❓ A parliamentary question regarding a meeting between the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development and Joondalup councillors, with the Minister providing evasive answers and subsequent heated debate.
AnsweredQoN 1193Legislative Council
Asked
20 March 2002
Member
QuestionView source ↗
MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MEETING WITH JOONDALUP COUNCILLORS
It was reported in the Wanneroo Times on Tuesday, 19 March that a meeting took place between the minister, Mr Tony O’Gorman MLA, and a number of Joondalup councillors. (1) Will the minister confirm that the meeting took place? (2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS
It was reported in the Wanneroo Times on Tuesday, 19 March that a meeting took place between the minister, Mr Tony O’Gorman MLA, and a number of Joondalup councillors. (1) Will the minister confirm that the meeting took place? (2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(1) Will the minister confirm that the meeting took place? (2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(1) Will the minister confirm that the meeting took place? (2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(2) Who initiated the meeting? (3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(3) Which councillors attended? (4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(4) Were there other people at the meeting; and, if yes, who were they? (5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(5) What was the purpose of the meeting? (6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(6) Has the mayor of Joondalup been informed of the meeting and the concerns expressed by the councillors who attended? (7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(7) Are other meetings of this nature planned in the near future? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: (1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
(1)-(7) I can confirm that I have not yet had a meeting in the northern suburbs to discuss the contentious mayoral chain. Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Are you saying that was the topic of the meeting? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I can confirm that I have not had a meeting about it. Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Is that the toilet chain? Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: No. Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: There have been various descriptions of a secret meeting that I allegedly attended in the northern suburbs. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Will you confirm or deny it? Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is difficult to refer to a meeting as “secret” when it has been reported in the newspaper that I was going to a meeting, that I was at a meeting and that I had been to a meeting. I confirm the report that I was going, was there and had been there. The reference in this place to that being a secret meeting - Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: I did not say it was secret. Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: You are always a day behind with your answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It is at least a week behind. Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: You thought of something you should have said last time, and now you are going to say it. Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: You have said that it is secret, not me. Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: One of the member’s colleagues in this Chamber accused me of attending a secret meeting. All I am saying is that the meeting has been well and truly canvassed. Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Will you answer any part of the question? Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: This is part that I will answer - Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: There are seven parts. Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: This Parliament created the Local Government Act, which gives to the Minister for Local Government responsibilities for administering local government. Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: You are adopting a very defensive stance. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It requires people who have complaints to position those complaints - Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Alan Cadby: Is it the size of a fish that you are trying to describe? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I am flabbergasted. I try to appropriately discharge my responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon Peter Foss: What was the meeting about? The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
The PRESIDENT: Order! There is no call for supplementary questions - there are enough in the original question - nor for supplementary answers. Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have certainly had across the State large numbers of complaints about local government. I am doing my best to process those complaints in a variety of ways including, where appropriate, attending meetings that have been called when people want to position a complaint. When I have the opportunity of hearing a complaint and having the complaint investigated and assessed, I will respond. The former Attorney General needs to read the Local Government Act to see what is required of the Minister for Local Government in the assessment of a complaint. Point of Order Hon ALAN CADBY: I asked the question and the minister is giving an answer to the former Attorney General. I wonder whether he would like me to repeat the question. There are only seven parts, and it would not take any time at all. If I speak slowly, maybe he can answer each part separately. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am sure that the minister has completed his answer. Questions without Notice Resumed
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.