❓ Opposition Leader Barnett questions Premier Gallop about nurses' pay, alleging WA nurses will be the lowest paid in the nation under the Minister for Health's offer. The Premier refutes the claim, highlighting the government's commitment to fair wages and good faith bargaining.
AnsweredQoN 487Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to the Minister for Health’s letter to Western Australian nurses, dated 16 August 2004, about their pending pay claim, in which he said that he wanted Western Australian nurses to be among the best paid in Australia. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation - Mr J.A. McGinty: Enrolled nurses are not even covered by the EBA. What about brain surgeons? They are not covered by it. The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation - Mr J.A. McGinty: Enrolled nurses are not even covered by the EBA. What about brain surgeons? They are not covered by it. The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr J.A. McGinty: Enrolled nurses are not even covered by the EBA. What about brain surgeons? They are not covered by it. The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation - Mr J.A. McGinty: Enrolled nurses are not even covered by the EBA. What about brain surgeons? They are not covered by it. The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr J.A. McGinty: Enrolled nurses are not even covered by the EBA. What about brain surgeons? They are not covered by it. The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
The SPEAKER: Members, it is disorderly to interrupt a question. I ask members to allow the Leader of the Opposition to ask his question. Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will repeat what I said, because the Premier needs to have the right question. (1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, based on pay rates under his minister’s offer, enrolled nurses in Western Australia will have the lowest minimum pay level in the nation, registered nurses in Western Australia - I hope the Premier is listening - will be the lowest paid in the nation, and clinical nurses in Western Australia will be the second lowest paid in the nation? (2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(2) In the light of the minister’s refusal to ensure that Western Australian nurses are properly paid, his refusal to provide a clear, concise and comprehensive offer, his refusal to meet with ANF representatives for six months and his refusal to attend today’s rally - Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr J.A. McGinty: We met with them yesterday; we met with them last Monday. We have met with them on a dozen occasions. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question is not to the Minister for Health; it is to the Premier. The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
The SPEAKER: I call the Minister for Health to order for the first time, and I call the member for Perth to order for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The question continues - will the Premier now intervene and broker a fair outcome for nurses in this pay dispute, as he did with police officers? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
(1)-(2) I say first of all that the statistics that have been provided to the Government do not support the conclusion that the Leader of the Opposition has reached in his question about the pay of nurses in Western Australia compared with that in the other States. Secondly, the Minister for Health made it very clear where this Government stands regarding nurses. I believe that was demonstrated very clearly by the administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase to all nurses in May this year, I think, and, of course, by the minister’s indication, with the support of the Government, that we will make sure that the nurses in Western Australia are among the best paid in Australia. For that to happen, there must be some good faith bargaining. The minister has indicated that, from our point of view, we are very willing to do that. Where we sit at the moment is that the Government of Western Australia has shown its commitment to nurses. The first EBA that we settled with the nurses established our support for them. Since then, 1 000 extra nurses have been employed in the health system of Western Australia. The administrative payment of a 3.4 per cent increase has been made, which again indicates our support for the nurses. The position of the Government has been outlined; that is, we want nurses to be among the best paid in Australia, and we want to resolve the final matters that need to be resolved in this issue. I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
I must say that industrial relations are never a strong point of the Liberal Party. The content of the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, the question itself are a clear indication that, when it comes to industrial relations with the work force, the Liberal Party has no idea whatsoever. We know that it has an agenda for workplace agreements. We will make sure that everyone in Western Australia understands the difference between the Liberal Party and the Labor Party on this most important question that affects the working conditions and wages of people throughout Western Australia.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.