❓ Question on Notice regarding comments made by the Member for Kimberley about former Premier Geoff Gallop's clinical depression and its impact on his competency. The Deputy Premier expresses disappointment and highlights the apology given by the Member for Kimberley.
AnsweredQoN 284Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CLINICAL DEPRESSION - COMMENTS BY MEMBER FOR KIMBERLEY
I refer to the comments of the member for Kimberley reported in today’s The West Australian in which the member asserted that a former Premier of this state was not competent to act in the position because he suffered from clinical depression. (1) As the Deputy Premier promised earlier today that an explanation would be made in the house, has he sought an explanation from the member for Kimberley about why she made this statement, and will he share this explanation with the house? (2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER
I refer to the comments of the member for Kimberley reported in today’s The West Australian in which the member asserted that a former Premier of this state was not competent to act in the position because he suffered from clinical depression. (1) As the Deputy Premier promised earlier today that an explanation would be made in the house, has he sought an explanation from the member for Kimberley about why she made this statement, and will he share this explanation with the house? (2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(1) As the Deputy Premier promised earlier today that an explanation would be made in the house, has he sought an explanation from the member for Kimberley about why she made this statement, and will he share this explanation with the house? (2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(1) As the Deputy Premier promised earlier today that an explanation would be made in the house, has he sought an explanation from the member for Kimberley about why she made this statement, and will he share this explanation with the house? (2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(2) Will the Deputy Premier please explain to the house what impact the claim from a member of his government that the former Premier’s decision-making process was compromised by his depression will have on the perception of mental illness in the community? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
(1)-(2) I am very disappointed that the opposition has chosen to ask this question. This is a serious issue, and I had hoped the opposition would handle the matter with respect for the sensitivities of the people involved - in particular, the sensitivities of the Gallop family. I made my position very clear in the earlier debate. There is a great deal of respect and affection for Geoff Gallop on this side of the house. I am very disappointed with the comments that have been made by the member for Kimberley. The member for Kimberley - as I undertook, and as is required by this house - came here and gave a personal explanation which included an unreserved apology. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : In the absence of the Premier and on behalf of the government, I have made my views on this disgraceful and regrettable episode very clear to the member for Kimberley. I have also made very clear to the member for Kimberley the views of my caucus colleagues on this matter. This matter was properly raised earlier in the day. It has been dealt with by the apology from the member for Kimberley. I think it would be wrong for any member of this house to add to the intrusion on the privacy of Geoff Gallop and his family by further pursuing this issue.
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