 1 1/2 weeks Indonesia Airfare-$1884.00 Other-$681.10 (xl) Discussions Marsyangdi Project Nepal SES 5 1 1/2 weeks Germany Airfare-$4391.00 Other-$2358.35 (Xli) Trade Mission with Mr C. Hurford, Minister for Housing & Construction Managing Director 3 weeks Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia Airfare-$3745.00 Other-$3210.82 (Xlii) Discussions and follow up Samar Review Engineer B 3 weeks Indonesia Airfare-$2487.40 Other-$1807.57 (xliii) Discussions Jatigede and Kedung Ombo Projects Executive Engineer 1 1/2 weeks Indonesia Airfare-$1010.05 Other-$849.84 (xliv) Project Inspections Executive Engineer 1 1/2 weeks Bangladesh, Philippines, Hong Kong Other-$835.61 (2) (xlv) Project Inspections SES 5 5 days Papua New Guinea Other-$745.41 (2) (xlvi) Discussions on Johore Proposal SES 5 1 1/2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2234.00 Other-$1319.97 (xlvii) Business Development-World Bank, UNDP Managing Director 2 weeks USA Airfare-$5035.40 Other-$2775.46 (xlviii) Discussions Yonki Dam, Project Managers' Conference, REAAA Conference SES 5 2 weeks Philippines, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Papua New Guinea Airfare-$4793.00 Other-$1952.36 (xlix) Project Managers' Conference Engineer C 6 days Philippines Airfare-$2514.20 Other-$1807.57 (l) Project Managers' Conference Business Manager 1 1/2 weeks Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia Airfare-$3369.00 Other-$1051.33 (li) Project Managers' Conference Executive Engineer 1 1 week Philippines Airfare-$2506.00 (2) (lii) Project Managers' Conference Engineer C 1 week Philippines Airfare-$1033.21 Other-$596.40 (liii) Ramu Lines Proposal Meeting Executive Engineer 2 6 days Papua New Guinea Airfare-$1340.00 Other-$836.72 (liv) Pontian Dam Investigation Executive Engineer 1 1/2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2116.00 Other-$809.49 (lv) Visit Head Office, Manager Indonesia Executive Engineer 2 5 days Australia Airfare-$1941.32 Other-$750.61 (lvi) Discussions Rompin Endau and Pontian Dam Projects SES 5 2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2237.00 Other-$1211.28 (lvii) Discussions Rompin Endau Project SES 5 2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2150.00 Other-$908.99 (lviii) Kedung Ombo Design Executive Engineer 2 1 week Indonesia Airfare-$1596.12 (2) (lvix) Project Inspections Executive Engineer 2 1/2 weeks Malaysia, Indonesia Other-$685.20 (2) (lx) Study Visit Re aid in Pacific Area Engineer B 2 1/2 weeks Vanuatu, Solomon Islands Airfare-$1119.00 Other-$2434.92 (lxi) Review Team Re aid in Philippines Engineer B 2 weeks Philippines Airfare-$1181.00 Other-$3314.63 (lxii) Review of Projects and Business Development Director 1 1 week Indonesia Airfare-$2061.00 Other-$1092.54 (lxiii) Discussions Trengganu Project SES 5 2 weeks Malaysia Airfare-$2241.00 Other-$1469.23 (lxiv) Develop cost control system for Indonesian Projects Administrative Officer C 5 days Indonesia Airfare-$1850.00 Other-$420.37 (lxv) Attend REAAA Council Meeting SES 5 1 week New Zealand Airfare-$847.70 Other-$701.50 (lxvi) Visit projects and attend Project Managers' Conference SES 5 2 weeks Malaysia, Thailand Bangladesh Airfare-$3034.00 Other-$2144.45 (lxvii) Project Managers' Conference Chief Engineer 1 week Malaysia Airfare-$2947.00 Other-$1378.45 (lxviii) Attendance at Project Managers' Conference Manager Financial Services 1 week Indonesia Airfare-$2191.00 Other-$887.86 (lxix) Project Inspections SES 5 2 weeks Philippines, Malaysia Airfare-$3455.00 Other-$2260.36 (lxx) Project Inspections Executive Engineer 2 weeks Indonesia Airfare-$1685.45 Other-$1896.57 (1) Airfare paid in 1983/84. (2) Costs not shown (whether ``Airfare'' or ``Other'') charged to Project Travel. (Question No. 3447) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 March 1986: (1) Are applicants for the Reserve Forces required to undergo: (a) medical and (b) psychological testing; if so, at what centres is the testing conducted. (2) What staff at each centre are available to conduct the testing. (3) What is the average waiting time between the submission of an application to join the Reserve Forces and the completion of the requisite testing. (4) What percentage of applicants do not proceed with their applications after they have been lodged. (5) Is it a fact that lengthy delays in arranging medical and psychological testing have led to drop out rates among Reserve applicants as high as 60%. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. Testing centres are located in each of the capital cities at Service establishments or in Defence Force Recruiting Centres. Testing is also undertaken at Townsville and Army Reserve local testing for country applicants may be undertaken by visiting teams or by local civilian medical practitioners. (2) Staff are provided as necessary from local Service and Reserve resources and local civilian medical practitioners. In the case of Army, Commanding Officers may waive a pre-enlistment psychology test if undue delay would otherwise result. (3) The waiting time varies between the three Services. For Army it is around two to three weeks. For RAAF, testing is arranged on average about 5 to 6 weeks after receipt of the application by the Defence Force Recruiting Centre. For Navy the period varies considerably from State to State and depending on the type of entry, but 5 to 6 weeks would be average for sailors; direct officer entry would normally be longer because of the need to convene selection boards. (4) In 85/86 the withdrawal rate for Army was around 20% and for Navy around 14%. Figures are not available for RAAF. (5) No. (Question No. 3731) Mr N.A. Brown asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 11 April: (1) Has his attention been drawn to a report in The Australian of 27 February 1986 about a Government sponsored visit to South Africa and other destinations by senior ACTU officials in February 1986. (2) If so, what was the (a) duration, (b) cost and (c) purpose of the trip. (3) How many persons took part in the visit. (4) What were their destinations. (5) What was the (a) duration, (b) subject matter and (c) date of each meeting of discussion held and with whom was each held. (6) Who instigated the visit. (7) Has the Government received a report on the visit and its achievements from the ACTU delegation. (8) It not, will he ask for a report; if not, why not. (9) If a report has or will be received, will copies be available. (10) Was the trip successful; if so, in what way. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) - (a) The duration of the visit was one month. (b) Detailed costs are being finalised with the ACTU, but the visit is estimated to cost about $17,000. (c) The purpose of the visit was to conduct a feasibility study in South Africa and neighbouring states to see what was the best way of providing training aid to South African black trade unionists. (3) Two. (4) Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Geneva (headquarters of the International Labour Organisation). (5) Full details of individual meetings are not yet available. However, the ACTU has provided the following details: Zimbabwe and Zambia: 27 February to 10 March 1986-Meetings with trade union congress representatives in each country, Australian High Commissioner, South African Congress of Trade Unions, the leadership of the new Confederation of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) as well as regional representatives of the Commonwealth Trade Union Council and the International confederation of Free Trade Unions. South Africa: 21-27 March 1986-Meetings with trade union confederations, the South African Institute of Race Relations, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, the Black Sash (a women's organisation), the South African Council of Churches General Secretary, the National Sullivan Code of Conduct Co-ordinator, Professor Wiehahn of the University of Pretoria, Mr Botha, the Vice Chairman of the Federated Chamber of Industries Manpower Commission, the Registrar and a Deputy President of the Industrial Court and visits to the townships of Soweto, Alexandra and Mamelodi. (6) The proposal to consider training black trade unionists was approved by me. Details of how this could be achieved, including the visit to South Africa, were handled by the Australian Development Assistance bureau (ADAB) and the ACTU. (7) and (8) ADAB has been given a copy of the ACTU internal report which was received on a confidential basis. A formal report setting out specific proposals is expected from the ACTU shortly. (9) The formal report, once submitted, would be available. (10) The ACTU advises that the trip was most successful as it provided an opportunity to meet a cross-section of the South African community and assess the needs for training for black trade unionists. As a result of the visit the ACTU invited COSATU to send a delegation to Australia to inspect and discuss trade union training facilities. In early June three COSATU officials came to Australia and examined ACTU training facilities with a view to reporting back to the COSATU Executive in RSA prior to presenting the ACTU with a proposal for an ACTU administered training program for black South African trade unionists. (Question No. 3742) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 April 1986: (1) Did his predecessor make a statement in the House on 8 December 1982 relating to the conditions of entry to Australian ports of nuclear powered warships. (2) Have the conditions announced been varied by the present Government; if so, in what respects. (3) Is it a condition of entry that visits will be subject to satisfactory liability and indemnity and to provision of adequate assurances relating to the operation and safety of the warships while they are in Australian waters; if so, what arrangements concerning liability and indemnity have been entered into in respect of each nuclear powered warship entering Australian ports since 8 December 1982. (4) How many nuclear powered warships have visited industrial Australian ports since the date of the statement and what was the duration of each visit. (5) Which Government authority is responsible for the adherence to the conditions of entry announced in the statement. (6) Have the conditions always been complied with since the date of their announcement; if not, in what respect have they not been complied with. (7) What operating safety organisation was responsible for monitoring possible radiation leaks from nuclear powered ships in each Australian port visited by a nuclear powered ship since 8 December 1982. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) No. (3) See my answer to Question on Notice No. 629, published in House of Representatives Hansard on 23 August, 1985 page 457. (4) Details on United States Nuclear Powered Warship (NPW) visits to Australia from December 1982 to May 1985 are included in Senate Hansard of 8 May, 1985, pages 1579 to 1581, and in House of Representatives Hansard of 31 May, 1985 page 3245. Details of United States NPW visits from May 1985 to May 1986 are set out in the following table. No NPWs from any other country have visited Australia since December 1982. (5) The Department of Defence. (6) Yes. (7) The radiation monitoring of warships is undertaken by groups made up from the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC), the Health and environmental authorities of the host State or Territory, and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). In addition a marine environment monitoring program, which analyses samples of sediment and sealife, is conducted conjointly by the Commonwealth Department of Health and either the State or Territory concerned or, where the berth is in a naval dockyard, the RAN. The radiation monitoring procedures activated by Australia during NPW visits have never revealed any leakage or radiation from any visiting vessel. NUCLEAR POWERED WARSHIP VISITS TO AUSTRALIA 1 MAY 1985-31 MAY 1986 Ship Port Dates Type USS PUFFER... Stirling 4-10 May 1985 Submarine (SSN) USS CALIFORNIA... Stirling 19-24 July 1985 Cruiser (CGN) USS JACKSONVILLE... Stirling 16-22 September 1985 Submarine (SSN) USS LAPON... Stirling 31 October-7 November 1985 Submarine (SSN) USS PORTSMOUTH... Stirling 21-27 December 1985 Submarine (SSN) USS TAUTOG... Stirling 29 January-4 February 1986 Submarine (SSN) (Question No. 3805) Mr Duncan asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Do the laws governing consumer warnings on labels of products which contain hazardous ingredients require amendment. (2) Will he request the Australian Law Reform Commission to examine the law in this area and conduct a wide ranging inquiry into its adequacy, Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I do not consider that the present laws on warning labels require amendment. These laws cover a number of different areas but particularly Health(e.g. poisons labelling) and Consumer Affaires (e.g. labels warning of the inhalation hazard posed by beanbag filling) and are generally embodied in State/ Territory legislation. There are a number of Commonwealth/State/Territory consultative mechanisms which have made substantial progress in developing adequate and uniform requirements for hazardous ingredient labelling. The Office of Consumer Affairs within my Department assists in the co-ordination of these efforts from the consumer viewpoint. Consumer protection legislation at the Commonwealth and State/Territory levels provides powers to require specific warnings on consumer goods where deemed necessary. (2) As indicated in (1), hazardous ingredient labelling is controlled under a variety of legislation which is usually specific to the product type. Such legislation is complemented by Commonwealth, State and Territory consumer protection legislation under which warning labels, including ingredient warning labels, can be introduced if particular needs are identified. I do not consider it necessary to request the Australian Law Reform Commission to examine the law on this area. (Question No. 3808) Mr Duncan asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to US laboratory tests linking methylene chloride with cancer in humans, and claiming that the risk is magnified by incorrect use of products such as paint strippers which contain the chemical. (2) Has he referred the studies to the appropriate bodies in Australia to determine whether product warning labels are adequate. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Although my attention has been drawn to recent US proposals to restrict the use of methylene chloride in aerosol containers, my Department is not aware of any valid studies linking methylene chloride with cancer in humans. The proposed US action is based, I understand, on the findings of recently conducted laboratory studies in rodents. (2) The information relating to these new studies has been received and is currently being reviewed in my Department. It also will be considered by the relevant committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) which advises the States and Territories on these matters. The Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee of NH&MRC has recently classified methylene chloride as a poison requiring warning labels. Further restrictions and labelling requirements will be considered by that Committee when the abovementioned information has been evaluated in the light of all other available information. (Question No. 3811) Mr Price asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission (CTEC) response to the Parry Report recommending the establishment of the Western Sydney State University which expressed concern about low participation rates in years 11 and 12 at western Sydney high schools. (2) If so, when did the CTEC first become concerned about low participation rates in years 11 and 12 in south western and western Sydney high schools. (3) Has the CTEC previously expressed concern about this matter; if so, when. (4) Has the CTEC conveyed its concern to (a) the Schools Commission and (b) the Minister's Department; if so, when. (5) Will the Minister make the relevant papers available. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Yes. (2) and (3) The Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission has been concerned about low retention rates to upper secondary schooling in south-western and western Sydney for some years. In June 1983 it established a Working Party to examine the higher education needs of the outer metropolitan areas of Sydney and Melbourne with low levels of participation. The Working Party's report (Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission, Report of the Working Party on Outer Metropolitan Areas, November 1983) drew attention to the below average school retention rates in both outer Sydney and outer Melbourne. The Report indicated that higher education institutions should consider ways of being involved in the operations of schools to encourage improved school-leaver participation in their programs. In its Volume 1 Report for the 1985-87 Triennium (April 1984), the Commission noted the ``disturbingly low'' school retention rates in outer metropolitan and rural areas and drew attention to the need to increase school retention in order to reduce educational disadvantage. Its recommendations for growth in higher education enrolments over the 1985-87 triennium were made on the basis that a large part of the expansion should take place in the institutions serving outer metropolitan areas-in the case of Sydney at Macarthur Institute of Higher Education, Nepean College of Advanced Education and Macquarie University. (4) Copies of the Working Party's Report were sent to the Chairman of the Commonwealth Schools Commission (CSC) and the Acting Secretary of the Department of Education in early 1984. Copies of the Commission's Volume 1 report were also provided to the CSC and the Department and tabled in Parliament. (5) The relevant reports were published and are readily available. (Question No. 3858) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Further to the answer to my question No. 3109 (Hansard, 12 February 1986, page 421) have there been any further investigations of the failure of walking beam suspensions systems fitted to many Australian trucks, if so what have been the conclusions of these inquiries and what action is proposed? (2) If there have been no further investigations, why not? Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) The inquiries mentioned in my previous answer have been further progressed. On the matter of bush end failures, the Federal Office of Road Safety is of the view that failures which may affect the safety of the vehicle are principally a result of inadequate maintenance of the affected parts. Agreement has been reached with the suspension supplier that revised maintenance procedure material will be disseminated and training sessions with truck dealers and workshop personnel conducted. This action has been commenced and will be monitored by the Federal Office of Road Safety. A detailed investigation of beam failures has resulted in 22 failures being documented. The majority of these failures have been of beams which have the lowest rating. These have been frequently fitted to trucks which have been working in arduous conditions where overloading is common. Investigations are continuing but overloading appears to be a significant factor. The suspension supplier some time ago ceased supplying beams of this rating to the industry. (Question No. 3859) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: Has his attention been drawn to allegations made on the television program `60 Minutes' regarding a design fault which leads to a serious loss of control in some trucks manufactured by the Volvo company; if so does he intend to investigate these claims; if not, why not. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I am aware of the allegations made on the 60 Minutes program and have requested that the matter be investigated. A Federal Office of Road Safety (FORS) investigation has involved discussions between the manufacturer, State and Territory authorities, individual truck owners and an industry association. The results of extensive investigations carried out by the company and subjected to independent review indicate that the rear suspension design is not at fault as reported by 60 Minutes. Investigations are continuing to determine if there are other problems that might have resulted in the concerns expressed by truck owners. The manufacturer is co-operating with FORS in this regard. (Question No. 3868) Mr Hunt asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) When was the Minister advised that the position of Chairman of the National Aboriginal Education Commission (NAEC) was to be vacated? (2) Was the position vacated prematurely within the term of office of the appointment; if so, why. (3) When was the position of Chairman of the NAEC advertised and what was the closing date for applications. (4) Was adequate time given for applications. (5) In which newspapers was the position of chairman of the NAEC advertised and on what dates was the advertisement placed in each paper. (6) Were Aboriginal organisations informed of the advertisement for the position of Chairman of the NAEC in advance of the closing date; if so, which organisations were informed. (7) When and how were the organisations informed. (8) Were regional officers of the Department of Education notified of the advertisement of the position in advance of the closing date; if so, (a) how and (b) when were they informed. (9) Were State and Regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups notified of the advertisements. (10) When were the members of the NAEC informed of the (a) advertisement and (b) closing date for applications for the position of Chairman. (11) What (a) salary and (b) allowances are payable to the Chairman of the NAEC. (12) How was the selection panel chosen. (13) What are the (a) composition and (b) qualifications of each member of the selection panel. (14) What are the selection criteria for the position of chairman of the NAEC. (15) What is the name of each applicant for the position of Chairman of the NAEC. (16) Which applicants were given (a) face-to-face and (b) telephone interviews. (17) Why were telephone interviews conducted for the position. (18) What are the formal qualifications of each applicant for the position and what weight was given in the selection assessment to an applicant's work with urban Aboriginal groups. (19) What is the educational work experience with urban Aboriginal people of each applicant. (20) What is the (a) educational work with traditional or remote Aboriginal communities, (b) research, (c) international teaching and educational work and (d) administrative experience of each applicant for the position and what weight was given to this experience. (21) What are the details of membership of national education advisory committees for each applicant for the position and what weight was given in the selection process to this matter. (22) Who was appointed to the position of Chairman of the NAEC and on what basis was the person selected. (23) How was the consultative experience for each applicant assessed and what evidence was obtained and from what source. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The question refers to a Ministerial appointment to a senior advisory position. To answer all parts of the question as asked would entail intrusion into the privacy of individuals and would also impose a considerable workload upon officers. I will therefore respond to what I perceive to be the essence of the question, rather than deal with all twenty-three component parts. I was advised late last year that Mr Paul Hughes, the then Chairman of the NAEC, would vacate the position before the end of the year instead of serving out his full remaining term of office to 1 May, 1986. Although the position is a ministerial appointment, not a public service position to be filled through the normal process of competition, applications were invited through an advertisement on 26 October 1985 in The Australian. An advisory panel was formed to consider all applications and give me their advice. Membership of the panel was agreed between my Department, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and the Chairman of the NAEC, and consisted of: Mr P. Bowler, First Assistant Secretary, Education Programs and Research Division, Department of Education (chairman of panel); Mr D. O'Rourke, First Assistant Secretary, Program Development Division, Department of Aboriginal Affairs; Mr P. Hughes, Chairman of the NAEC; and Ms Josie Crawshaw, Director, Aboriginal Development Branch of the Northern Territory Public Service Board, and a member of the NAEC. In view of the relatively short time before the position became vacant (Mr Hughes left on 13 December), and the particular need for continuity at a time when several important developments in Aboriginal education were under way, I instructed my Department to proceed without any delay in the consideration of applications. Two had been received by the closing date of 8 November 1985, and a further two had been received by 20 November, when the advisory panel first met to conduct interviews. Arrangements were made to interview three of the applicants in person in Canberra, and the fourth, who was unavailable to come to Canberra at short notice, by telephone. A fifth application was received too late for consideration. The panel reported to me on 3 December on the outcome of their deliberations, in which they were guided by the selection criteria set out hereunder. After considering the panel's advice and consulting Ministerial colleagues I decided on 10 December 1985 to appoint Mr Errol West, the then Deputy Chairman of the NAEC, to the position of Chairman. I announced the appointment on 11 December 1985. I should add that, in addition to advertising the vacancy in The Australian, copies of the advertisement were sent to State and Territory Aboriginal Consultative Groups immediately after it appeared. The position carries a salary of $52,426 and an $851 Expenses of Office Allowance. The selection criteria taken into account by the panel were as follows: A. Experience and Qualifications: (i) Experience in education strongly preferred, but experience in a related field could be acceptable if other criteria are met; (ii) Experience in working within a formal structure and giving direction to staff; (iii) In order to be credible in a leadership position among the members of the Committee, it would be desirable for the occupant to have at least completed a teaching qualification or an equivalent in a related field. B. Job Skills (i) Ability to provide leadership in a Committee composed of a diverse group of Aboriginal people; (ii) Ability to plan and organise effectively and efficiently the Committee's business including sub-committees, working groups and other arrangements; (iii) Ability to articulate the views and policies of the Committee and provide advice to the Minister and Department of Education and of Aboriginal Affairs; (iv) Ability to manage the Committee's Secretariat effectively and to liaise closely with the Department of Education; C. Personal Qualities (i) Sensitivity to widely differing views on Aboriginal education issues; (ii) Ability to achieve consensus; (iii) Commitment to the development of good relationships with a wide range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people concerned with Aboriginal education; (iv) Appreciation of the need to place Aboriginal education issues in the wider context of the development of education in Australia. (Question No. 3898) Mr Wright asked the Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) What were the total funds made available to local authorities in (a) Queensland and (b) Australia, during each year since 1975-76. (2) What control over the State Governments does the Federal Government have to ensure the local authorities receive Federal financial assistance on a population needs basis. Mr Uren —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) and (b) Commonwealth Grants to or for Local Government ($000's) Queensland Australia 1975-76 ... 57,366 320,478 1976-77 ... 42,811 260,047 1977-78 ... 50,645 305,539 1978-79 ... 52,493 324,857 1979-80 ... 59,437 367,828 1980-81 ... 77,127 467,066 1981-82 ... 92,511 542,602 1982-83 ... 104,505 649,068 1983-84 ... 162,065 896,195 1984-85 ... 160,392 979,761 1985-86 ... n.y.a Grants for the Restoration of Local Authority Assets under the Natural Disasters Program are not included. (2) Under the Local Government (Personal Income Tax Sharing) Act, the Federal Government had little control over the methods by which Local Government was allocated Federal general revenue assistance. The Act established in only very broad terms the method by which funds were to be distributed. However, under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1986, which came into operation on 1 July 1986, the States are required by 1 July 1987 to formulate principles upon which they propose to distribute Federal general revenue assistance between councils. These principles are to be based on the objective of equalising each Local Government's ability to undertake its functions with respect to the average standard performance of other Local Governments in its State. I, as the responsible Minister, will be required to approve these principles. The intention is to ensure that financial assistance is given to those local councils who are most disadvantaged in respect of their ability to raise revenue and provide services. All other Commonwealth grants to Local Government are for specific purposes. They are administered through a variety of arrangements. The amount of direct Commonwealth control varies with the nature of these programs, however all are intended to be directed towards the areas of greatest need that the programs are addressing. (Question No. 3899) Dr Klugman asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) Are figures available showing comparisons of the number of pharmaceuticals prescribed to elderly people where the person (a) is and (b) is not eligible for free drugs. (2) If not, will he arrange for such a study to be undertaken. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There are no figures available that compare the number of pharmaceuticals prescribed to elderly people where the person is (a) eligible and (b) ineligible for free drugs. (2) The Australian Institute of Health is currently undertaking a number of projects designed to look at a variety of health issues, especially the application of economics to health and health services research. In this respect, two projects have particular relevance to the honourable member's question. Findings from the two projects when combined will give some measure of the overall prescribing and medicine usage patterns of the Australian public, including aged persons who are eligible or ineligible to receive free medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The first project involved a recently completed household medication survey in Sydney, Melbourne, Wynyard/Burnie and Mt Gambier. The study was designed to measure the amounts and types of medications held, and used, in the household. It also sought to determine the ratio of prescribed to non-prescribed medicines and attempted to link medicine ownership and usage to the three types of basic classification of pensioner concessional beneficiary and general recipient. Data from the survey have now been received by the Institute of Health and will shortly be analysed. The second project involved the collating of all pharmaceutical benefits prescription drugs dispensed in the second quarter of 1985, and attributed to the population residing in two study regions (Wynyard/Burnie and Mt Gambier). The basic data from the project are available for analysis. It is intended to move on to measure the pharmaceutical benefits prescription drug usage and cost by individuals (age and sex) and by households (family economic units). As well, the extent of non-users of pharmaceutical benefits prescription drugs will be measured. Further analysis of the two projects will provide meaningful information relative to the whole population of Australia. Considerable time and effort were expended in selecting the two study regions to enable this, and the Australian Institute of Health will be studying the data for some time to come. (Question No. 3972) Dr Klugman asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: What would be the cost of increasing daily patient subsidies in nursing homes to that applying in the most expensive State. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The highest daily rate of Commonwealth nursing home benefit (the patient subsidies referred to by Dr Klugman) is $48.50 which is the current maximum rate applicable in the State of Victoria. The estimated cost of providing this level of benefit to qualified residents in all nursing homes in each State from November (the date from which Commonwealth nursing home benefits are usually increased) would be an additional $120 million in 1986/87 and $205 million in a full year. (Question No. 3974) Mr Price asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: Under the arrangements whereby Telecom customers may purchase stamps from Australia Post to pay their telephone accounts, are the consumer safeguards in the system consistent with (a) State consumer legislation and (b) Federal Government consumer protection policy. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) and (b) Whether any practice is consistent with State law is a matter for the relevant State authorities to consider and advise. My understanding, however, is that the arrangements for payment of telephone accounts by stamps are not inconsistent with State consumer legislation. The arrangements are considered to be consistent with Commonwealth consumer policy, and appear to provide a convenient means of paying Telecom accounts. (Question No. 3980) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: Is it the intention of the Government to establish a Railway Industry Council; if so, when and what will be the purpose of the Council. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Government is prepared to work with the States and employee representatives to establish the Railway Industry Council. This issue will be further discussed at the December 1986 meeting of the Australian Transport Advisory Council and subject to that discussion should be established shortly thereafter. The purpose of the Railway Industry Council will be to develop medium to long-term strategies to improve the efficiency and viability of the railway industry. (Question No. 3986) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: Further to the answer to my question No. 3410 (Hansard, 30 April 1986, page 2833), and the continued importation of fresh brie and camembert from the Besnier Export Company of France similar to that which killed 85 people in California, (a) if the Besnier Company's fresh brie and camembert is imported into Australia, why is it considered an adequate check only to ascertain that the specific brands are different to those exported to the USA and (b) is the cheese for Australia produced in different factories to that exported to the USA. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: As stated in my answer to question No. 3410, a check on importation of fresh brie and camembert from the Besnier Export Company of France was undertaken by my Department. A list of all cheese of these types originating from Besnier was prepared and forwarded to the Department of Health for appropriate action. This list was prepared on the basis that, although the specific brand of cheese which caused the problem in the USA was not imported to Australia, there was a definite possibility that the specific cheese could be imported into Australia under a different brand name. Advice from the Besnier Company has now confirmed that cheeses exported to Australia originate from two factories which also supply for the American market. However, as pointed out in my earlier answer, the controls exercised by my Department over imported cheeses are designed to eliminate the risk of introduction of foot and mouth disease. Human health considerations remain a matter for individual States under State food legislation. (Question No. 4000) Mr Braithwaite asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Has he visited the UK to promote Australia's trading interests; if so, (a) when and (b) why. (2) Where does the UK rank in comparison with other countries as an Australian export market. (3) What is his Department's assessment of the UK's growth potential as an export market for Australia. (4) How many trade commissioners in the UK have been assigned to promotions (a) as at 31 March in each year since 1983 and (b) in other comparable export markets during these years. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) No. However at my invitation, the UK Minister for Trade, Mr Alan Clark, visited Australia in May 1986 as guest of the Australian Government. The objective of the invitation was to familiarise the UK Minister with current Australian concerns in the trade area and to further closer commercial links between our two countries. While in Australia Mr Clark had discussions with myself and the Minister for Primary Industry, Mr Kerin. Mr Clark also met with senior government officials as well as prominent members of private enterprise. (2) Sixth. (3) Britain remains one of Australia's major trading partners. Australian exports to Britain in 1984/85 amounted to $923 million making this our most important market in Europe. Britain is our sixth most important market world wide taking 3.0% of Australia's total exports. In the 9 months ended March 1986, Australian exports to Britain have increased 43.1% over the same period to March 1985. However, the nature of our trade has changed considerably since Britain gained EC membership in 1973 and Australia lost its preferential market access. While Britain still offers a valuable market for wool and significant sales of meat, fruit, cheese and a few other agricultural products still take place, the dominance of agricultural products in Australia's exports to Britain has been replaced by minerals, metals and fuels. Britain is also one of Australia's most important customers for manufactures. Australian exports of elaborately transformed manufactures have been undergoing steady growth in recent years and now comprise nearly 21% of our total exports to Britain. The Australian Trade Commission recognises the continuing importance of the UK as an export market for Australia and the considerable potential for further development of the UK as a market for exports of manufactured products, particularly elaborately transformed manufactures. Austrade officers have recently prepared a three year strategy for the UK market which identifies product areas considered to have the best prospects for growth and includes a program of targeted activities designed to encourage and assist Australian exporters to take advantage of the opportunities for expanding their sales to the UK. (4)- Number of `Trade Promotion' Trade Commissioners (a) UK Ranked sixth as a market for Australian exports worldwide 1983 1984 1985 1986 1 1 2 2 (b) Republic of Korea ranked fourth 1983 1984 1985 1986 3 3 3 3 People's Republic of China ranked fifth 1983 1984 1985 1986 4 6 6 7 USSR ranked seventh 1983 1984 1985 1986 2 2 2 2 Taiwan Province ranked eighth 1983 1984 1985 1986 nil nil nil nil (Question No. 4009) Mr Connolly asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: Did Mr J. V. Connors of Tingah Aboriginal Settlement receive a grant from the Board of Adult Education; if so (a) what were these funds used for, (b) have they been fully accounted for and (c) were adult literacy courses held at Tingah? Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: I have been advised by my Department that no Commonwealth funds were involved in the grant made to the Tingah Aboriginal Settlement by the New South Wales Board of Adult Education. (Question No. 4015) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Why did he refuse to fund the Aboriginal Legal Assistance (ALS) at St Marys, to defend Mr C. A. Swan in his trial before the District Court. (2) Why did he fund the ALS to defend Mr Swan in the committal hearing. (3) Is Mr Swan eligible for Federal Government legal assistance. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (3) St Marys and District Aboriginal Legal Assistance Ltd was refused special funding to defend Mr Swan in his trial before the District Court as he was eligible for aid from the Australian Legal Aid Office. I am not prepared to approve special grants to Aboriginal legal services in respect of matters where appropriate aid is available from other legal aid authorities. (2) On 10 December, 1984 I approved a special grant of $19,350 to St Marys and District Aboriginal Legal Assistance Ltd to cover the cost of Mr Swan's representation at a committal hearing as aid to defend him in those proceedings was not available from other sources. (Question No. 4042) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to an article in Jane's Defence Weekly on 22 March 1986 entitled ``Pricing errors may mean $15B bill for US allies''. (2) Is he aware of any US pricing errors which have cost implications for equipment or services ordered by Australia from US sources; if so, (a) what equipment or services are involved and (b) in each case (i) what is the extent of additional cost and (ii) what proportion of additional cost will have to be borne by Australia. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) The so called `pricing errors' stem from problems identified by US authorities involved with calculation of the total pool of costs to be recovered and with the reassessment of production run quantities of some defence equipments. The reassessment highlighted lesser numbers than those used to determine recoveries of nonrecurring costs. The article referred to is a media interpretation of March 1986 hearings before the US Congressional Committee on Government Operations. The dollars billion quoted in the article are in fact dollars million. Furthermore the US Department of Defense is currently reviewing the method of calculating Research and Development costs for recovery but advises that irrespective of whether any changes emerge there will not be any retroactive billing of the Australian Government. (Question No. 4060) Mr Sharp asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) Is he able to state whether the NSW Minister for Health has banned Members of Parliament from visiting and talking to staff of State government departments, institutions or other offices; if so, does he support this action. (2) Will he make representations to the NSW Minister to allow Members of Parliament to have the assistance of NSW departmental officers and access to institutions as many of these institutions receive Federal funds. