❓ Opposition Leader Barnett questions Premier Gallop regarding the Justice Minister's competence after a series of incidents. Gallop defends the Minister, citing the complexity of public administration and the Minister's efforts to address the issues.
AnsweredQoN 638Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to the performance of the Minister for Justice in her term as minister, during which some of the highlights have been overseeing a department that failed to properly supervise a high-risk parolee who allegedly shot and killed a young mother; presiding over the negligence that led to the breach of security and escape of nine dangerous prisoners from the Supreme Court; and, most recently, failing to act promptly or sensitively to the concerns of the family of the victim of a horrific rape and bashing and overseeing the incompetent handling of the two offenders in breach of their release order. (1) Does the Premier agree that there is a pattern? (2) Although the minister has seen fit in each case to cast blame on various parties other than herself, does the Premier admit that three strikes is a pretty good indication of a minister’s competence or lack thereof? (3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(1) Does the Premier agree that there is a pattern? (2) Although the minister has seen fit in each case to cast blame on various parties other than herself, does the Premier admit that three strikes is a pretty good indication of a minister’s competence or lack thereof? (3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(2) Although the minister has seen fit in each case to cast blame on various parties other than herself, does the Premier admit that three strikes is a pretty good indication of a minister’s competence or lack thereof? (3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(1) Does the Premier agree that there is a pattern? (2) Although the minister has seen fit in each case to cast blame on various parties other than herself, does the Premier admit that three strikes is a pretty good indication of a minister’s competence or lack thereof? (3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(2) Although the minister has seen fit in each case to cast blame on various parties other than herself, does the Premier admit that three strikes is a pretty good indication of a minister’s competence or lack thereof? (3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(3) Will the Premier now stand the minister aside for her failure to protect the people of Western Australia? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
(1)-(3) This matter was canvassed very thoroughly during the debate following the suspension of standing orders earlier today. I made it very clear that in the complex world of public administration in areas such as the Police Service, the Department for Community Development and the Department of Justice, when decisions need to be made about individuals, which decisions always involve an element of risk, it is all too easy for people to get on their high horse and criticise under the heading of ministerial responsibility. There is no doubt that the record of the minister shows that she has always sought explanations for why these events occurred. That is a very important role for the minister. In our complex world, which is governed by the Public Sector Management Act, which makes a clear distinction between the management side of the public sector and the political cabinet side of the public sector, it is very important that we exercise responsibility in the right areas. The minister has responsibility, and that responsibility must be exercised according to the circumstances to ensure that there is a better result for all Western Australians. An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
An inquiry was conducted by Allan Skinner into high-risk parolees, which we have now acted on. A major report was completed on the prisoner escape, which we are acting on. In the case of the offenders who were on a supervised release order, but who are now back in prison, the minister outlined all the steps she wants to undertake to ensure that the current gaps in the system are filled. I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
I say to the Leader of the Opposition that there is not a pattern of ministerial irresponsibility. There is a pattern of a responsible minister seeking explanations for what went wrong and making sure that those matters are fixed properly, and that is what I expect of my Government.
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