Mr Speaker, I rise today to address this House on the Liquor (Amendment) Bill and Registered Clubs (Amendment) Bill and I thank you for your approval in allowing me to do so during my maiden speech. Mr Speaker, at the outset I wish to extend my thanks to you for the wise counsel you have provided to me. I will remain mindful of your words of advice throughout my service in this House. I also thank the Clerk and his staff, who have been generous with their time and patient with their explanations and advice. I also wish to thank honourable members on both sides of this House for the warm welcome extended to me. I acknowledge the collective experience of members in this Chamber and look forward to continuing to receive guidance as I seek to make a contribution to the business of this House.

The bills before the House today propose a number of commonsense amendments. The proposals are not deregulation, nor is this Government moving to deregulate the liquor industry. The Government is not removing controls and regulation over licensed premises. The bills make a number of minor but important changes to the liquor and clubs laws which cover businesses in our hospitality and tourism industry. I will address the motel licence and club function proposals as well as tourism implications. Honourable members will be aware that many motels in New South Wales already have a liquor licence. To get their licence those motels must have a 50-seat public restaurant and a minimum of 15 bedrooms. Their licence is quite flexible, allowing liquor sales in the bar, restaurant, function area and in a guest's room. There are some smaller motels, however, which would also like to provide a liquor service to their guests but cannot. They may be located in a remote area and are unable to justify operating a 50-seat restaurant and a 15-bedroom motel.

The proposal in the Liquor (Amendment) Bill will assist those motels. It will see a new category of liquor licence introduced - a limited licence, specially tailored to allow those smaller motels to provide a liquor service to their guests. In view of the hotel industry's opposition to this proposal, I will mention the restrictions which emphasise the limited value of a motel licence. The motel licence will allow bona fide travellers to purchase a cold drink or two for consumption in their motel unit. Sales cannot be made to any other persons. Sales will be limited to a maximum of two litres per guest per day and all liquor purchased must be consumed in the guest's motel unit. It cannot be consumed in a bar area, nor can it be removed from the premises. Liquor sold in a motel must also be purchased from a retail liquor store or hotel.

Another proposal contained in the bills is one which will streamline the approval process for club functions. Clubs exist to provide facilities and benefits for their members and consequently there are restrictions on who may enter a club premises. However, there are occasions when it is appropriate that club facilities be used by non-members for a function. It may be a public meeting or a special conference. In these circumstances clubs can apply for an authority for that function to be conducted on the club's premises. The types of functions which can be held are limited to those presently described in the Registered Clubs Act. They include educational, charitable, patriotic, sporting, cultural, professional, political, industrial and literary type functions.

This bill will not alter those types of functions which can be held, nor will it amend any other requirements which must be met by clubs when conducting functions. Requirements such as a prohibition on poker machines in the function area and strict limitations on how attendees enter the club for the function, as well as controls over where and when those persons may be in the club, will remain unaltered. At present a club must apply for each function, no matter how repetitive or predictable those functions may be. This administrative burden will be lifted by the Registered Clubs (Amendment) Bill by introducing a functions authority for clubs, requiring a once-only application. Those functions must still comply with all existing requirements under the club laws. As well, each function must be approved by the governing board of the club and a record of that approval must be kept. This will assist the police to ensure compliance with the law.

This is a commonsense change to an administrative process and no more. It is about saving time and resources of both clubs and the licensing board. The bills are the result of an extensive program of community consultation and this aspect is fundamental to good government and community service. This is a philosophy I will closely follow. Most of the proposed new measures have been brought forward by sections of the industry itself through the Liquor Industry Ministerial Advisory Council. It is stressed that there has been extensive consultation between the Government and the industry. The bills have not been rushed into this House; rather, they are well researched and considered and have been brought to this House after extensive consultation and negotiation.

These bills will also benefit our tourism industry. I would like to take a few moments to consider the importance of the tourism sector, noting that the Tourism Commission stresses that the day-to-day decisions of the Government, such as licensing decisions, impact the tourism industry. I believe the amendments in these bills will benefit tourism by updating our licensing to allow our hospitality industry to provide a level of service expected by visitors from overseas as well as by the population of New South Wales. The bills before us this afternoon should improve our competitiveness and encourage further growth in the tourism sector.

I seek the indulgence of honourable members to raise several other issues of importance to my electorate as well as to me personally. Mr Tony Thirwell, as General Manager of the New South Wales Tourism Commission, notes that "a successful tourism industry is a network of industry, environment and government interests, each of which must operate in balance". I would like to dwell on this balance for a few minutes. Balance is clearly important on a State level as the Tourism Commission seeks to ensure tourism is not disadvantaged by other State priorities. But the need to maintain a balance between tourism development and other interests is also critical at the local level and certainly in the electorate of Vaucluse.

Vaucluse is unique in that it is surrounded 75 per cent by water. The electorate extends from Watsons Bay in the north to within a stone's throw of Tamarama Beach in the south. The coastline and the harbour foreshore are important aspects of the lifestyle of the residents. Water quality and protection of the environment are fundamental considerations in my electorate. The Vaucluse electorate is also one of the most important tourist destinations for visitors to our city of Sydney. The electorate is home to many of Sydney's earliest landmarks which, combined with the natural beauty of the coastline, beaches and the harbour foreshore, attract visitors by the tens of thousands each week.