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) The issues raised by the honourable member do not concern my portfolio or the Federal Government. Policy on access to staff of State health organisations is a matter for the relevant New South Wales Minister and I suggest that Mr Sharp take up his concern direct with the recently appointed New South Wales Minister for Health and Minister for the Drug Offensive, the Hon. P. T. Anderson MLA. (Question No. 4064) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) What contraceptive devices and drugs are available in Australia. (2) Is he able to say which of these drugs and devices have been withdrawn in the U.S., and on what grounds. (3) Why have they not been withdrawn in Australia. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There are six companies who market forty-six (46) different oral contraceptive preparations in Australia. The vast majority of these have been evaluated and approved by the Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC). In addition I am aware that Depo-Provera, an injectable preparation containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, is being used in certain circumstances as a contraceptive agent although this is not one of the purposes for which it is marketed in Australia. The following intra-uterine devices are currently available in Australia: Nova-T, Gyne-T, Gravigard, Mini-Gravigard and Multiload CU250. These were all evaluated and approved by the ADEC for safety and efficacy. The Lippes Loop was also available until January 1986 when the Company ceased distribution although there could well be some stocks of this device still available. There is in addition a very wide range of condoms and a small range of diaphragms also available in Australia. It is not possible to list all of these although this information is currently being sought for inclusion on the National Register of Therapeutic Goods being compiled by my Department. (2) Of all the drugs and devices presently available in Australia the only ones which I am aware have been withdrawn in the U.S. are the Lippes Loop and the Gravigard I.U.D. The Company manufacturing the Lippes Loop has stated that it has ceased manufacture in the U.S. because of falling sales in favour of the Copper I.U.D.s. The Gravigard was removed from the market because of the continuing litigation climate which prevails in the U.S. The Company producing the Gravigard has stated it was no longer able to obtain liability insurance cover in respect of the device. This was a voluntary withdrawal by the Company and was not as a result of any regulatory action by the Food and Drug Administration. (3) The Lippes Loop will in due course no longer be available in Australia as the Company has ceased production. No action has been taken to withdraw the Gravigard from the Australian market as there is no evidence available to my Department that this device is a cause of serious problems in those women who are using it as a means of contraception. This device has only been withdrawn from the market in the U.S. and is still available in many other countries throughout the world, including the United Kingdom. (Question No. 4069) Mr Hand asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 May 1986: (1) Did 3 US Air Force B52 bombers arrive in Darwin on the morning of 15 April 1986. (2) Is he able to say why certain public roads around the airport were closed that morning. (3) Was there any connection between these closures and the arrival of the B52s. (4) Were the closures on his or his Department's authority. (5) Is he able to say whether there was any connection between the arrival of these aircraft and the US bombing of Libya that morning, if so, what. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) No. Two US Air Force B52 bombers undertaking standard BUSY BOOMERANG DELTA low level navigation training flights arrived in Darwin on 11 April 1986 and departed 13 April 1986. Approval for the flights was given on 26 March 1986. (2), (3) and (4) No public roads around Darwin airport were closed during this period due to B52 operations. (5) There was no connection whatever between the arrival of these aircraft and the US operations in Libya. (Question No. 4134) Mr Hunt asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Is he able to confirm that Auscott Pty Ltd expects to reduce its cotton plantings in northern NSW by 50 per cent over the coming year. (2) What percentage of the total Australian cotton crop is produced by Auscott Pty Ltd. (3) Are there indications of reduced cotton plantings in other regions. (4) What actions will the Government take over the next 6 months to overcome cuts in world cotton prices. (5) Have Australian cotton prices declined over the past 6 months; if so, by what percentage. (6) What is the forecast Australian cotton price for (a) July, (b) September and (c) November 1986. (7) What is the forecast total value of Australian cotton production, including exports, for (a) 1985-86 and (b) 1986-87. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. Auscott Ltd announced on 13 May 1986 that it would reduce its cotton plantings for the 1986-87 crop year by at least 50%. Auscott indicated that its decision was made necessary by reduced returns for cotton resulting from the severe price depresssing effects of the new United States cotton program. (2) Approximately 8%. (3) Yes. The Bureau of Agricultural Economics has forecast a reduction in cotton plantings in Australia of some 25% in 1986-87. (4) Recent sharp falls in world cotton prices are a direct consequence of high world stocks, aggravated by the new US cotton program with its substantial Payment-in-kind stock releases. Little can be done about the overall stock situation, however, the Government will continue to press on the US authorities the serious consequences which its cotton support program will have on returns to the Australian cotton industry with a view to minimising its effects. An important part of my recent visit to Washington was to reiterate Australia's concerns about US farm support programs, including the one for cotton, to the US Secretary of Agriculture and other key officials. At home, the cotton industry is examining the possibility of seeking some form of price assistance. If the industry decides to pursue this course, it may be assured that any submission requesting assistance will be given speedy consideration by the Government. The Bureau of Agricultural Economics is currently undertaking a study of financial conditions in the cotton industry, the results of which will assist the Government's assessment of the industry's problems and provide important information for the industry. Farmers in difficulty may seek assistance through the Rural Adjustment Scheme. Cotton production requires relatively high levels of capital, and cotton growers seeking assistance will benefit from the Government's decision to allocate a further $20 million for interest subsidies through the Scheme in 1986-87 to assist debt reconstruction, farm build-up and farm improvement. (5) Yes. Domestic prices have declined by about 12% and export prices have declined by about 8%. (6) Australian cotton prices are expected to follow the trend in world prices. The main world price indicator, the Cotton Outlook (`A index'), is currently US39c/lb (A59c/lb) and is expected to fall further after 1 August 1986 when US cotton stocks are due to be released onto the world market under the new US cotton program. (7) (a) $340m (including cottonseed); (b) $290m (including cottonseed). (Question No. 4137) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Further to question No. 3272 (Hansard, 18 March 1986, page 1558) does he continue to claim that the only way impure or unsafe imported food products can be checked and, if necessary, stopped from entering Australia, is by the passage by the States of a Model Food Act and then establishing uniform regulations through a National Food Standards Council. (2) Has his attention been drawn to a reply of the Prime Minister to a question, without notice (Hansard, 8 May 1986, page 3395) where it is stated that the Australian Customs Service has the power to monitor and stop food imports; if so, how does he reconcile his claim with the response of the Prime Minister. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I have not claimed that impure or unsafe imported food products can be checked and if necessary, stopped from entering Australia by the passage by the States of a Model Food Act and by establishing uniform regulations through a National Food Standards Council. These latter mechanisms are designed to achieve uniformity on food law throughout Australia and do not constitute the basis on which the Federal Government can take direct action regarding all imported foodstuffs. Uniformity does however provide the basis for further consideration of the need for and the means of implementing such action. (2) Under the Customs Act and the Quarantine Act certain foodstuffs can be made subject to checking and possible banning as prohibited imports. Item 23 of the Third Schedule of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations specifically deals with radioactive materials. The Prime Minister's reply to which the honourable member refers related specifically to foodstuffs potentially contaminated with radioactive material from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident. These foodstuffs may come under the relevant Customs Regulations and are therefore liable to checking and prohibition. (Question No. 4141) Mr McArthur asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) What sum (a) was allocated in 1984-85 and (b) will be allocated in 1985-86 for domicilary nursing care in the Electoral Division of Corangamite. (2) How many persons in this Division receive these benefits. (3) How is the benefit determined. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) (a) Expenditure in the 1984-85 financial year for Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefit (DNCB) paid to beneficiaries in the Electoral Division of Corangamite is estimated at $233,516. (b) Expenditure in the 1985-86 financial year is estimated at $250,186. (2) During the 1985-86 financial year there were an estimated 230 people in receipt of DNCB in the Electoral Division of Corangamite. (3) The National Health Act (NHA) provides for the payment of DNCB at a rate of $42 per fortnight to approved people who care for patients at home. The NHA does not allow for any payment additional to the standard rate of DNCB. Payment of DNCB is made to approved persons where the person receiving care: is at least 16 years of age; is residing in the same rsidence as the applicant; is being cared for on a continuing basis by the applicant; is suffering from a chronic illness, disease or disability which would require admission to a nursing home if home care was not available; and is receiving nursing and other care and attention appropriate to their needs. (Question No. 4142) Mr McArthur asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) How many federally funded child care centres are there in the Electoral Division of Corangamite. (2) What grants were made to each centre in (a) 1982-83, (b) 1983-84, (c) 1984-85 and (d) 1985-86 to date. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Service has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) There are 2 federally funded child care centres in the Electoral Division of Corangamite-Greenville Day Care Centre and the Deakin Children's Centre. A third centre, the Belmont Children's Centre, has been constructed. It is expected that this centre will be opened in 1986-87. (2) The grants made to each centre were: Greenville Day Care Centre. (a) $3,600 (special equipment grant); (b) recurrent funding did not commence until 1983-84; (c) $19,255 (first year of Commonwealth recurrent funding); and (d) $50,426 (ongoing Commonwealth recurrent funding). Deakin Children's Centre: (a) nil; (b) nil; (c) $58,421; and (d) $70,287. (Question No. 4145) Mr McArthur asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: Have the farmers in the Electoral Division of Corangamite had their pensions cancelled or reduced because of increased valuations; if so (a) who made the valuations; (b) on what were the valuations based; (c) were the farms inspected or was any other method used to confirm the valuation; (d) what net income could be expected from the farms in 1984-85 as a percentage of the valuations and (e) what was deemed to be the current market rental value of these properties. Mr Holding —The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: The figures sought about cancellations and reductions are not available because the annual review of cases assessed under the Assets Test has not been completed due to industrial bans operating in the Victorian Branch of the Department. With regard to your questions about the valuations: (a) valuations were made by valuers from the Valuations Branch of the Australian Taxation Office. (b) valuations reflect the current market value of properties and were based on accepted valuation principles and on relevant sales information held by the Australian Taxation Office. (c) the majority of valuations were subject to a kerbside inspection. (d) and (e): This information is not available from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. (Question No. 4151) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: (1) Do staff from his Department provide support services for the Department of Community Services; if so, (a) how many staff, (b) when will this practice cease and (c) how much has this practice cost his Department for each year since the Department of Community Services was formed. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (a) 10 (at end April 1986). (b) 30 June 1986, or as soon after that date as is practicable. (c) Some small residual cost has been incurred e.g. for the use of telex facilities, but where costs have been readily identifiable these have been recovered. (Question No. 4201) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Did his Department supply estimates to the National Drug Summit that over 16,600 Australians die each year as a result of diseases attributable to the use of tobacco. (2) Is it a fact that the 1977 Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare entitled `Drug Problems in Australia' estimated that 10% of all deaths in Australia are attributable to diseases resulting from the use of tobacco. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) My Department provided estimates to the National Drug Summit indicating that 16,620 Australians died in 1983 as a result of diseases attributable to use of tobacco. These figures were estimated from data supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) using indices described by Drew (L. R. H. Drew, Death and Drug Use in Australia, 1969 to 1980, Technical Information Bulletin 69, pp. 1-44). The figures were incorporated in an information document by my Department, `Statistics on Drug Abuse in Australia', for use in association with the Special Premiers' Conference held in April 1985. (2) The precise reference in the conclusions of the 1977 Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare was that . . .`there is an overwhelming weight of evidence that tobacco causes ill health. Perhaps 10 per cent of all deaths are attributable to it' (p. 103). No information was given of the methodology used in arriving at this figure. However, since 1982, the methodology developed by Dr L. R. H. Drew has been applied to mortality data supplied by the ABS for the determination of deaths attributable to the use of a particular drug. Using this methodology my Department estimated the number of deaths attributable to tobacco use. When this method is applied to the mortality data for 1977, the estimate of deaths attributable to tobacco is 14.7% of all deaths. (Question No. 4206) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) Is the Uranium Information Centre (UIC) conducted by Australian mining companies involved in uranium mining and exploration. (2) Has the UIC, in its official publications, (a) favourably referred to or (b) been critical of, the Soviet nuclear power industry or the safety of Soviet nuclear power industry or the safety of Soviet nuclear reactors. (3) Has his attention been drawn to the UIC newsletter Number 3 of March 1986 which discusses the USSR's latest 5 year plan to increase nuclear power's share of total electricity supply from the present 10-11% to over 20% and which opines that the problems encountered earlier in implementating the Soviet nuclear power program have now been largely overcome. (4) Does he agree that the Chernobyl accident should lead nuclear scientists and the nuclear power industry, including the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, to be more self-critical about the future of nuclear power. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) I am advised that the Uranium Information Centre (UIC) is a non profit organisation established and funded by a number of companies associated with uranium exploration and mining in Australia. The published aims of the Centre include: providing information about the development of the Australian uranium industry, and promoting a flow of factual information on all aspects of the mining and processing of uranium, the role of nuclear energy in supplying part of the world's electricity needs and the associated nuclear fuel cycle. The UIC publishes a Newsletter which largely consists of factual material drawn from other publications. (2) The UIC is not a Government body and consequently I am unaware of all the views it may have expressed in its official publications. (3) My attention has been drawn to the article in question which, I note, was written before the Chernobyl accident. (4) I imagine that nuclear scientists, both in Australia and abroad, will take a close professional interest in the causes and outcome of the Chernobyl accident, and that future statements they make will reflect this. (Question No. 4207) Mr Hunt asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) What steps have been taken by the Tasmanian and Victorian State Governments towards an extension of their fishing waters limits from 3 to 20 miles. (2) If either Government has sought such an extension, on what date did the Minister receive the application. (3) If he had such an application for over 3 weeks, why has the decision been delayed. (4) Have Bass Strait scallop fishing operators indicated whether they favour or oppose extension of the limits. (5) Were talks held with the industry early in 1985 in which the Victorian fishing operators agreed to 20 mile control if it were implemented properly and if a single licence was issued. (6) Have either of the conditions referred to in the previous part been implemented by the Federal or State Governments. (7) Would next season's licences normally have been issued by May; if so, can he say what has been the reason for the delay in the issue in both Federal and State licences. (8) What efforts has he made to gauge industry opinion on the issue of extending State fishing waters for the scallop industry. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (2) (3) and (6) The Commonwealth, Victorian and Tasmanian Governments announced the introduction of new management arrangements for the Bass Strait scallop fishery on 6 June 1986. The Ministers announced in conjunction with these arrangements the implementation of the Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) for the scallop and tuna fisheries. The two States had requested a delay in opening of the scallop fishery until the OCS was implemented. The change in fisheries jurisdiction under the OCS involved detailed negotiations with the States and industry and preparation of complex technical and legal documents. Implementation of the OCS for scallops was complicated further by the Victorian Government's review of fisheries licensing arrangements. Under the new arrangements the areas generally within 20 nautical miles of each State as defined by the base lines will be managed as State fisheries by each State Government. The remainder of the fishery or the Central Zone will be managed with the joint agreement of the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments. This zone will continue to be administered under Commonwealth law with both States accepting responsibility for the cost of management and the surveillance of this zone. The Commonwealth, at the request of both States reopened the Central zone on 12 June. (4) (5) and (8) The Commonwealth fully consulted the Victorian and Tasmanian Governments and the industry from each State before proceeding to implement the new arrangements in the Bass Strait scallop fishery. Port meetings with the industry were conducted in October 1984. From June 1984 the main avenue for industry consultation was through the six industry representatives on the nine member Bass Strait Scallop Task Force. In June 1985 the 20 nautical mile State fisheries zones were proposed by the States and industry representatives on the Task Force. The Task Force recommended at that time that access to the State Zones be limited to those vessels with State scallop licences. In July 1985, Commonwealth and State Ministers meeting in the Australian Fisheries Council accepted the Task Force Recommendations. (7) State fisheries authorities act as agents for the Commonwealth in the issue of Commonwealth Fishing boat Licences. Commonwealth licences are issued annually and the actual date of issue is dependent upon the date of receipt of each application and the time required to process those applications. Licences are usually issued by Victoria during April and May each year and licences usually issued by Tasmania in February and March each year. It is understood that there have been unforeseen administrative delays in issuing licences in each State. These delays are being overcome and all licences should be issued shortly. (Question No. 4220) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) How many spouses of women on supporting parents benefits were (a) on unemployment benefit, (b) convicted and in prison (c) on remand in prison for each year from 1982 to 1985. (2) In respect of these spouses, how many have no known address according to the records maintained in his Department. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Not known. This information is not (a) maintained on the statistical system. (b) and (c) At 20 September 1985, the number of supporting parent beneficiaries with a spouse in prison was 10. A further 307 were recorded as having a de facto spouse in prison. A disaggregation of these numbers by the precise situation of the prisoner spouse is not collected. (2) Except for cases of separation due to permanent ill health, details of spouses of supporting parent beneficiaries are not recorded on computer in my department and statistics on spouses addresses are not maintained. (Question No. 4256) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) What towns are to be included in the recently announced study into rural housing? (2) When will the report of the study be completed? (3) What type of conclusions does the study hope to draw? (4) How are these to be used to improve rural housing? (5) When will the study be made available to the public? Mr West —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) A decision on the towns to be included in the study will be made after receiving proposals from the consultants selected to undertake the study for the Australian Housing Research Council and following consultation with the Department of Primary Industry. (2) The study will commence in the second half of 1986, and should be completed within nine months. (3) The principal objective of the study is to identify where existing government housing policies and programs could be modified or improved to increase their effectiveness in rural areas. (4) Recommendations from the study will be brought to the attention of relevant State and Federal Ministers responsible for the administration of housing policies and programs. (5) Upon completion of the study the Australian Housing Research Council will arrange publication of the consultant's report as soon an possible. (Question No. 4261) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) What are the latest available figures for the deficit incurred by public transport operations in Australia (a) in each State and Territory and (b) by the Commonwealth, by mode. (2) What percentage of those deficits is funded by (a) loan, (b) general revenue and (c) other means. (3) What were the comparable figures ten years previously for all sections of parts (1) and (2). (4) What has been the increase over this period in (a) patronage and (b) distance travelled. (5) Has he commissioned a study of the reasons for the growth in public transport deficits, their economic impact, the projected future levels of such deficits or ways in which such deficits may be reduced; if so, will he release the results; if not, why not. (6) What financial assistance; if any, does the Commonwealth provide for State public transport systems. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1)-(4) The Australian National Railways Commission (AN) in 1984-85 incurred an operating deficit of $77.6 million which was funded by a general revenue supplement from the Federal Budget. AN did not exist in 1974-75. However the revenue supplement has declined from $106 million in 1982-83 to $72.5 million in 1985-86, an improvement in AN's performance of over 40 per cent in real terms. The Federal Government is not responsible for State and Northern Territory public transport operations. (5) No. (6) Over the life of the Australian Bicentennial Road Development Program an estimated $187 million will be provided for urban public transport projects in all States and the Northern Territory. In addition, an amount of $70 million per annum (in current values) has been provided since 1981 as part of general revenue assistance to the States to offset the cessation of specific purpose assistance for urban public transport projects. In determining the distribution of general revenue assistance to the States account is also taken of the financial performance of State rail operations. (Question No. 4268) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) What is being done to lift the productivity of the Australian waterfront to improve export performance. (2) How many days have Australian ports been immobilised in each of the last 5 years by minor or major strikes or other industrial action. (3) Has the definition of industrial action or calculations of man days lost on the waterfront been altered in any way since March 1983; if so, (a) how and (b) why. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) In September 1984 I established an Industry Task Force on Shore-Based Shipping Costs to determine practical measures which would increase the operational efficiency and lower the cost of land-based elements of the movement of cargo by sea. The Task Force report has been received and is being considered. (2) The information sought is not available in the form requested. One measure of the impact of industrial disputes on port operations can be obtained by comparing hours lost due to industrial disputes with hours worked. This information based on returns provided by stevedoring companies is provided in the following Table: AUSTRALIAN WATERSIDE WORKERS: HOURS WORKED AND HOURS LOST DUE TO INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES Year Hours worked Hours lost Hours lost as % of manhours worked ('000) ('000) 1980-81... 10 792.7 126.7 1.2 1981-82... 10 503.1 78.0 0.7 1982-83... 9 156.0 51.3 0.6 1983-84... 8 086.2 30.9 0.4 1984-85... 8 520.1 47.0 0.6 9 months to March 1986... 6 139.2 89.3 1.5 (3) No. (Question No. 4269) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: What impact is the low waterfront productivity having on the cost of imports and exports. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Australia's waterfront operations appear in many cases to be less efficient and productive than comparable port and terminal operations abroad. In recognition of the importance of transport and handling costs in Australia's export and import trades, my colleague the Honourable Peter Morris, Minister for Transport, established in September 1984 a Task Force on Shore-Based Shipping Costs to examine and report on means for reducing costs and removing bottlenecks in the shore-based industry. The Task Force is expected to finalise its report shortly. Its two interim reports have identified a large array of problem areas. It is difficult to measure to cost impact of current waterfront productivity levels on imports and exports with any accuracy. The bulk of these costs are met by shipping companies and are included in sea freight rates. They are not separately charged or identified in the customer's bill. However, the proportion of door to door costs attributable to shore-based operations both here and overseas is estimated to be in the order of 50 per cent and rising to 70 per cent in some instances. Given a total bill for shipping Australia's bulk and liner imports and exports of about $6 billion in 1984-85, shore based costs could account for over $3 billion. For containerised liner export cargo, the total cost of transport and handling, from exporter's premises to ship, has been estimated at $230 million annually. In the Prime Minister's economic statement which accompanied his recent Address to the Nation, the Prime Minister referred to a number of reports on transport and handling costs and the need to examine them in an integrated way to identify action to remove impediments to trade. It is expected that the Government will be looking closely at waterfront costs as part of that examination. (Question No. 4285) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) What level of protection is provided against small arms fire by the fleet of Australian Army M113 armoured personnel carriers. (2) What will be the level of protection provided against small arms fire by the proposed upgrading of these carriers. Mr Beazley —The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows: (1) The M113 was designed in the 1950s to provide: protection against .30 in armour piercing (AP) rounds and shrapnel. (2) The options for, and implications of, upgrading the protection level of the M113 are being proposed for Departmental consideration later this year. Protection against those small arms most likely to be encountered in the credible contingencies will be evaluated in the upgrade of the M113. (Question No. 4303) Mr Moore asked the Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) What will be the effects of the fringe benefits tax on local government councils, particularly councils in remote and isolated areas. (2) Will the effect of the tax add to their difficulty of achieving a balanced Budget in the light of reductions in the grants to local governments. Mr Uren —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Government appreciates that the fringe bene-fits tax could adversely affect a number of local governments and that local governments in more isolated areas may be particularly disadvantaged. However, a tax of this nature universally affect all sectors of government and business community, and makes a case for special exemptions difficult to argue. As you would be aware, recent amendments to the proposed fringe benefits tax legislation have significantly reduced the amount of tax payable for the private component of motor vehicle use and for subsidised travel and housing in remote areas. Local Government, particularly in isolated areas will benefits greatly from these changes. Meanwhile, to the extent that the fringe benefits tax imposes a disability on individual councils, particularly isolated councils, I would expect that such disabilities would be fully taken into account by State Local Government Grants Commissions in assessing allocations of Commonwealth general purpose financial assistance. Because of the importance of this tax to isolated councils I have asked my Department to keep under review the effects of its implementation on councils. (2) Further to the answer to (1), legislation passed in the Autumn session, the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act, will allow Commonwealth general purpose funds for Local Government to be increased in 1986-87 and 1987-88 either to maintain the same real terms or to equal the percentage increase in general financial assistance being provided to the States. The formula chosen will be that which provides the best result for Local Government. As a consequence of decisions made on the level of general purpose assistance to the States at the June 1986 Premiers' Conference, Local Government will receive the same real terms funds in 1986-87 as it did in 1985-86. In comparison, grants to the States will decrease by 1.7% in real terms. This is a very favourable result for Local Government under current economic circumstances where all governments will have considerable difficulty in balancing their budgets. (Question No. 1664) Dr Klugman asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 11 September 1985: (1) Has the staff of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation increased from 6405 in 1980 to 6801 in 1984; if so, (a) why and (b) is this increase consistent with the advances that have been made in labour saving technology. (2) What sum was spent by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in this period on the installation of labour saving technology. Mr Duffy —Based on advice provided by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) the answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The staff strength of the ABC was: 6405-30 June 1980 6423-30 June 1981 6387-30 June 1982 6694-30 June 1983 6801-30 June 1984 (a) During the period 1980-1984 staff increased in a wide range of areas to implement new projects, policies and procedures. For example, extra staff were needed to carry out the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, the Archives Act, Grievance Appeals Procedures, Equal Opportunity Policies and Community Affairs procedures; ABC Enterprise expanded its activities and additional staff were engaged for ABC Shops in all States; the expansion of Aboriginal Broadcasting required staff to be assigned to training and co-ordination activities; strong emphasis was placed on forward planning-the Second Regional Radio Network and the introduction of the AUSSAT system, as well as prep- aration of the ABC's first Corporate Plan, EDP Plan and Property Plan. In summary, the breakdown by Division of the additional 378 staff is: Management/Management Services ...49 Radio...120 Radio Australia ...7 Orchestral ...15 Television ...90 Engineering ...77 Marketing ...20 (b) The increase in staff must be seen against the background of the capital run-down of the ABC over many years. Only from the year ending 30 June, 1985 has ABC capital expenditure as a proportion of total ABC expenditure begun to rise appreciably, as a result of decisions taken by the new Corporation Board and Management. The greater productivity and thereby savings in staff costs were first evidenced in the substantial reduction of permanent staff numbers resulting from the 1985 voluntary redundancy package. Once the ABC's satellite services are fully operational, there will be staff savings in the transmission area. Some staff in the area have already taken advantage of the voluntary redundancy package. Other new technology, such as computerisation, is not yet resulting in significant staff savings because staff are required to design and install the new information management systems within which the technology will be used. Further, extensive training of staff is required so that the new systems will operate effectively. However, in future years staff savings will begin to appear in administrative areas, such as the savings that will be achieved as a result of the introduction of the computerised Assets register. Labour-saving technology is not so applicable to program production and this will continue to be a labour-intensive area of activity. (2) The ABC's total expenditure on plant and equipment since 1979/80 is: ABC Cth Games RA Total $m $m $m $m 1979-80 ... 5.602 .001 n/a 5.603 1980-81 ... 7.682 2.89 n/a 10.572 1981-82 ... 7.7 7.17 .577 15/44 1982-83 ... 12.43 . . .804 13.234 1983-84 ... 13.886 . . .18 14.06 It is not readily ascertainable as to the amounts of capital expenditure directly resulting in reduced labour costs. However, an indication of the shift in emphasis by the Corporation to be more capital intensive is shown by the levels of capital expenditure per employee: $'000 1981-82 ... 1.3681 1982-83 ... 2.1482 1983-84 ... 2.5710 1984-85 ... 3.9511 (Question No. 2208) Mr Price asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 15 October 1985: (1) What was the size of the capital works program for (a) the Australian Telecommunications Commission, (b) the Overseas Telecommunications Commission and (c) Australia Post, for each of the years since 1975-76. (2) What was the (a) amount and (b) percentage, spent by each body on Australian manufactured goods in each year. (3) What was the estimated workforce in private enterprise dependent on the placement of these orders by these bodies for Australian manufactured goods. (4) What is the estimated private enterprise employment multiplier for capital works expenditure. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on information provided by the Australian Telecommunications Commission, the Australian Postal Commission and the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), is as follows: THE AUSTRALIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (1) Year Capital Works Programme $m 1975-76 ... 747 1976-77 ... 898 1977-78 ... 937 1978-79 ... 923 1979-80 ... 1 003 1980-81 ... 1 164 1981-82 ... 1 248 1982-83 ... 1 552 1983-84 ... 1 407 1984-85 ... 1 568 (2) The total purchases of materials and services made by Telecom in each of the years since 1975-76 are as follows: Year Total Purchases $m 1975-76 ... 333 1976-77 ... 338 1977-78 ... 379 1978-79 ... 401 1979-80 ... 446 1980-81 ... 563 1981-82 ... 680 1982-83 ... 897 1983-84 ... 1 052 1984-85 ... 1 151 Telecom is unable to provide the exact amounts spent each year on Australian manufactured goods. However, approximately 90% of materials and services are obtained from Australian manufacturers. (3) In its report of 5 October 1984 on ``Telecommunications and Related Equipment and Parts'' the Industries Assistance Commission (IAC) stated that approximately 9 000 people were employed in industry covering the goods then under reference. However, it should be noted that the IAC inquiry did not embrace cable, power supply equipment and motor vehicles and similar items, of which Telecom makes significant purchases. It has also been estimated that Telecom's purchases represent 75% of the output of local manufacturers engaged in the Australian telecommunications industry. (4) Telecom is unable to provide the estimated private enterprise employment multiplier for capital works expenditure. The Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce (DITAC) has advised the Department of Communications that neither it nor the Bureau of Industry Economics has calculated multiplier for the Australian communications equipment industry, nor are they aware of any Australian studies on the subject. THE OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (1) Year Capital Works Programme $ 75-76 ... 14,222,312 76-77 ... 10,895,471 77-78 ... 14,282,549 78-79 ... 17,073,250 79-80 ... 20,799,000 80-81 ... 19,007,500 81-82 ... 117,684,650 82-83 ... 30,058,500 83-84 ... 81,570,000 84-85 ... 61,289,800 Capital Works Program is the total amount actually spent each year on capital works including equipment purchased, installation and engineering costs. (2)-Note: Not all of the information requested in this part of the question is available as records of this data were not kept prior to 1979-80. Year Total Purchases $ per cent(a) (b) 75-76 ... n.a. n.a. 76-77 ... n.a. n.a. 77-78 ... n.a. n.a. 78-79 ... n.a. n.a. 79-80 ... 3,526,080 45 80-81 ... 2,901,190 32 81-82 ... 55,871,341 32 82-83 ... 3,318,535 37 83-84 ... 2,795,992 47 84-85 ... 47,291,494 33 (a) Australian Content is the value of Australian manufactured content in contracts let in the year nominated. (b) Percentage of Australian Content is the Australian manufactured content as a percentage of the total value of contracts let. (3) and (4) OTC does not have the necessary information to answer these questions. THE AUSTRALIAN POSTAL COMMISSION Year Land and Buildings Other Capital Investment Total Capital Investment $m $m $m 1975-76 ... 13.3 9.2 22.5 1976-77 ... 12.2. 8.9 21.1 1977-78 ... 14.0 7.4 21.4 1978-79 ... 14.8 9.2 24.0 1979-80 ... 17.3 15.1 32.4 1980-81 ... 22.1 10.5 32.6 1981-82 ... 27.4 11.8 39.2 1982-83 ... 37.4 15.2 52.6 1983-84 ... 28.3 22.1 50.4 1984-85 ... 22.0 19.2 41.2 (2) (3) and (4) Australia Post's accounting and management systems do not provide the information to enable responses to be given to these questions. (Question No. 2318) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 12 November 1985: (1) What was the expenditure by the Minister's Department and authorities under the Minister's control on public relations in (a) 1983-84 and (b) 1984-85. (2) What was the nature or subject of the public relations expenditure. (3) Was outside assistance obtained for public relations. If so, (a) who provided the assistance, (b) what payments were made, and (c) why was the assistance sought. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1)- 1983-84 1984-85 $ $ Department of Health... 290 656 350 985 Commonwealth Serum Laboratories... 11 782 8 000 ACT Health Authority... 94 104 124 055 Health Insurance Commission... 