❓ Minister Carpenter provides an update on the WA government's progress in increasing exports to India, highlighting past achievements and future plans in various sectors like education, biotechnology, and IT. He also acknowledges past unfairness towards the Leader of the Opposition.
AnsweredQoN 458Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister update the house on the government’s progress on increasing Western Australia’s export focus in India? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Southern River for the question. Similar to the uranium issue, Western Australia’s engagement with India has become the subject of some public debate in recent days, which is surprising given how well Western Australia’s trade position is with India. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Southern River for the question. Similar to the uranium issue, Western Australia’s engagement with India has become the subject of some public debate in recent days, which is surprising given how well Western Australia’s trade position is with India. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
I thank the member for Southern River for the question. Similar to the uranium issue, Western Australia’s engagement with India has become the subject of some public debate in recent days, which is surprising given how well Western Australia’s trade position is with India. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Southern River for the question. Similar to the uranium issue, Western Australia’s engagement with India has become the subject of some public debate in recent days, which is surprising given how well Western Australia’s trade position is with India. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
I thank the member for Southern River for the question. Similar to the uranium issue, Western Australia’s engagement with India has become the subject of some public debate in recent days, which is surprising given how well Western Australia’s trade position is with India. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : Is this another attempt at a swipe at the Leader of the Opposition? Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr J.A. McGinty : He is too easy a target. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I honestly believe that some of the credit must go to the former government. It put in place the first Australian trade offices in India in 1996. I am not sure whether it was the member for Cottesloe or the former member for Merredin, in his role as Minister for Commerce and Trade, who drove that initiative. However, it has reaped very substantial rewards for Western Australia. Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr M.J. Birney : It was actually Clive Griffiths who got it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Western Australia was the first Australian state to open trade offices in India and enjoys the largest share of Indian investment into Australia. Western Australia accounted for 49 per cent of Australian exports to India in 2004-05. We have built on that foundation, and the success of that is very evident for all to see. We have a plan to build on that trade policy. Our policy at the last election contained commitments to continue to increase the amount of exports sold to India. I am very happy to say that there has been much progress on these matters, and that progress is expected to be enhanced by the visit of the Premier to India in October. Progress has been developed in education and training. To increase the knowledge economy, Perth Education City has conducted focus groups with Western Australian companies that export to India. Exchanges between the agencies in India that are equivalent to the Department of Industry and Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as those involved in agribusinesses, food and beverages and mining, have been very successful. Currently the skills migration unit, which has been established to try to address in part the issue of skills shortages in Western Australia, is focusing on the potential of skills migration from India to Western Australia. India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
India is one of the leading countries in the world in biotechnology. Bangalore Bio is one of the most eminent biotechnology conferences in the world. My department’s biotech team presented a paper at Bangalore Bio this year that generated a lot of interest. We expect some Indian input into AusBiotech 2005, which is being held in Perth in November. Bangalore is probably the new leading centre for information and communication technology in the world today. With the assistance of the Western Australian trade office in India, 10 Western Australian companies will participate in Bangalore IT, which is one of the most important IT exhibitions. We have also made a lot of progress in our relationships with India in the areas of sport, entertainment and recreation, environmental management, health care, medicine, energy and power. The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The government’s record on trade relationships with India is very good. Yesterday when I referred to it, I was goaded into some one-sided exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition. Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas : You were rehearsed, minister. There is no doubt about it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I was subsequently castigated by some members of the opposition for my unfairness. Upon sober reflection, I thought they were probably right. The way I addressed myself yesterday was a little unfair. Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr F.M. Logan : We thought you were good. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I thought members did! I quoted from the President of India, who said that thinking is progress. We are 24 hours down the track from when I made that remark. I will not revisit the same questions upon the member for Kalgoorlie. Bearing in mind that the Leader of the Opposition is soon to embark on what I consider to be a laudable visit to India - Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : I cannot see how this has any relevance to the question because the minister is actually starting to ask questions. It has no relevance at all. Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Dr E. Constable : It is a one-sided exchange. The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The SPEAKER : The minister is answering the question. I am sure he is about to bring it to a conclusion. He was asked about the relationship between India and Western Australia. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Hon Simon O’Brien, MLC, has asked to be provided with some information to help him on his visit to India. I am prepared to provide as much information to the member for Kalgoorlie as he would like, and I am prepared to offer some of it now. However, I need to know what gaps in his knowledge need to be filled. Yesterday I asked him what is Western Australia’s main export to India. I was greeted with silence. Some 24 hours down the track I will ask the Leader of the Opposition the same question, but I will give him a chance to respond this time. What is the main export item between Western Australia and India? Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr M.J. Birney : I will say something quickly. You are the sort of fellow that reminds every divorcee of her first husband; the one that they are trying desperately to forget. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my premarital days, I had many opportunities to exchange views with divorcees, which I enjoyed. To put the question into context, I think it is a critical piece of information, and one that will be of use to the Leader of the Opposition. The member for Kalgoorlie should know that the lead export item in trade is gold. I am sure his constituents will be pleased to know that he now knows it. Point of Order Mr D.F. BARRON-SULLIVAN : For all intents and purposes, the minister is virtually going against your last ruling, Mr Speaker. The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
The SPEAKER : No, he is not. I am sure that he has finished answering the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.N. Hyde interjected.
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