❓ A parliamentary question regarding asbestos exposure at Muja A power station, workplace safety laws, and the adoption of nationally harmonised occupational health and safety laws. The Minister's response indicates reluctance to fully adopt the national strategy.
AnsweredQoN 186Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY — NATIONAL HARMONISED LAWS
I ask my question given the minister’s portfolio responsibilities for occupational heath and safety. (1) When was the minister first made aware that workers were being exposed to asbestos at Muja A power station and that operations had been affected? (2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION
I ask my question given the minister’s portfolio responsibilities for occupational heath and safety. (1) When was the minister first made aware that workers were being exposed to asbestos at Muja A power station and that operations had been affected? (2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(1) When was the minister first made aware that workers were being exposed to asbestos at Muja A power station and that operations had been affected? (2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(1) When was the minister first made aware that workers were being exposed to asbestos at Muja A power station and that operations had been affected? (2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(2) What action has the minister taken to address this urgent and deadly issue and to assure workers of this plant of their safety? (3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(3) Given 21 Western Australians have been killed in workplace accidents since January 2009, will the minister commit to signing on to nationally harmonised occupational safety and health laws immediately? (4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(4) If no to (3), what does he have to say to the families of these victims, who worked with the weakest worker safety laws in the nation? Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION replied: (1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
(1)–(4) I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question. I have been briefed on this issue but not in detail. I am not aware specifically of workers in Muja. I am aware that 21 people have been killed in workplace accidents in that period. I am not sure of the actual time, but it must have been in the past few years. I am aware of the requirement to sign up to the national harmonisation strategy. I will get more detail on this matter, but my understanding is that we are not very keen to sign on to five areas in that commonwealth strategy. The commonwealth minister is happy for us to leave them out, and I think — Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So you will stick with our weak safety laws then? Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I am happy to — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr T.R. Buswell : All your union mates. The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order! Member for Vasse, I formally call you for the first time. Likewise, I formally call the member for Collie–Preston for the first time. Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr M.P. Murray : Doesn’t he look like he swallowed a cane toad? The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member or Collie–Preston! I formally call you for the second time. You might want to consider your words very carefully in future. Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I have been briefed on those five issues. Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : You’re going to stay with the right-wing policy of your predecessor are you? Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I have looked at these five issues and I think that, indeed, the Attorney General is right; if we agreed to those matters, we would be throwing away some of our sovereign rights. Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It would be improving workers’ rights and worker safety. Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : That would be just for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition’s union mates. Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I will stick to the current — The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Order! There is a volume switch somewhere in this place; I will see whether I can find it. Minister, I think you have learnt the lesson of turning up the volume—it comes back! I do not know whether you have further comments to make or whether there are further interjections. I am sure I am looking forward to the rest of the afternoon! Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr W.R. MARMION : I conclude by saying that I am very happy with the arrangements and the briefings I have had, and with what the previous Minister for Commerce put in place. I have no intention of changing the current conditions. The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : I call the Leader of the Opposition. Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
Mr F.M. Logan : This is the second time workers in a power station have been exposed. The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
The SPEAKER : Member for Cockburn, I gave the call to the Leader of the Opposition to ask a supplementary question. I call you formally for the second time.
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