79 888 5 786 Note: The above figures include some expenditure incurred in the preparation of Departmental publications and other miscellaneous information activities. It is not practical to identify expenditure which relates solely to `public relations'. (2) The expenditure includes salaries of public relations staff and items such as printing costs, costs associated with the opening ceremony for a new CSL building, photographic display work, safety posters for hospitals, and leaflets and brochures. (3) Yes. (a) The Health Insurance Commission obtained outside assistance from The Consultancy (a Sydney public relations company); (b) see (1); (c) For the preparation of English, ethnic and Aboriginal language community service announcements on the introduction of Medicare; and for liaison with the SBS, commercial TV, community service and commercial radio stations. (Question No. 3102) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) What funds were allowed to the (a) Aboriginal Advancement Program-Direct Grants, (b) health, (c) education, (d) employment-special work projects, (e) Community Development Employment Program, (f) Social Support, (g) community management and services, (h) culture and recreation, (j) legal aid, (k) training, (m) Aboriginal Enterprise Program, (n) housing schemes for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, (o) land acquisition for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, (p) sports assistance and (q) hostel accommodation schemes in (i) 1982-83, (ii) 1983-84, (iii) 1984-85 and (iv) 1985-86. (2) What (a) amount and (b) proportion of funds was specifically allocated in each year for projects to be undertaken in NSW. (3) How and by which body were the funds administered in each scheme. (4) How and by which body were decisions made in each year on the detailed allocation of funds for projects under each scheme. (5) What specific projects were funded under each scheme in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (6) For each project in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant, (b) which individual or group received the grant and (d) what evaluation has been made to determine if the grant achieved the original objectives for which it was made. (7) What specific projects were denied funding under each scheme in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (8) For each project denied funding in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant sought, (b) which individual or group applied for the grant, (c) what was the amount of grant sought and (d) what was the reason for refusing funding for the application. (9) How does funding for projects under these schemes in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond compare on a per capita basis with funding for projects under the schemes in the Electoral Divisions of (a) Wills, (b) Reid, (c) Parramatta, (d) Robertson, (e) Shortland, (f) Cunningham, (g) Werriwa and (h) Blaxland. (10) How and when were applications sought for grants under each scheme in each year. (11) Was any specific advertising undertaken to alert residents of the Electoral Division of Richmond to the existence of these schemes. (12) Will he ensure that in future comprehensive information concerning grant availability and eligibility under these schemes is drawn to the attention of local government bodies, community groups and residents in the Electoral Division of Richmond; if not, why not. (13) If so, (a) how and (b) when, will the information be provided. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Information is detailed in Table 1. (2) Information is detailed in Table 2. (3) Table 1 indicates the portfolio bodies and their particular programs under which funds are administered. (4) Table 1 indicates the portfolio bodies which made decisions on the allocation of funds. The decisions were made following consultations with Aboriginal communities and organisations. (5) and (6) The projects funded by my Department as direct grants in the Electoral Division of Richmond in 1983-84 and 1984-85 are listed in Table 3. I am not prepared to authorise the use of considerable resources of time and money that would be involved in providing information on projects funded in 1982-83 or on projects funded through programs of my portfolio organisations. All Departmental grants are evaluated each year against their stated goals and objectives. This is a prerequisite for consideration of continuing funding in the succeeding year. (7) and (8) As has been the practice adopted by previous governments, I am not prepared to authorise the commitment of substantial resources to the collection and collation of this information. (9) The per capita funding in the selected electoral divisions is provided in Table 4. This is limited to Departmental direct grants from 1983-84 onwards for the reasons given in response to sections (5) and (6) above. The electoral populations are taken from the 1981 Census. (10), (11), (12) and (13) Applications for grants are developed in consultation with Aboriginal communities and organisations. This is accomplished by Area Office staff who consult with Aboriginal people to ascertain their outstanding needs, relative priorities and the available options to overcome them. The Area Office disseminates information about available services and programs to local Aboriginal communities. No specific advertising has been undertaken in Richmond, nor will it be, since information about services and programs currently reaches the Aboriginal communities entitled to receive them in the most cost effective manner. Table 1 Aboriginal Advancement Programs-Direct Grants (National Expenditure) 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (Est) $ $ $ $ Department of Aboriginal Affairs Health ... 8,382,531 12,722,188 20,401,213 22,417,800 Education ... 3,300,055 4,503,590 5,788,253 6,085,170 Employment SWP ... 2,878,315 4,075,187 3,535,131 3,200,000 CDEP ... 6,332,791 14,234,204 23,447,239 21,380,000 Social Support ... 4,768,856 6,530,117 7,047,146 6,315,450 Community Management and Services ... 18,306,526 24,233,050 25,486,917 27,324,780 Culture and Recreation ... 1,722,865 3,069,049 3,735,953 4,008,700(1) Legal Aid ... 7,961,976 10,934,722 12,908,720 12,315,000 Training ... 1,641,980 1,896,692 2,416,891 2,238,200 TOTAL ... 55,295,895 82,198,799 104,767,463 102,405,100 Aboriginal Development Commission Aboriginal Enterprise Program ... 3,560,447 6,673,196 8,978,801 9,230,000 Housing Schemes ... 26,860,485 30,639,599 35,925,615 43,341,000 Land Acquisition ... 2,242,305 1,872,538 1,568,267 1,720,000 Sports Assistance ... - (2)...189,375 221,319 - (3) TOTAL ... 32,663,237 39,374,708 46,694,002 54,291,000 Aboriginal Hostels Ltd Grants to Third Party Hostels: Hostel Accommodation Schemes ... 1,555,768 2,111,581 4,068,579 4,653,508 TOTAL ... 1,555,768 2,111,581 4,068,579 4,653,508 TOTAL ... 89,514,900 123,685,088 155,530,044 161,349,608 Notes: (1) Includes $400,000 for sports assistance. (2) Administered by National Aboriginal Sports Foundation until October 1983. (3) Transferred to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Table 2 Aboriginal Advancement Programs-Direct Grants Expenditure in New South Wales 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (Est) $ % of Nat. $ % of Nat. $ % of Nat. $ % of Nat. Department of Aboriginal Affairs Health... 1,436,183 17.1 2,043,533 16.1 2,422,697 11.9 2,779,400 12.4 Education... 1,189,323 36.0 1,635,484 36.3 1,977,387 34.1 2,103,200 34.6 Employment SWP... 138,886 4.8 287,867 7.1 203,955 5.8 123,500 3.9 CDEP... . . 0.0 . . 0.0 . . 0.0 . . 0.0 Social Support... 1,174,292 24.6 1,961,223 30.0 2,194,925 34.2 1,313,300 20.8 Community Management & Services... 2,232,581 12.2 1,601,960 6.6 1,965,694 7.7 1,105,100 4.0 Culture and Recreation... 304,591 17.7 568,009 18.5 473,216 12.7 372,700 9.3 Legal Aid... 1,803,371 22.7 2,376,157 21.7 2,731,172 22.6 2,630,600 21.4 Training... 164,312 10.0 214,327 11.3 337,425 14.0 447,000 20.0 TOTAL... 8,443,539 15.3 10,688,560 13.0 12,306,471 11.7 10,874,800 10.6 Aboriginal Development Commission Aboriginal Enterprise Program... 499,695 14.0 1,210,550 18.1 1,451,746 16.2 n.a. . . Housing Schemes... 6,599,299 24.6 6,622,176 24.9 9,430,113 26.1 11,738,000 27.1 Land Acquisition... 278,793 12.4 659,000 35.2 542,000 34.6 n.a. . . Sports Assistance... . . . . 29,351 15.5 44,261 20.0 . . TOTAL... 7,377,787 22.6 8,521,077 21.6 11,468,120 24.6 11,738,000 21.6 Aboriginal Hostels Limited Grants to Third Party Hostels Hostel Accomodation Schemes... 397,551 25.6 415,530 19.7 497,814 12.2 630,129 13.5 TOTAL... 397,551 415,530 497,814 630,129 TOTAL... 16,218,877 18.1 19,625,167 15.9 24,272,405 15.6 23,242,929 21.7 Table 3 Part 1 D.A.A. Projects Funded in the Electoral Division of Richmond in 1983-84 Program Recipient Project/Purpose Amount $ Health Bundjalung Tribal Society Operating costs of Namatjira Haven Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre 33,270 Education Jarjum Centre Renovation of house for use as a Preschool and modify a bus 24,500 Baryulgil & District Pre-School Purchase Preschool equipment 3,215 Tabulam District Community Pre-School Operation of Pre-school 4,759 Northern Rivers C.A.E. Co-ordinated Community School Program 145,354 Employment Mid Richmond Area Council Employ Aboriginals in Bush Regeneration Project 11,912 Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Employ/train Aboriginals in Landscaping Museum/Resource Centre 43,270 Social Support Yinjarah Women's Aboriginal Hostel Establish Women's Crisis Centre, purchase of vehicle and equipment 20,700 Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Operating costs of social services to Community including sealing car park 10,300 Bundjalung Tribal Society Operation costs of Community Office and Referral Agency 16,300 Bokal Nee Aboriginal Corp. Operating costs of Community Office 866 Butum Aboriginal Corp. Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency 16,340 Interim NSW Land Council-Tabulam Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency 4,700 Mala Bugilmah Aboriginal Corp. Operating costs of Community Office 4,600 Community Management & Services Bunjum Aboriginal Corp. Upgrading Essential Services, sewerage and stormwater 208,000 Bokal Nee Aboriginal Corp. Payment of Water Rates & emergency repairs 5,148 Box Ridge Aboriginal Corp. Purchase tractor 10,000 Jumbullum Aboriginal Corp. Maintenance costs at Tabulam Reserve 4,038 Relocate water pipe at Tabulam Reserve 5,000 Bunjum Aboriginal Corp. Purchase truck & front end loader 34,000 Program Culture & Recreation Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Construct Museum 160,000 Legal Aid Malabugilmah Aboriginal Corp. Employ Aboriginal Liaison Officer to report on the Baryulgil Asbestos Inquiry 11,684 Total 1983-84 Departmental Direct Grants in Richmond Federal Electorate... 777,956 Table 3 Part II DAA PROJECTS FUNDED IN THE ELECTORAL DIVISION OF RICHMOND IN 1984-85 Program Recipient Project/Purpose Amount Health Bundjalung Tribal Society Operating costs of Namatjira Haven $31,900 Bundjalung Tribal Society Construct a therapeutic, survival and work skills facility for rehabilitation $18,000 Education Baryugil & District Pre-School Equipment and furnishings $9,000 Tabulam District Community Pre-School Employ Aboriginal Teachers Aide and purchase equipment and materials $19,600 Jarjum Centre Install fire precautions $6,000 Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corp. Tutoring for dancers $2,000 NCIACE Co-ordinate Literacy and Numeracy Program $161,900 Employment: SWP Mid-Richmond Area Council Bush Regeneration Project $3,900 Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corp. Establish Community Arts Workshop $23,000 Community Aid Mid-Richmond Association Employ Trainee Co-ordinator for Bush Regeneration Project $13,500 Social Support Yinganeh Women's Aboriginal Hostel Operating costs of Womens Crisis Centre and purchase Mini bus $25,418 Yinganeh Women's Aboriginal Hostel Provide furniture and equipment $14,350 Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency $8,400 Buyinbin Aboriginal Co-operative Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency $6,550 Bundjalung Tribal Society Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency $16,900 Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corp. Operating costs of Welfare Referral Agency $6,550 Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Purchase of replacement vehicle $8,000 Community Management and Services NSW Land Council Upgrade water and sewerage of Tabulam $41,000 Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corp. Construct shed and repair water pump $10,000 Culture and Recreation Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Sponsor young Aboriginal athlete $2,500 TOTAL 1984-85 Departmental Direct Grants in Richmond Federal Electorate $428,468 Table 3 Part III DAA PROJECTS FUNDED IN THE ELECTORAL DIVISION OF RICHMOND AT 23 JANUARY 1986 Program Recipient Project/Purpose Amount Health Bundjalung Tribal Society Operating costs of Namatjara Haven $44,100 Education Tabulam District Community Pre-School Employ Teachers Aide $14,000 N.C.I.A.C.E. Co-Ordinate Literacy and Numeracy Program $151,500 Employment: SWP Community Aid Mid-Richmond Area Bush Regeneration Project $15,600 Tweed Aboriginal Co-operative Completion of Museum and Resource Centre, employ Museum Assistant/Youth worker, purchase Artefacts and vehicle $41,997 Social Support Yinganeh Women's Aboriginal Hostel Operating costs for Womens Crisis Centre and Refuge $10,700 Community Management and Service Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corp. Upgrade water and sewerage at Tabulam $291,000 Hepburn & Thorpe P/L Engage Engineering Consultant to report on civil works maintenance in various Communities $4,000 Culture and Recreation Bundjalung Tribal Society Purchase gym and sports equipment for Namatjira Haven $1,674 Aboriginal Community Services Centre Assist athlete $103 Total 1984-85 Projects in Richmond Federal Electorate at 23 January 1986 $574,674 Table 4 Per capita Funding (DAA Direct Grants) for Selected Federal Electoral Divisions in 1983-84, 1984-85 and 1985-86 1981 Census 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 Program as at 23.1.86 Federal Electoral Division Total Pop. Aboriginal Pop. $ Funding Per capita Total Pop. Aboriginal Pop. $ Funding Per capita Total Pop. Aboriginal Pop. $ Funding Per capita Total Pop. Aboriginal Pop. Richmond... 137,746 1,857 5.65 418.93 3.11 230.73 4.17 309.46 (a) Wills... 117,379 201 2.28 1,330.91 - - 2.87 1,676.62 (b) Reid... 112,559 387 - - 0.02 6.46 0.05 15.50 (c) Parramatta... 115,140 246 - - - - - - (d) Robertson... 129,058 272 - - - - - - (e) Shortland... 119,190 315 0.00 159 - - - - (f) Cunningham... 130,962 360 - - - - - - (g) Werriwa... 164,002 1,208 0.27 36.42 0.38 51.82 0.33 44.70 (h) Blaxland... 107,340 211 - - - - 1.50 763.03 (Question No. 3103) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Local Government and Administrative Services, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) What funds were allocated to the Local Government Development Program in (a) 1982-83, (b) 1983-84, (c) 1984-85 and (d) 1985-86. (2) What (a) amount and (b) proportion of funds were specifically allocated in each year for projects to be undertaken in NSW. (3) How and by which body were the funds administered in each year for the program. (4) How and by which body were decisions made in each year on the detailed allocation of funds for projects under the program. (5) What specific projects were funded under the Programs in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (6) For each project in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant, (b) which individual or group received the grant, (c) what was the amount of the grant and (d) what evaluation has been made to determine if the grant achieved the original objective for which it was made. (7) What specific projects were denied funding under the Program in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond. (8) For each project denied funding in the Electoral Division of Richmond (a) what was the principal purpose of the grant sought, (b) which individual or group applied for the grant, (c) what was the amount of grant sought and (d) what was the reason for refusing funding for the application. (9) How does funding for projects under the program in each year in the Electoral Division of Richmond compare on a per capita basis with funding for projects under the program in the Electoral Divisions of (a) Wills, (b) Reid, (c) Parramatta, (d) Robertson, (e) Shortland, (f) Cunningham, (g) Werriwa and (h) Blaxland. (10) How and when were applications sought for grants under the program in each year. (11) Was any specific advertising undertaken to alert residents of the Electoral Division of Richmond to the existence of the program. (12) Will he ensure that in future comprehensive information concerning grant availability and eligibility under the program is drawn to the attention of local government bodies, community groups and residents in the Electoral Division of Richmond; if not, why not. (13) If so, (a) how and (b) when will the information be provided. Mr Uren —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Local Government Development Program and its predecessor programs commenced in 1983-84. The allocations for projects were: (a) 1982-83... Nil (b) 1983-84... $1.65m (c) 1984-85... $4.65m (d) 1985-86... $5.0m (2) (a) (b) $ per cent 1983-84... 834,000 42.0* 1984-85... 1,780,300 38.2* 1985-86... 1,500,000 30.0+ * Actual amount spent in the year. + Figure allocated for the year. (3) The funds were administered by the Office of Local Government in accordance with the Department of Finance Regulations and Directions and the Audit Act. The Office formed part of the Department of Territories and Local Government until 13 December 1984 and part of the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services thereafter. (4) Applications for funds were assessed against the selection criteria set down in the guidelines for the Program in each year. State Government and regional priorities were taken into account. Decisions about the projects to be funded were taken by me as the Minister responsible for the Program. (5) 1983-84 Nil. 1984-85 Nil. 1985-86: (i) Secretariat funding for the North East Local Government Association (now the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC)). (ii) Human Services Strategy by the Richmond-Tweed Regional Council for Social Development. (6) (i) (a) Seeding funds for the Secretariat for the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils to assist with the formulation and presentation of programs and strategies on issues of common interest to member councils. (b) Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils. (c) $30,000. (d) Time for expenditure of grant has not yet elapsed. (ii) (a) Development of Human Services Strategy. (b) Richmond-Tweed Regional Council for Social Development. (c) $34,500. (d) As for (i) (d) above. (7) 1983-84 Nil. 1984-85 A request for funding of a part-time secretariat for a voluntary grouping of councils on the North Coast was unsuccessful. 1985-86 The following applications for funding were unsuccessful: (i) Employment of a Project Officer-Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils. (ii) Employment of a Project Officer-Byron Shire Council. (iii) Investigation of Koala Habitats-City of Lismore. (iv) Development of Training Strategy for Elected Members and Employees-Lismore City Council. (v) Investigation of Alternative Sewerage Treatment Methods-Tweed Shire Council. (vi) Tourism Development Strategy-Tweed Shire Council. (8) 1984-85: (a) To assist with funding for the establishment of a part time secretariat for a voluntary association of councils on the North Coast of New South Wales. (b) North East Local Government Association. (c) General request for financial assistance. (d) Insufficient funds were available under the Program to provide grants to all applicant bodies. The application was not regarded as having sufficient priority for it to be funded within the limited appropriation available. 1985-86: (i) (a) Employ a project officer to establish a research and data base on the North East Coast of N.S.W. (b) Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils. (c) $40,000. (d) Over 200 applications were received from New South Wales seeking funding in excess of $9m. Only $1.5m was available in the State under the Program. This project did not receive the very high priority required for it to be funded because the proposed work will be carried out, in part, with the $30,000 made available under the Program in 1985-86 for a secretariat. The Commonwealth Government is also assisting NOROC through its Interchange Program in that the Secretary to the Organisation is a Commonwealth employee on interchange. (ii) (a) Employ a project officer to document the Byron Shire Trail and associated facilities, undertake design work for future facilities and promote the trail. (b) Bryon Shire Council. (c) $55,000. (d) See (i) (d) above. This project did not receive the very high priority required for it to be funded because the project cost as proposed was considered rather high for the work to be undertaken and the trail project anticipates earning significant income, hence such work could be funded from borrowings to be recouped once the work is completed. (iii) (a) Identify and investigate koala habitats within the City of Lismore and design and implement programs to expand existing habitat areas. (b) Lismore City Council. (c) $23,000. (d) See (i) (d) above. This project did not receive the very high priority for funding because the study was marginal in terms of the Program guidelines. Priority under the Program is given to more mainstream activities of Local Government which produce results which can be applied by the broadest possible range of councils. (iv) (a) Develop a training strategy for the elected members and employees of Lismore City Council. The project proposed to assess needs and develop the necessary training programs. (b) Lismore City Council. (c) $22,000. (d) See (i) (d) above. This project did not receive the very high priority required for it to be funded because considerable advice and some courses for this purpose are already available through the Local Government Industry Training Committees. Extension of these courses is presently being undertaken by Penrith City Council. As my Department has indicated in its recent letter to Lismore City Council, it would be pleased to provide details of such work under the Program to Council should it wish to follow this matter up. (v) (a) Investigate alternative methods available for the collection and treatment of sewerage in small centres. (b) Tweed Shire Council (c) $25,000 (d) See (i) (d) above. This project did not receive the very high priority required for it to be funded because extensive work on small scale sewerage treatment work has already been completed under the Program during 1983-84 and 1984-85. The nature of projects supported is such that the results obtained can be applied by many councils. My Department indicated in its recent letter to the Council (Tweed), that it would be pleased to provide details of this work if Council wishes. (vi) (a) Design a tourism development strategy for the Shire of Tweed, including marketing of the area's attractions. (b) Tweed Shire Council (c) $45,000 (d) See (i) (d) above. This project did not receive the very high priority required for it to be funded because extensive work on tourism development strategies, facilities needs, project design and model project implementation has been undertaken through the Program in 1983-84 and 1984-85. Tweed Shire Council has been invited to make use of this existing work in my Department's recent letter. (9) Data are not maintained on an electorate basis and it would be most difficult to provide comparable information. Local Government authority boundaries rarely, if ever, coincide with Commonwealth electorate boundaries and many projects are nation, State or region-wide. Priority is given under the Program for projects which develop models and methodologies which have broad applicability throughout Local Government. The task would involve questionable judgments about the distribution of benefits of projects. Given the expected unreliability of the result I have decided that the considerable time and cost of undertaking the task is not warranted. (10) In 1983-84, the Program was a small one of $1.65m only and commenced on a pilot basis in the needy regions of Western Sydney and Western and North Western Melbourne. Applications were encouraged from Local Government bodies and associated agencies in those regions. In 1984-85, the Program was extended to all States and the Northern Territory and targeted regions were selected in consultation with the State and Northern Territory Governments. Applications dealing with local housing assessment, training, research and information were accepted from throughout Australia. In 1985-86, the Program became the fully fledged Local Government Development Program and guidelines, application forms and publicity material were sent in September/October 1985 to every Local Government authority and regional groupings of such authorities in Australia. (11) Individual residents are not eligible for grants under the Local Government Development Program. However, I issued a media release on 10 September 1985 about the Program which was circulated to regional and local media. My Department produces a booklet titled ``Commonwealth Assistance for Local Projects'' which contains details of Commonwealth assistance for projects at the local level, including under the Local Government Development Program. Booklets for the 1984-85 and 1985-1986 financial years were distributed very widely including to all Local Government authorities. (12) Information concerning grant availability and eligibility will continue to be drawn to the attention of all Local Government bodies throughout Australia. It is not intended to arrange public advertising of the Local Government Development Program, since members of the general public are not eligible for funding under the Program. (13) Information on grant availability and eligibility for future Programs will be provided to all Local Government authorities by direct mail, in sufficient time to enable them to apply for assistance. (Question No. 3163) Mr Sharp asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 12 February 1986: (1) Will a ranger be stationed on Bowen Island 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; if not, what plans are there to increase the capacity of service and patrols provided by the ranger on the mainland of Jervis Bay Nature Reserve. (2) What will be the cost of (a) destruction of existing homes and the wharf on Bowen Island, (b) construction of a new wharf and other new facilities planned for the Island and (c) revegetating the Island. (3) What will be the annual cost to the Government of managing Bowen Island. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) A ranger will be stationed on Bowen Island once vacant possession is available. (2) The estimated costs of proposed works on Bowen Island are as follows: (a) removal of unwanted structures and site restoration: $60,000 in 1986-87; (b) renovation of the jetty and repairs and modifications to retained buildings and services: $50,000 in 1986-87 and $50,000 in 1987-88; and (c) revegetation of the formerly leased area has commenced and will take a number of years to complete; the costs are included in the basic environmental management costs, estimated at $64,000 per year from 1986-87. (3) It is estimated that the operating costs of managing Bowen Island will be $64,000 per year from 1986-87. The cost of preparing this answer is estimated at $140. (Question No. 3211) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 17 February 1986: (1) Will he provide details of the censorship standards that apply to the ABC. (2) Have the standards changed over the last 5 years; if so, what are the details of the changes. (3) Are the standards of censorship different to those for commercial stations; if so, what are the differences. (4) What are the procedures for public complaints concerning censorship of ABC programs. (5) How many complaints concerning censorship did the ABC receive in each of the years 1982 to 1985. (6) What are the details of the complaints. (7) What action has the ABC taken to deal with the complaints. (8) Do the censorship standards of the ABC meet the requirements of the Government; if not, what improvements will be made to rectify the situation. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based in part on information provided by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, is: (1) The honourable member's question asks specifically about censorship standards and their relationship to the ABC. The matter of censorship is properly viewed as an integral part of a broader process of assessment and classification. I do not consider that it is a particularly useful approach to single out the censorship aspect of the process and the remainder of this answer is predicated on the principles involved in program standards. Under Section 6 (1) (a) of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 (the ABC Act) the ABC is required to ``provide within Australia innovative and comprehensive broadcasting and television services of a high standard.'' Section 6 (2) (a) (iii) of the ABC Act also provides that the ``Corporation shall take account of . . . the standards from time to time approved by the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal in respect of broadcasting and television services''. Under Section 118 of the Broadcasting Act 1942, the ABC is prohibited from broadcasting ``matter which is blasphemous, indecent or obscene.'' The ABC has also produced the document, ``Program Policies and Practices for ABC Radio and Television'' for the guidance of staff. A revised edition of this document is now in preparation. For locally-produced material, production departments are required to refer the product to the appropriate officers within the ABC where doubt exists as to the classification of a program. `G' programs May be televised at any time. `PGR' programs May be televised between 0830 and 1600 and between 1930 and 0600 weekdays and 1930-0600 Saturdays and Sundays. `AO' programs May be televised between 1200 and 1500 and 2030 and 0500 weekdays and 2030-0500 Saturdays and Sundays. Note `PGR' and `AO' programs must not be telecast between 0830 and 1600 or 1200 and 1500 during school holidays. (2) The censorship standards that apply to the ABC remain as they have been over the past 5 years. (3) As an independent statutory authority, the ABC has the responsibility for determining its programming policies and practices in accordance with the legislative provisions detailed in part (1) of this answer. Commercial licensees are required by Section 99 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 1942 to ensure that ``as far as practicable, the programs are in accordance with standards determined by the Tribunal''. The ABC is required by section 6 (2) (a) (ii) of the ABC Act to take account of those standards. While the ABC advises that it very largely observes the ABT's standards, it is not limited by them. In fact, the ABC's charter bestows on the Corporation considerable scope in the choice of programs for broadcast as well as the responsibility for ensuring that the programs are of a ``high standard''. All broadcasters are subject to the prohibition on the broadcasting of blasphemous, indecent or obscene matter. This is provided for in Section 118 of the Broadcasting Act. (4) People who wish to complain about a particular radio or television program may write to the ABC. Assertions of minor infringements are referred to the appropriate executive. Where there are more serious accusations or where a complainant is dissatisfied with the ABC's response, the matter is referred to the senior executive of the ABC Department concerned. In extreme cases the senior executive may decide that a case warrants notification to the Managing Director for advice. It is usual that a response, generally from the appropriate senior program executive, is made to the complainant. (5) and (6) Complaints in relation to censorship vary greatly from questions of taste in the use of language, in the presentation of social issues in comedy programs, to questions of law as to whether a program was indecent or obscene. These complaints are addressed variously to the ABC's Head Office, its State branches or to the program makers themselves. There is no index or other system available to retrieve these specific types of complaints from the very large volume of audience correspondence the ABC receives, other than a long and expensive manual search of all corporate, State, program department and archival files. (7) The action taken to deal with the complaints would always include at a minimum the forwarding of the complaint to the head of the department responsible for the program for reply to the complainant. In more serious cases, if the circumstances warranted, an apology may be made and action taken to avoid repetition. As indicated at point 4 there is provision by the ABC for complaints of major significance to be processed and dealt with at the highest executive level. (8) There are a number of legislative provisions relating to program standards which the ABC is required to comply with or to take account of. The Government believes that this legislative framework, together with the ABC's own internal program policies and practices as noted in points 4 and 7, provides an adequate basis for ABC's programs to conform to community standards and expectations. (Question No. 3212) Mr Reith asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 17 February 1986: (1) Does Telecom Australia have a monopoly over the Telecommunications wiring of all premises; if not, in what circumstances does Telecom allow its customers to wire their own premises. (2) What customers are wiring their own premises and under what Telecom requirements. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: Under Section 94 (2) (g) of the Telecommunications Act 1975, a person may install and operate a communications installation on his own land. This authorisation extends to the cabling of premises. However, if the cabling is to be connected to and become part of the public telecommunications network, Telecom has extensive powers under the Act to require the cabling of premises to meet technical and other conditions, and to undertake such cabling itself. Cabling of premises for telecommunication services is best considered in terms of: (a) Private property cabling (b) main building cabling. In relation to (a), Telecom allows major cabling projects and projects in remote areas, on a case by case basis, to be undertaken by the property owner or a competent contractor on his behalf. In relation to (b), for premises such as large commercial, industrial or residential buildings or complexes which require a permanent cabling system for the reticulation of telecommunications services, Telecom's current policy provides that the building be cabled on behalf of the owner by Telecom or by cabling contractors empowered by Telecom. (Question No. 3257) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 19 February 1986: (1) Have any licences been granted since the Supplementary Licence Scheme was introduced to expand regional radio; if not, why not. (2) Is it a fact that many of the independent companies interested in applying for an FM broadcasting licence in regional Australia are experiencing financial difficulties due to the delays in the granting of licences. (3) When will additional broadcasting licences be granted in regional areas. (4) On what (a) basis and (b) terms will the additional licences be granted. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) No supplementary licences or new independent licences have been granted as a result of the Supplementary Licence Scheme. The Supplementary Licence Scheme was proposed by the previous Government and then later endorsed by this Government. Unfortunately, the Scheme has proved to be complex and quite unproductive in terms of new services. In my statement to the House of 20 May 1986 I announced the Government's plans for expediting the introduction of additional commercial television services in regional areas. I also announced that provisions for supplementary television licences would be deleted from the Broadcasting Act 1942, but emphasised that this will not necessarily apply to the provisions for supplementary radio licences. (2) Some companies interested in applying for commercial radio licences have claimed that delays involved in the present procedures are making it difficult for them to maintain interest. (3) On 27 May 1986, notices appeared in the Commonwealth Gazette re-inviting applications for commercial radio licences to serve Newcastle (NSW) and Mandurah (WA), public radio licences to serve Rockingham (WA), Rockhampton (Qld) and Whyalla (SA), and self-help licences for ABC-TV services in Doomadgee and Dajarra (Qld). The Australian Broadcasting Tribunal is currently occupied with licence renewal hearings. It expects to announce a schedule for hearings of these new licences shortly. (4) These licences will be issued on the same basis and on the same terms as existing licences. (Question No. 3258) Mr Aldred asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 19 February 1986: (1) What are the names of persons, consultancies or companies who have been retained by the National Crime Authority (NCA), since its establishment, as consultants in (a) legal, (b) accounting and data-processing and (c) any other fields. (2) Which consultants were engaged on (a) an hourly, (b) a daily and (c) a long-term basis. (3) On which dates have consultants been engaged since the establishment of the NCA. (4) What rate of remuneration has been paid to each consultant. (5) What has been the cost for consultants engaged by the NCA. (6) Do staff levels imposed on the NCA cause it to have difficulty in engaging adequate staff; if so, is this a reason for engaging consultants. Mr Young —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) to (5): See table prepared by the National Crime Authority. (6) It is common practice in the public sector for consultants to assist in the fields of law, accountancy and ADP. CONSULTANCIES Name Type Basis Period Rate Total Cost P. Cummins Legal Long-term 1 September- $1000 per day 31 December 1984 4 March 1985- $1250 per day $397,750 (paid to 31 March 1986) L. Lasry Legal Long-term 1 October- 5 December 1984 $800 per day (5 day week) $39,200 M. Crennan Legal Long-term 23 May- 20 December 1985 $750 per day (5 day week) $108,750 R. Maidment Legal Long-term 16 May 1985- $100,000 (paid to 5 April 1986) Mahlab Recruitment As needed over 12 mth period September 1985- August 1986 $15,000 No payments made yet David Caple & Assoc Pty Ltd Ergonomic evaluation of ADP area Single project December 1984 $50 per hour $550 C. A. Sinclair & Assoc Bank liaison 6 mth period 18 February- 18 August 1985 $40 to $70 per hour Nil; services not utilised P. Meade, Priestly & Morris Chartered Accountants Single project as needed 27 May 1985- 28 February 1986 $90 per hour $59,670 Prof P. C. Poole and Dr P. G. Thorne ADP (review) Single project June 1985 $80 per hour plus expenses $7,314.40 Alan Usher & Associates ADP (review) Single project 27 May- 11 June 1985 $408 per day plus expenses $5,243.00 SPL Pty Ltd ADP (Software) Single project November 1984- December 1985 $41.56 per hour $99,733.82 Logica Pty Ltd ADP (Technical) Single project 12 November 1984- 28 June 1985 $37.14 and $33.25 per hour $64,364.98 ADP (Software) Continuing 1 October 1984- various, ranging from $33.25 to $57 per hour $588,509.82 (paid to 12 April 1986) Communications Single project 17 December 1984- 22 February 1985 $70 per hour $6,514.20 Computer Power ADP (Software) Single project November 1985- January 1986 $500 per day $7,000 K. M. Hungerfords Audit Specialist Single project January- February 1986 As quoted, up to $3000 No payments made yet Price Waterhouse Accounting Analyst Single project Not yet commenced $1,100 per day Nil (Question No. 3269) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 February 1986: (1) Further to the answer given by his predecessor to question No. 5096 (Hansard, 21 October 1982, page 2479) stating that the United States does not release information as to the capacity of the reactors aboard its nuclear-powered warships, is this still the position of the United States Government; if not, what is its position. (2) If the United States Government position is unchanged (a) what are the relevant Australian authorities referred to and (b) what are the specific sources used by these authorities to draw conclusions as to whether any given nuclear-powered warship exceeds the 100 MW limit in the absence of official advice from the Government responsible for the warship. (3) Are the assessments made by the relevant authorities referred to accurate; if so, does this result in a lack of practical significance of the United States policy on October 1982 because independent accurate assessments can be made by nations such as Australia. (4) If the assessments are not accurate what steps have been taken or will be taken to ensure that a reliable assessment can be made. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) It is still the policy of the United States Government to withhold information about the capacity of the nuclear reactors on its warships. I would draw to the honourable member's attention that the general conditions under which United States nuclear-powered warships (NPWs) are permitted to enter Australian ports were amended in late 1982 (Hansard, 8 December 1982, pp 3078-3079) following further assessment of information available on United States warships with reactors larger than 100 MW. Pursuant to this amendment it is no longer the case that vessels with reactors larger than 100 MW are excluded from the general conditions of entry, and the relevant Australian authorities are now required only to ensure that visiting NPW's are berthed in locations which comply with the strict environmental and safety regulations. (2) (3) and (4) See my answer to (1) above. (Question No. 3352) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions Nos 3216 to 3243, what (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85; (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip; (c) was the duration of each trip; (d) were the countries visited during each trip; and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the airfare component identified separately. