❓ Question regarding Peter Costello's economic contribution to WA during a visit to Perth. The Premier's response is highly critical, accusing Costello of exploiting WA's resources for the benefit of eastern states and contrasting him unfavorably with Kevin Rudd.
AnsweredQoN 562Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FEDERAL TREASURER, MR PETER COSTELLO - VISIT TO PERTH
I refer to the visit to Perth by Peter Costello last week. What was Mr Costello’s latest contribution to the Western Australian economy? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
I refer to the visit to Perth by Peter Costello last week. What was Mr Costello’s latest contribution to the Western Australian economy? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Albany for the question. The short answer is nothing. Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Albany for the question. The short answer is nothing. Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I thank the member for Albany for the question. The short answer is nothing. Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Albany for the question. The short answer is nothing. Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I thank the member for Albany for the question. The short answer is nothing. Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell : What about his tax cuts? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Did the member for Vasse describe what has happened as tax cuts by Peter Costello, even though the tax take continues to increase? Is that right? The member is so shallow. The fundamental question that the people of Western Australia might ask about the member for Vasse is whether he can be trusted. Is it appropriate for a member of Parliament to have clandestine meetings in the car park of Parliament House with the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry? Would we trust a man who behaves that way with any public office? I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I think Peter Costello took more away in donations to the Liberal Party than he has put into Western Australia in his recent term as Treasurer. He treats Western Australia as a giant automatic teller machine. Western Australia is Peter Costello’s ATM - he punches in the numbers and all the money flies out, and he spreads it around to east coast marginal seats. Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Mr Speaker, in your absence the behaviour and demeanour of the member for Vasse has not improved significantly, despite the efforts of your replacement. He still behaves like an unruly schoolboy. Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Did you attend the Ben Wyatt function on the invitation of Brian Burke and Julian Grill? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition should stand up and ask that question. He need not worry about me; I will let the people of Western Australia make that sort of judgement. Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Western Australia is the giant ATM for the federal Treasurer. Did he promise us any additional contribution for infrastructure development in this state? No, he did not. Did he promise us anything to do with any contribution from royalty streams from projects like Pluto and Gorgon? No, nothing like that. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : He cannot help himself; he is hardwired that way! Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Kevin Rudd, on the other hand, has made very significant contributions and commitments to underpin the economic strength of Western Australia and therefore Australia, because I think he understands that the projects we are dealing with in Western Australia are national projects that deserve national support. I am absolutely convinced that John Howard and Peter Costello have no concept of that issue. I agree entirely with the member for Cottesloe. Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr C.J. Barnett : It would be the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It is not the first time. The member for Cottesloe said of the federal Treasurer - “He doesn’t seem to grasp the economic opportunity of a more sophisticated resource-based economy for WA . . . The member also said of Mr Costello - . . . I’m not sure that he fully grasps the big picture on natural gas . . . I think we all know that he does not; he has no idea. After 11 years at the helm of the national economy as the Treasurer of this country, he does not have an understanding of the significance of the developments in the western half of the nation of Australia. He has no idea, and nor does John Howard. The Liberal Party in Western Australia should follow the lead of the member for Cottesloe and point that out. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello - Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr T. Buswell : You should ask a question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am not allowed to ask questions. I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
I am waiting to hear the view of the Leader of the Opposition on the failure of Mr Costello and Mr Howard on the Western Australian economy. We are at a critical moment in the development of this state and nation, and we need a national government that recognises the significance of Western Australia’s contribution, which is the underpinning of our national economic growth. We have not had one. Kevin Rudd understands the issue and, given the chance, which I hope he gets, he will deliver us significant benefits. The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
The SPEAKER : Members, I am advised that the only speaker in this place that is working properly is mine, which creates a bit of a problem during question time. I ask members to interject less than is normal to allow everybody to hear what is being said.
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