Tourism is the primary concern of businesses and employment in the electorate. But we need to ensure a healthy balance between tourism development and the interests of local residents, especially in an electorate which is so physically constrained. There is simply no more room for urban expansion in Vaucluse and the services infrastructure is under considerable load already. I know this Government believes in extensive consultation with careful planning and implementation. These factors have been taken into account in relation to the further development of Bondi and other areas of the electorate. Extensive community consultation is fundamental to good government and will remain a cornerstone of my personal philosophy. Bondi is not just another suburb - it is a national treasure. It is as identifiably Australian as are the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Waverley Council is currently preparing a plan of management for Bondi Park and the Bondi Pavilion for presentation to the State Government. It is important that the balance between tourism priorities and community use of the Bondi Pavilion be resolved sensitively.

The Bondi area is bounded on the west by Campbell Parade, which is the main thoroughfare for traffic through Bondi Beach. It is a matter of considerable concern for residents and visitors. Campbell Parade is known locally as Shambles Parade, and it is not a credit to any level of government. Campbell Parade is in urgent need of upgrading and discussions between the council and the Government have been under way for some time. I look forward to early resolution of this long overdue project to upgrade the major road for Australia's best-known beach. I will be pursuing the upgrading of Campbell Parade with vigour.

In addition to the need for balanced development and the protection of the interests of local residents, we must remain mindful of our heritage. Vaucluse is steeped in local history, whether it be in the form of historic buildings or longstanding institutions such as local clubs. The clubs have an important place in local history and continue as integral elements of the social fabric of the electorate. Whether they be golf, bowling, sailing, surfing, swimming, Returned Services League or Diggers clubs, they each have a role in the community. Beyond the mere bricks and mortar, they have a value which must be protected. The surf life saving clubs, as an example, are symbols of the Australian way of life and they provide an invaluable service. The Bondi Icebergs Club is another institution that deserves our respect and encouragement. I believe that club's current difficulties with the local council are best resolved through negotiation. In the interest of the club and the community, I encourage Waverley Council to pursue consultation, not confrontation.

The chains came off the gates of historic Strickland House on 30 March 1994 and the grounds are now open to the public seven days a week. The Premier has confirmed that the buildings and grounds will stay in public ownership for ever. I am consulting community groups and interested parties in relation to the appropriate use and level of restoration of the buildings, and I confirm that I will not support any option which excludes the public from the buildings. Another issue in the Vaucluse electorate, as in other electorates, is the question of public transport. Public transport is so important to many of our residents, particularly the senior citizens. I commend the Minister for Transport for the manner in which he has improved public transport in recent years.

Customer service has been an issue of interest to me during my business career, and extension of this concept to the public sector will enhance the delivery of public transport services. The progress already made by the Minister for Transport in this regard is to be applauded. I look forward to working with my electorate, the Minister and his department to further refine the delivery of public transport in the Vaucluse electorate. Effective community consultation will promote a good match between available resources and the priorities of the local community.

Another issue I would like to address briefly is the challenge of unemployment. I am sure that all honourable members have felt the pain of unemployment through the experiences of their own families or friends. The continual search for job opportunities is demoralising. The unanswered phone calls and letters poison the initiative of the most motivated job-seeker. The never-ending series of knockbacks would break the soul of the most optimistic of us. Unemployment has been topical again in the past week. Unfortunately, there are many weeks when it does not rate a mention.

Since I left the Royal Australian Navy 14 years ago I have been personally involved in implementing change within large companies and in restructuring businesses. I have played a part in building businesses but I have also, regrettably, retrenched people and I understand the human consequences of the drive for business efficiencies. I naturally welcome the national employment initiatives announced in the past week by the Federal Government. But I hope the implementation of the Federal Government's proposals and the results eventually achieved do match up to the rhetoric. [Extension of time agreed to.]

When elected to this House, I was very much aware that I did not bring to this Chamber any magical solutions to the country's ills, especially in relation to unemployment. But I applaud the efforts of the Fahey Government, which has introduced a number of initiatives to ease the plight of the unemployed and to generate new job opportunities. In addition, as the Treasurer has noted, the State Government's reforms and economic management over the past six years mean that New South Wales is in a better position to take advantage of the economic recovery than any other State in Australia. At the grass-roots level, the Fahey Government has also funded a number of local projects designed to stimulate employment. Through these projects, this Government is demonstrating that the State and community can work effectively together.

There is an employment initiative in the eastern suburbs which has grass roots support and a hands-on approach. The project is named Job Hunt, and I should like to briefly outline Job Hunt as an example of both an innovative community based employment project and widespread community co-operation within the Vaucluse electorate. The Job Hunt project is managed by Mr Andy McKay. I had the opportunity a fortnight ago to visit some businesses in the Bondi area with Mr McKay, as part of the door-knocking program. As well as encouraging businesses to take on local staff, we provided details of initiatives and incentives available from government departments. Our visits were well received by local business people and we identified several potential job opportunities in a matter of hours.