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: As Minister for Transport I am responsible for, in addition to the Department of Transport, two statutory authorities, the Australian National Railways Commission (AN) and the Australian Shipping Commission (ANL). I am also responsible for administration of the Inter-State Commission Act 1975, which provides for the operation of the Inter-State Commission (ISC), an authority established by the Constitution. Both AN and ANL are required by legislation to operate as commercial business undertakings and both are in substantial competition with private sector operators. I am advised that AN and ANL consider that the information sought by the honourable member is of a commercially confidential nature and should not be disclosed to their competitors. I am therefore not prepared to authorise its disclosure. Subject to the above, details are as follows: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT Trip No. 1. (a) (i) To hold discussions with senior ASEAN government officials of future consultative arrangements on shipping (ii) To follow up discussions the Minister for Transport held with his Greek and Japanese counterparts and to explore with Japanese officials attitudes on a range of shipping matters of international concern (iii) Discussions in Hong Kong and inspections related to shipping developments in East Asia and in particular the introduction of large scale containerships. (b) Deputy Secretary (Level 5)/Director Class 11 (c) 29 days (24.6.84-22.7.84) (d) Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Philippines, Greece (Deputy Secretary only) Hong Kong (Director only) (e) $16,177 incl $8734 airfares. Trip No. 2. (a) Attend International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (b) Director Class 11 (c) 17 days (30.6.84-16.7.84) (d) UK (e) $6,447 incl $4,402 airfares. Trip No. 3. (a) Attend the UN Diplomatic Conference on Conditions for Registration of Ships and related meetings (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2) and Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 29 days (9.7.84-7.8.84) (d) Switzerland (e) $18,360 incl $8,802 airfares. Trip No. 4. (a) Oversee transfer of seismological research vessel `Rig Seismic' to Australia (b) Ships Master and Chief Engineer (c) Master: 47 days (15.8.84-30.9.84) Engineer: 58 days (4.8.84-30.9.84) (Includes ship transit time from Norway to Australia) (d) Norway (e) $7,074 incl $4,570 airfares (one way only). Trip No. 5. (a) Attend Road Traffic Safety Seminar; discussions with officers of NZ Ministry of Transport on road safety matters (b) Director Class 10 (c) 8 days (11.8.84-18.8.84) (d) NZ (e) $1,404 incl $876 airfares. Trip No. 6. (a) Present papers at Road Traffic Safety Seminar; hold discussions with officers of NZ Ministry of Transport (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) (c) 5 days (14.8.84-18.8.84) (d) NZ (e) $1,351 incl $953 airfares. Trip No. 7. (a) Attend: (i) IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (ii) IMO Legal Committee (iii) IMO Sub-committee on Radio Communications (b) Director Class 11 (c) 25 days (31.8.84-24.9.84) (d) UK (e) $8,023 incl $4,153 airfares. Trip No. 8. (a) Hold discussions with PNG officials on shipping policy matters (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2) (c) 4 days (3.10.84-6.10.84) (d) PNG (e) $1,667 incl $1,286 airfares. Trip No. 9. (a) Attend Shipping Study Course, run by Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd, UK (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9 (c) 20 days (11.10.84-31.10.84) (d) UK (e) $8757 incl approximately $4000 airfares. Trip No. 10. (a) Attend IMO Seminar and Workshop on Maritime Search and Rescue, Jakarta (b) Director Class 10 (c) 9 days (13.10.84-21.10.84) (d) Indonesia (e) $2800 incl approximately $2000 airfares. Trip No. 11. (a) (i) Attend Sea Trade Conference (ii) Attend United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Committee on Shipping meeting (iii) Attend Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Maritime Transport Committee (MTC) meeting (iv) Attend OECD MTC Special Group on International Organisations meeting (v) Bilateral discussions with European Commission (b) Director Class 11 (c) 37 days (13.11.84-19.12-84) (d) Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Belgium (e) Approx $9200 incl approx $4500 airfares. Trip No. 12. (a) Attend IMO Maritime Safety Committee (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 4) (c) 17 days (16.11.84-4.12.84) (d) UK (e) $8923 incl $3953 airfares. Trip No. 13. (a) (i) Attend Pacific Regional Workshop on Marine Pollution Prevention, Control and Response (ii) Attend South Pacific Economic Commission Uniform Maritime Standards Committee (b) Director Class 11 (c) 9 days (26.11.84-30.11.84) (d) Fiji (e) $1799 incl $1044 airfares. Trip No. 14. (a) Attend International Executive and Meeting of International Commission of Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC) (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) (c) 11 days (24.11.84-4.12.84) (d) France (e) About $5600 incl $4200 airfares. Trip No. 15. (a) Attend IMO Legal Committee meeting and IMO Safety of Navigation Sub-Committee meeting (b) Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 17 days (7.12.84-24.12.84) (d) UK (e) $8153 incl $4153 airfares. Trip No. 16. (a) (i) Attend Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) meeting of Ministers to launch Transport and Communication Decade, and preparatory meetings (ii) Attend ESCAP-Committee on Shipping, Transport and Communication (iii) Provide advice to Malaysian government on Inter-Island Shipping, as agreed between Prime Ministers of Australia and Malaysia (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2) (c) 33 days (5.1.85-5.2.85) (d) Thailand, Malaysia (e) $6466 incl $4831 airfares. Trip No. 17. (a) Attend UN Diplomatic Conference on Conditions for Registration of Ships (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2)/Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 26 days (24.1.85-19.2.85) (d) Switzerland (e) $16500 incl $8400 airfares. Trip No. 18. (a) Provide advice to Malaysian government on Inter-Island Shipping, as agreed between Prime Ministers of Australia and Malaysia (b) Assistant Director, Bureau of Transport Economics (Level 2) (c) 11 days (26.1.85-5.2.85) (d) Malaysia (e) $4312 incl $2600 airfares. Trip No. 19. (a) Attend IMO Sub-Committee on Containers and Cargoes (b) Senior Principal Marine Surveyor (c) 10 days (15.2.85-25.2.85) (d) UK (e) $5006 incl $3999 airfares. Trip No. 20. (a) Attend Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)-Group of Experts on Construction of Vehicles (b) Engineer Class 5 (c) 13 days (7.3.85-19.3.85) (d) Switzerland (e) $6300 incl $4500 airfares. Trip No. 21. (a) (i) Discuss shipping policy issues with officials, shipowners and importing agencies in China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Philippines (ii) Follow up discussions with Japanese ship- owners and Philippines officials and ship- owners on bilateral consultative arrangements and recent shipping developments of mutual interest (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2)/Director Class 11 (c) 18 days (10.3.85-28.3.85) (d) People's Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines (e) $12,242 incl $6942 airfares. Trip No. 22. (a) Study government business enterprises on Senior Executive Fellowship (b) Assistant Director, Bureau of Transport Economics (Level 2) (c) 46 days (14.3.85-28.4.85) (d) UK, Canada, USA (e) $11,836 incl $4736 airfares. Trip No. 23. (a) (i) Attend IMO Legal Committee 54th Session (ii) Hold discussions with UK Ministry of Transport officials (iii) Hold discussions with Marine Department and Australian High Commission officials, Singapore (b) Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 15 days (22.3.85-6.4.85) (d) UK, Singapore (e) $6192 incl $4482 airfares. Trip No. 24. (a) Attend (i) IMO Ad Hoc Group (Operational) meeting (ii) IMO Radio Sub-Committee 29th Session (iii) IMO Ad Hoc Group (Technical) meeting (b) Engineer Class 4 (c) 25 days (5.4.85-30.4.85) (d) UK (e) $7752 incl $4482 airfares. Trip No. 25. (a) Attend International Association of Lighthouse Authorities 5 yearly meeting (b) Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 22 days (10.4.85-4.5.85) (d) UK (e) $7093 incl $4482 airfares. Trip No. 26. (a) Attend 21st session of IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (b) Director Class 11 (c) 12 days (19.4.85-30.4.85) (d) UK (e) $5604 incl $4482 airfares. Trip No. 27. (a) (i) Talks with US Coast Guard, which operates all electric lighthouses, regarding operation and maintenance; as part of Australian conversion to all electric lighthouses (ii) attend International Association of Lighthouse Authorities Radio Commission Sub-Committee meeting (iii) Undertake technical examination and discussion with Dutch and UK lighthouse authorities on operation of DECCA Navigator equipment (iv) Discussion with DECCA Company on equipment being purchased to modernise Australian installations (b) Engineer Class 5 (c) 31 days (26.4.85-26.5.85) (d) USA, France, Netherlands, UK (e) $9211 incl $4200 airfares. Trip No. 28. (a) Undertake discussions on shipping matters with NZ officials (b) Secretary/Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 6 days (28.4.85-3.5.85) (d) NZ (e) $2920 inc $1973 airfares. Trip No. 29. (a) Talks on marine pollution issues with NZ officials (b) Director Class 11 (c) 6 days (12.5.85-17.5.85) (d) NZ (e) $1516 incl $1020 airfares. Trip No. 30. (a) Attend IMO Maritime Safety Committee 51st session (b) Senior Assistant Secretary (Level 2) (c) 13 days (16.5.85-28.5.85) (d) UK (e) $6656 incl $4614 airfares. Trip No. 31. (a) Hold discussions with World Bank on China initiatives (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) (c) 5 days (21.5.85-26.5.85) (d) USA (e) $5321 incl $4656 airfares. Trip No. 32. (a) (i) Attend OECD MTC meeting (iii) Attend OECD MTC Special Group on International Organisations meeting (iii) Hold discussions with Indian officials on bilateral shipping matters (b) Director Class 11 (c) 14 days (14.5.85-29.5.85) (d) Canada, France, India (e) $7522 incl $4599 airfares. Trip No. 33. (a) (i) Attend OECD MTC meeting (ii) Attend OECD MTC Special Group on International Organisations meeting (iii) Attend 5th Bulk Handling and Transport Conference (iv) Attend International Freight Industry Conference (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9 (c) 13 days (15.5.85-8.6.85) (d) UK, France, Canada (e) $6678 incl $4401 airfares. Trip No. 34. (a) Attend technical workshop of International Omega Technical Committee (b) Senior Technical Officer Grade 2 (c) 22 days (30.5.85-20.6.85) (d) USA (e) $7970 incl $3112 airfares. Trip No. 35. (a) (i) Represent the Minister at the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) (ii) Undertake discussions on road safety policy matters (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 3) (c) 27 days (25.5.85-20.6.85) (d) Canada, USA, Japan, UK, Italy, Federal Republic of Germany, Malaysia (e) $9779 incl $4656 airfares. Trip No. 36. (a) (i) Represent Australia at UN ECE-Group of Experts on the Construction of Vehicles-facilitates Australian Transport Advisory Council decision to harmonise vehicle regulations with ECE, also post conference discussions on above (ii) Attend OECD Road Transport Research Program Steering Committee (b) Engineer Class 5 (c) 13 days (6.6.85-27.6.85) (d) Switzerland, France (e) $6142 incl $4342 airfares. Trip No. 37. (a) Undertake discussions on road funding, railways and road transport regulatory matters (b) Assistant Secretary (Level 1) (c) 30 days (14.6.85-13.7.85) (d) USA, Canada, UK (e) $10606 incl $4622 airfares. Trip No. 38. (a) Participate in Transport Mission to China (b) First Assistant Secretary (Level 3); Deputy Director, Bureau of Transport Economics (Level 3) (c) 14 days 23.6.85-7.7.85; 17 days (23.6.85-9.7.85) (d) People's Republic of China (e) $15038 incl $9190 airfares. Trip No. 39. (a) Review administrative arrangements in various countries on enforcement of International Labour Organisation 147 standards on board ships (b) 2 Directors Class 11 (c) 17 days (28.6.85-14.7.85) (d) UK, Netherlands, France, Federal Republic of Germany (e) $15692 incl $10576 airfares. In addition to the above visits, departmental marine surveyors undertook twelve visits to various countries at the request of ship owners. The purpose of these visits was to ensure compliance of vessels with Australian marine technical standards. In accordance with agreed arrangements, the full costs of these visits were met by ship owners. The following overseas visits are part of the operation of the Australian motor vehicle certification system, the cost of which is fully recovered from industry. The costs of this travel are therefore ultimately met by industry. Trip No. 1. (a) (i) Negotiate agreements with UK, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden and Japan for their participation in the new Australian motor vehicle certification scheme (ii) Discuss motor vehicle certification procedures with US government and motor manufacturers (iii) Attend ECE Working Party 29: Group of Experts on Construction of Vehicles (b) Engineer Class 5 (c) 52 days (15.6.84-5.8.84) (d) UK, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden, Japan, USA, Switzerland, Italy (e) $14,581 incl $6,252 airfares. Trip No. 2. (a) (i) Finalise agency arrangements in several countries under the new motor vehicle certification scheme (ii) Instruct on administrative arrangements and conduct conformity of production assessments with motor vehicle regulatory and testing authority (iii) Conduct conformity of production training course with specialist consultant in UK (b) Engineer Class 3 (c) 47 days (4.10.84-19.11.84) (d) UK, Sweden, Italy, Federal Republic of Germany, France (e) $12,432 incl $5,422 airfares. Trip No. 3. (a) (i) Finalise agency arrangements in several countries under the new motor vehicle certification scheme (ii) Visit vehicle manufacturers with Agency Officials for demonstration of inspection methods (iii) Attend ECE Working Party 29: Group of Experts on the Construction of Vehicles (b) Engineer Class 4 (c) 40 days (11.10.84-19.11.84) (d) Sweden, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland (e) $10,926 incl $5,108 airfares. Trip No. 4. (a) (i) Accompany officers from Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on Conformity of Production and Test facility Inspections at Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers (ii) Ensure proper procedures are being followed by MITI (iii) Perform conformity of Production and Test Facility Inspections at US plants supplying vehicles for Australian market (b) Engineer Class 4/Engineer Class 3 (c) 36 days (10.4.85-15.5.85) (d) Japan, USA, UK (e) $24,002 incl $10,886 airfares. Trip No. 5. (a) Establish and monitor arrangements with overseas agencies in connection with new motor vehicle certification system (b) Engineer Class 4; Engineer Class 3 (c) 38 days (30.5.85-7.7.85) (d) UK, Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, Italy, France (e) $23,676 incl $10,193 air fares. INTER-STATE COMMISSION (a) Undertake a Senior Executive Fellowship awarded by the Public Service Board (b) Secretary (Level 3) and spouse (c) 103 days (30.3.87-10.7.85) (d) USA, Canada, Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, UK (e) $28,000 incl $10,652 airfares. (Question No. 3422) Mr Duncan asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 18 March 1986: (1) What is the cost of training a RAAF pilot. (2) What percentage of RAAF pilots resign from the defence forces to take up employment in commercial aviation. (3) Is he able to say whether most candidates for employment as commercial pilots in Australia, other than ex-RAAF pilots, obtained their flight qualifications with personal funds. (4) What percentage of (a) RAAF pilots and (b) persons currently undergoing RAAF flight training are female. (5) Is he able to say whether a growing number of US military pilots are female despite the fact that women are barred from serving in combat roles in the US defence forces. (6) Does he support the Government's initiatives toward providing equal employment opportunities for women; if so, is it necessary that the Government itself play an exemplary role in achieving the goal. (7) Would a wider role for women in Australian military aviation ultimately have beneficial consequences for women in commercial aviation. (8) What steps will he take to enhance opportunities for women to become RAAF pilots. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Approximately $1.14m to wings standard; i.e. qualified to commence operational training. (2) Based on available information, some 3% of the RAAF pilot population are known to have taken up appointments in commercial aviation during 1985. The actual percentage could be slightly higher as Defence Force personnel, when they resign, are not obliged to furnish details about their future employment. (3) This is a matter which is beyond the responsibility of the Minister for Defence. No information is held by my Department upon which an answer could be based. (4) (a) Nil (b) Nil (5) There are women pilots in the USAF performing non-combat flying roles. Detailed statistics are not readily available in Australia. (6) (a) Yes (b) Yes (7) Until Australia has some experience of women employed in military aviation, I am not able to state whether this would have beneficial consequences for women in commercial aviation. (8) See my answer to question without notice on `Australian Defence Force: Women' (Hansard, House of Representatives, 5 June 1986 pp 4664-5). The Defence Force is proposing to open a small number of aircrew positions to women in 1987 without significant detriment to the present male aircrew to aircraft ratio required to meet combat requirements should the need arise. The actual number of positions, which will be available on a merit basis, is still under consideration but it is expected they will include pilots, navigators and loadmasters. (Question No. 3485) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Has his attention been drawn to reports that Soviet supplied mines were used by Libyan ships in the Red Sea in 1984 and Soviet supplied aircraft were used in bombings in the Sudan in 1984 and in 1986 in Chad. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Yes. The USSR is, of course, the principal supplier of military material to Libya. (Question No. 3490) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is he able to say whether, under the Gorbachev administration, there has been a negative trend in Soviet policy toward dissent and non-conformity with ideological norms, and an increase in repression against religious believers, national advocates, and human rights defenders. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: In the opinion of most competent observers, the policy of the Gorbachev administration on these matters shows considerable continuity with that of its predecessors. (Question No. 3492) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: Is Kaise Randpere, a two year old Estonian girl, being prohibited from reunification with her parents in Sweden by authorities in the Soviet Union; if so, has he made representations to the Soviet Union regarding the plight of Kaise Randpere and this violation of human rights; if not, why not. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There are many unresolved family reunion cases involving the USSR. The case in question would be hand- led by the Swedish authorities. Australia would have no standing to intervene, and has not been asked to do so. The Government does, of course, accord a high priority to the resolution of family reunion cases involving residents of Australia. (Question No. 3493) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Is he able to confirm that since May 1984, Vasyl Stus, Oleksa Tykhy, Valeriy Marchenko and Yuri Lytvyn have died, and that all were inmates of the Soviet Special Regime Camp 36-1, 1200 km east of Moscow. (2) Did he instruct the Australian Embassy in Moscow to prepare a report on conditions in Camp 36-1 as reported in the Australian-Ukrainian review of Autumn 1986. (3) If so, will the report be released and what are its contents. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) According to available information, these details are correct. (2) and (3) The Australian Embassy in Moscow reports regularly on developments concerning human rights in the Soviet Union. For obvious reasons, however, there are virtually insuperable difficulties in verifying details of conditions in Soviet prison camps to which access by foreigners is not permitted. (Question No. 3494) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to a report in the Melbourne Herald of 10 March 1986 that Vitaly Yurchenko, the Soviet defector who returned to the Soviet Union, had been executed in jail by firing squad and his family billed 14 rubles for the cost of the bullets used to kill him. (2) If so, is the position as stated. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) No verifiable information is available concerning Mr Yurchenko's fate after his return to the USSR. (Question No. 3495) Mr Peacock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether the Polish Government has made amendments to the 1982 Bill on Higher Education in Poland, which were ratified by the Polish Parliament on 25 July 1985, that destroy the autonomy of universities and polytechnics in Poland. (2) Is he able to say whether following the ratification of the legislation, at least 76 academicians have been dismissed to 18 March 1986. (3) Has the Government made representations to the Polish Government on this matter; if not, why not. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) On 25 July 1985 the Polish Government made amendments to the 1982 Bill on Higher Education in Poland. (2) The official Polish News Agency PAP has stated that 76 academics have been removed from their administrative positions but not dismissed from their teaching positions. (3) I expressed Australia's concern over the amendments to the 1982 Bill on Higher Education to the Deputy Chairman of the Polish Council of State in Canberra on 27 May 1986. (Question No. 3658) Mr Jull asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 20 March 1986: (1) What has been the total cost in (a) 1983-84 and (b) 1984-85 to Telecom in repairing public telephone booths following public vandalism of these facilities. (2) What provision has been made to stem vandalism. (3) Have any successful prosecutions been launched against vandals proven guilty of the destruction of public telephone facilities since 1983-84. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: (1) A separate account of the costs incurred in repairing public telephone booths after vandalism is not kept. However, it is estimated that on a national basis the annual cost of vandalism would run into many millions of dollars. (2) Considerable effort and expense is devoted to the development of instruments and cabinets which will resist damage and discourage the activities of vandals. Recent improvements include armoured handset cords, steel dials and toughened handsets. A strengthened coin safe has also been developed and is currently being trialled. Public Telephones which are the subject of repeated vandalism are placed under surveillance in order to apprehend offenders. To assist this process there is close liaison and co-operation with State Police Departments. (3) Yes. (Question No. 3704) Mr Blanchard asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: (1) What changes have been made in the Government's foreign policy towards allies who have nuclear arms since the acceptance of a South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone by Australia. (2) What changes have been made in the level of support given to other South Pacific nations that have declared their ports to be nuclear free. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) None. The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty does not require any change in Australian policies towards other countries, including allies. On the contrary, the legal obligations it establishes are consistent with the policies of the Australian Government. That the Treaty also accords with the policy of other South Pacific Forum Member countries is indicated by the fact that it was collectively drafted and the text subsequently endorsed by the Forum and that ten of the thirteen Member countries of the Forum have already signed it. (2) No changes have been made in the level of support given by Australia to other South Pacific nations. The SPNFZ Treaty explicitly upholds the sovereign right of each Party to decide for itself such questions as visits to its ports and airfields by foreign ships and aircraft. Transit rights for ships and aircraft in accordance with customary international law are fully respected by the Treaty. (Question No. 3708) Mr Jacobi asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to parts of the Auditor-General's Report of March 1986 relating to Taxation Boards of Review. (2) What action will be taken in response to the Auditor-General's assessment that it has been decided not to raise the rate of penalty for late lodgement of tax returns above 20% because to do so would give taxpayers the opportunity to seek review of the additional tax by Taxation Boards of Review which were already burdened by backlogs of work. (3) When will he announce details of a restructure of the Taxation Boards of Review. Mr Keating —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes (2) The additional tax of 20% per annum for late lodgement of returns is considered sufficient to recoup any interest lost as a result of delay in the payment of tax which follows late lodgement of returns, and to include an element of deterrence. Nevertheless, the Commissioner of Taxation is examining the question of imposing higher penalty taxes for more serious breaches. (3) Legislation transferring the functions of the Taxation Boards of Review to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal received the Royal Assent on 24 June 1986. The transfer took effect on 1 July 1986. (Question No. 3711) Mr Jacobi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 9 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to a report in the Age of 11 March 1986 indicating that Senior KGB official Vitaly Yurchenko, who defected to the United States Embassy in Rome in August 1985 but returned to Moscow on 6 November 1985 claiming he had been kidnapped and held against his will by the CIA, was executed after he returned to the Soviet Union. (2) Is he able to say (a) what was the fate of Mr Yurchenko following his return to the Soviet Union and (b) whether Mr Yurchenko has appeared before any court of law in the USSR. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) No verifiable information is available concerning Mr Yurchenko's fate after his return to the USSR. (Question No. 3727) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: Is it a fact that several Australia Post pillar boxes in Melbourne have adhered to them printed slogans stating ``An Asian Australia? Never!'' and ``Australia's Future: An Asian Refugee Dumping Ground. Keep Australian European'' and bearing an invitation to act by contacting National Action PO Box 346, Fitzroy 3605, phone 654 4262; if so, what action has (a) he, (b) Australia Post and (c) appropriate law enforcement agencies taken against those responsible for printing and distributing this literature. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on information provided by Australia Post, is as follows: Yes. Racist slogans were adhered to some Australia Post street posting boxes in the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road area and in the Carlton South and Central Business District areas. (a) (b) and (c). I first became aware of this matter when the honourable member asked this question. Police authorities advised Australia Post of the slogans in the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road area in October 1985. Police later charged two offenders with bill posting and their case was heard in the Ferntree Gully Magistrates Court on 22 May 1986. An Australia Post Officer was required to attend the Court to attest that there is no provision for any signs or posters, other than those of an official nature, to be affixed to street posting boxes. The offenders were found guilty and fined. When racist slogans were noticed on some street posting boxes in the Carlton South and Central Business District areas, an Australia Post representative contacted a member of National Action who advised that members of that group had become aware that it was illegal to place any slogan, other than that of an official nature, on a street posting box. Since that contact was made, no futher slogans have appeared. Australia Post removed those slogans already in place as soon as they were detected. (Question No. 3729) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Com- munications, upon notice, on 10 April 1986: (1) How many staff of his Department are engaged in AM and FM radio frequency planning and the technical aspects related to that planning. (2) Have some of these staff refused to move to Canberra when required to; if so, to what extent has this caused delays in the expansion of radio services to regional Australia. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There are a total of approximately 28 clerical and engineering staff engaged in a variety of activities which relate, either directly or indirectly, to planning associated with the development of AM and FM radio services. Apart from staff involved in detailed planning related to the introduction of new licensed stations or to essential changes to the technical parameters of existing stations, appreciable resources are devoted to planning for the ABC's Second Regional Radio Network (SRRN) and functions such as the definition of service areas for all radio stations. To this list must be added such functions as the development of a National VHF Channel Allocation Plan, the related problem of clearing television services from Band II, and contributions to the Forward Development Unit's studies in relation to ``Future Directions for Commercial Radio''. (2) Yes. A number of engineering and other staff involved in the planning of individual stations elected not to move from Melbourne when decisions on relocation were taken in December 1984. In the interim, while some of these staff remained in Melbourne, every effort has been made to make full use of their experience and skills. Naturally, the loss of experienced planning staff and the need to recruit and train their replacements, has had an impact on the Department's capacity to plan new services in all sectors, not just in the area of AM and FM radio. On 20 May 1986, I informed the House that planning for the expansion of television services was my Department's highest priority, and that no new projects would be undertaken until planning for television equalisation was well advanced. Quite apart from delays related to the availability of planning resources, the introduction of new radio services in regional areas is, in many cases, very much constrained by the need to move television services from channels 3, 4 and 5 (collectively known as Band II) to new channels, so that channels for FM radio services can be made available. This is a complex and time consuming task. Delays to radio planning which result from the loss of Melbourne staff are unlikely to determine the opening dates of new services because, until the clearance of television services from Band II is well advanced, there will not be enough FM channels available to accommodate new radio services. Planning for the relocation of television services presently using channels 3, 4 and 5 is closely related to planning associated with television equalisation. Both tasks are given high priority and are thus being progressed in parallel. (Question No. 3746) Mr Langmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 11 April 1986: (1) What was the real value in 1986 US dollars of each International Development Association (IDA) replenishment and what amount is planned for the next replenishment. (2) Which countries have argued for real cuts in replenishments in (a) 1984-85 and (b) 1987-89 relative to 1981-83 and what reasons did they give for their position. (3) What is the Government's position on the new IDA replenishment and what are the reasons for it. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) The real value in 1986 US dollars of each International Development Association (IDA) replenishment is: Replenishment Nominal ($US million) 1986 ($US million) Initial (1961-1964) ... 757 2,980 IDA-1 (1965-1968) ... 745 2,661 IDA-2 (1969-1971) ... 1,271 3,492 IDA-3 (1972-1974) ... 2,441 4,931 IDA-4 (1975-1977) ... 4,501 6,989 IDA-5 (1978-1980) ... 7,732 10,213 IDA-6 (1981-1983) ... 12,000 15,094 FY84 Account and Special Fund 1984 ... 2,000 2,245 IDA-7 (1985-1987) ... 9,000 9,544 TOTAL ... 40,447 58,150 (b) The IDA-8 replenishment level is still under negotiation. The negotiations began in January 1986 and are expected to be finalised later this year. At the most recent IDA Deputies meeting in Washington on 7-8 April 1986 there was widespread support by virtually all delegates for an IDA-8 replenishment of $US12.0 billion. (2) (a) As the United States is the major donor to IDA its attitude is crucial for the total level of a replenishment. For IDA-7 (fiscal years 1985-87) the United States indicated that it would not take up more than a 25 per cent share of the replenishment and would not contribute more than $US750 million per annum. This implied to other donors a maximum replenishment of $US9 billion. Other donors, including Australia, expressed disappointment at a possible $US9 billion replenishment, which they considered gravely inadequate, but in view of the pressing urgency to reach an agreement allowing the replenishment to start on 1 July 1984, they finally accepted a replenishment at this level. It should be noted that donors other than the United States established a Special Facility for Sub-Saharan African which subsequently reached $US1.4 billion. The United States later made a contribution to this Facility. Australia made an additional voluntary contribution of $A60 million to IDA-7 in lieu of contributing to the Special Facility, and in recognition of the needs of all IDA recipients for concessional resources. (b) As indicated, IDA-8 is under negotiation and no level has yet been agreed. However, many donors, including Australia, have indicated that they would prefer a higher replenishment figure than $US12 billion; they have coalesced around this figure because it represents the level to which it is hoped all donors, including the United States, might eventually agree to contribute reasonable shares. The United States initially considered IDA-8 should be $US9 to 12 billion but at the April 1986 IDA Deputies' meeting United States representatives were hopeful that the United States Government would be able to endorse a figure for IDA-8 in the $US10.5 to 12 billion range. (3) Australia has supported an IDA-8 replenishment of $US12 billion given the continuing need of IDA recipients for concessional resources. Australia has been a longstanding, strong supporter of IDA, which it believes represents an efficient and effective disbursement channel for our overseas aid. IDA has a global focus on the poorest countries and seeks to improve production and incomes through careful project investments tailored to the recipient countries' needs. (Question No. 3762) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: What (a) were the amounts paid to and (b) projects undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies, for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84, (ii) 1984-85 and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering this question. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: None. (Question No. 3764) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: What (a) were the amounts paid to and (b) projects undertaken by Mr Phillip Adams and Mr Rod Cameron, their associated companies or principals of those companies, for work on behalf of the Minister's Department or authorities under the Minister's control in (i) 1983-84 (ii) 1984-85 and (iii) 1985-86 to the date of answering this question. Mr West —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) (i) Nil (ii) $451.50 (iii) $149,568.58. (b) The payments relate to charges for radio advertising associated with the First Home Owners Scheme. Payments are made through Monahan Dayman Adams Ltd., as the Commonwealth's Agent for electronic media advertising. (Question No. 3807) Mr Duncan asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 17 April 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether (a) there is growing concern in the USA about inadequate health and hazard warnings on many household products with regard to protection of users health from potential damage by insidious chemicals and (b) at least 4 US States require chronic and acute hazard warnings on many products such as paint, pottery and printing inks. (2) If so, will he introduce similar warnings in Australia. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) I am not aware of any specific reports that quantify an increasing level of concern in the USA regarding inadequate health and safety warnings on household products. I am aware that there has been a general trend both in Australia and overseas for increased consumer information on hazardous products. (b) My Department regularly reviews decisions of the US Federal Government that relate to the control of hazardous chemicals which are reported in the Federal Register. My Department, however, rarely receives information relating to the regulations of individual US States that might differ from the Federal position. Consequently my Department is not aware that four of these States require chronic and acute hazard warning labelling. (2) In relation to the introduction of similar warnings in Australia, the labelling of potentially hazardous chemicals is the responsibility of State and Territory authorities, usually under Poisons Legislation. For the past 30 years the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH & MRC) Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (DPSC), consisting of representatives of all States, Territories and the Commonwealth has examined the hazard and consequent labelling requirements of many household chemicals. DPSC has consistently taken the view that the public is protected by the proper scheduling of such substances. The more hazardous a substance is, the more restrictive its scheduling. Associated with a more restrictive schedule are restrictions on availability, requirements for warning statements and relevant instructions on proper use. (Question No. 3843) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether the Toowoomba Fire Brigade was approached by the Queensland Fire Services Association in late November 1985 to accept a proposal put forward by the Australian Army Base Support Unit at Oakey for on the job training of Army fire service personnel at the headquarters fire station at Toowoomba. (2) Was any similar or related proposal put forward by the Army at any time since 1978. (3) If so, were any proposals related to the Australian Defence Force contingency plan for situations arising out of industrial action in essential services which he referred to in answer to my question No 2942 (Hansard, 8 April 1986 page 1845). Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I am unaware of any approaches by the Queensland Fire Services Association to the Toowoomba Fire Brigade on this matter. (2) On 3 October 1985, the Commanding Officer of the Australian Army Base Support Unit at Oakey approached the Chief Officer of the Toowoomba Fire Brigade with a proposal for close liaison and mutual cooperation to effectively develop disaster assistance plans for the local area. The attachment of professional, fully trained Army Fire Service personnel to the Toowoomba Fire Brigade was envisaged and a reciprocal attachment of civilian fire fighters to the Base Support Unit fire station was offered. (3) No. (Question No. 3844) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: Has any scheme or arrangement for on the job training of Army personnel existed between the Oakey Base Support Unit and Toowoomba QATB (Ambulance) at any time since 1978; if so, was it related to the Australian Defence Force contingency plan for situations arising out of industrial action in essential services which he referred to in answer to my question No. 2942 (Hansard, 8 April 1986, page 1845). Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: A scheme for on the job training of Army personnel from the Oakey Base Support Unit has existed since April 1985 with the Toowoomba Ambulance Service. The scheme consists of a rotating one month detachment of medical assistants from the Oakey Medical Centre to act as third member observers with the two member ambulance crews. The scheme was started with union concurrence, and is purely of a training nature to give Army personnel exposure to real emergencies. Similar schemes have been, or are, in existence in other areas and have the purpose of providing first hand experience at emergency work which, fortunately, is not regularly available on Army bases. No scheme existed at Oakey from 1981 to April 1985, and prior to 1981, no information is available. (Question No. 3892) Mr Wright asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 2 May 1986: (1) What measures were taken by the Government since March 1986 to improve the quality of life of members of the Australian Defence Forces and their families. (2) Since 1983 what amount has been spent on Defence Service housing and how does this compare with similar periods during the previous Government. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) A recent and important initiative taken by this Government has been the study by Mrs Sue Hamilton of the Office of the Status of Women, into the problems facing spouses of Australian Defence Force personnel. The report is the most comprehensive study undertaken in this area for many years and is intended as the first step in improving the quality of life of members of the Australian Defence Force. Mrs Hamilton submitted her report on 30 April 1986 and the Government immediately set about implementing many of her recommendations. To this end, a small full-time secretariat has been established within my Department to provide a co-ordinated family support structure for all three services. The Government also recognizes that families of Service personnel are often disadvantaged because they lack the extended family and community support systems normally available to families. Where local civilian community facilities do not exist or are inadequate and there are suitable Defence facilities surplus to immediate Defence needs, I have asked that these be made available to house community activities. (2) The following amounts have been expended on the provision and improvement of Defence Force housing: a. 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 (Est) Total $m 36.804 $m 38.484 $m 60.800 $m 136.088 b. 1980-81 $m 5.265 1981-82 $m 16.651 1982-83 $m 37.190 Total $m 59.106 Note: The above figures reflect actual expenditure in the years shown. (Question No. 3918) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 6 May 1986: In view of the delays that have occurred in the expansion of commercial radio services in regional Australia, will he call forthwith for licence applications for markets such as Gosford, the Gold Coast and Geelong, where there is no economic viability argument to preclude new FM services. