❓ Barnett questions Gallop about the delay in deregulating trading hours, accusing him of causing uncertainty and prioritizing internal party politics over small business concerns. Gallop defends the government's approach, highlighting its commitment to a balanced solution and criticizing the opposition's stance.
AnsweredQoN 850Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to his announcement today that a future Labor Government would deregulate trading hours after the next election. (1) Will the Premier concede that after creating a six-month period of unprecedented uncertainty and acrimony among business groups, this announcement simply represents a stay of execution for Western Australian small business? (2) Will the Premier now admit that this announcement was more about protecting himself from a caucus revolt than any genuine concern for small business? Members opposite all laugh too much. Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1) Will the Premier concede that after creating a six-month period of unprecedented uncertainty and acrimony among business groups, this announcement simply represents a stay of execution for Western Australian small business? (2) Will the Premier now admit that this announcement was more about protecting himself from a caucus revolt than any genuine concern for small business? Members opposite all laugh too much. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(2) Will the Premier now admit that this announcement was more about protecting himself from a caucus revolt than any genuine concern for small business? Members opposite all laugh too much. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1) Will the Premier concede that after creating a six-month period of unprecedented uncertainty and acrimony among business groups, this announcement simply represents a stay of execution for Western Australian small business? (2) Will the Premier now admit that this announcement was more about protecting himself from a caucus revolt than any genuine concern for small business? Members opposite all laugh too much. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(2) Will the Premier now admit that this announcement was more about protecting himself from a caucus revolt than any genuine concern for small business? Members opposite all laugh too much. Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
(1)-(2) When it comes to leadership of political parties and the support of colleagues, I note the comments made by two members of the Legislative Council in recent days about the current Leader of the Opposition. It is difficult to deal with the Leader of the Opposition in this Parliament, because we really need members of the Legislative Council in here, to tell us what is going on in the Liberal Party, instead of getting the views of the Leader of the Opposition, which obviously amount to nothing in the party. The Government has provided a solution to the issue of trading hours and hopes that the other parties in this Parliament will join with it in locking down that solution through legislation. This solution, which will be presented to the Parliament as a legislative package, will allow for weeknight trading to come into operation after the next general election, so that the Government will meet its election commitment in the time of this Parliament. Secondly, the Government will sort out the uncertainties created by the total and utter incompetence of the Liberal Party on tourist zones and the small shop regulations. Thirdly, the Government will include in the legislative package measures to allow for small businesses to take unconscionable conduct cases against bigger businesses when they feel they have been treated unfairly. In summary, the package provides for certainty, deals with the problems created by the previous Government’s incompetence and provides for more choice for shoppers while balancing that against the needs of the community for time for leisure, sport and recreation, and community activities. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: There is now a huge gap between the policy of the Liberal Party and that of the Labor Party on trading hours. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has said it. There is now a huge difference between our two sides. Let the people decide on that difference at the next election. Why would the Liberal Party not support this legislation, when it includes a four-week period after the next general election to allow the Liberal Party, should it win that election, to remedy the situation according to its own philosophy? Why would it vote against such legislation in this Parliament? The Opposition will be put to the test. Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr C.J. Barnett: You have failed. Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: What is the position of the Leader of the Opposition on trading hours? Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr C.J. Barnett: We released it last week. Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: How very interesting! The Opposition released it last week! Let us have a look at the position of the Opposition, and the clarity it provides for the people on trading hours! It is on the last page of the statement. This is the clarity we get. The Liberal Party policy, on page 4, states - i. A freeze on further deregulation of retail trading hours Statewide. According to my understanding of the word, freeze is followed by thaw, which is followed by flood. That is exactly the position of the Opposition. The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
The Government has put forward a very clear view, and the Liberal Party will now be put to the test. The Government’s position will be put into legislation. The Parliament will be able to decide, and there will be a four-week period after the next general election for any future Government, should it have a point of view different from that of the present Government, to change it. Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several opposition members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Opposition members flap around, because they do not know what their party’s position is. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Why not just live up to your election promise? Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: We have! Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Several government members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I conclude by thanking the other members of the state parliamentary Labor Party for answering the rhetorical question put by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
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