I understand that in the first few weeks of the project more than 250 vacancies have been identified and registered with the Commonwealth Employment Service. I commend the Job Hunt concept to honourable members as an example of a worthwhile project which achieves results in the short term. Of equal importance, such a project lifts awareness of unemployment issues in the local community. The project is a good example of the results that can be achieved with co-operation between the Government and local initiative and resources, and I wish to acknowledge all who have played a role in this endeavour in the Vaucluse electorate. I applaud their community spirit.

In this, my maiden speech, I wish to place on record my respect and appreciation for a number of people dedicated to community service. One person had a great impact on me in my early days with the Liberal Party and shaped my perception of Liberal Party philosophy and the value of community service.

That person did not represent Vaucluse but was known as the patron of the Liberal Party in our electorate. Lady Gwen Cassidy always had time to talk with people. She also worked aggressively for positive results in any project in which she played a part. Her compassion, combined with a determination to achieve results, reflects the qualities of the Liberal Party. Gwen Cassidy lived a very full life and I was privileged to know her during her final years. Her contribution to this country and her values will remain an inspiration to me.

Another pioneering woman was the member for Vaucluse from 1978 until 1986. Rosemary Foot contributed unselfishly to this Parliament, to the electorate of Vaucluse, to the Liberal Party and, importantly, to the women of Australia. As Ray Aston said during his maiden speech, and I quote, "Make no mistake, she was and is a great lady". Rosemary Foot has, since leaving this place, continued to make a contribution to the people of New South Wales in a variety of capacities. I wish to record that I am indebted to Rosemary Foot for her advice, her support and her friendship.

Ray Aston served the electorate of Vaucluse for only two years. However, his time in this Parliament followed many years of service to the Liberal Party and the community. Ray had an effect on all those who met him. He was very highly regarded by the constituents of Vaucluse and his loss was deeply mourned. I acknowledge Ray Aston's contribution to New South Wales, to the Liberal Party and, in particular, to the people of Vaucluse.

Mr Speaker, in 1988 Michael Yabsley accepted the challenge of representing Vaucluse in this Parliament and, as a seasoned campaigner, he made an impact from day one. Michael's energy and philosophy are well known to all in this Chamber and in the late 1980s he quickly established a high profile in Vaucluse. Michael's abilities were put to good use in several portfolios in the Greiner Government. As conference president, I worked closely with Michael over the past three years. I wish to record my respect for his contribution to the electorate and the Liberal Party and for his advice to me. I wish him well in his new career.

I have long harboured an interest in politics. I needed very little encouragement to accept the challenge to contest the seat of Vaucluse. With the advice and support of my family and friends I decided to accept this challenge with the objective of contributing to the best of my ability to the business of this House and to further the interests of the people of Vaucluse and New South Wales. Despite the common misconception that many parliamentarians are lawyers, one of the strengths of this House is undoubtedly the diverse background of the honourable members in this Chamber. I will add to that diversity and I believe that my career has positioned me well to serve the community and to make a contribution to responsible government in this State.

For those members who are unaware of my background, I served in the Royal Australian Navy during the 1970s. In 1980 I resigned my commission and worked in a commercial management capacity with a company dedicated to success in the manufacturing and servicing of aerospace hardware and with a strong commitment to exporting. In 1985 I accepted a role in the rural service sector, working with one of the long-established names in rural Australia. During eight years with Dalgety I travelled extensively throughout Australia and particularly within New South Wales.

As I travelled throughout New South Wales one message came home to me time and time again. The people of this State need and expect responsible and compassionate government in the interests of all New South Wales citizens. The people want a government which is dedicated to achieving progress but one which understands the need for a balance between economic imperatives and human compassion. I believe the people of New South Wales are well served by this Government and, in particular, by the leadership shown by our Premier. I am honoured to serve in this Parliament with a Government that is committed to serving the best interests of the people of New South Wales.

Since joining the Liberal Party I have been encouraged to seek further responsibilities by people too numerous to name. To those people I say thank you for your encouragement, advice and for your commitment, especially to the team who put such a superb effort into planning and implementing the by-election campaign. Special thanks must go to Fred Swaab, the conference president, and to Sally Betts, who led the campaign team. During the by-election campaign the Premier and my parliamentary colleagues made time in their busy schedules to again meet the people of Vaucluse, and I thank them for their support.

My wife, Deborah, and stepchildren Ben and Angela have supported and encouraged my decision to enter Parliament and have allowed our family routines to be turned upside down in the name of meeting new priorities. My parents and parents-in-law have also been strong supporters, as have other family members. To each of you I wish to publicly thank you for your advice, your support, your patience and your enthusiasm. Finally, I look forward to meeting the challenges of service in this House. To the people of Vaucluse, let me say that I will strive to be a worthy representative, and on your behalf I will aim to make a very active contribution to responsible government in New South Wales.

Speech Delivered by Peter Debnam MP on 12th May 1994.