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: It is not my intention to invite applications for licences to serve these areas at present. Commercial radio development is currently under review by the Forward Development Unit (FDU) of my Department. The ultimate outcome of the FDU study into `Future Directions for Commercial Radio' may be a continuation of present schemes or it may be a different approach. Decisions relating to particular areas will be made after consideration of the FDU report. (Question No. 3923) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 6 May 1986: Is he able to say whether: (a) the Secretary-General of the ruling Vanuaaku Party in Vanuatu, Mr Barak Sope, visited Cuba in September 1985 as a guest of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party, (b) Mr Sope conferred with Cuban Vice-President Carlos Rafael Rodriguez and the head of the Cuban Communist Party Foreign Relations Department, Jesus Montane, where the Cubans offered to train the Vanuatu police force and (c) the Government of Vanuatu has accepted the Cuban offer to train the Vanuatu Police Force. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: I am unable to confirm any of the matters referred to. (Question No. 3991) Mr White asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: Further to his answer to question No. 2942 (Hansard, 8 April 1986, page 1845) was there a Department of Defence, RAN, Army or RAAF contingency plan for situations arising out of industrial action in essential services in each year since 1945; if not, in which years was there no such contingency plan. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: No. The only contingency plan developed since 1945 for Defence involvement in the maintenance of essential services was finalised by the ADF in October 1982 and cancelled in February 1986. The Plan was called CABRIOLE and was developed to provide information to the Government on ADF capabilities with the potential to assist in emergency situations. (Question No. 3992) Mr Ruddock asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Has Telecom redesigned its form of accounts; if so, has the form grown one page to six pages for an average account. (2) What is the reason for the change and will it reduce or increase administration costs. (3) What is the additional cost of paper for supply of accounts of all Telecom subscribers over a 12 months period. (4) Have complaints been received about the difficulty of comprehension and complexity of the new form of account; if so, does this suggest considerable dissatisfaction with the new arrangements. (5) Will Telecom be reverting to the old form of accounts. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: (1) Yes; a new bill format has been introduced by Telecom under which customers getting the new bill for the first time will receive four pages and three pages thereafter. (2) The decision to introduce a new billing system was made in recognition of customer requirements for a more informative and flexible billing facility and to take advantage of cost savings available with the use of modern technology. Overall, it is expected the new system will reduce administrative costs. (3) Telecom recognises that costs for the supply of bill forms have increased but it is expected that these will be more than offset by savings through reduced consumption of computer paper used under the old billing system. At this early stage the precise impact in money terms in relation to additional paper costs, if any, has not been quantified. (4) Telecom has received complaints from customers regarding the new format and structure of the bill but the level of complaints in comparison to the number of customers already converted from the old billing system does not suggest wholesale dissatisfaction with the new system. Consideration has, however, been given to customer reaction in the redesign of the bill format and structure. (5) No. (Question No. 4013) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: Is Telecom required to relocate underground cabling in Market, Pitt or Liverpool Streets, Sydney, in connection with the building of the monorail system between the city and Darling Harbor; if so, (a) what is the cost of this relocation and (b) is the cost being met by (i) Telecom, (ii) the N.S.W. Government or (iii) by a third party, if so, whom. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from the Australian Telecommunications Commission, is as follows: A similar question was asked by Mr Connolly (Question No. 3688) and I draw the member's attention to the answer given to that question. (Question No. 4024) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) Has his intention been drawn to the report in the Tennant and District Times on 4 April 1986 stating that a land claim by the Central Land Council for land south of Tennant Creek was not instigated by the Aboriginals in whose name it is being claimed. (2) What procedures are there to ensure that land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act are instigated by the Aboriginals in whose name land is being claimed. (3) Do Aboriginals have any recourse from stopping land claims advanced by external bodies when they are opposed to the claim. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. The same newspaper on 16 May 1986 contained letters from the traditional owners and Director, Central Land Council, refuting the allegation. The Waramungu Land Claim was lodged on 20 November 1978, on the instructions of traditional owners, by Mr Tim Morris, an employee of the Central Lands Council. Land Councils, pursuant to s. 23 of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 have statutory functions to receive instructions and lodge claims on behalf of traditional owners. (2) The Aboriginal Land Commissioner, pursuant to s. 50 (1) (a) of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, is required to ascertain whether Aboriginal Claimants are traditional owners. He has issued Practice Directions whereby this matter is assessed prior to commencement of an Inquiry. (3) Yes. Traditional owners, in the event that they do not wish to proceed with a land claim, may convey their wishes to the Aboriginal Land Commissioner who will take appropriate action. It is open to any Aboriginals who oppose a land claim to make their views known to the Aboriginal Land Commissioner. Aboriginals may also instruct any Land Council to discontinue a land claim action. (Question No. 4027) Mr Fife asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 21 May 1986: Have inordinate delays occurred in the expansion of regional commercial radio services; if so, will he call forthwith for licence applications for the South Western Slopes/Eastern Riverina area so an early hearing can be arranged and a licence issued. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There have been delays. It is not my intention to invite applications for licences to service areas at present. Commercial radio development is currently under review by the Forward Development Unit (FDU) of my Department. The ultimate outcome of the FDU study into `Future Directions for Commercial Radio' may be a continuation of present schemes or it may be a different approach. Decisions relating to particular areas will be made after consideration of the FDU report. (Question No. 4041) Mr Price asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Further to his reply to my question No. 3141 (a) how many and (b) what percentage of Telecom Australia customers in the Division of Chifley are covered by the Telecom district of (i) Penrith and (ii) Parramatta. (2) In the light of the reply to part (1) above, does he wish to amend his answer to question No. 3141. (3) Will he concede that his answer to question No. 3141 may have showed a lack of concern for the need to provide a full and frank answer. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question, based on advice from Telecom Australia, is as follows: (1) There are approximately 4,000 business and 32,000 residential customers connected to telephone exchanges within the Division of Chifley boundaries. These exchanges are all located within the Telecom district of Parramatta. (2) Yes, part 6 of question No. 3141 should have provided information relevant to the Parramatta Telecom District, which is responsible for servicing customers in the Division of Chifley. The Parramatta District is not scheduled for conversion to the new billing system until sometime in 1988. The reference to Penrith Telecom District was an error. (3) No (Question No. 4073) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 May 1986: (1) What progress has been made in processing payments to active Reserve personnel in the Australian Defence Forces (a) on a monthly basis and (b) by direct deposit to accounts. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The timing of payments to Reserve personnel is being studied as part of a review concerning the redevelopment of the Reserve Pay System. It is planned that a redeveloped pay system will include monthly payments. (2) Payment of direct deposit to accounts has been examined and its feasability determined. It is expected that this facility will be available for voluntary use in time for the October 1986 quarterly payment. (Question No. 4092) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) Which Australian companies trading in South Africa have agreed to comply with the formal voluntary Code of Conduct to be observed by Australian companies with commercial interests in South Africa. (2) Have any companies refused to comply with the Code; if so (a) which companies and (b) is he able to say how each company departs from the Code. (3) Is he able to say whether the wages and conditions of overseas employees of these Australian companies differ (a) from (i) employees of the same companies in Australia (ii) those of other South African firms within the same industry groups and (b) between (A) black and white employees and (B) females and male employees. (4) Can he say whether any of these Australian companies employ black workers who are separated from their families, live in single sex hostels and are employed on a contract basis. (5) Can he also say which of these companies recognise representative black trade unions. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: As the honourable member will be aware, the voluntary Code of Conduct for Australian companies with commercial interests in South Africa came into effect on 29 November 1985. The Code applies to Australian companies if they or their subsidiaries employ non-white labour in South Africa. Monitoring of the level of corporate adherence to the Code is being undertaken independently by an Administrator for the Code, Mr Ron Bannerman, A.O., who will report his initial findings to parliament through the Minister for Foreign Affairs later in the Budget session. Mr Bannerman, whose appointment took effect from 1 April 1986, has written to Australian companies with commercial interests requesting information on their activities in South Africa. The information supplied to Mr Bannerman which will form the basis of the Administrator's report is being provided by companies on a ``commercial in confidence basis''. Given the as yet preliminary stage of Mr Bannerman's investigation, the independent nature of his position, and the confidentiality of the information provided at this stage, I am unable to give a more specific response to the honourable member's question. I can say, however, that so far there have been no indications that Australian companies will not cooperate with the Code. Both in my own consultations with the business sector, and in those Mr Bannerman has conducted since his appointment, the response has been one of understanding the reasons for the introduction of the Code and of acceptance of the desirability of cooperating with the Government to make it an effective instrument. (Question No. 4096) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) Is he able to say what is the present estimated strength of the Soviet Navy in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty area. (2) Were any Soviet Navy ships deployed in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone during 1985. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There are no known Soviet naval or naval associated ships deployed to the maritime area covered by the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone at present. (2) No. (Question No. 4101) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What drugs, chemical sprays or other noxious products banned in the United States of America or European Economic Community are available in Australia. (2) Who distributes such products in Australia. (3) What are these products used for. (4) Is he able to say whether there are (a) US States and (b) EEC member countries where such products are banned or their use subject to restrictions; if so what (i) States and member countries (ii) is the nature of these bans or restrictions. (5) Do these products have any restrictions placed on their use in Australia; if so (a) what restrictions and (b) do they differ from those imposed in the US or EEC. (6) Is information about the banning of such products communicated to Commonwealth and State authorities; if so (a) how long does this communication process take and (b) is there provision for (i) urgent notification, when necessary and (ii) the notification of the public. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) It is not possible to answer this question in terms of specific chemicals. The variability in regulations and interpretation of the term `banned' between countries makes keeping records of controlled substances in other countries an impossible task. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has over the past few years attempted to develop such a list but with little success. Australia operates an independent clearance and assessment systems for drugs, agricultural chemicals and food additivies. Approval for use is based on the assessment of a comprehensive toxicological data package. Cognisance is also taken of the findings of other regulatory authorities and international organisations. (2) As indicated in (1) above, it is not possible to identify individual products. (3) See (2) (4) See (2) (5) See (2) (6) An international agreement exists within both the OECD and UNEP to provide other members of regulatory decisions taken by another member. Consequently information about decisions taken by EEC countries and the USA is frequently communicated to Australia. In addition the USA also provides information to other countries of chemicals exported from the USA that are not permitted to be used in the USA. (a) In the event that a regulatory decision is based on important new data indicating a new health risk from the use of the chemical, such information is usually communicated urgently to other countries, including Australia. (b) (i) In the case of agricultural chemicals and drugs this information would be urgently considered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) or Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) and any decision to control the chemical would be communicated to State authorities. For example, in 1977 information was communicated to Australia from the USA that a fungicide caused testicular effects and sterility in workers in the manufacturing plant. In addition animal studies indicated the compound to be a carcinogen. This information was considered by the NHMRC and within the space of 1-2 weeks the product had been rescheduled in all States and arrangements made to withdraw stocks from sale. (b) (ii) Notification of the public by Commonwealth and State authorities would take place where there is considered to be an urgent need to cease use of the product immediately and to ensure that remaining stocks are withdrawn. (Question No. 4111) Mr Sharp asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What was the (a) number of copies printed and (b) cost of printing the `Drug Offensive' booklet. (2) What was the (a) cost of and (b) arrangements for delivering this booklet. (3) Did the arrangements call for a solice delivery. (4) Were some booklets delivered with other material relating to the use of marijuana in the booklets, if so, what action does the Government plan to take in respect of this mistake. (5) Were all the booklets delivered as contracted by the Government; if not what remedial action is planned. (6) Were all the booklets delivered between 10 April 1986 and 13 April 1986 as promised by the Government; if not, why not. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) 5.5 million. (b)$1,141,506 for printing and paper. (2) (a) $256,948 (representing 90 per cent of total estimated cost) has been paid. A further payment will be made after a final review. (b) Distribution of the booklet was carried out through both Australian Post and Salmat Direct Marketing Pty Ltd. (3) No, the arrangements called for a solus delivery. (4) Yes, and the Commonwealth will not be paying for the distribution of those booklets. Further, in relation to the very small quantity of booklets where this happened, the honourable member should realise that this was a deliberate piece of sabotage by the individual contracted for this delivery. This was done entirely without the authority of the distribution house or the Commonwealth and was certainly not sanctioned by either. The distribution house dismissed the individual concerned, refused payment for the deliveries and is investigating its options for taking legal action against that person. (5) No, there were minor problems in a few localised areas. However, in planning the booklet distribution the campaign team anticipated that a portion of deliveries would go astray and therefore placed advertisements in newspapers around the country advising those who might have missed out on delivery of a toll free telephone number they could call to secure alternative delivery. (6) The majority were delivered between 10 and 13 April. There were some instances of late delivery. (Question No. 4159) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 29 May 1986: In each of the years 1982 to 1986 and for each State and Territory (a) how much did his Department spend on the production of leaflets, booklets and information sheets; and (b) how many (i) full time and (ii) part time employees of his Department were engaged in the production of these materials. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (a) 1982/83 $ NSW ... 15,913 * VIC ... 19,000 (Est.) QLD ... 1,789 * SA ... 21,100 (Est.) WA ... 18,176 TAS ... 8,000 NT ... 897 Central Office ... 410,107 TOTAL ... 494,982 1983/84 $ NSW ... $ 4,932 * VIC ... 26,000 (Est.) QLD ... 10,359 * SA ... 29,980 (Est.) WA ... 20,152 TAS ... 12,000 NT ... 715 Central Office ... 589,285 TOTAL ... 693,423 1984/85 $ NSW ... 28,501 * VIC ... 32,000 (Est.) QLD ... 7,176 * SA ... 34,981 (Est.) WA ... 27,719 TAS ... 11,000 NT ... 4,035 Central Office ... 709,477 TOTAL ... 854,889 1985/86 $ NSW ... 24,108 VIC ... 45,590 QLD ... 1,539 SA ... 38,617 WA ... 28,246 TAS ... 16,000 NT ... 18,677 Central Office ... 813,183 TOTAL ... 985,960 *Note: Figures for Victoria and South Australia are not readily available. Estimates have been provided for these states. (b) As staff are not assigned to production of only these materials, it is not possible to calculate the percentage of time staff were involved specifically in their production. (Question No. 4186) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: (1) Can he state whether a Soviet trade delegation vistited a Kockums' shipyard in Sweden last year; if so, were members of the delegation given (a) construction or performance information related to the United Sterling motor, (b) information on any other technology involved in Kockums' submarine construction or operation and (c) information or material relevant to Kockums' participation in the RAN new submarine project definition study. (2) Has his attention been drawn to a report on this visit complied by (a) Mr R. Jonsson, head of security at a Swedish Defence Department establishment or (b) any other person; if so was a report submitted to (i) the Swedish Government or a Swedish Government department, (ii) the Australian Government or an Australian Government department, (iii) any other Government or official body of that Government and what action, if any, was taken as a result. (3) Will he confirm the accuracy of a report that following this visit, a Soviet intelligence officer visited a Kockums' subsidiary plant in the United States to inspect Kockums' Sterling engine and that as a result, the Central Intelligence Agency alerted Swedish intelligence authorities. (4) Is he able to confirm the accuracy of a report that the Soviet Union has developed a prototype engine similar or identical to the United Sterling design. (5) Is the RAN considering the inclusion of a Sterling engine in the new submarine project as part of the project definition study or any other study. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I am asured by Kockmuns AB of Malmo Sweden that no Soviet Trade Delegation visited the submarine section of the shipyard or United Stirling, a subsidiary of Kockums, last year or at any other time. I am assured by Kockums AB of Sweden that at no time has the Soviet Union been given access to information of a restricted or confidential nature. Kockums has a strict internal security system which protects the work being carried out for the Royal Australian Navy as well as Swedish projects. Though in the same area, the Stirling closed cycle engine facility is not part of Kockums AB. However it also has strict security procedures. The most recent visit of a Soviet delegation to that facility was one decade ago, when only material of a general commercial nature was discussed. (2) The Soviets have not been given construction or performance information relating to the United Stirling closed cycle engine or any other technology involved in submarine construction or operational information, or material relevant to Kockums participation in the RAN New Submarine Project Definition Study. (3) I am aware of the report by Mr R. Jonson and have a report from the Swedish Government on this matter. I am also aware of relevant newspaper articles written by Mr Carson, a journalist resident in Malmo Sweden. This may be the source of the information prompting the question. (4) The subject of the Swedish Government report relates to an incident in the USA during a commercial development programme in 1974/5/6 of a Solar Powered Stirling engine system, not a United Stirling closed cycle engine for Submarines. A subsidiary of the Swedish FFV Company was developing the solar powered system with McDonald Douglas and a member of the Soviet Embassy in Washington, posing as an American Engineer, attempted to gain access to the plant at Alexandria, Virginia USA but was identified and asked to leave the plant without receiving any information whatsoever. I am not aware that the Soviet Union is developing a Stirling Closed Cycle Engine. (5) The United Stirling closed engine is offered as an option in the Kockums 471 submarine under study for the RAN and is being considered for Auxiliary Air Independant propulsion. Like other diesel engines the United Stirling closed cycle engine is commercially available in various versions for fitting in such vehicles as motor transport, ships, and submarines etc. (Question No. 4266) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) Is he able to say whether there has been a change of policy in the Japanese Government's assessment of applicants for Japan Foundation awards; if so, (a) when did this occur and (b) what changes were made. (2) If a change in policy has not occurred was the Minister's statement on this matter as outlined in part 6 of Question No. 1187 (Hansard, 19 September 1985, page 1416) incorrect. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I have been advised that the Australian Government is not consulted by the Japanese Government in the course of its assessment of Japan Foundation awards. (2) The statement was correct. (Question No. 4288) Mr Coleman asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: Is he able to say what was the (a) annual production of main battle tanks by the Soviet Union in 1985 and (b) annual production of other armoured vehicles by the Soviet Union in 1985. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The Soviet Union does not publish statistics on armoured vehicle production. I am advised that (a) Soviet main battle tank production was about 3000 in 1985; and (b) other armoured fighting vehicles production was approximately 3500 in that year. (Question No. 4295) Mr McArthur asked the Minister for Primary Industry, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) In which (a) newspapers and (b) other publications have the advertisements for the Economic and Rural policy booklet appeared. (2) Have all advertisements been 26 cm x 15 cm; if not, what other space allocations were purchased. (3) What is the cost of the (a) production and (b) inclusion of these advertisements. (4) What is the cost of this advertising campaign, including departmental and other administrative and promotional costs. (5) How many booklets have been distributed as a result of this campaign. (6) What is the cost (a) to print and (b) to post, a copy of the booklet. Mr Kerin —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The advertisement, advising of the availability of the Economic and Rural Policy Statement, was placed in a wide range of rural and provincial newspapers following the Government practice of disseminating Government rural policy initiatives to the entire rural community. The campaign was co-ordinated by the Information Co-ordination Branch of the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism. It appeared in the following newspapers: (a) and (b) National Farmer, Farmers Weekly-WA, Land, Qld Country Life, Qld Graingrower, SA Stock Journal, Stock and Land, Tasmanian Country, WA Countryman, Western Farmer and Graziers, Rockhampton Bulletin, Shepparton News, Gold Coast Bulletin, Sunshine Coast Daily, Tamworth Leader, Toowoomba Chronicle, Townsville Bulletin, Wagga Advertiser, Warrnambool Standard, Warwick News, Bacchus Marsh Melton, Beaudesert Times, Brisbane Valley Sun, Near North Coast News, Campbelltown City Star, Frankston News, Gawler Bunyip, Geelong News, Gosford Express, Gosford Star, Hastings Sun, Lilydale Express, Macarthur Advertiser, Mornington Leader, Pakenham Gazette, Peninsula Post, Penrith Press, Redcliffe Herald, South Peninsula Gazette, Sunbury Regional News, Weekly Times Messenger, Whittlesea Post, Wynnum Herald, Waikerie River News, Warilla Lake Times, Walcha News, Walget Spectator, Wangaratta Chronicle, Waranga News, Warialda Standard, Warracknabeal Herald, Warragul Gazette, Warren Advocate, Wauchope Gazette, Wedderburn Express, West Gippsland Trader, Wellington Times, Lismore Western Plains Advertiser, West Wyalong Advocate, Whitsunday Times, Whyalla News, Windsor Gazette, Yarram News, Yarrawonga Chronicle, Yass Post, Yea Chronicle, Young News Pictorial, St Arnaud News, Stawell Times-News, St George Balonne Beacon, Strathalbyn Argus, Streaky Bay Sentinel, Sunshine Coast Weekly, Swan Hill Guardian, Tamworth Times, Tanunda Herald, Taree Times, Taree Chronicle-Extra, Temora Independent, Tenterfield Star, Terang Express, Townsville Advertiser, Townsville Register, Trafalgar News, Traralgon Journal, Tugger Advocate, Tumbarumba Times, Tumut Times, Twin Cities Post, Victor Harbour Times, The Wagin Argus, Proserpine Guardian, Queanbeyan Age, Quirindi Advocate, Rainbow News, Renmark Pioneer, Richmond River Express, Riverina Leader, Rivertown Times, Robinvale Sentinel, Rochester News, Roma Western Star, Sale Times, Sale Weekly Trade Guide, Scone Advocate, Scottsdale North Eastern Advertiser, Sea Lake Times, Seymour Telegraph, Shoalhaven & Nowra News, Singleton Argus, Smithton Chronicle, South Coast Independent, Sound Telegraph, Spencer Gulf Pictorial, Stanthorpe Border Post, Noosa Citizen, Northam Advertiser, Nowra South Coast Register, Nyngan News, Orana Shopper, Orbost Mail, Ouyen Express, Oven & Murray Advertiser, Parkes Champion Post, Penola Pennant, Penrith City Star, Phillip Island Sun, Pinnaroo Border Times, Pittsworth Sentinel, Port Augusta Transcontinental, Port Fairy Gazette, North West Telegraph, Portland Observer, Port Lincoln Times, Port Macquarie News, Port Macquarie Express, Port Pirie Flinders News, Port Pirie Recorder, Port Stephens Pictorial, Moruya Examiner, Moruya Southern Star, Latrobe Valley Express, Moss Vale Post, Mountain Gazette, Mt Barker Courier, Mt Gambier Border Watch, Mudgee Guardian, Mundubbera Times, Murray Bridge Standard, Muswellbrook Chronicle, Myrtleford Times, Nambucca News, Numurkah Leader, Naracoorte Herald, Narrabri Courier, Narrandera Argus, Narrogin Observer, Narromine News, Gold Coast Hinterland, Newcastle Star, Nhill Free Press, North Coast Advocate, Noosa News, Leongatha Star, Lithgow Mercury, Longreach Leader, The Loxton News, Lyndhurst Chronicle, Maitland Mercury Pictorial, Maldon Times, Mandurah/Murray Telegraph, Mandurah Times, Manilla Express, Mansfield Courier, Mareeba Advertiser, Maryborough Advertiser, Merredin Wheatbelt Mercury, Kyneton Midland Express, Mildura Independent Star, Mildura Midweek, Millicent South East Times, Milton Ulladulla Times, Mirboo North Times, Molong Express, Moora Midlands Telegraph, Moree Champion, Mortlake Dispatch, Hunter Valley News, Ingham Express, Innisfail Advocate, Inverell Times, Port Pirie Times Recorder, Jeparit Leader, Junee Southern Cross, Kadina Times, Kaniva Leader, Katanning Herald, Kempsey Argus, Kempsey Observer, Kerang Times, Kiama Independent, Kilmore Free Press, Kingaroy South Burnett Times, King Island News, Kingscote The Island, Kingston Leader, Korumburra Times, Kyabram Free Press, Kyneton Guardian, Lake Cargelligo News, Leeton Irrigator, Gloucester Advocate, Gnowangerup Star, Gold Coast Sun, Goondiwindi Argus, Midland Times Leader, Grenfell Record, Griffith Area News, The Entrance Guardian, Gundagai Independent, Gunnedah Independent, Guyra Shire Chronicle, Hamilton Spectator, Harden Express, Hawkesbury Courier, Hay Riverina Grazier, Healesville Mountain View, Heathcote Times, Henty Observer, Hervey Bay Observer, Hervey Bay Sun, Hillston Spectator, Home Hill Observer, Hopetown Courier, Horsham Mail-Times, Dalby Herald, Daylesford Advocate, Deniliquin Independent, Deniliquin Times, Derwent Valley Gazette, Dimboola Banner, Donald Times, Dungog Chronicle, East Gippsland News, Echuca Herald, Edenhope Advocate, Eden Imlay Magnet, Esperance Express, Euroa Gazette, Finley Riverina News, Forbes Advocate, Great Lakes Advocate, Foster Mirror, Franklin Huon News, Geraldton Guardian, Gilgandra Weekly, Gisborne Macedon Telegraph, Gladstone Local Express, Glen Innes Examiner, Childers Isis, Chinchilla News, Clare Northern Argus, Cleve Eyre Peninsula Tribune, Clifton Courier, Cobar Age, Cobden Times, Cobram Courier, Coffs Harbour Advocate, Colac Herald, Colac Coastal Telegraph, Collie Mail, Condobolin Lachland, Cooma-Monaro Express, Coonabarabran Times, Coonamble Times, Cootamundra Herald, Coral Coaster, Corowa Free Press, Corryong Courier, Cowra Guardian, Creswick Advertiser, Crookwell Gazette, Cunnamulla Western Sun, Boorowa News, Boort Standard, Border Town Chronicle, Bourke Herald, Bowen Independent, Bowral Highland News, Manjimup WB Times, Bright Observer, Bunbury Times, Busselton Times, Byron Bay News, Capricorn Coast Mirror, Camden Haven Courier, Cairns Focus, Camperdown Chronicle, Canowindra News, Carnarvon Northern Guardian, Casterton Advertiser, Castlemaine Mail, Capricornia Local Express, Central Qld News, Cessnock Advertiser, Charleville Times, Charters Towers Miner, Albany Advertiser, Alexandra Standard, Allora Advertiser, Angaston Leader, Ararat Advertiser, Armidale Express, New England Newspaper, Atherton Tablelander, Ayr Advocate, Bairnsdale Advertiser, Balaklava Producer, Ballarat News, Ballarat Potato Grower, Bathurst Western Times, Beaufort Advocate, Benalla City Press, Bega District News, Bellarine Peninsula Echo, Bellingen Courier, Biloela Telegraph, Bingara Advocate, Blue Mountains Echo, Bombala Times, Boonah Guardian, Albury Border Mail, Ballarat Courier, Bathurst Advocate, Bendigo Advertiser, Broken Hill Truth, Bundaberg News, Bundaberg Drum, Cairns Post, Dubbo Liberal, Geelong Advertiser, Gladstone Observer, Goulburn Evening Post, Grafton Examiner, Gympie Times, Ipswich Qld Times, Kalgoorlie Miner, Lismore Star, Mackay Mercury, Maitland Mercury, Maryborough Chronicle, Mildura Daily, Mt Isa Star, Murwillumbah News, Orange Central Daily, Benalla North East Ensign, Ipswich Advertiser, Pioneer News. (2) All advertisements were 26 cm x 15 cm. (3) (a) The cost of production was $1,964 (b) The cost of inclusion was $77,423 (4) The total cost of the campaign was approximately $126,882 Major elements were;...$ production of advertisement... 1,964 inclusion of advertisement... 77,424 printing of booklet... 33,602 handling by commercial mailing house... 1,701 envelope costs... 333 estimated postage... 11,050 miscellaneous costs... 808 (5) and (6) 20,000 copies of the booklet have been printed. As of end June 1986 approximately 14,000 have been distributed-approximately 13,000 by mail. (a) The cost to print each booklet was $1.68. (b) The cost to post a copy of the booklet varied with destination from 80c to 90c. (Question No. 4308) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: Will the Government review the Aerodrome Local Ownership Program in the next decade with a view to providing Commonwealth assistance to locally owned airports in need of upgrading. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There is no intention at the present time to review the Aerodrome Local Ownership Plan (ALOP). However, over the next decade, circumstances could arise which would lead to a review. There are currently some 270 locally owned aerodromes throughout Australia receiving Commonwealth financial assistance for development or maintenance works under the ALOP. All proposals for funds under this plan are considered on their merits. Since Commonwealth expenditure under the ALOP is attributable to the aviation industry for cost recovery purposes, benefits to the industry have to be demonstrated before projects are approved. (Question No. 3941) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Housing and Construction, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr West —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Commonwealth vehicles hired with driver (including pool cars, but excluding privately owned buses, taxis and hire cars arranged through the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services)-$105,464 Commonwealth vehicles hired on a self-drive basis (this figure includes all weekly hire charges paid to the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services but excludes maintenance and running costs which are incurred by the Department on some of the vehicles. It also excludes the cost of plant hire.)-$5,680,566 (Question No. 3964) Mr Wright asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) What information regarding diocesan, parish or individual church income is required by the Australian Schools Commission when an application is made by a Catholic School for a grant for a capital works program. (2) What formula is used in determining recurrent grants to independent schools. (3) What Federal funding, other than recurrent grants for staffing and grants for approved capital works programs, is available to independent schools and what formula is used in determining such funding. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Since September 1985 the Department of Education has administered the Commonwealth's Capital Grants Program. As successful applicants for a Commonwealth capital grant are generally expected to contribute to projects from their own resources, information is sought on the financial operations of a school and its supporting community. This information is used to determine the maximum capacity of a school to contribute to a capital project. In some States, Catholic systemic primary schools operate as parochial schools. The parish is therefore responsible for assisting in the provision of the school's capital facilities. Information on the parish's financial operations is sought in order to assess the level of contribution that can be made towards a Commonwealth funded project at the school. In determining the parish's contribution towards the project, account is taken of existing and projected commitments to other parish projects. Where a school is supported by a number of parishes, as may be the case with Catholic systemic secondary schools, information is obtained from all supporting parishes. In certain circumstances, a diocese may co-ordinate a program of capital works at all Catholic systemic schools within the diocese. In this instance, financial operations of the diocese may be taken into account in determining an overall contribution to the complete program. Where parishes are not directly responsible for capital works at their schools, reliance is placed on the advice of the system authorities in determining a school's capacity to contribute to a project. Catholic non-systemic schools are independent schools and are therefore solely responsible for both their capital and recurrent operations. Consequently, only the financial circumstances of the school are relevant in any consideration of the financial need for a grant. (2) The Education Resources Index (ERI) is used to determine the funding category for non-government schools. The ERI compares a school's private income with a standard level of resources representing basic educational needs of schools. Details of the General Recurrent Grants Program, including information on the establishment grants and the Short Term Emergency Assistance Scheme components of that Program, are provided in the publication `Commonwealth Programs for Schools, Administrative Guidelines for 1986'. Chapter 2 and Appendix A are particularly relevant. A copy of this document has been forwarded to Mr Wright. (3) In 1986 some $47.7m is available specifically to non-government schools under five Commonwealth specific purpose programs administered by the Commonwealth Schools Commission: Basic Learning in Primary Schools Computer Education Disadvantaged Schools English as a Second Language Special Education. In addition, Commonwealth funding is available tor both Government and Non-Government schools under the following specific purpose programs, for which some $47.1m is available in 1986. Early Special Education Multicultural Education Ethnic Schools Country Areas Children in Residential Institutions Severely Handicapped Children's Professional Development Education Centres Projects of National Significance Detailed arrangements for these programs are contained in the publication referred to under (2). (Question No. 3982) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 8 May 1986: (1) What is the (a) per unit and (b) overall cost of producing and distributing the maps used for air navigation in Australia. (2) Does his Department sell the maps to pilots and other interested parties; if so, what is the (a) per unit cost and (b) overall income from this source. (3) Is he or his Department considering revising the number and type of these maps. (4) Is he or his Department considering incorporating much of the information presently on separate maps (for example, world aeronautical charts, visual en route charts, visual terminal charts) onto a single map, possibly along the lines of the United States' Sectional Aeronautical Chart; if not, why not. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Department of Aviation produces a variety of maps for use in air navigation in Australia. The answer to this part of the question is as follows: (i) World Aeronautical Charts (WAC) (a) unit cost 86 cents (b) overall cost $86,000 in FY 1985/86 (ii) Aeronautical Information Publication-MAP Section (AIP/MAP) (a) unit cost 22.80 cents (b) production cost $109,500 in FY 1985/86 (iii) Visual Flight Guide (VFG/MAP) (a) unit cost 30.22 cents (b) production cost $292,000 in FY 1985/86 Distribution costs are not included in respect of AIP/MAP and VFG/MAP as these items are combined with other Departmental publications to form composite distributions. (2) (i) The Department sells WACs to pilots and other parties (a) unit cost $1.70 (b) sales of WACs occur at numerous `Collector of Public Monies (CPM)' facilities throughout Australia. Proceeds from this source are paid into consolidated revenue along with other monies received-thus the overall income from WACs cannot be readily obtained. (ii) The Department does not sell AIP/MAP or VFG/MAP to pilots. The MAP package appropriate to each licence category is provided free of charge to all pilots. The Department sells AIP Complete and VFG Complete, both of which contain the respective MAP component, to other interested parties. It is not possible to extract individual figures for these items. (3) The number and each type of chart is continually under review in order to accommodate the particular navigation requirements which follow the changes of air routes or Air Traffic Services units. (4) No. The Department of Aviation believes that the individual charts mentioned in the question have quite specific uses which serve the industry better than would a combined chart. (Question No. 3999) Mr Braithwaite asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) What trade shows is Austrade organising for Australian exports in 1986-87. (2) What is the estimated cost of each show. (3) How many Australian firms are expected to participate in each show. (4) Is there any follow-up with exhibitors who participate in Government sponsored trade shows; if so, with what results. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) A copy of Austrade's current 1986-87 forward programme of trade fairs and displays is attached. The list shows the estimated cost of each show and of participation by Australian firms. (2) See (1) above. (3) See (1) above. (4) At the conclusion of each display, exhibitors are asked to complete a confidential report form indicating results achieved by them including, specifically, sales realised or under negotiation. Trade Commissioners and/or Austrade State office personnel maintain contact as required with those exhibitors securing on-going business. As displays are usually a part of an inter-related series of activities, it is usually not productive to seek to attribute specific sales to any single event. AUSTRADE Trade Promotion Program Fairs and Displays July 86-June 87 (a) City Promotion Dates Estimated Australian firm participation Estim. cost $ New York ... International Fancy Foods ... July 20-23 10 46,200 Chicago ... National Hardware ... Aug. 10-14 10 46,200 Atlanta ... Auto Parts & Accessories ... Aug. 18-21 10 14,390 Tehran ... International Trade Fair ... Aug. 26-Sep. 5 10 95,000 Hong Kong ... TCSR Hospital & Medical ... Aug. 26-28 7 18,000 Kuala Lumpur ... TCSR Scientific Instruments ... Aug. 26-28 12 18,000 Bangkok ... TCSR Scientific Instruments ... Sept. 2-4 12 20,000 Nanjing ... Australian Trade Display ... Sept. 4-9 35 200,000 Singapore ... Retail Pork Promotion ... Sept. 5-18 8 8,000 Paris ... Leather Week ... Sept. 6-9 3 81,000 New York ... International Security ... Sept. 9-11 8 16,000 Frankfurt ... Automechanika ... Sept. 9-14 10 70,000 Honolulu ... Hawaii Market ... Sept. 21-23 7 1,200 London ... Laboratory ... Sept. 23-25 10 48,000 Chicago ... Marine Trades Show ... Sept. 25-28 6 42,000 Honolulu ... Pacific Area Food & Beverage Sept. 30-Oct. 2 7 1,200 Kuala Lumpur ... In-store promotion ... Sept. 8 25,000 Nairobi ... Consultancy Mission/Seminars Oct. 10 20,000 Bangkok ... Telematic '86 ... Oct. 1-5 10 60,000 Frankfurt ... Book Fair ... Oct. 1-6 22,000 Las Vegas ... International Mining Show ... Oct. 5-9 8 69,500 Singapore ... Flower promotion ... Oct. 10-24 6 8,000 Dubai ... Arab Water Technology ... Oct. 12-16 10 24,000 Paris ... SIAL ... Oct. 20-24 8 70,000 Singapore ... ENEX '86 ... Oct. 21-25 10 7,000 Hamburg ... International Boat Show ... Oct. 25-Nov. 2 6 42,000 Dallas ... Neimann Marcus Fortnight ... Oct. 8 50,000 Baghdad ... International Fair ... Nov. 1-15 15 98,000 New York ... International Hotel/Motel ... Nov. 2-5 8 53,000 London ... COMPEC ... Nov. 10-13 10 75,000 Singapore ... Metalasia/Automasia ... Nov. 18-22 10 7,000 Jakarta ... Production Indonesia ... Nov. 25-29 20 145,000 Guangzhou ... AG CHINA '86 ... Nov. 26-Dec. 2 20 200,000 Singapore ... Retail Citrus Promotion ... Nov. 8 8,000 Singapore ... Retail Seafood ... Dec. 8 8,000 Shanghai ... CHINA AVIATION '86 ... Dec. 8-14 10 106,000 Bangkok ... Agrotech ... Jan. 12-21 12 60,000 Dallas ... Builders Show ... Jan. 16-19 10 87,000 Cannes ... MIDEM ... Jan. 26-30 30 40,000 Kuala Lumpur ... TCSR Fruit & Vegetables ... Jan. 12 12,500 London ... International Food ... Feb. 1-5 20 110,000 Los Angeles ... Action Sports Retailers ... Feb. 6-8 10 46,200 Riyadh ... SaudiFood '87 ... Feb. 14-18 15 150,000 Detroit ... Society Automotive Engineers ... Feb. 24-28 15 130,000 Toronto ... Canadian Hardware Show ... Feb. 8 44,000 Auckland ... New Zealand Furniture Fair ... Feb. 18 98,000 Singapore ... Retail Stonefruit & Melons ... Feb. 7 8,000 Hong Kong ... TCSR Scientific Equipment ... Mar. 3-5 12 19,000 Hanover ... CeBit ... Mar. 4-11 12 90,000 Cologne ... International Hardware ... Mar. 8-11 6 40,000 Christchurch ... Southern Machinery Show ... Mar. 18-20 15 70,000 Dusseldorf ... Interhospital ... Mar. 31-Apr. 3 12 75,000 Atlantic City ... New York Pret Show ... Mar. 5 35,000 Honolulu ... Building Materials Expo ... Mar. 5 2,000 Vancouver ... Food & Hospitality ... Mar. 8 36,000 Hong Kong ... TCSR Telecommunications ... Mar. 12 Kuala Lumpur ... TCSR Railway Rolling Stock ... Mar. 5 7,000 Port Moresby ... TCSR Seminars ... Mar. 8,000 Hanover ... Technology ... Apr. 1-8 15 125,000 Riyadh ... SaudiAgriculture '87 ... Apr. 5-9 15 150,000 Singapore ... Medic Asia ... Apr. 16-19 10 7,000 Nadi ... Hotel Fittings & Furniture ... Apr. 28-30 20 70,000 Kuwait/UAE ... Processed Foods ... April/May 35,000 Singapore ... Retail Processed Foods ... Apr. 8 8,000 San Francisco ... Gourmet Food & Wine ... May 5-7 10 55,000 Singapore ... InstrumentAsia ... May 13-16 8 7,000 Chicago ... National Restaurant ... May 16-20 10 60,000 Bangkok ... Industrial Products Display ... May 18-22 25 90,000 Hong Kong ... HOFEX ... May 26-29 20 110,000 Auckland ... Buildex '87 ... May 31-June 3 20 80,000 Singapore ... TCSR Fine Food & Beverage ... May 15 10,000 Kuala Lumpur ... TCSR Household & Ind. Ap pliance ... May 5 7,000 London ... Kensington Wine Fair ... May 3 1,000 Paris ... International Air Show ... June 11-21 15 226,000 Regina ... West Canada Farm Progress ... June 17-20 8 50,000 Hong Kong ... IBEX '87 ... June 25 134,000 (a) As at July 1986 (Question No. 4006) Mr Braithwaite asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 20 May 1986: (1) What are the populations of cities where there are regional or sub-regional Austrade Offices. (2) Is the population of Canberra and Queanbeyan large enough to warrant a regional or sub-regional Austrade Office. (3) Where can Canberra exporters seek assistance from Austrade. (4) Why was each non-capital Austrade Office established and (a) are they effective (b) what co-ordination problems have they encountered and (c) does relevant information reach them. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1)- Regional Offices Population '000 Sydney ... 3385.5 Melbourne ... 2890.7 Brisbane ... 1146.6 Adelaide ... 979.6 Perth ... 983.4 Hobart ... 175.7 Darwin ... 66.1 Source: 1986 Australian Bureau of Statistics brochure `Australia at a glance'. Sub-Regional Offices Population '000 Townsville ... 110.0 Newcastle ... 138.8 Wollongong ... 176.5 Geelong (Greater) ... 185.0 Source: Managers of the respective offices. (2) Population is one factor in determining location of Commission Offices in Australia but not necessarily the major one. More important considerations are the size of the industry base in the region concerned, and the scope there is for increasing exports. (3) Canberra exporters can obtain assistance from Austrade through the Manager, ACT Region, who is located in the Edmund Barton Building, Kings Avenue, Canberra. (4) The non-capital Austrade Offices were established by the Department of Trade some three years ago. Their role was seen as being to systematically assess the scope for expansion of exports and facilitate that expansion. (a) Their effectiveness in terms of the functions of Austrade, as laid down in the Australian Trade Commission Act 1985, is presently being assessed (b) No particular co-ordination problems have been encountered (c) They each have access to the information bases of the respective State Offices to which they report. (Question No. 4049) Mr Milton asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Has the Minister's attention been drawn to an article in Australian Society of May 1986 entitled `Lies, damned lies and mining statistics' which reveals a $13m anomaly in Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for 1983-84 mining exploration expenditure. (2) Is the Minister quoted accurately in the article; if not, how is the article inaccurate. (3) Is it a fact that the Northern Territory Land Rights Act has contributed significantly to a slow down of Territory exploration activity. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question. (1) Yes. On 16 April 1986, the ABS published a corrigendum to the 1983-84 NT exploration statistics which said that the incorrect figures resulted from a compilation error by the ABS. I responded to the article in a letter published in Australian Society, June 1986 edition, page 4. (2) The words in quotation marks are taken directly from my Press Release of 4 March 1986. Nevertheless the article is inaccurate in implying that the revision of the statistics casts doubt on the basis for the Government's decision of 3 March 1986 to amend the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act. The level of NT exploration expenditure recorded by ABS, whether for 1983-84 or any other year since the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act entered into force, relates almost solely to exploration activity on non-Aboriginal land because up until July 1986 no new exploration licences have been granted on Aboriginal land. (3) Although the decline in international commodity prices, the Government's uranium policy and the NT Government's freeze on the processing of exploration licence applications on Aboriginal land have all tended to dampen mineral exploration activity in the NT, the operation of the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act has been an important constraint on mineral exploration in the NT. While the NT Government lifted its freeze on the processing of exploration licence applications on Aboriginal land in June 1981 it is only now that the granting of the first new exploration licence on Aboriginal land appears imminent, following approval by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in July 1986 of an agreement between a mining company and the Northern Land Council. While the conclusion of this agreement is an important precedent the fact remains that 178 other exploration licence applications remain outstanding on Aboriginal land, and in all 32 other cases (previously 26 when I issued my Press Statement of 4 March) where consultations between companies, Land Councils and traditional Aboriginal landowners have been completed, consent to exploration on Aboriginal land has been refused. I am advised that first year exploration commitments on currently outstanding exploration licence applications in Arnhem Land alone, all of which have been unable to proceed because negotiations have led to refusal of consent or are stalled, amount to at least $19.3 million. (Question No. 4050) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) What is the policy of Trans Australia Airlines on the smoking of cigarettes by passengers while an aircraft is in flight. (2) Where is this policy stated. (3) What penalties are there for passengers not observing smoking regulations. (4) What arrangements does TAA take to ensure minimal discomfort to non-smoking passengers from the smoke of smoking passengers and has any assessment been made of the effectiveness of these arrangements; if not, why not. (5) What action can a non-smoking passenger take to avoid being affected from the smoke of a smoking passenger. (6) In what circumstances can smoking passengers in areas designated for this purpose be requested to refrain from smoking. (7) What percentage of seats are currently allocated to accomodate non-smoking passengers. (8) Will he take steps to have the policy changed to ensure that the number of seats allocated are sufficient to accommodate all passengers requiring non-smoking accommodation; if not, why not. (9) Has his attention been drawn to proposals by the United States Government to ban smoking on short-haul aircraft. (10) Are there any proposals by TAA to ban smoking on flights of less than one hour duration; if not, will he undertake to have the feasibility of such a proposal investigated. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows (parts 1, 2, 4 to 8 and 10 were prepared from advice received from TAA): (1) TAA advises that its policy is to provide smoking and non-smoking seating zones with seating capacity as close as possible to the balance of preferences. (2) TAA also advises that its policy of separate zones is made known when passengers check in and by inflight announcements shortly before or after take off. (3) The Air Navigation Regulations (at ANR 246 (1) (a) and (b)) make certain provisions relating to smoking in aircraft in connection with safety issues. The Air Navigation Regulations (at ANR 312 (4)) also provide for a penalty of $2,500 or 6 months imprisonment or both for any breach of ANR's prosecuted summarily. (4) TAA has advised that the cabin atmospheric control systems installed in its aircraft provide total air replacement at high frequency quickly removing smoke. The airline has also advised that passenger comments indicate the majority of non-smokers are satisfied with existing seating arrangements. (5) Should the non-smoking passenger be affected due to seating arrangements, TAA advised that its flight attendants would assist to alter seating if appropriate. (6) Smoking is completely prohibited while the ``non-smoking'' indicator is lighted. Under the Air Navigation Regulations, the pilot in command of an aircraft is required to ensure that a notice indicating that smoking is prohibited is displayed during take-off, landing and refuelling, during such periods as specified for the purpose in the aircraft's certificate or airworthiness or flight manual and during a period which he or she considers that smoking should be prohibited in the interests of safety. TAA advises that the pilots in command of its aircraft have full discretion as to the use of the ``non-smoking'' indicator. Smoking during periods when the ``non-smoking'' indicator is lighted involves a breach of the Air Navigation Regulations. (7) The airlines' present general ratio of seat allocations to smoking/non-smoking is as follows: Ansett-25:75 TAA-30:70 EWA-16:84 on F27 aircraft; 14:86 on F28 aircraft. I am advised by TAA that where possible that TAA non-smoking zone is extended if demand is expected to be excessive. Occasionally, the airline advises, not every non-smoking preference can be accommodated. (8) Under current arrangements, allocation of non-smoking seats is a matter for the commercial judgment of the airlines. I announced on 5 March 1986 that in view of the continuing concern expressed by many people about the perceived effects of smoking in aircraft on their health and comfort, I considered it appropriate that an attempt should be made to achieve a more acceptable compromise between the views of smoking and non-smoking passengers. For that reason I wrote to the domestic airlines seeking their reaction to a proposal that they move as a group to introduce a ban on smoking on flights of less than one and a half hours. Further consideration is being given to the matter. (9) I am not aware of any current proposals by the US Government to ban smoking on short-haul aircraft. (10) TAA has no current proposals to ban smoking on flights of less than one hour duration. See also answer to question 8. (Question No. 4051) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 22 May 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to reports that passive smoking or sidestream smoke can be extremely hazardous to the health of non-smokers. (2) Is his Department responsible for developing guidelines and legislation on the regulation of smoking in Commonwealth Government work areas and on Commonwealth transport; if not, which department does have that responsibility. (3) What guidelines and legislation exist to regulate smoking in Commonwealth buildings and transport. (4) If no legislation exists, will he take the necessary steps to develop legislation to protect Commonwealth public servants against the hazards of passive smoking; if not, why not. (5) What action has been taken by his Department in conjunction with the relevant State authorities to develop national guidelines for the regulation of smoking in public and work areas, including public transport. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. Also, the matter was considered by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) at its 101st Session in June 1986. The Council endorsed the Report of its Working Party on the Effects of Passive Smoking on Health and recommended certain policies be considered by health authorities to protect the health of non-smokers from passive smoking. (2) to (4) Responsibility for development of guidelines and legislation on the regulation of smoking in Commonwealth Government work areas and on Commonwealth transport rests with the Public Service Board and the Department of Transport, respectively. My Department provides advice on the health risks of passive smoking as such advice is sought. Additional to this are the advice and recommendations of the NHMRC. However, the honourable member will be pleased to learn that, to protect the health of its employees from injury or illness arising from the workplace, and following consultations with management and union representatives, my Department will be extending existing smoke free areas to include all office space occupied by Departmental staff from 1 December 1986. (5) My Department works closely with the State and Territory health authorities on this issue through avenues such as the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council and the Standing Committee of Officials of the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy. It remains, however, a matter for each State and Territory to introduce regulations to control smoking in public places and work areas within their respective jurisdictions. (Question No. 4066) Mr McVeigh asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 23 May 1986: (1) Has a referendum been conducted on Christmas Island about the establishment of a gambling casino/hotel resort; if so, what was the result. (2) Was an organised `YES' campaign conducted on the Island; if so, by whom. (3) What will be the licensing arrangements if the Government decides to establish a casino. (4) Will a casino licence only be granted after public tendering and inquiry, and assurances are received from tenderers through the lodgment of fidelity bonds, that the casino will operate without undesirable elements and stand-over tactics. (5) What preference will be given to Australian interests at the tender stage. (6) Will he publish an annual statement of all people associated with the casino company and all casino employees. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) Yes, on 19 April 1986; (b) of 1172 people eligible to vote and present on Christmas Island, 955 voted; 896 voted yes, 49 voted no and 10 votes were informal. (2) The referendum stemmed from Christmas Island Assembly deliberations. During an interview on Christmas Island Television when asked the reasons for the referendum and how to go about voting the Chairman of the christmas Island Assembly replied: `Firstly, to confirm that the vast majority of Christmas Islanders want a hotel/casino on Christmas Island and hopefully that will show the Department of Territories that the community is overwhelmingly in favour of it and may speed things up. What people are being asked to do-that is every island resident over the age of 18-to go to the Assembly hall between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and vote in the referendum. If you are against the idea of a hotel/casino, vote NO. But, if you wish to remain on Christmas Island and make it your home for years to come I earnestly ask you to vote YES.' 3 to 6. The Government has agreed in principle to the establishment of a resort complex with a casino on Christmas Island, subject to development and approval of a detailed proposal which provides for adequate protection of Commonwealth, Island and environmental interests. The Government has also agreed that Western Australian businessman Mr Frank Woodmore, the proponent of the project, have first right of refusal to the development. An important element of Mr Woodmore's proposal was that Federal Hotels be the operator of the casino element of the Christmas Island project. The Government has agreed that Federal Hotels be the casino operator. Detailed arrangements regarding licensing and control of the casino operator have not yet been determined. However these issues will be addressed during detailed feasibility studies. The Government will require the strictest controls concerning management of the casino, licensing of casino employees, scrutiny of financial transactions etc. and detailed requirements will be laid down in specific legislation which will be introduced. (Question No. 4067) Mr McVeigh asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 30 May 1986: (1) How many employees are there in the Christmas Island mining industry (2) How many employees were there as at 30 June in each year from 1980 to 1985. (3) How much money was paid in redundancy payments to (a) mine workers generally and (b) to each employee during the years 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86. (4) Are any of these workers still on the Island; if so, have they been re-employed. (5) Can he assure the house that the redundancy payment system is not being abused. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) As at 30 June 1986 the Phosphate Mining Corporation of Christmas Island (PMCI) employed 619 personnel, comprising 605 employees in the Territory of Christmas Island and 14 on the Australian mainland (7 in Perth and 7 in Melbourne). (2) Mining industry employment levels for previous years are as follows: Christmas Island Perth Melbourne Total 30 June 1980... *1,680 - - - 1 July 1981... 1,569 26 33 1,628 30 June 1982... 1,294 26 10 1,330 30 June 1983... 1,291 22 11 1,324 30 June 1984... 1,244 20 12 1,276 30 June 1985... 803 21 10 834 30 June 1986... 605 7 7 619 * The British Phosphate Commissioners (BPC) were managing agents for the Christmas Island Phosphate Commission (CIPC). BPC mainland employee statistics are not comparable with successor PMCI mainland establishment. (3) To answer the honourable member's question satisfactorily would require the provision of a list of specific payments made to some 730 individuals. However, the following tables which contain averages maybe useful. The following payments were made to PMCI employees upon termination. Payments are in accordance with relevant awards/agreements and include redundancy payments. Supervisors Operatives Mainland staff Average 1983/84 Number of Employees Payments ($)... 12 72 2 In lieu of notice... 7,656 28,472 - 420 Annual leave... 50,184 52,240 4,362 1,242 Long Service leave... 35,245 173,204 1,628 2,443 Severance pay... 140,364 381,294 38,395 6,512 Redundancy pay... 158,682 484,274 2,110 7,501 Provident Fund... 223,379 695,519 51,717 11,286 615,510 1,815,003 98,212 29,404 Total all payments 1983/84 $2,558,129 1984/85 Number of Employees Payments ($)... 43 455 1 In lieu of notice... 47,012 484,162 - 1,064 Annual leave... 166,771 438,759 4,900 1,223 Long Service leave... 172,279 1,041,361 - 2,432 Severance pay... 423,196 2,679,286 5,435 6,228 Redundancy pay... 569,345 3,877,981 5,560 8,924 Provident Fund... 818,483 4,989,699 18,080 11,676 2,197,086 13,511,248 33,975 31,547 Total all payments 1984/85 $15,773,856 1985/86 Number of Employees Payments ($)... 36 94 15 In lieu of notice... 533,844 777,004 92,016 9,675 Annual leave... 67,572 53,956 23,041 997 Long Service leave... 85,968 194,768 - 1,936 Severance pay... 281,232 533,262 23,724 5,781 Redundancy pay... 346,932 696,634 43,658 7,498 Provident Fund... 480,492 1,120,386 147,849 12,060 1,796,040 3,376,010 330,288 37,947 Total all payments 1985/86 $5,540,285 (4) Seven redundant employees are known to have remained in the Territory and set up their own businesses. Another four redundant employees are known to have succeeded in securing further employment, but not in positions associated with the mining operation. (5) The Phosphate Mining Corporation of Christmas Island advises that all employees who accepted redundancy have been paid in accordance with the agreement reached between the Government and the union of Christmas Island Workers and that all of its employees who accepted redundancy have actually left their employment with PMCI and none have been re-employed in the mining operation. The cost of answering this question is estimated at $500. (Question No. 4071) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister of Defence, upon notice, on 26 May 1986: (1) Can he say what the Pilatus PC-9 total contract price is; if so, (a) is it fixed or is there an escalation clause; if so, what and (b) what currency is it expressed in. (2) Can he say what the A10B WAMIRA total contract price is, if so, (a) is it fixed or is there an escalation clause; if so, what and (b) what currency is it expressed in. (3) What proportion of the PC-9 acquisition cost, including project supervision, will be spent in (a) Australia, (b) Switzerland or (c) elsewhere. (4) What proportion of the A10B WAMIRA acquisition cost, including project supervision, would have been spent in (a) Australia or (b) elsewhere. (5) What Australian employment (a) will be created under the PC-9 contract and (b) would have been created under the A10B WAMIRA contract. (6) How many design staff were employed in Australia on A10B WAMIRA development and what has happened to the design group. (7) What is the basis of his claim that selection of the Pilatus PC-9 will reduce the pilot training budget by $20m a year. (8) When will these projected savings occur. (9) Will there be any restrictions on PC-9 operations at Point Cook and Sale training bases. (10) Will the existing CT-4 basic trainer and Macchi advanced trainer continue in service; if so, in what role. (11) What is the projected replacement date of the CT-4 and Macchi aircraft and to what degree will they be replaced by the PC-9. (12) Is any action proposed to extend CT-4 and Macchi aircraft life; if so, (a) what action and (b) at what cost. (13) Is any revision of the RAAF training program planned because of PC-9 acquisitions; if so, (a) what revision and (b) are any additional costs involved. (14) Is the Pilatus PC-9 to be modified to meet RAAF training requirements; if so, (a) how and (b) at what cost. (15) How many hours flying training (a) will be given to PC-9 pilot trainees and (b) were envisaged for the A10B WAMIRA trainees. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) $231m. It is to be a fixed price contract in Australian dollars, with escalation clauses for inflation and exchange rate variations and any changes arising from translation of drawings to English. (2) There is no contract for production of the Wamira and so no contract price can be stated. The expenditure on design and development of the Wamira was about $74m. (3) It is estimated that the expenditure on the Pilatus PC-9 will be in the following proportions; Australia 45%, Switzerland 24% and elsewhere 31%. (4) It was estimated that, should the A10B WAMIRA project have progressed, 55% of the project cost would have been spent in Australia and the remainder overseas for the procurement of engines, avionics and other items. (5) The PC-9 project is estimated to generate about 1.5 million manhours of work in Australia whilst the A10B WAMIRA project was estimated to generate just over 2 million manhours. Additional workload however, will be generated by the collaboration of the Australian aircraft industry with Pilatus in global sales of the PC-9 and the development of a new utility transport aircraft should we choose to enter this programme. (6) At the peak of the A10 design work some 120 engineers were involved. Some 75% of these engineers are still employed in the Australian aircraft industry. (7) The higher performance of the PC-9 offers the potential for savings by reducing student flying hours in the more expensive MACCHI advanced trainer. (8) These will begin in early 1990. (9) No. (10) Yes, in the general roles they now perform. A review of the pilot training syllabus and the respective aircraft's roles is planned. (11) Replacements for the CT4 and the Macchi are not envisaged until the late 1990's. The RAAF study into pilot training will determine the final breakdown of flying hours between the three aircraft but the current 140 hours spent by students on the Macchi advanced trainer will be reduced considerably by the introduction of the cheaper to operate Pilatus PC-9. (12) It is not proposed to take any action to extend the life of these aircraft. (13) Yes. Less student flying time will be spent on the more expensive MACCHI aircraft. (14) Yes. The cost of modifications is about $2.5m. The major modification is to the under carriage to give a soft field landing ability. (15) The A10 WAMIRA project was based on a pilot training syllabus of 100 hours WAMIRA and 100 hours MACCHI. As previously stated, the training syllabus will be subject to review when the PC-9 enters service. (Question No. 4072) Mr Sinclair asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 26 May 1986: (1) Did a 1979 industry study group conclude that the basic trainer aircraft which fully met the requirements of AFST 5044 did not exist or was projected overseas; if so (a) was that assessment accepted by the RAAF and his Department and (b) did that assessment precede the letting of a contract to GAF for project definition of an Australian basic trainer aircraft known as the A-10. (2) Was the Pilatus PC-9 in service or projected then. (3) Was a further contract for phase 2 of the project let to the Australian Aircraft Consortium (AAC). (4) Was this project terminated; if so (a) when and (b) why. (5) What costs had been incurred to that stage by (a) the AAC and (b) the Commonwealth. (6) Which requirements, if any, of AFST 5044 did the A-10 project fail to meet. (7) Did the RAAF impose requirements additional to AFST 5044 on the A-10 project; if so, (a) how many and (b) of what nature. (8) When and for what reasons was the decision taken to open the selection process to overseas suppliers. (9) Where any further requirements imposed by the RAAF at this stage or later; if so, (a) how many and (b) of what nature. (10) When did work stop on the A-10B prototype and project, and what costs had been incurred to that stage by (a) the AAC and its successors and (b) the Commonwealth. (11) Does the Pilatus PC-9 fully meet the requirements of AFST 5044; if not, which requirements does it not meet. (12) What action is being taken to meet those requirements not met and what is the cost of such action, if any. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The Australian Aircraft Industry Study Group comprising the major companies of the Australian aerospace industry in its report of June 1980 concluded that `no existing trainer meets all the requirements of the relevant Staff Target'. (a) This assessment was accepted. (b) This assessment preceded the letting of a contract for project definition studies to the same Australian Industry Study Group. (2) The Pilatus PC-9 was not in service when the studies were concluded and the Study Group did not propose it as an option. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. The Government on 15 December 1985 announced the termination of the contract with the Australian Aircraft Consortium on the grounds that there were insufficient defence strategic or industry policy grounds to justify the substantial premium required to complete the Wamira project. (5) The total costs incurred by the Commonwealth when the WAMIRA project was terminated was about $74m. The AAC component was about $64m. (6) As the WAMIRA was not built or tested, its performance cannot be determined. (7) No. (8) On 8 July 1985 the Government, noting that the Wamira project had slipped 18 months and that the estimated cost of completion of the project had increased over 77 per cent in real terms to a direct cost of over $350m, announced that a competition was to be conducted to explore cheaper options for providing the RAAF with a suitable basic trainer aircraft. (9) No. (10) Work stopped on the A10B prototype on 15 December 1985. See answer to (5) for the cost. (11) No, but the aircraft we will acquire will substantially meet the requirements of the Air Force. (12) The PC-9 acquired by the RAAF will have enlarged low pressure tyres to enable it to land on soft fields. The cost of all modifications is about $2.5m. (Question No. 4183) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 3 June 1986: Will the Minister establish an Australian task force to collect information about the Chernobyl accident, the fall-out of radioactivity over Europe and the various accidents that have happened in reactors around the world as suggested by Senator Sir John Carrick on 1 May 1986. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: As I mentioned in the Senate on 5 May 1986 (Hansard, page 2370), the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) has established a task group to examine and evaluate all available information on the Chernobyl accident. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is sponsoring a meeting of technical experts to consider the implications of the Chernobyl accident, to be held in Vienna from 25 to 29 August. It is my intention that as soon as practicable after this meeting the AAEC task group will finalise a report which will be made available to the public. (Question No. 4216) Mr Blunt asked the Minister for Social Security, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: (1) Is it a fact that there is no abuse of the Australian social security system by New Zealanders in Australia. (2) Did he discuss the need to change the eligibility criteria of both countries' social security systems for nationals of the other country during his recent visit to New Zealand; if so, what agreement was reached. (3) What changes are envisaged for the Australian social security system and the eligibility of New Zealanders for benefits in this country. Mr Howe —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) There is no evidence of widespread abuse of the Australian social security system by New Zealanders. (2) and (3) I have already announced that I recently discussed this matter with the NZ Minister of Social Welfare, Ms Ann Hercus, during my visit to New Zealand in May. We have generally agreed on measures to overcome problems in this area, but I am obviously unable to discuss them in detail until they have been considered by the Governments of both countries. (Question No. 4299) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) What funds have been provided under the Community Employment Program to projects in the electoral division of La Trobe that are within (a) the shire of Pakenham, (b) the shire of Sherbrooke, (c) Knox City Council, and (d) Berwick City Council for the period from (i) the program's inception to June 1984 and (ii) July 1984 to the present. (2) How many jobs were funded in each project. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) Community Employment Program (CEP) Projects Approved in La Trobe Electoral Division by Local Government Area (LGA) LGA (i) Inception to June 1984 CEP funds Jobs created (ii) July 1984 to 16 June 1986 CEP funds Jobs created $ $ (a) Shire of Pakenham ... 89,879 8 154,674 18 (b) Shire of Sherbrooke ... 452,054 41 1,267,914 131 (c) Knox City ... 332,949 30 284,260 21 (d) Berwick City ... 445,543 41 942,212 110 (Question No. 4301) Mr Milton asked the Minister for Transport, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) What funds were provided for roads in the electoral division of La Trobe for each financial year since March 1983. (2) What percentage of these funds were for (a) local roads and (b) arterial roads. (3) How does this amount compare with funding levels for the last 3 years of the previous Government. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (2) and (3) The following table shows the amount of Federal funds provided for national, arterial and local roads in the shires of Pakenham and Sherbrooke and in the Cities of Knox and Berwick in the electoral division of La Trobe since the present Government came into office and the previous three years of the former Government. The table also shows the percentage of total funds within the electorate allocated in each year to arterial and local roads. The funds comprise those provided under the Roads Grants Act 1981, (which expired on 1 July 1985), the Australian Bicentennial Road Development Trust Fund Act 1982, the Australian Land Transport (Financial Assistance Act) 1985 and the Jobs on Local Roads program initiated in 1983-84 as part of the Community Employment Program. EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FUNDS ON ROADS-ELECTORAL DIVISION OF LA TROBE Year National Roads Arterial Roads Local Roads Total $m $m (%) $m (%) $m 1980-81... 4.68 1.18 (18.9) 0.37 (5.9) 6.23 1981-82... 8.06 1.33 (13.9) 0.30 (3.1) 9.69 1982-83... 1.33 1.65 (45.8) 0.62 (17.2) 3.60 1983-84... 7.65 1.60 (16.1) 0.65 (6.5) 9.90 1984-85... 5.83 2.43 (26.7) 0.83 (9.1) 9.09 1985-86*... 6.86 2.93 (27.4) 0.91 (8.5) 10.70 * Actual figures not yet available, estimated expenditure only. (Question No. 4305) Mr Smith asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: (1) What are the staff levels in each of the Tasmania CES offices. (2) How many job vacancies have been registered by each Tasmanian CES office in (a) the period 1 July 1985 to date and (b) each of the past 6 months. (3) How many job vacancies have been filled by Tasmanian CES offices in (a) the period 1 July 1985 to date and (b) in each of the past 6 months. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Staff levels for CES Offices in Tasmania. Office Staff Eastern Shore... 13 Glenorchy... 21 Hobart... 25 Kingston... 7 North Hobart... 10 Burnie... 18 Devonport... 16 Kings Meadows... 10 Launceston... 24 Mowbray... 12 Total... 156 (2) Vacancies notified. July 1985 -May 1986 Dec. 1985 Jan. 1986 Feb. 1986 Mar. 1986 Apr. 1986 May 1986 Eastern Shore... 1,143 84 84 110 111 86 114 Glenorchy... 2,381 190 293 228 252 133 171 Hobart... 6,107 508 489 433 490 466 528 Kingston... 1,420 128 90 137 264 112 160 North Hobart*... 701 - - 188 146 176 191 Burnie... 6,577 585 471 588 763 612 618 Devonport... 3,615 362 306 319 392 316 297 Kings Meadows... 1,464 149 162 125 119 71 149 Launceston... 4,790 276 213 404 491 386 681 Mowbray... 1,524 89 140 131 168 118 211 Totals... 29,722 2,371 2,248 2,663 3,196 2,476 3,120 (3) Vacancies filled. July 1985 -May 1986 Dec. 1985 Jan. 1986 Feb. 1986 Mar. 1986 Apr. 1986 May 1986 Eastern Shore... 830 55 37 82 100 53 76 Glenorchy... 1,931 105 278 213 248 105 127 Hobart... 5,067 503 361 372 381 449 451 Kingston... 1,085 98 45 81 295 84 72 North Hobart*... 535 - - 125 120 132 158 Burnie... 5,607 438 389 536 685 548 543 Devonport... 3,162 368 263 229 404 298 258 Kings Meadows... 1,166 107 112 142 98 58 92 Launceston... 4,175 244 178 306 467 346 521 Mowbray... 1,240 85 124 105 124 122 147 Totals... 24,798 2,003 1,787 2,191 2,922 2,195 2,445 *North Hobart CES Commenced operation on 10.2.86. Figures shown relate to the period 10.2.86-30.5.86. (Question No. 1469) Mr Blunt asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 20 August 1985: (1) What journals, digests, files, periodicals and the like are produced by instrumentalities within the Minister's portfolio. (2) For each publication (a) when was it established, (b) which section within the Minister's portfolio produces it, (c) how many staff are involved in its production and for what percentage of time are they involved, (d) how often is it produced, (e) by whom is it printed and what is the print run, (f) what is the circulation and to whom, or where is it circulated, (g) who has editorial control, (h) what are its stated objectives and (i) what are the printing, staff and administrative costs associated with its production. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: 1. (i) Unesco Review (ii) Unesco Newsletter (iii) Education News (iv) Peptalk. 2. (i) Unesco Review (a) First issued in 1979. (b) Produced by the Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Education for the Australian National Commission of Unesco. (c) Four staff. Estimated average of 2 1/2 hours per week total staff time. (d) One issue produced in the 1985-86 financial year. (e) Printed on Australian Government Publishing Service contract by Canberra Publishing and Printing Co. 4,781 copies printed per issue. (f) Circulated to Federal Members of Parliament; universities, colleges of advanced education, and some TAFE colleges and schools; to non-government organisations such as the Academy of Social Sciences and chambers of commerce and industry; to government departments; to statutory bodies; to media organisations; to individual academics and members of the public; to some libraries. (g) Professor Ken McKinnon, Chairperson of the Australian National Commission for Unesco. (h) To provide a forum for discussion of issues related to the work of Unesco, with special reference to Australian concerns and involvement. (i) Printing cost estimated at $3,500 per issue. Staff and administrative costs are included in general staffing and administrative budgets. (ii) Unesco Newsletter (a) First issued in 1984: (b) Produced by the Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Education for the Australian National Commission for Unesco. (c) Four staff. An average of 2 hours per week total staff time. (d) 4 issues produced in the 1985-86 financial year. (e) Printed on Australian Government Publishing Service contract by Canberra Publishing and Printing Co. 4,000 copies printed per issue. (f) Circulated to Federal Members of Parliament; universities, colleges of advanced education, and some TAFE colleges and schools; to non-government organisations such as the Academy of Social Sciences and chambers of commerce and industry; to government departments; to statutory bodies; to media organisations; to individual academics and members of the public; to some libraries. (g) Professor Ken McKinnon, Chairperson of the Australian National Commission for Unesco. (h) To inform members of the public about current Australian participation in Unesco activities. (i) Printing cost estimated at $2,220 per issue. Staff administrative costs are included in general staffing and administration budgets. (iii) Education News (a) First issued in 1946. (b) Produced by the Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Education. (c) Two staff employed full-time. (d) 3 issues produced in the 1985-86 financial year. (e) Printed under Australian Government Publishing Service contract by Ambassador Press, Sydney. 12,131 copies printed per issue. (f) Circulated to all schools, universities and colleges of advanced education, and principal TAFE campuses; to Federal Members of Parliament; media organisations; major education interest groups and on paid subscription through the Australian Government Publishing Service. (g) Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch, Commonwealth Department of Education. (h) To inform members of the public about current issues and developments in education. (i) Printing costs estimated at $10,500 per issue. (iv) Peptalk (a) First issued in April 1985. (b) Produced by the Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Education. (c) One staff member. Estimated average of 8 hours per week staff time. (d) Four issues produced in the 1985-86 financial year. (e) Printer determined on the basis of the lowest quotation from a selection of three quotations. 