❓ WA State Development Minister responds to a question about the Commonwealth's position on the Gorgon project on Barrow Island, quoting the Federal Minister for Resources' support for the project's location.
AnsweredQoN 1237Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the minister’s media release of 22 October 2003 in which he called on the Commonwealth Government to clarify its positions on the use of Barrow Island following the repeated assertions by the Leader of the Opposition, Colin Barnett, that a future Liberal Government would move the Gorgon project to the mainland. (1) Has the Commonwealth clarified its position on Barrow Island? (2) What is its position? Mr C.M. BROWN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(1) Has the Commonwealth clarified its position on Barrow Island? (2) What is its position? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(2) What is its position? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(1) Has the Commonwealth clarified its position on Barrow Island? (2) What is its position? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(2) What is its position? Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
(1)-(2) I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to say that the Commonwealth has clarified its position on the matter. On 27 October, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, was interviewed on ABC Perth radio. Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Minister Macfarlane is not handling the project. Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Dr G.I. Gallop: He’s not handling the project - that’s what the Leader of the Opposition said. What a disgrace you are! The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
The SPEAKER: Order! Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: The Prime Minister’s office is handling this. Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: Minister Macfarlane made a number of comments when asked whether the project should be located on Barrow Island. He was asked the question on a few occasions. I quote from the transcript of the radio interview, in which he stated - . . . the only economically feasible way to start this process is to bring it onshore to Barrow. Later, he said - . . . if we were to force them into that situation, we being the Western Australian Government or the Australian Government, we would see the project simply get shelved and the gas will stay where it has been for the millions of years it’s already been there. He later said - The reality is though, in the here and now, the project will only proceed if it’s done on Barrow Island. The federal minister with responsibility for resources in Australia - not the state Opposition Leader, but the minister for resources development in the Australian Parliament - made those comments. The Leader of the Opposition would have this House believe that he is not really the responsible minister, but that the Prime Minister is handling it. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: I want it on the record that the Leader of the Opposition is saying that the federal minister for resources is not handling this matter, and that this matter is being handled by the Prime Minister. Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.J. Barnett: Correct. Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
Mr C.M. BROWN: I will convey that to the federal minister and see whether that is the case. I think that will come as news to the federal minister. It may be a secret between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, neither of whom bothered to confer with Minister Macfarlane. Is it not interesting that, at a time of significant opportunities to enter into a further major gas contract with the People’s Republic of China to further increase export earnings and business and employment opportunities in Western Australia, the federal Government and the State Government are in harmony but the state Leader of the Opposition is not in harmony and is claiming another alternative?
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