❓ Opposition Leader accuses Premier of a 'staff-for-votes' deal, demanding investigation by the CCC and referral to the Procedure and Privileges Committee. Premier deflects, questioning the consistency and motivation behind the accusations.
AnsweredQoN 682Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GOVERNMENT RESOURCING — MINOR PARTIES AND INDEPENDENTS
I refer to the Premier’s personal staff-for-votes deal with the member for Fremantle. (1) Last year, in declining a request to investigate a funding allocation to the member for Alfred Cove and the member for Kalgoorlie, the Corruption and Crime Commissioner cited the following reason — … there is no evidence to suggest that there is a connection between the funding allocation to the independent Members and their support of Government and, therefore, there is no reason to believe that the funding allocation is improper or corrupt. Mr C.C. Porter : Read the paragraph before that! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the Premier’s personal staff-for-votes deal with the member for Fremantle. (1) Last year, in declining a request to investigate a funding allocation to the member for Alfred Cove and the member for Kalgoorlie, the Corruption and Crime Commissioner cited the following reason — … there is no evidence to suggest that there is a connection between the funding allocation to the independent Members and their support of Government and, therefore, there is no reason to believe that the funding allocation is improper or corrupt. Mr C.C. Porter : Read the paragraph before that! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(1) Last year, in declining a request to investigate a funding allocation to the member for Alfred Cove and the member for Kalgoorlie, the Corruption and Crime Commissioner cited the following reason — … there is no evidence to suggest that there is a connection between the funding allocation to the independent Members and their support of Government and, therefore, there is no reason to believe that the funding allocation is improper or corrupt. Mr C.C. Porter : Read the paragraph before that! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(1) Last year, in declining a request to investigate a funding allocation to the member for Alfred Cove and the member for Kalgoorlie, the Corruption and Crime Commissioner cited the following reason — … there is no evidence to suggest that there is a connection between the funding allocation to the independent Members and their support of Government and, therefore, there is no reason to believe that the funding allocation is improper or corrupt. Mr C.C. Porter : Read the paragraph before that! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I have read that paragraph. The Attorney General can read out the other one if he wants to. Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.C. Porter : Why don’t you read the paragraph before that? Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : That is pretty clear to me! Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker, I could read the whole letter but you might not allow that in a preamble to a question. With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
With this in mind, why does the Premier not accept that the agreed facts in the staff-for-votes rort, even those agreed facts before us, demand the matter be investigated by the CCC? (2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(2) Every Parliament in the Westminster system fiercely protects itself from undue influence in the house in the free performance of the duties of any member of Parliament. Given this, will the Premier agree that the apparent contempt of Parliament in his staff-for-votes deal should be referred immediately to the Procedure and Privileges Committee? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
(1)–(2) The Leader of the Opposition keeps fishing around. If he has an accusation, he should say it — Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have an accusation, and I have said it! I referred it to the Corruption and Crime Commission. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yesterday it was all to do with getting the member for Vasse back into cabinet. That was the Leader of the Opposition’s theory yesterday; he has another theory today! I have not read the letter that the Leader of the Opposition referred to from the CCC relating to the member for Alfred Cove — Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I tabled it yesterday! Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not read it. I do not know the context. By way of interjection from the Attorney General it was suggested the Leader of the Opposition should have read out the previous paragraph. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have read the paragraph before, and it makes no difference to the point whatsoever. He was just doing what you do—spreading a red herring! Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : We debated this for over two hours yesterday. I do not know whether the Leader of the Opposition has written to the CCC or not. Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition has or has not? Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : If the Leader of the Opposition has done that, why is he pursuing it in here? Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Because this is the centrepiece of our accountability system. The Premier has to answer to this place for his standards. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition does not seem to be able to make up his mind what his position is. Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I am very clear. You’re the one who is confused. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have explained the events — Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr P.B. Watson : No, you haven’t. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have, I am sorry; at length for two hours yesterday — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So you don’t think it is contempt of Parliament? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am not going to voice my opinion on the Leader of the Opposition’s theories.
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