❓ Question regarding the State Government's actions to combat racism in the community, answered by the Premier outlining initiatives and commitment to diversity and anti-racism strategies.
AnsweredQoN 630Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RACISM
I refer to the comments and reports in The West Australian recently on insidious racism in Australia. What is the State Government doing to combat racism in our community? Dr GALLOP
I refer to the comments and reports in The West Australian recently on insidious racism in Australia. What is the State Government doing to combat racism in our community? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I noted the comments in The West Australian in recent days on racism in our community. It is a sad fact of life that some people in our community find it necessary to label minorities and to act in discriminatory ways against those minorities, including, in some cases, to physically abuse those minorities. The Labor Government believes that the strength of Western Australia comes from its diversity. That is why members will never see a Labor Party how-to-vote card that will not have One Nation at the bottom. Western Australia has a diversity of people, languages, religions and traditions. We must respect all of those traditions in our community. We want to ensure that all people in our community are equally valued for what they are - not for their background, for where they were born, for the colour of their skin or for their sexuality; we want them to be judged for what they are and how they contribute to our community. One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP replied: I noted the comments in The West Australian in recent days on racism in our community. It is a sad fact of life that some people in our community find it necessary to label minorities and to act in discriminatory ways against those minorities, including, in some cases, to physically abuse those minorities. The Labor Government believes that the strength of Western Australia comes from its diversity. That is why members will never see a Labor Party how-to-vote card that will not have One Nation at the bottom. Western Australia has a diversity of people, languages, religions and traditions. We must respect all of those traditions in our community. We want to ensure that all people in our community are equally valued for what they are - not for their background, for where they were born, for the colour of their skin or for their sexuality; we want them to be judged for what they are and how they contribute to our community. One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
I noted the comments in The West Australian in recent days on racism in our community. It is a sad fact of life that some people in our community find it necessary to label minorities and to act in discriminatory ways against those minorities, including, in some cases, to physically abuse those minorities. The Labor Government believes that the strength of Western Australia comes from its diversity. That is why members will never see a Labor Party how-to-vote card that will not have One Nation at the bottom. Western Australia has a diversity of people, languages, religions and traditions. We must respect all of those traditions in our community. We want to ensure that all people in our community are equally valued for what they are - not for their background, for where they were born, for the colour of their skin or for their sexuality; we want them to be judged for what they are and how they contribute to our community. One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP replied: I noted the comments in The West Australian in recent days on racism in our community. It is a sad fact of life that some people in our community find it necessary to label minorities and to act in discriminatory ways against those minorities, including, in some cases, to physically abuse those minorities. The Labor Government believes that the strength of Western Australia comes from its diversity. That is why members will never see a Labor Party how-to-vote card that will not have One Nation at the bottom. Western Australia has a diversity of people, languages, religions and traditions. We must respect all of those traditions in our community. We want to ensure that all people in our community are equally valued for what they are - not for their background, for where they were born, for the colour of their skin or for their sexuality; we want them to be judged for what they are and how they contribute to our community. One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
I noted the comments in The West Australian in recent days on racism in our community. It is a sad fact of life that some people in our community find it necessary to label minorities and to act in discriminatory ways against those minorities, including, in some cases, to physically abuse those minorities. The Labor Government believes that the strength of Western Australia comes from its diversity. That is why members will never see a Labor Party how-to-vote card that will not have One Nation at the bottom. Western Australia has a diversity of people, languages, religions and traditions. We must respect all of those traditions in our community. We want to ensure that all people in our community are equally valued for what they are - not for their background, for where they were born, for the colour of their skin or for their sexuality; we want them to be judged for what they are and how they contribute to our community. One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
One of our election commitments was the coordination of a comprehensive statewide anti-racism strategy. I can report to the House that last week I convened the first of what will be many meetings of a community-based committee within government, which I chair, looking at how to develop an anti-racism strategy for Western Australia. Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Mr Barnett: Is this your initiative? Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: It is our initiative. Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Several government members interjected. Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: Some work was done by the previous Government on this issue. However, the initiative to form a community-based committee was an initiative of this Government. It was my initiative as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. We aim to encourage people to engage in diversity, not as something exotic that needs to be tolerated but as a strength in our community that enriches and benefits the whole of our society. We will develop practical and workable strategies to address racism. We will put out discussion papers to the community for comment. One of the important issues we discussed last week was that we need to take the community with us on this issue. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
The SPEAKER: Order! Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Dr GALLOP: I will comment on the gay and lesbian issue. I have lived on this earth for 50 years. I have met many gay and lesbian people who participate fully in our society at many different levels. The one entity that has not caught up with the society of Western Australia is the Parliament. Our legislation will merely bring the Parliament into line with social practice. As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
As regards racism, tremendous efforts are being made in most of our communities to build good relationships between minorities and others. I remember only too well when I first came into this Parliament that people in our community were bombing Chinese restaurants. At that time, my good friend Hon Gordon Hill, the then Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, brought into this Parliament very important legislation to make it clear that we would take a stand against racism in our community. Point of Order Mr DAY: This is an important subject and it is appropriate that the Premier has a question on it, but it is also appropriate that he keep his answer precise. This is question time, and it is not the time for long rambling speeches. Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
Mr KOBELKE: Although the Premier’s response may be a little longer than the average, he has had an inordinate number of interjections. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition who, when under pressure, will not take interjections, the Premier took the interjections and attempted to answer them. On that basis, the Opposition has delayed his answer. The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
The SPEAKER: Question time is measured by how many questions can be asked. The longer the answers take the longer is question time. I am sure that the Premier is about to bring his answer to a conclusion. Questions Without Notice Resumed Dr GALLOP: Sometimes temptation is so great that it grips me, and when opposition members interject, I cannot resist. It is a terrible thing. Do you know what temptation is called, Mr Speaker? It is another name for human nature. I apologise to the Leader of the House for taking up so much time in question time. We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
We look forward to working through our antiracism strategy to make sure that the legal foundations of Western Australia provide equality, and that programs in our community encourage good relations between the majority and the minorities, because our society gains strength from multiculturalism and diversity and we intend to build on it.
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