Legislative Council
SHEARERS ACCOMMODATION ACT REPEAL BILL
Adjourned debate on second reading.The Hon. IAN GILFILLAN: The Democrats do not oppose the Bill. It does not appear to us to be of any particular moment, but it is reassuring to know that the Hon. Terry Roberts feels that there will not be dramatic infringement of human rights of the shearers if this Bill is repealed. My somewhat half-hearted remarks about the Bill are prompted partly by my difficulty in getting a briefing from the staff of the Minister (Hon. Dr Armitage). I do not lay particular blame; it is just that it has been difficult to get the time to get the briefing.
However, I have had an opportunity to read observations from the Farmers Federation and the Australian Workers Union. Both organisations do not see any difficulty in the repealing of this legislation and, in fact, support it. Shearing is arguably the most arduous still existing physical activity. It has become increasingly better paid but, in relative terms, I would say that it is still far from being even close to an overpaid occupation when one considers the actual time and distances involved and the obligation to spend a lot of time away from home on some of the pastoral properties. Although we have made an observation that probably the conditions laid down would have outlined better living conditions than a lot of sheep farmers are able to afford currently, it has been a battle. I do not want to indicate that there has not been a need for the shearers to fight for adequate and comfortable quarters. I believe that pastoral families, several of them at least, were ruthlessly opposed to surrendering any ground to the comfort of shearers. I have known some of those families and I have had first-hand accounts from some of those who were ashamed at the attitude that was taken in years gone by; and, without legislation and union action, it is possible that that would still apply. It is with that caution that the Democrats do not say, with a great hooray, `Yes, let's abolish this Act.' I cannot see that it was doing any harm, but still the move is there to repeal it. As I said, the Democrats will not oppose it. It is, I think, a timely occasion to observe that the wool industry is at a critical stage. It is actually at crisis point because nowhere in Australia is there a price for wool, except in some of the particularly superfine, very specialist locations. Very few areas, if any, would be covering cost, if cost were accurately calculated. With that reflection it is, I think, a gloomy time for what has been a magnificent industry. It is a reflection on past arrogance and ignorance by those who were at the head of the industry. I have been involved in the industry for all of my working life, so I have experienced the ups and downs. I do not hold any great hopes for a quick and rapid revival, even if Ian McLachlan, to whom, I think, the Hon. Terry Roberts was referring, does put his very considerable gifts and ability into working to improve the situation in the wool industry. However, I am an optimist for what is one of the best, if not the best, natural fibres which is available with remarkable qualities and which is often undersold. I believe that wool will return as a treasured commodity and that the wool industry will thrive. I hope that those who have hung in will get their due desserts, including the Gilfillans on Kangaroo Island! Members interjecting: The Hon. IAN GILFILLAN: It is fair enough to indicate a passing interest in the industry and, as in most of the inside country, live-in shearers always shared our accommodation. Therefore, the legislation did not have any particular relevance to us. I indicate that the Democrats certainly do not oppose the second reading but support it with muted voice.The Hon. A.J. REDFORD secured the adjournment of the debate.