❓ Mr Trenorden questions the Premier about the decision to abolish regional hospital boards and whether it was considered by the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. Dr Gallop's response is initially indirect, focusing on the government's broader health reform efforts and regional investments.
AnsweredQoN 944Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
REGIONAL HOSPITAL BOARDS, ABOLITION
I refer to the decision by the Minister for Health to abolish the regional hospital boards, and ask - (1) Has the decision been submitted to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy for its consideration? (2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP
I refer to the decision by the Minister for Health to abolish the regional hospital boards, and ask - (1) Has the decision been submitted to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy for its consideration? (2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(1) Has the decision been submitted to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy for its consideration? (2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(1) Has the decision been submitted to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy for its consideration? (2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(2) If so, what was the outcome of the committee? (3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(3) If no to (1), why not? Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
(1)-(3) The whole question of a health review and its consequences for Western Australia was the result of a report commissioned by the Minister for Health when he took on the portfolio early last year. He brought that report directly to the Cabinet, which endorsed his framework and approach to the issue. The Government is trying to bring about a unified health care system in Western Australia so that the interests of the people who use and operate the system will be paramount. There is no doubt that we think we can do better with regional health services. Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Mr Board: We need to. Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: We have a strong belief that we have not performed as well as we could have in that area, which is why we are reforming the system. We will never be in a position to improve regional health services until they are coordinated. In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
In answer to the first question of the Leader of the National Party, I will check whether that issue went to the cabinet standing committee on regional policy. I do not believe it did. I believe it went directly to the Cabinet by way of the minister’s discussing his views on health reform generally. Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Mr Trenorden: What is the purpose of the committee? Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: Let us start talking about what we are doing for regional Western Australia. I had the good fortune during the parliamentary break to visit Albany. Years and years of neglect in Albany have been transformed, first, because of the work of the local member for Albany and, secondly, because of the support from our Government in that area. Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Several members interjected. Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Dr GALLOP: We could talk about a $30 million commitment to improve the supply, storage and quality of water for the people who live in the Albany area. I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
I also visited Collie where I received representations from various interests about the issues there. They had some exciting ideas on expanding the economic base in Collie in terms of recreation and new industries associated with the creation of the innovative motorplex there. Applications on those ideas are being considered by our innovative regional investment fund. That fund will give $400 000 each year of this Government’s term to each regional development commission in Western Australia to promote, support and develop their regions. That is just one aspect of the fund. Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
Thirdly, I went to Geraldton, which was very interesting. It would appear that the Government’s efforts in Geraldton to develop the port and the town have the full support of the member for Greenough, but I am not sure about the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Greenough has the runs on the board in Geraldton through his commitment to the local authority and his knowledge of the area. We were encouraged by his supportive comments because we think he knows something about that area. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition is following a dream. The dream that he follows can be more correctly described as a nightmare, as it has not realised what he said it would. I am talking about Oakajee. While he fiddled with Oakajee, Geraldton’s potential was laid to rest. We now have a member of Parliament for Geraldton, as we have with Albany and Collie, who is out and about in the community. We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
We are a Government that has a very simple view of Western Australia. For too long the various interest groups, the various stakeholders, in Western Australia have been in their bunkers throwing criticism at each other about a range of issues but, as we saw at the pastoralists conference on the weekend, there is another way. I applaud the efforts of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. I have been contacted by people from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and other people involved in the industry who say that we now have a minister who is willing to roll up her sleeves, sit down and try to overcome historic differences. That is what we want from government. Local members of Parliament are looking to see what are the local issues and they are trying to solve them. Ministers are looking at the issues and trying to resolve historic conflicts. In Western Australia, this Government is intent on solving some of these problems that were put into the too-hard basket by the previous Government or were left as problems because the previous Government much preferred to leave conflict in our community rather than find solutions. There is no better illustration of that than the attitude taken by the previous Government to native title rights to land in Western Australia.
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