❓ Opposition questions the Premier about the Minister for Primary Industry allegedly interfering in a prosecution involving Goundrey Wines. The Premier defends the Minister, accusing the Opposition of political opportunism and highlighting a past Labor government action.
AnsweredQoN 322Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
When will the Premier show some real leadership and sack the Minister for Primary Industry? How can the Premier continue to support a minister who admits to leaning on a senior bureaucrat to withdraw serious charges that have been laid against a wealthy constituent? Do the minister’s actions in using his position to interfere in a prosecution before the courts not constitute, at the very least, serious impropriety? Mr COURT
AnswerView source ↗
That was a good try by the Leader of the Opposition, but he is wrong with a capital W. Let us get this right. The Minister for Primary Industry, as the local member, represented a constituent’s case to the Minister for the Environment on an issue to do with land clearing at Goundrey Wines Ltd. The Minister for the Environment made it clear that she would not get involved in that matter, but the Minister for Primary Industry could make an approach, if he wanted, to the Executive Director of Department of Conservation and Land Management, whose responsibility it was to make a decision. The Minister for Primary Industry approached the Executive Director of CALM. As is his responsibility, and as the Leader of the Opposition does every day of the week as a member of Parliament, the minister represented his constituent. Whether his constituent was right or wrong, the Leader of the Opposition would put his constituent’s viewpoint to the relevant person. At the end of the day, the Minister for Primary Industry - the local member - wrote to his constituent saying that he had approached the minister and CALM and that nothing would change. As it turned out, the executive director made a decision in this matter that led to a very good conservation outcome. It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT replied: That was a good try by the Leader of the Opposition, but he is wrong with a capital W. Let us get this right. The Minister for Primary Industry, as the local member, represented a constituent’s case to the Minister for the Environment on an issue to do with land clearing at Goundrey Wines Ltd. The Minister for the Environment made it clear that she would not get involved in that matter, but the Minister for Primary Industry could make an approach, if he wanted, to the Executive Director of Department of Conservation and Land Management, whose responsibility it was to make a decision. The Minister for Primary Industry approached the Executive Director of CALM. As is his responsibility, and as the Leader of the Opposition does every day of the week as a member of Parliament, the minister represented his constituent. Whether his constituent was right or wrong, the Leader of the Opposition would put his constituent’s viewpoint to the relevant person. At the end of the day, the Minister for Primary Industry - the local member - wrote to his constituent saying that he had approached the minister and CALM and that nothing would change. As it turned out, the executive director made a decision in this matter that led to a very good conservation outcome. It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
That was a good try by the Leader of the Opposition, but he is wrong with a capital W. Let us get this right. The Minister for Primary Industry, as the local member, represented a constituent’s case to the Minister for the Environment on an issue to do with land clearing at Goundrey Wines Ltd. The Minister for the Environment made it clear that she would not get involved in that matter, but the Minister for Primary Industry could make an approach, if he wanted, to the Executive Director of Department of Conservation and Land Management, whose responsibility it was to make a decision. The Minister for Primary Industry approached the Executive Director of CALM. As is his responsibility, and as the Leader of the Opposition does every day of the week as a member of Parliament, the minister represented his constituent. Whether his constituent was right or wrong, the Leader of the Opposition would put his constituent’s viewpoint to the relevant person. At the end of the day, the Minister for Primary Industry - the local member - wrote to his constituent saying that he had approached the minister and CALM and that nothing would change. As it turned out, the executive director made a decision in this matter that led to a very good conservation outcome. It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT replied: That was a good try by the Leader of the Opposition, but he is wrong with a capital W. Let us get this right. The Minister for Primary Industry, as the local member, represented a constituent’s case to the Minister for the Environment on an issue to do with land clearing at Goundrey Wines Ltd. The Minister for the Environment made it clear that she would not get involved in that matter, but the Minister for Primary Industry could make an approach, if he wanted, to the Executive Director of Department of Conservation and Land Management, whose responsibility it was to make a decision. The Minister for Primary Industry approached the Executive Director of CALM. As is his responsibility, and as the Leader of the Opposition does every day of the week as a member of Parliament, the minister represented his constituent. Whether his constituent was right or wrong, the Leader of the Opposition would put his constituent’s viewpoint to the relevant person. At the end of the day, the Minister for Primary Industry - the local member - wrote to his constituent saying that he had approached the minister and CALM and that nothing would change. As it turned out, the executive director made a decision in this matter that led to a very good conservation outcome. It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