24,000 copies printed per issue. (f) Circulated to State government and non-government PEP committees and through them to all schools and TAFE colleges; Federal Members and Senators; media organisations; national bodies of major interest groups; government departments; statutory bodies; State Education Ministers and Directors- General of Education; some libraries and to individual members of the public on request. (g) Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary Liaison and Public Relations Branch, Commonwealth Department of Education. (h) To provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas between States, government and non-government sectors; between schools and TAFE; between students, parents, teachers and administrators. (i) Printing cost estimated at $3,500 per issue. Staff and administrative costs are included in general staffing and administrative budgets. (Question No. 1924) Mr Jacobi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 19 September 1985: Will he bring up to date the information contained in the answer to questions Nos. 1158 (Hansard, 2 May 1984, page 1701) and 195 (Hansard, 31 May 1985, page 3279) concerning human rights in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Mr Hayden —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: There is nothing to add to the information supplied in previous answers to this question, with the exception of migration statistics. These show that in the period January-October 1985, twelve persons, all in the family reunion category, were permitted to migrate to Australia. It should also be noted that on 11 February 1986 Mr Anatoly Shcharansky was released and permitted to emigrate from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. He has been reunited with his wife in Israel. (Question No. 3037) Mr Tickner asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 29 November 1985: (1) What additional Aboriginal and Islander community-controlled child care agencies and services have been created since March 1983. (2) What is the increase in real terms in the financial allocation to Aboriginal and Islander child care agencies and services in the federal budget since 1982-83. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: (1) Since March 1983 4 additional Aboriginal and Islander community-controlled child care agencies (AICCAs) have been approved for funding under the Children's Services Program. These are: (i) Yuddika Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Cairns (ii) North Queensland Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation, Townsville (iii) Aboriginal and Islander Development and Recreational Womens Association, Mt Isa (iv) Central Australia Child Care Agency, Alice Springs Funding has also been approved for the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), a peak organisation for AICCAs throughout Australia. In addition, 30 new Aboriginal childrens care services were approved for funding during this period. (2) The increase in the recurrent financial allocation to Aboriginal and Islander child care agencies and other Aboriginal children's services in the federal budget since 1982-83 is $3.4 million and distributed as follows: (i) Newly funded Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies-$651 182 (ii) Newly funded Aboriginal child care services-$1 716 866 (iii) Increases in funding to existing services-$1 053 011 In addition to the above, over the same period funds totalling $686 076 have been allocated to Aboriginal organisations in the form of one-off or capital grants. Actual capital and recurrent expenditure levels on Aboriginal services in 1982/83 are not available. It is therefore not possible to calculate the increased financial allocation in the federal budget since 1982/83 in real terms. (Question No. 3302) Mr Jacobi asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 11 March 1986: (1) Will he, at the next meeting of the Ministerial Council on Companies and Securities, request the Council to give priority to putting in place a range of more effective sanctions to deal with `pin-strip crime'. (2) Has he investigated the desirability of instituting (a) corporate community service orders where a convicted company may be required to perform, as an organisation, some work of community service relevant to its expertise, (b) corporate probation where an officer of the government may be appointed to supervise implementation of corporate reforms specified by the sentencing judge, (c) publicity orders where a court may require an offending company to place advertisements in mass media outlets advising the public of the company's offence or offences and (d) equity fines where a company may be required to issue new shares to a victim compensation fund. (3) Will he introduce amendments to the Trade Practices Act to include punishments to fit major and minor corporate crime. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The effectiveness of particular sanctions is a matter which receives on-going consideration by the Ministerial Council for Companies and Securities. This has been reflected, for example, in the amendments contained in the Companies and Securities Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1985 restraining the directors of some insolvent companies from subsequently managing other companies. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting. (2) Generally, Commonwealth legislation at present prescribes fines, imprisonment or fines and imprisonment for criminal offences. In the case of bodies corporate imprisonment is not a sentencing option. Some legislation also provides for pecuniary penalties and other remedies such as injunctions which can be applied to corporations. Publicity orders can be made under existing legislation such as the Trade Practices Act 1974 where the court considers such an order to be appropriate. The Australian Law Reform Commission is currently considering the appropriateness of sanctions such as corporate community service orders, corporate probation orders and equity fines and also whether the option of making publicity orders in relation to corporations which commit offences should be more generally available than at present. The Commission's final report on its reference concerning the sentencing of federal and ACT offenders is expected to be presented in 1987. (3) It is considered that at this time the sanctions provided for in the Trade Practices Act 1974 are adequate in relation to both major and minor corporate crime. (Question No. 3312) Mr Connolly asked the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, upon notice, on 11 March 1986: (1) What were the contingent expenses totalling $20,000 shown in the 1985 Trachoma and Eye Health Report. (2) Did the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists withdraw its involvement, in January 1984, as an agent for the Commonwealth Government in funding and co-ordinating the State/Territory Trachoma and Eye Health Committees, if so, why. (3) Does the Commonwealth still provide funding to trachoma committees in (a) Western Australia, (b) NSW and (c) Victoria; if not, why not. (4) What long term gains have been achieved by the Trachoma and Eye Health Program in combatting the low health status of Aborigines. (5) What progress has he made in setting up a national system of health statistics. (6) What is the breakdown of the $45,000 expended by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies on the 1984 Biennial Conference. (7) What gains for the advancement of Aborigines were achieved by the conference. (8) What action has he taken in response to the statement in the Report of the Committee of Review of Aboriginal Employment and Training Programs that the Aboriginal Development Commission (ADC) devotes insufficient resources to increasing the representation of Aboriginal people in the self-employed and small business section of the labour market and lacks the expertise to manage it efficiently. (9) What action has he taken in response to the report's statement that the ADC does not cater adequately for its responsibilities in the area of enabling Aborigines to generate cash income. (10) Will he give details of (a) the names of Commissioners who received loans, (b) the purpose of each loan and (c) the terms of repayment of loans made under item 30, Loans to Commissioners $13,076 in the Annual Report of the ADC for 1983-84. (11) Will he provide a breakdown of the $569,421 spent on investigating enterprise ventures shown in the ADC's report for 1983-84. (12) What is the status of those enterprise ventures in operation as a result of ADC investigations. (13) Further to the Auditor-General's Report of September 1985 (a) what sum is outstanding in loans made from the former Aboriginals Benefit Trust Fund and (b) who were the major recipients of loans. (14) When does he envisage finalisation of the outstanding loans. (15) Has the Government acted to improve procedures to ensure the correctness of royalty receipts in line with the Auditor-General's comments in September 1985, if so, what changes have been made. (16) What action has been taken to develop a means of ensuring the effectiveness of payments made specifically for the benefit of Aborigines from the Benefit Trust Account. (17) In view of the significance of the Aboriginals Benefit Trust Account, what are the procedures used to ensure accountability of the Trust. (18) What is the status of the integrated data base system being introduced in his Department to ensure accurate administration. (19) What action has he taken in response to the statements by the Auditor-General in his Report of April 1985 that there is a need for the Minister's Department to define and apply material, including objectives relative to resources provided, to enable proper monitoring of progress and control of assets and justify the release of approved grant funds as well as providing the means for independent internal and external evaluation. (20) Why has the Commonwealth accepted liability for National Aboriginal Conference liabilities and liquidation and what are the details of the liabilities. (21) Further to the item entitled ``uranium impact study, $192 279'' in Note 2 of the Annual Report for 1983-84 of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, (a) for which community was the study carried out, (b) which company or group carried out the study and (c) for what purpose was the study carried out. Mr Holding —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) The item is a 5 per cent contingency factor included in a $402,820 budget submitted by the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress as part of a proposal by the Congress to establish a Trachoma and Eyecare program in Central Australia. The proposal has not yet been considered by the Commonwealth. (2) Yes. The Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists withdrew its involvement because of administrative problems associated with the acquittal of grants spent by State Program Committees. (3) The Commonwealth does not provide funds to Trachoma Committees in Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria because there are no Committees operating in those States. In Victoria and New South Wales the incidence of Trachoma-related conditions is very low and any cases are treated by the normal health services. In Western Australia treatment of Trachoma-related conditions is carried out as part of a State funded and administered Aboriginal Eye Health program. (4) The recently released Trachoma and Eye Health Report found that: (a) The prevalence of follicular trachoma for people aged 19 years or less is estimated at 33.6 per cent for the 1985 Review, compared with 40.0 per cent for the original NTEHP 1976-77 screenings. (b) After making allowance for the different age structure of the population examined in 1985, the standardised prevalence ratio for the combined Review communities is estimated at 83 for 1985, compared with 100 for the original 1976-77 screenings. (c) The prevalence of severe follicular trachoma for people aged 19 years or less is estimated at 14.9 per cent for the 1985 Review, compared with 24.7 per cent for the original 1976-77 screenings. (d) The standardised prevalence ratio for severe follicular trachoma is estimated at 60 for 1985, compared with 100 for the original screenings. (e) The prevalence of trachomatous conjunctival scarring for people aged 19 years or less is estimated at 13.6 per cent for the 1985 Review, compared with 27.5 per cent for the original screenings. (f) The prevalence of severe trachomatous conjunctival scarring for people aged 19 years or less is estimated at 3.4 per cent for the 1985 Review, compared with 8.3 per cent for the original screenings. (5) During 1985 responsibility for a national Aboriginal health statistical system was transferred from the Department of Health to the Australian Institute of Health. Following agreement between the Treasurer, the Ministers for Health and Aboriginal Affairs a Task Force on Aboriginal health Statistics was set up to work towards the establishment of the system. The Task Force consulted with State (except Queensland) and Territory officials responsible for relevant administrative by-product collections, to secure the identification of Aboriginals in collections of health and vital statistics. Agreements made with State and Territory officials will result in Aboriginality being included as an identifier in most major health data collections, with negotiations continuing on the provision and collation of this data into a fully compatible national system. The Department also examined how health statistical data might be obtained from AMSs so that Health profiles of Aboriginals using the local Aboriginal Medical Services might be established. (6) The breakdown of expenditure on the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies 1984 Biennial Meeting and associated conference held at the Australian National Gallery, on the theme: ``Aboriginal Arts in Contemporary Australia'', is as follows: $ Travel, accommodation and incidentals ... 26,833 Staging performances by Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre in Canberra ... 15,774 Exhibition of Aboriginal Art ... 2,950 45,557 (7) The Institute's principal function is the promotion of Aboriginal Studies. The conference was aimed at the promotion of contemporary Aboriginal art, including dance, writing and graphics. An important aspect of the conference was economic considerations, including marketing of Aboriginal art. In these areas, Aboriginal interests were advanced by the conference. (8, 9) The Report of the Committee of Review of Aboriginal Employment and Training Programs (the Miller Report) is still being considered by the Government. (10) The Aboriginal Development Commission does not publicly disclose details of individual loan accounts. The criteria and conditions applicable to all loans are published in the Commission's Annual Report. All loan transactions of this kind are subject to internal audit as well as external audit by the Auditor-General. (11)- $ Costs of investigations and consultancies associated with enterprises including rural enterprises... 455,785 Costs of investigation and consultancies associated with land acquisitions... 98,440 Administrative costs paid in relation to the above... 15,196 Total... 569,421 (12) The Commission uses specialised consultants to monitor and prepare development plans for many ongoing projects and also to assist in examining some of the large numbers of new proposals received each year. Of the projects with which consultants were associated in 1983-84- 15 proceeded; 27 were ongoing; 11 were not implemented; and 3 ceased (13)- (a) The sum outstanding in respect of loans disbursed from the former Aboriginal Benefit Trust Fund (ABTF) as at 28 February 1986 is $329,612.12. (b) The major recipients of loans from the ABTF were the Roper River Citizens Club ($160,000) and the Umbakumba Development Association ($80,000). The majority of loans were for lesser amounts made to individual borrowers and other Aboriginal Associations. (14) The sum outstanding in respect of loans made by the ABTF represents approximately 26% of the total amount paid out as loans by the ABTF between 1966 and 1978. Of that total paid out as loans, approximately 25% had been recovered by 30 June 1978, and a further 49% approximately had been repaid from 1978 to date. As the terms of the loans varied between 4 and 23 years, finalization will depend on the loan term, the amount of any arrears and the borrower's capacity to continue repayments in the case of each loan. (15) The Government is investigating the most practicable means of verifying the accuracy of uranium royalty receipts in respect to mining on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory. In respect of the mining of other minerals on Aboriginal land, royalties are received by the Northern Territory under a law of the Territory, and those royalty receipts are audited by the Territory to ensure that they are correct. (16) With reference to the monitoring of the effectiveness of payments made specifically for the benefit of Aboriginals from the Trust Account, the ABTA was the subject of a review by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr J Altman of the Australian National University. Certain recommendations arising from that review have already been implemented, including the expansion of the ABTA Advisory Committee from 7 to 12 members, to enable a greater representation of Aborigines in the Northern Territory to consider funding proposals, and make grant recommendations. A Sub-Committee to the ABTA has also been formed pursuant to the review recommendations, to assist the Advisory Committee with financial policies and grant proposals. In particular, the ABTA Advisory Committee, with the assistance of the Sub-Committee, will be reviewing on an annual basis the effectiveness of its positive expenditure policies in terms of the benefit accruing to the Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory. (17) As a Commonwealth Trust fund, the ABTA is managed in accordance with the requirements and procedures of the Audit Act 1901 and the Department of Finance Regulations, and is subject to periodical audits by the Auditor General. (18) Since November 1985 the Department has been in the process of enhancing its ADP system to provide an integrated data base for grants management. This system is now operative in the Department's Central Office and is progressively being introduced to the Regional Offices. (19) The Department's letters of offer of grants to Aboriginal organisations now stipulate the objectives and outcomes that are expected to be achieved during the course of the funding year for every project. A program item appraisal is required toward the end of the financial year to enable the Department to assess and advise on the degree to which aims and objectives are being achieved for each project and, if necessary, recommend changes in the application of future resources. The control of assets is at present covered by a requirement for an annual audited statement of assets. (20) The Government decided in 1985 that the term of office of members of the National Aboriginal Conference (NAC) would not be extended beyond 30 June 1985. The Commonwealth has accepted liability for National Aboriginal Conference liabilities and liquidation expenses as it was considered necessary to provide for termination payments for members and staff, and certain liabilities outstanding at 30 June 1985. The details of the liabilities are as follows: long service, recreation leave, redundancy payments and severance pay for former NAC support staff to 30 June 1985; ($577,351) Remuneration and allowances for former NAC members to 30 June 1985; ($12,927) general administrative costs incurred by the NAC to 30 June including legal fees electricity charges rent telephone and telex charges. The total general administrative cost is yet to be finally established by the liquidator, however expenditure of $400,000 is expected. (21)- (a) The study ``Aborigines and Uranium-Consolidated Report on the Social Impact of Uranium Mining on the Aborigines of the Northern Territory'', was carried out largely at Oenpelli, but, by definition, relates to Aborigines of the Northern Territory as a whole. (b) The study was carried out by a project team employed by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. (c) The purpose of the study is set out in a letter from the then Minister for Aboriginal Affairs the Honourable Ian Viner, MP to the Institute in March 1977, quoted on page 6 of the Report. `I consider it important that the research program be commenced before substantial work on the uranium project begins. The research program is intended to establish baseline data on the social environment. I would then envisage a continuing research program to provide up-dated information and thus to monitor and report changes as they occur. You might refer to part 13 of the second report of the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry (the 204 Report) which indicates what is needed in general form'. (Question No. 3344) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to questions Nos. 3216 and 3243, what (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85, (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip, (c) was the duration of each trip, (d) were the countries visited during each trip and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the air fare component identified separately. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: Stated Purpose (a) Officer's Classification/ Job description (b) Duration (c) Countries visited * (d) Cost Airfare component (e) $ $ Department of Education Attend conference on Education and New Information Technologies Clerical Admin., Class 10 8 days France 5,321 4,402 Attend Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers Assistant Secretary 11 days Cyprus 5,150 4,143 Attend Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers First Assistant Secretary 12 days Cyprus 5,270 4,238 Attend World Conference of the Teaching Profession Chairman, N.A.E.C 17 days Togo 5,921 4,277 Attend Conference on Future of Higher Education Deputy Secretary 25 days Britain 5,919 4,482 Attend opening of UNESCO Pacific Office and regional education seminar Clerical Admin., Class 10 5 days Western Samoa 1,770 1,420 Attend World Council of Indigenous People General Assembly Deputy Chairman, N.A.E.C 15 days USA/Panama 6,664 4,836 Take up place at University of Essex as holder of PSB Post-Graduate award Education Officer, Class 3 2 days Britain Paid for by Public Service Board Participate in delegation under Australia-China Cultural Agreement Director (Level 3) 14 days China 3,598 3,324 Attend UNESCO Conference Clerical Admin., Class 10 13 days Philippines 3,223 3,000 Participation in artist in residence program Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Art 7 days New Zealand 1,249 720 Attend meetings with Maori education officials and Australian Education Council Chairman, N.A.E.C 7 days New Zealand 2,094 997 Attend meeting of Australian Education Council Deputy Secretary 5 days New Zealand 1,967 1,184 Attend youth directors meeting Clerical Admin., Class 11 6 days Fiji 1,874 1,286 Attend Conference of South East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Assistant Secretary 7 days Philippines 3,484 2,791 Attend O.E.C.D. meetings First Assistant Secretary 14 days France Paid for by Department of Foreign Affairs Attend UNESCO regional workshop Clerical Admin., Class 7 17 days New Zealand 1,500 . . Attend O.E.C.D. meeting and discussions with officials First Assistant Secretary 15 days France/Britain 6,807 4,400 Take up O.E.C.D. traineeship Clerical Admin., Class 7 7 days France 6,393 2,603 Investigate Program Budgeting systems First Assistant Secretary 23 days USA/Canada/Britain 8,885 5,184 Attend UNESCO executive board meeting Clerical Admin., Class 10 17 days France 7,039 4,856 * for official purposes Office of Youth Affairs To initiate youth exchanges between Australia and participating countries in the Asia Pacific region under the International Youth Exchange Program Clerical Admin., Class 8 15 days Indonesia 1,768 1,678 Commonwealth Schools Commission Attendance at OECD/CERI International Seminar on Schooling, Visits to Centre for Research and Development (USA), Manpower Services Commission (UK) and the Asian Program for Educational Innovation for Development (Thailand) First Assistant Commissioner 30 days USA/UK/Thailand 10,359 5,456 Attend UNESCO Regional Conference as Australian delegate, on Education of Girls in Developing Countries Program Director, Education and Girls Unit 17 days Nepal 3,715 2,997 Attendance at Conference sponsored by the Institute of Research and Educational Finance Governance First Assistant Commissioner 10 days USA 4,742 3,384 Speaker at an International Conference on Multicultural Education Assistant Commissioner 12 days Canada 1,489 . . Attend Meetings on the Antarctic Project with NZ Department of Education-Curriculum Development Senior Curriculum Officer 9 days New Zealand 1,248 776 Attend Meetings on the Ocean Project Fisheries Materials-Curriculum Development Senior Curriculum Officer 8 days New Zealand 1,395 906 Meeting of the Australian Education Council Full-time Commissioner 8 days New Zealand 1,693 884 Meeting of the Australian Education Council First Assistant Commissioner 8 days New Zealand 1,693 884 Attend UNESCO Meeting on Japanese Curriculum Materials Senior Curriculum Officer 12 days Japan 430 . . Leader of Australian Delegation to meeting on International School Improvement Project Assistant Commissioner 12 days Japan 2,984 1,406 Attend Pacific Circle Consortium Ocean Project Workshop-Curriculum Development Principal Curriculum Officer 13 days Hawaii 1,222 . . Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission To hold discussions with the Universities Grants Committee of New Zealand and other Government agencies in Wellington. Also to visit selected universities Secretary, Universities Council 15 days New Zealand 2,153 946 Overseas study purposes Secretary, Advanced Education Council 44 days USA/Canada/Germany/Sweden/France/England 13,717 5,399 Represent the Minister for Education at an OECD Conference in Paris Chairman, CTEC 16 days England/France/Italy 8,824 6,368 49th Meeting of the Australian Education Council in New Zealand Chairman, CTEC 8 days New Zealand 2,102 1,228 ACT Schools Authority To attend Australasian Conference of Examining and Certifying authorities Principal Education Officer 14 days New Zealand 1,656 996 To attend Australasian Conference of Examining and Certifying authorities Asst Principal, Narrabundah College 14 days New Zealand 1,659 998 To take up a Commonwealth Teaching Service short term overseas study award Special Education Band 1 Teacher 6 months North America 5,000 2,541 Senior managers overseas study tour... Principal, Lyneham High School 42 days UK/Denmark/USA 5,000 2,631 Senior managers overseas study tour... Director, Programs 42 days UK/Denmark/USA/Canada/Sweden 10,603 5,530 To attend Australian Education Council meeting. Discussions with New Zealand Department of Education. Discussions concerning ministerial/Schools Commission reviews of Capital Grants Program Chief Education Officer 9 days New Zealand 1,989 1,334 To attend Reading Recovery Tutors Program at Auckland University Primary Band 1 Teacher 1 year New Zealand 580 580 To attend Reading Recovery Tutors Program at Auckland University Primary Band 1 Teacher 1 year New Zealand 580 580 Senior managers overseas study tour. Investigation of Industrial Democracy practices Principal Executive Officer Class 11 42 days Sweden/Federal Republic of Germany/France/England 7,000 2,500 (Question No. 3389) Mr McVeigh asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: (1) Were any members of the defence forces involved in an advertisement for a brand of beer; if so, why. (2) If the defence forces were not involved, is he able to say who was involved. (3) Has he investigated whether the involvement constituted an infringement of the Defence Act; if so, what was the result of the investigation. Mr Beazley —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) I assume the honourable member is referring to the television advertisement for `Four-X' beer which purports to show an Army patrol drinking this product. No Army unit or individual was authorised to participate in this advertisement and I am advised that based on available information no members participated in a private capacity. (2) The advertising agency concerned advises it used professional actors to portray soldiers in the advertisement. (3) An examination of the problem by officers of my Department has concluded that no action under relevant sections of the Defence Act is likely to be successful. My Department is reviewing the question of portrayal of Defence Force personnel in commercial advertising. (Question No. 3427) Mr MacKellar asked the Minister for Territories, upon notice, on 18 March 1986: (1) Did he state in a media statement, dated 24 July 1985, that the Commonwealth had issued a writ seeking recovery of $133,000 made under the ACT Community Housing Expansion Program (CHEP) to Wyuna Community Incorporated. (2) Has the $133,000 been recovered fully; if not, why not. (3) Has he obtained and registered mortgages over CHEP properties already purchased under the Program and, in the case of incomplete purchases, arranged for a Commonwealth co-signatory to the bank account in which the Program grant is held. (4) What action has been taken to improve the management of (a) the Housing Branch of his Department and (b) other grant schemes operated by his Department. (5) Is he able to say when the Departments of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Finance and the Public Service Board will complete their report on the service-wide implications and on ways and means of ensuring more effective systems for administration and financial supervision of non-statutory grant programs. (6) Will the report be available for public examination. Mr Scholes —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) Legal action is proceeding against the Wyuna Community Incorporated to recover $133,000. (3) A registered mortgage has been obtained over each of the properties purchased through the 1983-84 Community Housing Expansion Program grants. Negotiations are continuing to register a mortgage over each of the properties purchased through the 1984-85 Community Housing Expansion Program grants. In the interim, caveats have been lodged against all properties where a registered mortgage is being sought. The Commonwealth is a co-signatory of the Bank account of the remaining co-operative that has not fully expended the amount of the grant. (4) (a) The inquiry by Mr O'Donovan into the Community Housing Expansion Program did not make any findings in relation to the management of Housing Branch other than to acknowledge that successful implementation of the Community Housing Expansion Program required much time and skilled work by knowledgeable people at a stage when the Department of Territories and Local Government had for some years been `starved of resources'. (4) (b) Administration of grant schemes in the ACT is in accordance with approved guidelines and procedures for the respective programs. Reviews of processes and criteria are regularly conducted and internal audits are undertaken. (5) The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has advised that the report on the Administration of non-statutory grants has been completed and will be considered by the Government shortly. (6) It is expected that the report will be available for public examination after consideration by the Government. The cost of answering this question is estimated at $200. (Question No. 3681) Mr Conquest asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 8 April 1986: (1) How many staff, including support personnel, are employed by the National Media Liaison Service. (2) What are the terms and conditions of employment for the Service's staff. (3) What are the rates of pay for each classification of personnel. Mr Young —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) 21 staff. (2) Staff are employed under Part III of the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 which provides that subject to certain exceptions determined from time to time, the terms and conditions of employment are the same as those applying to persons employed in the Australian Public Service under the Public Service Act 1922. To date, no determinations have been made for exceptions to normal public service terms and conditions. (3)- Classification Salary Allowance $ $ Journalist Grade A2... 35,395 8,308 Journalist Grade A1... 31,869-33,071 8,308 Assistant Private Secretary... 20,794-27694 8,308 Research Officer... 20,794-22,669 8,308 Clerical Assistant Grade 4... 16,795-17,504 Nil Secretary/Typist... 16,920-19,795 Nil (Question No. 3782) Mr Andrew asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 14 April 1986: (1) What kinds of petroleum products are used by the (a) Australian Defence Force and his Department, and (b) for what purpose is each used. (2) What stocks were held on (a) 1 July 1985 and (b) at the date of answering this question in each category by each user. (3) What were the 1985-86 budget estimates for (a) quantity and (b) value for usage for each category for each user. (4) Have the estimates for 1985-86 been amended in view of the changes in the costs to the Government of petroleum products; if so what are the estimates at the date of answering this question. (5) What was the cost to the Government of a litre of (a) distillate and (b) petrol on the first day of each month since 1 July 1985 until the date of answering this question. Mr Beazley —The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows: (1) (a) The main kinds of petroleum products used by the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Defence are liquid fuels and lubricants. The liquid fuels take the form of aviation turbine fuel (AVTUR), aviation gasoline (AVGAS), motor spirit, automotive distillate and Naval distillate. In addition to these, Defence currently holds stocks of Furnace Fuel Oil and a range of lubricating oils. The liquid fuels account for the bulk of current Defence requirements. (1) (b) The aviation fuels are used in the propulsion of aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing. Automotive distillate is used in the Army's track vehicles, eg tanks and armoured personnel carriers, as well as other operational transport and commercial type vehicles. Motor spirit is used primarily in small vehicles and cars used for administrative purposes. Naval distillate is used in gas and steam turbine as well as compression ignition engines for the propulsion of ships and submarines. Furnace fuel oil is used in steam turbine engines only. Lubricating oils are used for protection and maintenance of various Defence equipment. Petroleum products are also used in the factories and dockyards of the office of Defence Production. (2) (a) and (b) The information required to answer the question in relation to the Defence Force stockholdings is classified and I am not prepared to publish it. Details of the other Defence stockholdings are as follows. Figures are expressed in megalitres. Stocks held 1.7.85 Stocks Held 30.5.86 Avtur/Avgas ... .035 .480 Motor spirit/distillate ... .092 .109 Lubricants ... * * * Lubricants are not readily quantified. (3) (a) and (b)- Service and fuel type Budget estimates 1985-86 Quantity Value 1985-86 (megalitres) ($m) Navy Avtur/Avgas ... 4.5 1.5 Naval distillate F-76 ... 104.0 32.0 Furnace fuel oil ... 11.9 3.0 Motor spirit/distillate ... 3.0 1.0 Lubricants ... * 1.2 Army Avtur/Avgas ... 4.6 1.7 Naval distillate F-76 ... 0.1 0.0 Motor spirit/distillate ... 32.2 10.9 Lubricants ... * 1.6 Air Force Avtur/Avgas ... 233.4 85.1 Motor spirit/distillate ... 5.8 2.0 Lubricants ... * 1.0 Defence Avtur/Avgas ... .5 .2 Motor spirit/distillate ... .8 .4 Lubricants ... * .06 * Lubricants are not readily quantified. (4) Some changes have been made. Details are as follows: Quantity Additional estimates 1985-86 (megalitres) $m Navy Avtur/Avgas... 6.8 (a)...2.3 Naval distillate F76... 104.0 30.7 Furnace fuel oil... 11.9 (b)...1.5 Motor spirit/distillate... 3.0 1.0 Lubricants... * (c)...1.1 Army Avtur/Avgas... 4.5 1.7 Naval distillate F76... 0.1 0.0 Motor spirit/distillate... 35.0 (d)...12.2 Lubricants... * (c)...1.1 Air Force Avtur/Avgas... 253.0 91.0 Motor Spirit/Distillate... 6.0 2.1 Lubricants... * (c)...1.1 Defence Avtur/Avgas... .8 .4 Motor Spirit/Distillate... .8 .4 Lubricants... * (c)....06 Notes (a) Includes additional purchases for use by Army and the Air Force (b) While usage has not changed estimated purchases are low because of a decision to run down stocks (c) Lubricants are not readily quantified (d) Usage for general vehicles was expected to increase Comments (1) The effects of the reductions are delayed by the administrative lead times in processing payments during the year. The full effect of the price indicators should become readily apparent in Budget Estimates 1986-87 when they are compared to the 1985-86 outturn. (2) Some changes to purchase quantities of fuels, as well as the price variations, occurred between budget and additional estimates. (3) Different fuels are purchased at a wide variety of outlets, including remote and overseas localities; as well fuel is purchased for sale to the Defence Forces of other governments, the cost being recoverable to revenue. Therefore quantities and costs can be difficult to forecast accurately. (4) Figures are rounded to one decimal place. (5) The estimates given cover mobility fuels only and do not cover fuel used for heating and other industrial purposes. (5) (a) and (b)- Date NSW Motor spirit- Premium grade In bulk NSW Metro Vic. Metro Automotive Distillate, diesel Class AI in bulk NSW Metro Vic. Metro 1 July 1985... 0.49 0.49 0.53 0.55 1 Aug. 1985... 0.49 0.49 0.52 0.55 1 Sept. 1985... 0.49 0.49 0.52 0.55 1 Oct. 1985... 0.47 0.47 0.51 0.53 1 Nov. 1985... 0.47 0.47 0.51 0.53 1 Dec. 1985... 0.47 0.47 0.51 0.55 1 Jan. 1986... 0.47 0.47 0.51 0.55 1 Feb. 1986... 0.49 0.49 0.52 0.55 1 Mar. 1986... 0.49 0.49 0.52 0.55 1 Apr. 1986... 0.43 0.43 0.40 0.44 1 May 1986... 0.43 0.43 0.40 0.44 Comments: (1) All prices listed are in dollars per litre. (2) About half the Defence motor spirit and automotive distillate stocks are held in the NSW and Victorian metropolitan areas. The above prices reflected the ruling contract prices (rounded to two decimal places). (3) The cost to the Government of a litre of automotive distillate and motor spirit varies according to a number of factors. The price is dependent on: locality-whether the fuel is purchased in a metropolitan or country area; in what form the fuel is purchased, eg in bulk or drums; and the grade of each fuel type, eg premium grade motor spirit or unleaded motor spirit. (Question No. 3832) Mr Simmons asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 1 May 1986: (1) Do trade union officials and corporate representatives who participate in Government trade delegations meet their own costs for travel and sustenance. (2) If not, what is the basis of cost recovery on such delegations. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) In deciding the basis for trade union and corporate representation on Government trade delegations, the underlying principle adopted by the Department of Trade and the Australian Trade Commission is whether a direct commercial benefit accrues to the organisation which provides a representative. The costs of trade union representatives are normally borne by the Government since no direct commercial benefit to the unions is involved. However, the relevant trade union authorities and the Government may agree from time to time on cost sharing arrangements. For corporate representatives, the costs are borne by the Government where the purpose of the delegation is such that firms are unlikely to obtain direct benefits. However where a direct benefit is likely, such as when the Commission organises a selling mission to enable Australian companies to pursue individual export sales prospects, the corporate representatives are required to pay their own direct travel and sustenance costs. (Question No. 3914) Mr Hunt asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 6 May 1986: (1) Did a recent shipment of two containers of table grapes to Britain suffer delays of about four weeks before leaving Melbourne. (2) In that time, did the shipment go to New Zealand and then arrive back in Melbourne. (3) Was the shipment accompanied by about ninety container loads of pears for the British and European markets. (4) What was the cause of the delay in (a) New Zealand and (b) Melbourne. (5) Did the delay jeopardise efforts to promote Australian table grape export markets in Europe. (6) What quantity of table grapes was shipped to Europe, including Britain, in 1985. (7) What is the anticipated shipment of table grapes to Europe in 1986. (8) Will three major shipments of Australian produce arrive within three days of each other in Britain, thereby disrupting our marketing strategy. (9) What action is being taken by the Government to ensure such delays are not repeated. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) Industry sources indicate that there were about 180 container loads of pears in two shipments loaded on this voyage from Australia for the British and European markets. (4)- (a) Industry sources indicate that there were few delays in New Zealand, although a Wellington call was omitted due to industrial disputation. (b) The delay in Melbourne was due to mechanical problems. (5) No. Most shipments of grapes from Australia to Europe for 1986 had already been shipped. The containers of grapes in question were apparently inspected in Melbourne during the second call and were seen to be in good condition. (6) Approximately 115 tonnes. (7) Approximately 1600 tonnes. (8) Two vessels carrying fresh fruit arrived within two days of each other in Britain. The Australia to Europe Shipping Conference has advised officials that it arranged some storage at its cost in order to avoid undue disruption of the British market. (9) All relevant Government Departments are working with Austrade to prepare an export development strategy for fruit and vegetables. This will include appropriate consideration of transport needs. (Question No. 3937) Mr Downer asked the Minister representing the Minister for Education, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Dawkins —The Minister for Education has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: Expenditure in 1984-85 on Commonwealth self-drive vehicles and chauffeur driven vehicles, provided through the Transport and Storage Division of the Department of Local Government and Administrative Services was: Agency Expenditure $ Department of Education (includes State Offices, ACT TAFE Colleges, Canberra School of Art and Canberra School of Music)... 535 126 Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission... 30 772 Commonwealth Schools Commission... 127 483 ACT Schools Authority... 