❓ Opposition questions the Premier's office refurbishment plans amid rising state debt and electricity costs. Premier defends the project as a long-term cost-saving measure and necessary upgrade to outdated facilities.
AnsweredQoN 74Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
GOVERNMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION
I refer to the Premier’s announcement that Hale House is to become his new hillside retreat—like a hill station for the emperor really! (1) Why is the Premier spending $64 million on new ministerial offices and a palace for the Premier, when state debt is set to surge beyond $20 billion? (2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the Premier’s announcement that Hale House is to become his new hillside retreat—like a hill station for the emperor really! (1) Why is the Premier spending $64 million on new ministerial offices and a palace for the Premier, when state debt is set to surge beyond $20 billion? (2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(1) Why is the Premier spending $64 million on new ministerial offices and a palace for the Premier, when state debt is set to surge beyond $20 billion? (2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(1) Why is the Premier spending $64 million on new ministerial offices and a palace for the Premier, when state debt is set to surge beyond $20 billion? (2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(2) Why is the government wasting this money when electricity bills for ordinary Western Australians are set to increase yet again? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Dr K.D. Hames : It’s easy to pick low-hanging fruit. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Health would know about that. The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
The SPEAKER : Members! The Leader of the Opposition has the call. Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I continue my question — (3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(3) Will the Premier commit to immediately tabling the business case and the analysis that underlies this extravagant decision to create his palace? (4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(4) Will the refurbishment include a significant upgrade to the air conditioning of this building? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
(1)–(4) I am not surprised by the question. The Leader of the Opposition described it as my palace; it will not be that at all. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is a hill station for the empire! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It will not be a hill station either. I must say, I am very happy in the current office I occupy. It has a panoramic million-dollar view of Perth; the problem is that it costs a million dollars to have that view. That will not be the case at Hale House. I assure members opposite that I will miss the view from the twenty-fourth floor that has been enjoyed by at least three Premiers before me, but, as members know, the lease on Governor Stirling Tower terminates next year and will not be renewed—in fact, we have no option. The previous government decided to lease nine floors in the about-to-be-completed 140 William Street; we will obviously move government departments into that area. Dumas House is 45 years old; it no longer complies with safety standards and disability access. It is an old, heritage-listed building, and it needs to be restored, so we will do that. We will bring it up to new building standard. Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M.P. Murray : Will it be air conditioned? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, it will have air conditioning. It will be brought up to new building standard, and, indeed, that will pay for itself many times over. The net effect of these changes will be to save well over $100 million for the Western Australian taxpayer—very, very substantial changes will be made—and it will reduce, also, the number of leasehold locations. Bear in mind: state government does not pay taxes. For those members who might think financially, why would a government that does not pay taxes occupy rented accommodation? It is logical for government, if practical, to own its own property. In other words, Mr Speaker, rental does not, for government, represent a tax deduction, because it does not pay taxes; therefore, the financial position is far better for government to own its own property on its own land. That is why we are refurbishing Dumas House and bringing it up to standard for public servants and ministers. In the future—this is probably five or six years away—there will probably also be two smaller adjacent buildings built in that precinct for the same reasons. Meanwhile, other accommodation is being consolidated, largely in William Street, and there will also be some disbursement out into the suburbs. Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Hale House will replace two floors of accommodation in Governor Stirling Tower. At present, the rental cost for two floors of Governor Stirling Tower—that is, the Premier’s office level and the cabinet room and cabinet services level—is $1.2 million a year. I would expect that if we tried to re-lease the building when it has been refurbished, it would probably be 50 per cent or more above that. We are probably looking at replacing around $2 million of rental accommodation in the central business district with a refurbishment of Hale House, which will cost $17 million and which will therefore pay for itself in probably 10 to 12 years or something of that order—maybe up to 14 years. Thereafter, there will be no rental costs. Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Each building will represent major savings to the state, and, for the first time in 28 years, the great state of Western Australia will have an office for the Premier, whoever that might be in the future, that is owned by the state and that is suitable to meet visitors of importance to the state; and it will have, for the first time in 28 years, a state cabinet room. I think everyone in this chamber has seen the cabinet room. What an impressive room that is! Kitchen tables arranged in a circle! It is worse than any one of the meetings rooms of 139 local authorities in Western Australia. That is how bad it is. It is about time a state as important as Western Australia had at least a decent meeting room, instead of kitchen tables arranged in a circle. So, I do not apologise for that. Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : Kitchen tables? You must have changed it! Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is what they are; they are kitchen tables! Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : They’re not kitchen tables. Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They are awful! They are awful! Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr M. McGowan : Do you think anyone out there cares? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I do; I actually do! I actually think people are proud of this state and want this state to represent itself proudly in the Asia–Pacific region and proudly in the Indian Ocean region.
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