That was a good try by the Leader of the Opposition, but he is wrong with a capital W. Let us get this right. The Minister for Primary Industry, as the local member, represented a constituent’s case to the Minister for the Environment on an issue to do with land clearing at Goundrey Wines Ltd. The Minister for the Environment made it clear that she would not get involved in that matter, but the Minister for Primary Industry could make an approach, if he wanted, to the Executive Director of Department of Conservation and Land Management, whose responsibility it was to make a decision. The Minister for Primary Industry approached the Executive Director of CALM. As is his responsibility, and as the Leader of the Opposition does every day of the week as a member of Parliament, the minister represented his constituent. Whether his constituent was right or wrong, the Leader of the Opposition would put his constituent’s viewpoint to the relevant person. At the end of the day, the Minister for Primary Industry - the local member - wrote to his constituent saying that he had approached the minister and CALM and that nothing would change. As it turned out, the executive director made a decision in this matter that led to a very good conservation outcome. It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
It is outrageous that the opposition spokesperson on the Environment asked a question in this Parliament yesterday on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public when the Opposition had been offered a briefing but had advised CALM the briefing could be held on Thursday - after it raised the matter in this Parliament. The Opposition has no genuine interest in this matter. All it is trying to do is to gain some political points. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
The SPEAKER: Order! I did not focus on interjections then. If I had, I would have formally called members to order. I remind the House that as we are in this lead-up to the election I have adjusted the rules a little and I will allow some interjections, particularly from opposition members who have an interest in the matter. That does not mean that we can have everyone calling out and interjecting, so that we have a poor situation. Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: The Leader of the Opposition is directly questioning the integrity of Dr Wally Cox, the Executive Director of CALM. The Labor Party has said that a minister directed Wally Cox to change that situation. That is totally untrue. If the Leader of the Opposition wants any credibility, he should not push untruths. I make it clear that no directions were given to Wally Cox. Wally Cox is a long-serving public servant, who has served under Labor and Liberal Governments. The Leader of the Opposition is questioning his integrity. I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
I will explain the difference between the Opposition and the Government. At no time has a coalition minister directed CALM to withdraw charges. However, I will give an example of what the Labor Party did when it was in government. Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Dr Gallop: Here we go! A desperate dig! The Government is desperate. It is only just hanging on to power at the moment and it will say and do anything, and the people know it. Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: The polls indicate that the Labor Party is miles in front, and that is demonstrated by the cockiness of members opposite. Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Dr Gallop: It is your desperation. Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: No; it is our responsibility to make it clear what a Labor Party does when it is in government. The Labor Government withdrew charges against J.J. O’Connor, a trade union official. The Attorney General of the day stated - . . . let me make it clear that the decision in the O’Connor case was my decision, made on my authority, made on my responsibility, and announced in this House on the very day the decision was made . . . A Labor minister withdrew charges against a union official. Those charges related to a serious matter. It is interesting that the member for Fremantle is silent, because he was the adviser to Hon Des Dans, the minister involved in this case. I would be interested to know whether the member for Fremantle had any involvement in providing advice to the Attorney General about the withdrawal of those charges against that union official. Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr McGinty: None whatsoever. That one fell nice and flat, Premier. Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: I am pointing out the difference between a Labor Government and a Liberal Government. Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr McGinty: You are desperate, Premier. You are muckraking and it’s not working. You have a minister who should not be here and you know it. Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
Mr COURT: There is nothing desperate about that, my friend. The Leader of the Opposition today has questioned the integrity of the Executive Director of CALM. At no time has any minister directed Wally Cox - unlike members opposite who, when in government, withdrew serious charges against a union official.
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