103 365 Commonwealth higher education institutions-the Australian National University, the Canberra College of Advanced Education, and the Australian Maritime College-do not use Commonwealth vehicles. Vehicles used by these institutions are funded internally and registered under relevant State and Territory provisions. (Question No. 650) Mr N.A. Brown asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 17 April 1985: (1) Has a decision been made by the Government to have the proposed Bill of Rights sent to the Senate Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee. (2) What is the purpose of any such inquiry being undertaken by this Committee. Mr Lionel Bowen —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) and (2) Pursuant to a Senate resolution of 19 April 1985, the Senate Committee did inquire into the general question of a bill of rights for Australia. In the course of this inquiry, the Committee received a large number of submissions and held public hearings but, in accordance with its terms of reference, it did not consider the specific provisions of the Australian Bill of Rights Bill 1985. Upon the conclusion of the Committee's inquiry, an exposure report for the consideration of Senators was tabled in the Senate by the Committee's Chairman, Senator Michael Tate, on 2 December 1985. (Question No. 3335) Mr Donald Cameron asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 13 March 1986: Further to the answer to Question Nos. 3216 to 3243, what- (a) was the stated purpose of each overseas trip made by employees of the Minister's Department and of all statutory authorities that report to the Minister in 1984-85; (b) was the classification or job description of each officer making each trip; (c) was the duration of each trip; (d) were the countries visited during each trip; and (e) was the estimated cost of each trip, with the airfare component identified separately. Mr Hawke —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: DEPARTMENT 1. (a) To accompany the Prime Minister. (b) Accompanying Party: Deputy Secretary; First Assistant Secretary; Executive Assistant; Personal Secretary. (c) 8 days. (d) Belgium and USA. (e) Fares $nil (RAAF Aircraft), Total $6063.61. 2. (a) Discussions with NZ officials on international economic issues. (b) Principal Adviser. (c) 4 days. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $1136.40, Total $1383.26. 3. (a) To accompany the Prime Minister. (b) Accompanying Party: Deputy Secretary, First Assistant Secretary, Personal secretary, Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 4 days. (d) Canada. (e) Fares $nil (RAAF Aircraft), Total $2707.59. 4. (a) Discussions with Her Majesty the Queen and Sir Philip Moore on residual links, London. Discussions with Canadian officials on the operations of the Inspector General of Security, Ottawa. Discussions with Israeli officials on co-ordination of intelligence, Tel Aviv. (b) Secretary and wife. (c) 22 days. (d) Britain, Canada, Israel. (e) Fares $14594, Total $23946.11. 5. (a) To attend ANZCERTA officials meeting. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 3 days. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $804.20, Total $1227.70 6. (a) To hold talks with US officials on US Export Enhancement Program and discussions with Canadian Officials on CANADA/EC Beef Agreement. (b) Principal Adviser. (c) 9 days. (d) USA and Canada. (e) Fares $6139, Total $8048.11. 7. (a) To attend Youth Program Conference. (b) Non-Government Delegate. (c) 10 days. (d) Canada. (e) Fares, $4799, Total $5357.55. 8. (a) Advance check on administrative arrangements for Prime Minister's visit. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 8 (pre visit co-ordinator). (c) 6 days. (d) Papua New Guinea. (e) Fares $973.10, Total $1881.18. 9. (a) To accompany the Prime Minister as member of Australian delegation to CHOGRM. (b) Accompanying Party: Secretary, Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 3 days. (d) Papua New Guinea. (e) Fares $nil (RAAF Aircraft), Total $1122.26. 10. (a) Travel in association with Prime Minister's overseas visit (South Pacific Forum). (b) Accompanying Party: First Assistant Secretary, Visit Co-ordinator, RAN Liaison Officer. (c) 9 days. (d) Fiji and Tuvalu. (e) Fares $2224.80, Total $3598.29. 11. (a) Inaugural flight to mark commencement of joint air services between Australia and the Peoples' Republic of China. (b) Deputy Secretary. (c) 3 days. (d) China. (e) Fares $nil, Total $172.78. 12. (a) To attend the Georgetown Leadership Seminar in Washington. (b) Deputy Secretary. (c) 8 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $nil (paid by International organisations), Total $643.89. 13. (a) Discussions with Canadian Officials concerning Papal visit. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 17 days. (d) Canada. (e) Fares $5407, Total $8194.43. 14. (a) To attend meeting of Commonwealth Officials on Women's Affairs. (b) Assistant Secretary. (c) 9 days. (d) Britain. (e) All costs paid by Department of Foreign Affairs (Fares $4402, Total $5602). 15. (a) To attend talks on delimitation of Maritime Boundary between Australia and Indonesia. (b) Assistant Secretary. (c) 4 days. (d) Indonesia. (e) Fares $2357, Total $2994.02. 16. (a) Research work with Japanese Economic Planning Agency. (b) Assistant Secretary. (c) 6 days. (d) Japan. (e) All costs paid by Japanese authorities. 17. (a) Attend Commonwealth Senior Officials meeting and discussions with Officials, State Department, Pentagon, NSC, USAID. (b) First Assistant Secretary. (c) 12 days. (d) Barbados, USA. (e) Fares $5600 (paid by Department of Foreign Affairs), Total $7197.29 ($1000 other costs paid by Department of Foreign Affairs). 18. (a) Discussions with EEC Officials on Status of Women issues, attend meeting of OECD Working Party on the Role of Women in the Economy and hold discussions with French Government Officials. (b) First Assistant Secretary. (c) 3 days. (d) France and Belgium. (e) Fares $4500 (paid by Department of Foreign Affairs), Total $6116.76 ($1200 other costs paid by Department of Foreign Affairs). 19. (a) Discussions on US Affirmative Action legislation. (b) Interchange Clerical Administrative Officer. (c) 13 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $1127 (recall to duty whilst in USA on private business), Total $3201.98. 20. (a) To attend Youth Program Conference. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 5. (c) 10 days. (d) Canada. (e) Fares $4155.20, Total $4644.77. 21. (a) To attend IYY Seminar and negotiate Skills Exchange Program with China. (b) Deputy Director. (c) 13 days. (d) China. (e) Fares $3853.00, Total $4775.31. 22. (a) To attend consultations with UK organisations-concerned with the education of women and girls, OECD Working Party on the role of Women in the Economy and meeting of OECD expert group on education. (b) Assistant Secretary. (c) 15 days. (d) Britain, Belgium and France. (e) Fares $2023 (paid by Department of Foreign Affairs), Total $4077.50 ($508.38 other costs paid by Department of Foreign Affairs). 23. (a) Recall to duty to study US and Canadian Youth Programs. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 19 days. (d) USA and Canada. (e) Fares $724.00, Total $3142.70. 24. (a) To attend IYY Seminar and negotiate Skills Exchange Program with China. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 11 days. (d) China. (e) Fares $3190.00, Total $3547.62. 25. (a) To attend Youth Exchange meeting. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 11 days. (d) Japan. (e) Fares (paid by Japanese Authorities), Total $511.06. 26. (a) To attend funeral service of Mrs I. Gandhi. (b) Senior Adviser. (c) 3 days. (d) India. (e) Fares $nil (RAAF Aircraft), Total $220.42. 27. (a) Arrangements for Prime Minister's attendance at South Pacific forum. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 8 days. (d) New Zealand and Cook Islands. (e) Fares $1822.20, Total $2592.20. AUSTRALIAN AUDIT OFFICE 1. (a) Attend 1984 Commonwealth Auditors- General Conference. (b) Auditor-General Designate. (c) 15 days. (d) United Kingdom. (e) Fares $5239, Total $8506. 2. (a) Attend 1984 Commonwealth Auditors- General Conference (b) SES Level 5. (c) 21 days. (d) United Kingdom, Singapore. (e) Fares $4613, Total $7107. 2A. (a) Attend 1984 Commonwealth Auditors- General Conference. (b) Wife of SES L5. (c) 21 days. (d) United Kingdom, Singapore. (e) Fares $4613, Total $4613. 3 (a) (i) Attend Commonwealth Auditors-General Conference London; (ii) Defence Audit in France; (iii) 2nd China Audit Training Project. (b) SES Level 3. (c) 41 days. (d) Singapore, UK, France, China, Hong Kong. (e) Fares $5219, Total $9585. ($3658.40 reimbursed from ADAB for ticket cost). ($2691.33 reimbursed from ADAB for other costs). Total reimbursement: $6350. Net Cost: $3235. 4. (a) Undertake Post Inspections, 2nd China Audit Project. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 37 days. (d) Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Japan. (e) Fares $3605, Total $7971. ($3278 in respect of ticket cost reimbursed by ADAB). ($2741.67 in respect of other costs reimbursed by ADAB). Total reimbursement: $6020. Net Cost: $1951. 5. (a) Audit at Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Finance in Washington. (b) Computer Systems Operator Grade 3. (c) 49 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $4918, Total $11445. 6. (a) Audit at Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Finance in Washington. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 49 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $4432, Total $11006. 7. (a) Audit at Australian High Commission, London. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 45 days. (d) Singapore, UK. (e) Fares $4119, Total $9264. 8. (a) Audit posts in South East Asia. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 47 days. (d) Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand. (e) Fares, $3616, Total $9156. 9. (a) Audit posts in South East Asia. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 48 days. (d) Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand. (e) Fares, $4014, Total $9428. 10. (a) Attend Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions Workshop. (b) SES Level 1. (c) 15 days. (d) Singapore, Malaysia. (e) Fares $2310, Total $3510. 11. (a) London Branch of Commonwealth Bank and Reserve Bank, Audit MIDAS (Overseas Communications Network). (b) Clerical Administrative Class 10. (c) 56 days. (d) Singapore, UK. (e) Fares $3999, Total $5995. 12. (a) Overseas inspection of Commonwealth Bank and Reserve Bank of Australia operations. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 32 days. (d) Singapore, UK, USA. (e) Fares $5366, Total $12192. 13. (a) Overseas inspection of Commonwealth Bank and Reserve Bank of Australia operations. (b) SES Level 1. (c) 54 days. (d) Singapore, UK, USA. (e) Fares $5021, Total $13544. 14. (a) Mission to Japan and China. (b) Auditor-General. (c) 19 days. (d) Japan, China, Hong Kong. (e) Fares $4047, Total $10091. 14a. (a) Mission to Japan and China. (b) Wife of Auditor-General. (c) 19 days. (d) Japan, China, Hong Kong. (e) Fares $4047, Total $4047. 15. (a) Mission to Japan and China. (b) SES Level 1. (c) 19 days. (d) Japan, China, Hong Kong. (e) Fares $3313, Total $7109. 16. (a) Audit mission to Washington. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 56 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $4401, Total $13705. 17. (a) Audit mission to Washington. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 56 days. (d) USA. (e) Fares $4471, Total $13864. 18. (a) Attend Commonwealth Secretariat Workshop. (b) SES Level 5. (c) 12 days. (d) Malaysia. (e) Fares $2172, Total $5196. 19. (a) Assist Principal Auditor with London programs. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 46 days. (d) Singapore, UK. (e) Fares $3999, Total $10613. THE AUSTRALIAN BICENTENNIAL AUTHORITY 1. (a) Brief Australian High Commission, British Government and Buckingham Palace officials. Encourage UK involvement. Induct the Chairman of the Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 28/5-3/6/84. (d) United Kingdom. (e) Fares $5087, Total $6307. 2. (a) Discussions with organisers of Quebec '84 Corporation. Conduct a formal presentation to owners, captains, and senior Government officials from nations that own and operate Tall Ships. Brief senior American and Canadian Government officials and the Board of the American Australian Bicentennial Foundation. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 24/6-2/7/84. (d) Canada and USA. (e) Fares $3963, Total $7892. 3. (a) Address inaugural meeting of Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. Meetings with Buckingham Palace officials. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 14/9-23/9/84. (d) United Kingdom. (e) Fares $nil, Total $2417. 4. (a) Invited to address Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee on the place of Japanese business in Bicentennial celebrations. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 22/10-26/10/84. (d) Japan. (e) Fares $3620, Total $4928. 5. (a) Address meeting of the Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. Host reception for British Press. Discussions with Buckingham Palace Officials. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 14/11-21/11/84. (d) United Kingdom. (e) Fares $4749, Total $6783. 6. (a) Brief US Government Officials and Board of American Australian Bicentennial Foundation. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 3/2-10/2/85. (d) USA. (e) Fares $6451, Total $8452. 7. (a) Attend Australian American Bicentennial Foundation Meeting. (b) Chairman of the Board. (c) 27/3-17/4/85. (d) USA. (e) Fares $nil, Total $1274. *This visit part funded by the Authority in respect of Australian Bicentennial Authority functions only. 8. (a) Attend inaugural meeting of Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. Brief members of the Royal Commonwealth Society, British Council, British Film Institute, BBC, and Media Representatives on the Bicentenary. Brief Australian Ambassador in Paris and various French Organisations. Encourage French participation. Brief the Netherlands' Working Party on Australia's Bicentenary and the Australian Ambassador to the Hague. Encourage Dutch participation. (b) Chief Executive. (c) 12/9-24/9/84. (d) United Kingdom, France, Netherlands. (e) Fares $411, Total $3164. 9. (a) At the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs address Australia Japan Mixed Commission of Cultural Affairs. Attend a meeting of the Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee. Brief Australian High Commission and senior Japanese officials on Japanese participation in the Bicentenary. (b) Chief Executive. (c) 22/10-27/10/84. (d) Japan. (e) Fares $2613, Total $4,482. 10. (a) Brief New Zealand Government officials and Australian High Commission on participation by NZ in the Bicentenary and Expo '88 (following a change of Government in NZ). Invite participation by NZ Tall Ships in the Tall Ships event. (b) Chief Executive. (c) 24/2-27/2/85. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $971, Total $1,520. 11. (a) Discussions with Australian Embassy and Consulates-General in the US. Discussions with Director, Los Angeles Olympic Arts Festival regarding organisation and implementation of a major special arts event. Discussions with American Australian Bicentennial Foundation and senior US Government officials. Discussions with officials involved in the planning of the US Bicentenary in 1976. Observe and study aspects of the planning of the Tall Ships program in Quebec. Conduct a formal presentation to owners, captains and senior Government officials from nations that own and operate those vessels. (b) General Manager (National Program). (c) 20/6-5/7/84. (d) Canada, United States. (e) Fares $6221, Total $8,934. 12. (a) Discussions with Australian High Commission in Canada and Canadian officials regarding possible Canadian participation in Australia's Bicentenary. Negotiate with groups in the US on their participation in the Bicentenary. Major presentation to American Sail Training Association regarding North American participation in the Tall Ships event in Australia. (b) General Manager (National Program). (c) 7/10-21/10/84. (d) Canada, United States. (e) Fares $6919, Total $11,049. 13. (a) Discussions with Australian High Commission. Address Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. Discuss with British organisations (such as the British Council) their support and involvement in Australia's Bicentenary. Address Annual General Meeting of Sail Training Association to secure Australia as the venue for the 1988 Sail Training activity. Meet with Ministers and officials in Russia regarding their participation and to secure particular activities for Australia in 1988. Meet with Polish officials regarding particular participation by that nation in Australia's Bicentenary. Brief our Embassies in Moscow and Poland regarding the Bicentennial program. (b) General Manager (National Program). (c) United Kingdom, Russia, Poland. (d) 2/11-20/11/84. (e) Fares $6394, Total $9039. 14. (a) Discussions with Ambassador. Meet with American Australian Bicentennial Foundation. Discussions with Management of Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, Columbia Artists, New York City Ballet and Air and Space Museum. Meet with senior US officials in State Department. (b) General Manager (National Program). (c) 9/4-19/4/85. (d) United States. (e) Fares $6,197, Total $10,464. 15. (a) Meet with Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioner regarding participation of overseas vessels in Tall Ships Australia 1988. Discussions with the Admirals of Portuguese, Spanish, Federal Republic of Germany, Polish and Norwegian navies on participation in Tall Ships event. Discussions with members of the Britain-Australia and the Federal Republic of Germany Bicentennial Commmittees on areas of participation in the Bicentenary. (b) General Manager (National Program). (c) 19/5-31/5/85. (d) United Kingdom, Europe. (e) Fares $7,161, Total $8,876. 16. (a) Study the Return of the Tall Ships event in Quebec. Study all aspects of marketing and promotion in preparation for the Australian Tall Ships event in 1988. Conduct presentation to owners, captains and senior government officials regarding participation in the Australian event. Meet with the American Australian Bicentennial Foundation regarding ongoing corporate marketing program. (b) General Manager (Program Marketing). (c) 20/6-5/7/84. (d) Canada, United States. (e) Fares $6,323, Total $9,971. 17. (a) Discussions with Los Angeles Olympic organisation on marketing matters for the Australian Bicentenary. Study the Australian Bicentennial exhibition at the New Orleans Expo. Discussions with Expo organisers regarding marketing. Major presentation to American Sail Training Association regarding North American participation in the Tall Ships event for Australia. (b) General Manager (Program Marketing). (c) 7/10-21/10/84. (d) United States. (e) Fares $7,486, Total $11,040. 18. (a) Presentation to Sail Training Association in the United Kingdom regarding participation in Tall Ships event for Australia. Meet the Britain-Australia Bicentennial Committee. Outline marketing matters in relation to sponsorship, promotion and licensing. Conduct licensing negotiations with UK companies. (b) General Manager (Program Marketing). (c) 2/11-10/11/84. (d) United Kingdom. (e) Fares $4749, Total $6,164. 19. (a) Visit various major exhibits and study techniques relevant to the major travelling exhibition proposed for Australia's Bicentenary. (b) General Manager (Program Marketing). (c) 18/9-30/10/84. (d) United States. (e) Fares nil, Total $3,428. 20. (a) Study organisation of 1534-1984 Jacques Cartier Celebration to facilitate visits by Tall Ships to Australia in 1988. (b) Project Officer. (c) 1/6-3/7/84. (d) Canada. (e) Fares $2,245, Total $5,052. 21. (a) Brief staff at Australia House, London. Meetings with Arts Council of Great Britain, Britain-Australia Bicentennial Foundation, Royal Academy of Arts, English National Opera. Discussions with Ambassador (Washington). Meeting with American Australian Bicentennial Foundation. Discussions with Management of Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, Air and Space Museum, National Endowment for the Arts, New York City Ballet. (b) Director, Arts and Entertainment. (c) 30/3-17/4/85. (d) Europe, United States. (e) Fare $4475, Total $8,652. 22. (a) Discussions with Australian High Commissioner, Embassy officials and Sail Training Association (UK) officials regarding participation of overseas vessels in Tall Ships Australia 1988. Present invitations to owners of non-government sailing vessels and negotiate on their participation in the Bicentenary. Discussions with the Admirals of Portuguese, Spanish, Federal Republic of Germany, Polish and Norwegian navies on participation in Tall Ships event. (b) Director, Tall Ships. (c) 4/5-30/5/85. (d) United Kingdom, Europe. (e) Fares $5,294, Total $6,978. 23. (a) Examine Exhibition items to tour Australia in 1988. (Costs shared with National Gallery of Victoria). (b) Director, National Gallery, Victoria. (c) 6/1/-2/2/85. (d) United Kingdom, Italy. (e) Fares $1,800, Total $1,800. AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL 1. (a) Report on Science and Technology Policy Formation. (b) Secretary Senior Executive Level 3. (c) 28/7-3/8/84. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $986.60, Total $2,204.03 2. (a) Study on Overseas Telecom Research and Development. (b) Assistant Secretary Senior Executive Level 1. (c) 15 days (Feb-Mar 1984). (d) Britain, USA, Canada, France, Switzerland, Sweden and Singapore. (e) Fares $5,181, Total $9,155. 3. (a) Study on Overseas Telecom Research and Development. (b) Engineer Class 5. (c) 15 days (Feb-Mar 1984). (d) Britain, USA, Canada, France, Switzerland, Sweden and Singapore. (e) Fares $5,112, Total $8,120 (reimbursed by Telecom). 4. (a) Participate in ``Scope Executive Committee Workshop''. (b) Chairman. (c) 18/10-2/11/84. (d) Singapore, Britain, France and USA. (e) Fares $5,398.40, Total $8,469.09. 5. (a) Interview for position with ASTEC. (b) Assistant Secretary Senior Executive Level 1. (c) 26/10-1/11/84. (d) Paris-Canberra. (e) Fares $4,317, Total $4,785.23. 6. (a) Commence Appointment with ASTEC. (b) Assistant Secretary Senior Executive Level 1. (c) 24-31/1/85. (d) Paris-Canberra. (e) Fares $6,320, Total $11,030. 7. (a) Conference-``1984 and After''-The Societal Challenge of Information Technologies. (b) Project Officer Class 11. (c) 20/11-16/12/84. (d) Germany, Belgium, France, USA and Canada. (e) Fares (paid by German Government), Total $3,543.86. 8. (a) Study Tour to examine the development and competitiveness of Industries and Businesses. (b) Chairman. (c) 13/6-30/7/85. (d) Thailand, Israel, France, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, USA and Fiji. (e) Fares $15,142, Total $23,365.23. 9. (a) Study of factors influencing technological innovation in overseas countries. (b) Projects Officer Class 11. (c) 8/5-10/6/85. (d) Singapore, France, Germany, Belgium and Britain. (e) Fares $3,083, Total $5,276.28. 10. (a) Meeting-Science Policy Organisations in small industrialised countries. (b) Secretary Senior Executive Level 3. (c) 10/4-21/5/85. (d) Singapore, Britain, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, USA and Fiji. (e) Fares $11,278, Total $18,200.64. 11. (a) Study of Factors influencing technological innovation in overseas countries. (b) Council member. (c) 8/5-10/6/85. (d) Singapore, France, Germany, Belgium and Britain. (e) Fares $2922, Total $6684.61. GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE 1. (a) State Visits at the invitation of host governments and on the advice of the Australian Government. (b) Accompanying Party: Official Secretary and Spouse; Personal Physician to the Governor-General; RA Inf Aide-de-Camp; Private Secretary to Her Excellency; Foreign Affairs Liaison Officer; Australian Federal Police Liaison Officer; Baggage Officer and Valet; Maid. (c) 24/9-8/10/84. (d) South Pacific Region including Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Vanuatu and Western Samoa. 2. (a) State Visits at the invitation of host governments and on the advice of the Australian Government. (b) Accompanying Party: Official Secretary; Personal Physician to the Governor-General; RAN Aide-de-Camp; Private Secretary to Her Excellency; Australian Federal Police Liaison Officer; Baggage Officer and Valet; Maid. (c) 8-14/4/85. (d) Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. 3. (a) State Visits at the invitation of host governments and on the advice of the Australian Government. (b) Accompanying Party: Official Secretary and Spouse; Personal Physician to the Governor-General; RA SIGS Aide-de-Camp; Private Secretary to Her Excellency; Australian Federal Police Liaison Officer; Baggage Officer and Valet; Maid. (c) 10-18/6/85. (d) New Zealand. (e) As all accommodation costs for these trips were met by the host governments, and as the accompanying staff travelled on the Governor-General's RAAF aircraft, no accommodation or airfare costs were incurred for each officer: the only additional costs associated with their travel were the incidental component of travelling allowance payable to each staff member. No allowances at all were paid to the Official Secretary's spouse or the Person Physician to the Governor-General. In view of the administrative effort in obtaining the incidental component of travelling allowance payable to each staff member, details have not been provided. THE OFFICE OF THE ECONOMIC PLANNING ADVISORY COUNCIL 1. (a) Attend Wharton Econometric Conference in Philadelphia; and to conduct recruitment interviews, and visit corresponding institutions in Washington, Ottawa, London and Paris. (b) Director Senior Executive Level 6. (c) 27/10-18/11/84. (d) United States, Canada, United Kingdom and France. (e) Fares $5165, Total $10064. 2. (a) Attend Wharton World Economic Service Conference in Paris, a Conference on Exchange Rates and International Trade in Namur, Belgium, and for discussions with officials of various Central Banks and the OECD. (b) Principal Economist Senior Executive Level 2. (c) 18/5-12/6/85. (d) France, West Germany, Belgium and United Kingdom. (e) Fares $4939, Total $8258. OFFICE OF NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS In respect of all visits for Office of National Assessments all overseas visits by ONA staff were undertaken in furtherance of ONA's statutory responsibilities and functions pursuant to section 5 of the Office of National Assessments Act 1977. 1. (b) Director-General. (c) 22 days (3 visits). (d) Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand. (e) Fares $4400, Total $8810. 2. (b) 2 SES Level 3 officers. (c) 77 days (3 visits). (d) France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA. (e) Fares $14319, Total $27328. 3. (b) 2 SES Level 2 officers. (c) 42 days (2 visits). (d) Belgium, France, Greece, Hong Kong, UK, USA. (e) Fares $10600, Total $16200. 4. (b) 1 SES Level 1 officer. (c) 52 days (3 visits). (d) Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vanuatu. (e) Fares $7999, $15564. 5. (b) 3 Clerical Administrative Class 11 officers. (c) 63 days (3 visits). (d) India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Philippines, Seychelles, South Africa, UK, USA. (e) Fares $9121, Total $15773. 6 (b) 6 Clerical Administrative Class 9 officers. (c) 142 days (6 visits). (d) Belgium, Burma, China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, UK, USA. (e) Fares $21191, $38172. OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD 1. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 8. (c) 12/9-26/10/84. (d) Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, U.A.E. (e) Fares $3595, Total $6580.05. 2. (a) Assistance to Department of Defence on an inspection relating to armed service personnel in USA. (b) Senior Inspector Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 18/10-3/12/84. (d) USA. (e) Fares $7191.20, Total $14350.82. 3. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Assistant Inspector Class 8. (c) 31/5-18/7/85. (d) Austria, Denmark, FRG, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland. (e) Fares $4709, Total $12664.73. 4. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 8 (accompanied by spouse). (c) 30/5-13/7/85. (d) USA, Canada. (e) Fares $11134.40, Total $19734.20. 5. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Acting Inspector Class 9. (c) 1/9-13/10/84. (d) Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei. (e) Fares $3240, Total $8249.52. 6. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 9. (c) 30/5-30/7/85. (d) Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Jamaica and USA. (e) Fares $8612, Total $19247.76. 7. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Inspector Class 9. (c) 24/5-7/7/85. (d) Jordan, Syria, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey. (e) Fares $6352, Total $15000.60. 8. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Inspector Class 9 (accompanied by spouse). (c) 1/6-28/7/85. (d) Italy, Malta, Algeria, Portugal, Greece, Spain. (e) Fares $9532, Total $17985. 9. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 1/6-10/7/85. (d) Hungary, Yugoslavia, Russia, Finland, East Germany, Poland. (e) Fares $6138, Total $12424.63. 10. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 11. (c) 20/6-5/8/85. (d) USA, Mexico. (e) Fares $6488.20, Total $16196.36. 11. (a) Overseas special purpose inspection. (b) Clerical Administrative Class 7. (c) 20/6-5/8/85. (d) USA, Mexico. (e) Fares $5939, Total $16550.28. 12. (a) Invitation from NZ Admin Staff College to participate as facilitator at 1985 Management Course and Official visit NZ Civil Service. (b) Assistant Commissioner Senior Executive Level 2. (c) 3-4/6/85. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares (paid by NZ Admin Staff College), Total $123.01. 13. (a) Senior Executive Fellowship Award. (b) Senior Executive Level 4 (accompanied by spouse). (c) 25/7-29/10/84. (d) USA, Canada, France, Cyprus, Greece. (e) Fares $11843, Total $21441.29. 14. (a) Attendance at OECD TECO Meeting. (b) Secretary Senior Executive Level 3. (c) 17/5-9/6/85. (d) Italy, France, Denmark, Norway, England, Singapore. (e) Fares $5006, Total $8890.92. 15. (a) To examine and investigate SES; efficiency and management improvement initiatives; other reforms in other civil services and to attend OECD. (b) Chairman of Public Service Board. (c) 10/10-7/11/84. (d) Italy, England, France, Poland, Netherlands, USA, Canada. (e) Fares $6878, Total $11255. 16. (a) Inspection of Posts. (b) Commissioner of the Public Service Board (accompanied by spouse). (c) 1/11-14/12/84. (d) Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, USA, Netherlands. (e) Fares $21061.72, Total $35797.52. 17. (a) Address Institute of Public Administration and meet with Officers of the State Services Commission. (b) Commissioner of the Public Service Board. (c) 11-15/3/85. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $1387.40, Total $1918.59. 18. (a) Address UN Decade for Women conference and consultation with NZ Ministry of Women's Affairs. (b) Director Senior Executive Level 3. (c) 27/5-10/6/85. (d) New Zealand. (e) Fares $1096.40, Total $20040.43. (Question No. 3438) Mr Lloyd asked the Minister for Aviation, upon notice, on 19 March 1986: (1) Is it a fact that (a) the taxiway improvement program at Sydney Airport will yield a 2% increase in flight movements and (b) a less expensive investment in new radar and computer identity flow control systems would yield a 15% to 20% increase; if so, why is the latter investment not being accelerated to reduce the holding cost and safety problems in peak periods. (2) What are the estimated costs and movement improvements of each program. Mr Peter Morris —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) (a) The taxiway improvement program will reduce runway occupancy times to provide for an estimated 2% increase in practical runway capacity. However, the primary aim of the program is to reduce taxiing distance for aircraft on the ground thereby producing not only savings in runway operation delay costs but substantial benefits to airlines from savings in aircraft taxiing costs. (b) Safety is not being compromised at Sydney Airport. The only issue is the delay of aircraft and the resultant costs. I am advised that unfavourable weather, which affects the available runways and taxiway configurations, is the most likely cause of delay at Sydney, followed closely by noise abatement and wake turbulence procedures. While new radar displays would undoubtedly assist air traffic control, nevertheless, because of the constraints previously mentioned, there would only be a marginal increase in the maximum traffic handling rate of the ATC system. Current plans are for the timely replacement of the air traffic control radar display system at Sydney as part of a national program. (2) (a) Taxiway improvements are estimated to cost $19m (November 1985 prices) with expenditure spread over a three (3) year program. (b) The estimated cost of new radar displays for the Sydney Terminal Area is $5.5m. (Question No. 3747) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Communications, upon notice, on 11 April 1986: When may I expect answers to questions Nos. 2591, 2593 and 2594 placed on notice on 20 November 1985. Mr Duffy —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (Question No. 3823) Mr Scott asked the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 30 April 1986: (1) Has his attention been drawn to the address delivered by Mr L. Watson, Group Controller, Fresh Produce Department, G. J. Coles & Co. Ltd, Melbourne, in January 1986 to the Bureau of Agricultural Economics Conference in Canberra. (2) If so, did the address by Mr Watson include a section dealing with the irradiation of fresh produce which stated that the proponents of irradiation in the fresh produce industry has overlooked one very important point and that was the consumer. (3) Did the Public Health Committee (PHC) of the National Health and Medical Research Council recently endorse a recommendation of the Food Standards Committee that there was a need for a public education program concerning food irradiation and did the PHC direct that a working party be set up to carry out that task. (4) Is it a fact that the public education program will have as its primary thrust the production and distribution of a public education leaflet aimed at explaining the safety and advantages of food irradiation. (5) What will be the cost of the leaflet's (a) preparation, (b) printing and (c) distribution. (6) What will be the cost of the overall program. (7) Will the finances for the program come from a Budget allocation; if not, where will they come from. (8) What is the name of the company or organisation which has received the contract for the education program. (9) Was the contract for the education program on irradiation of food put out to tender; if so, when were tenders called and in what forum were the tenders called. (10) Did Mr Watson further state that the fresh produce industry simply cannot afford to try to go it alone in pioneering the use of food irradiation technology in this country and that there should be an endeavour to devise some alternative name other than irradiation, which would hopefully have less of a `scary' image for the shopper and ultimate consumer. (11) When will he answer question No. 3813 relating to the irradiation of food. (12) Further to my question No. 3813, part (3), does the new model provide for two additional new alternatives on the labelling of food processed by ionising radiation, if so, will this allow for a less `scary' image. Dr Blewett —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) Yes. The Council of the NHMRC, in June 1986, amended the title of the working party from ``education'' to ``information''. (4)-(9) As the Government has decided on a further consumer inquiry into food irradiation, the NHMRC will not be proceeding with its public education program. (10) Yes. (11) See ``Answers to Questions and Index to Speeches for Period of Sittings from 11 February 1986 to 5 June 1986'' (House of Representatives, 5 June 1986). (12) No. The model regulation approved by NHMRC at its 101st Session in June 1986 requires that: `There shall be written in the label on or attached to a package containing food that has been processed by ionizing radiation, in standard type of 3 mm, the words ``TREATED WITH IONIZING RADIATION'' or ``IRRADIATED (here insert the name of the food)''. Either of these alternative ways of labelling food processed by ionizing radiation would clearly indicate to the consumer that the food had been so treated and would thereby enable an informed choice to be made. (Question No. 3930) Mr Downer asked the Minister Representing the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Barry Jones —The Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce has provided the following response to the honourable member's question: Industry, Technology and Commerce...$67,393 Australian Customs Service...$1,964,470 Industries Assistance Commission...$42,600 Industry Councils Secretariat...$17,951 Automotive Industry Authority...$5,922 (Question No. 3939) Mr Downer asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 7 May 1986: What amount was spent by the Minister's Department and statutory authorities under the Minister's control on the use of Commonwealth vehicles in 1984-85. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: The amounts paid in 1984-85 by the Department and statutory authorities in my portfolio on the use of Commonwealth vehicles were: Department of Trade...$307,728.93 Export Development Grants Board...$22,876.79 Export Finance and Insurance Corporation...$2,175.00 Australian Overseas Projects Corporation...$303.19 (Question No. 4093) Mr Tickner asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 27 May 1986: (1) What Australian manufacturers of commercial fire arms and munitions exported their products during 1984, 1985 and 1986. (2) What was the (a) nature, (b) quantity and (c) destination of these exports. (3) What steps are taken to ensure that such exports are not diverted to military uses. (4) Have the procedures of government policy in this area been changed in the last 2 years; if so, (a) when and (b) what was the nature of these changes. Mr Dawkins —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Commercial firearms and ammunition are produced by a number of Australian companies, including Omark, Norton, Olin Winchester, Myra and Super Cartridge. However, information on the specific export activities of individual firms would normally be regarded as commercial-in-confidence. (2) (a) Exports of commercial firearms and ammunition include sporting, hunting and target shooting ammunition and parts, non-military rifles and shotguns, air, spring and similar pistols, rifles and guns. (b) Aggregate exports of commercial firearms and ammunitions by value were as follows: 1984-$4.1m; 1985-$4.9m; 1986 (first quarter)-$1.1m. (c) The major destinations of these exports over that period were New Zealand ($2.6m), the Federal Republic of Germany ($1.6m), Singapore ($0.8m), France ($0.8m), Malaysia ($0.8m) and the United Kingdom ($0.7m). (3) The export of firearms, including those for non-military purposes, and defence equipment from Australia is controlled under Schedule 13 of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations of the Customs Act 1901. The export of commercial firearms and ammunition will only be investigated if: (a) the Government thinks that there is a possibility that the items may be diverted to military uses; (b) there is some irregularity noted in export pro- cedures or handling; (c) the Government receives information that a diversion to a military use is likely. Yes. Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations have been amended to prohibit the export to South Africa of batons, clubs, riot sticks, body armour, computer hardware (including central processing units and associated printed circuit boards), handcuffs, leg irons, riot protection shields and whips (see Statutory Rules 1985 No. 378, 19 December 1985). (Question No. 4258) Mr McArthur asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 4 June 1986: What delays are expected with the delivery of taxation forms ordered earlier in 1986 by tax agents. Mr Keating —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: A series of delays were experienced in the delivery of 1985-86 taxation forms to tax agents. First, there were a number of legislative changes occurring late in the year, all of which had to be accurately reflected in taxation forms in a way to enable them to be understood and administered. Industrial action was experienced during the course of printing some of the forms and this led to further delay. In the end, the delay in delivery of taxation forms was made worse by further industrial action in June affecting the distribution of supplies. The Commissioner assures me that he is most conscious of the need to have timely supplies of taxation forms available for tax agents and will be making renewed efforts to achieve timely distribution next year. For the current year, appropriate recognition will be given to the situation of tax agents who can demonstrate that their lodgment performance is seriously affected by the delays in distribution that did occur. (Question No. 4296) Mr Macphee asked the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: Has he had a report since February on the disparity of salaries between the management personnel of statutory authorities and the private sector; if so, (a) what does the report recommend and (b) what action does the Government intend to take on the report. Mr Willis —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Yes, the Government has received such a report. (a) The report recommends new salary ranges and a new method of remuneration on the basis of performance-based contracts. (b) None at this stage. (Question No. 4297) Mr Milton asked the Minister representing the Minister for Community Services, upon notice, on 5 June 1986: What funds have been provided to the Electoral Division of La Trobe for accommodation for the elderly since March 1983. Mr Howe —The Minister for Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: Within the Federal Electorate of La Trobe there are: Eight nursing homes of which seven are participating nursing homes approved under the National Health Act for payment of Commonwealth nursing home benefits and one, the Glengollan Nursing Home, a deficit financed nursing home approved under the Nursing Homes Assistance Act. Commonwealth funding since March 1983 for the nursing homes totals $13,400,741. Four aged or disabled persons hostels, which are approved under the Aged or Disabled Persons Homes Act for payment of Hostel Care Subsidies (ie. Hostel Care, Personal Care and Respite Care Subsidies). Commonwealth funding to date for the hostels totals $520,412. (Note-The figure provided does not include funding made prior to January 1984.) In addition, capital and upgrading projects totalling $76,800 have been selected for funding in the La Trobe electorate since March 1983.