❓ Opposition questions the government's potential equity stake in the convention centre project, alleging a change in position and lack of transparency. Government defends its actions, citing the need for security and economic benefits.
AnsweredQoN 121Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Why is the Government now considering taking equity in the convention centre project? (2) Precisely what form of equity is the Government considering taking and what will it involve if it does not include any liabilities, share of profits or involvement in the running of the facility? (3) Will any tangible benefits to the State arise from the equity partnership or would this arrangement be, as the Minister for Tourism claims, merely symbolic? Mr COURT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(2) Precisely what form of equity is the Government considering taking and what will it involve if it does not include any liabilities, share of profits or involvement in the running of the facility? (3) Will any tangible benefits to the State arise from the equity partnership or would this arrangement be, as the Minister for Tourism claims, merely symbolic? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(3) Will any tangible benefits to the State arise from the equity partnership or would this arrangement be, as the Minister for Tourism claims, merely symbolic? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(2) Precisely what form of equity is the Government considering taking and what will it involve if it does not include any liabilities, share of profits or involvement in the running of the facility? (3) Will any tangible benefits to the State arise from the equity partnership or would this arrangement be, as the Minister for Tourism claims, merely symbolic? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(3) Will any tangible benefits to the State arise from the equity partnership or would this arrangement be, as the Minister for Tourism claims, merely symbolic? Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT replied: (1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
(1)-(3) It has been the Government's intention from the outset that this would be a privately operated facility. Negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and a number of options are being considered. In considering these options the Government does not propose to assume any operational risk. Accordingly, it would not have access to any share of the direct profits or losses from the business or be directly involved in the running of the facility. The tangible benefits are that the State will realise significant economic rewards from that project. I am a little bemused about why the member is asking these questions. Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: You advised the other tenderers you would not do it. Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: As I understand it, the member sought a briefing on these matters. He was offered a briefing but he did not turn up. Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: I was not offered a briefing. Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Is it not true that the member was offered a briefing and that it was arranged for 2.00 pm on 1 August? Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Dr Gallop: You should answer the question in this Parliament. Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I have just answered the question. Perhaps the member will say why he did not bother showing up. Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Members talk about the tangible benefits of this project. I have not met anyone - Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Dr Gallop: Answer the question; you were given notice of it. Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: What are you ashamed of? Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I said that negotiations are being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. One of those options is that if we contribute $110m, there may be better security for the asset. If the member had gone to the briefing he would have had this explained. We have been able to negotiate a convention-exhibition facility - Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Something must stink here if you cannot answer a simple question. What are you trying to cover up? When you announced this proposal there was no question of equity and now there is. Tell this Chamber why. Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Nothing could be further from the truth. Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: You told the other tenderers there would be no government equity. Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: We have told everyone that the Government will contribute $110m plus land if required. We have been able to negotiate a deal - it was a similar deal with both parties - whereby we did not have to give up title to the land. At the end of this deal, the entire asset, including the land, will be owned by the State. Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Why are you taking equity? Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Because we are contributing $110m and, in the interests of ensuring we have the maximum possible protection, we will look at all the options. Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: Are you taking equity or not? Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: I just said that negotiations are still being conducted with the preferred provider and that a number of options are being considered. We will agree to the option that gives the State maximum security. Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Kobelke: You must be hiding a very nasty smell if you cannot answer a simple question. You have told the public you are now taking equity. That is different from what you have said in the past. What you are hiding? Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: The Deputy Premier is making an interjection himself. Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan interjected. The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: I formally call to order the Deputy Premier. Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr Cowan: Fine. The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
The SPEAKER: There are far too many interjections. The member for Nollamara has made the same interjection three or four times. We have all heard it. It is time we moved to the next question. Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: Not just yet; I would like to finish my answer. Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr McGowan: Is this not - Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
Mr COURT: The member should let me finish my answer. He had his opportunity to be briefed but he did not show up. I have not met anyone in the hospitality or tourism industries who is not 100 per cent behind this project, although some people may not support it. This project is long overdue. It will create thousands of jobs and has the full support of UnionsWA and the trade union movement in general. The only negative response has been from members opposite.
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