❓ Question regarding the government's pay offer to public sector workers and the impact of industrial action. The Minister responds by downplaying the impact of the strike and defends the government's offer, criticising the opposition and media.
AnsweredQoN 1341Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister advise the House of the Government’s new pay and conditions offer to state public sector workers, and also advise on the effects and outcome of the industrial action undertaken in the public sector today? Mr J.C. KOBELKE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the - Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the - Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
I thank the - Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: I thank the - Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
I thank the - Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Has Kevin Reynolds bullied you? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: This Leader of the Opposition is the only Leader of the Opposition anywhere in the world who travels everywhere by car. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: I would like to answer the question from the member for Riverton. First, I will start with the industrial action. The official report that I have received - it may need to be updated, but I think members will find that it is close to the final figure - indicates that fewer than 700 members of the public sector have taken industrial action today; that is, they are on unauthorised leave. In other words, in the order of two per cent of the public sector work force have taken industrial action. That indicates that the vast majority of public sector workers - Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr P.D. Omodei interjected. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is Thursday. I think the member is in a hurry to get home. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: I call the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Warren-Blackwood to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is interesting that this occurs when I stand to speak about the excellent work of our public servants. Their dedication to that work and the view that the action taken by the union would not be productive has meant that only two per cent of the people employed in the public sector have taken industrial action. That illustrates not only the quality of our public sector but also that the offer by the Government is fair and reasonable. It may not necessarily be fully acceptable to public sector employees, but it is a reasonable offer that, through further negotiation, we will seek to tailor to meet their needs on not only the wage component but also the non-wage issues about which the union would like us to do more. It wants us to consider a range of issues, including shift allowances and paid parental leave. We will see whether we can enhance the offer in those areas to make it acceptable. The issue will certainly progress much better if it is dealt with through negotiation rather than industrial action that does not have support of the union membership. That will not advance the process. In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
In the turmoil of these events, some people get carried away. It is an absolute disgrace that the headline on the front page of today’s The West Australian is “Closed for business”. Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: Have you tried to get a birth or marriage certificate? Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: What is closed for business? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: Is it closed today? Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mrs C.L. Edwardes: It was the other day. I haven’t tried today. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: It is not. The member opposite confirms that it is not closed today. It is not closed for business. This headline is simply a reflection of the Opposition’s negative attitude to Western Australia. That is all it is. The Liberal Government left us with a State in which economic growth was negative 1.2 per cent. Under the leadership of Premier Gallop and this Treasurer, economic growth has increased to between four and five per cent, and members opposite do not like that. Thousands of jobs have been created. Business confidence is rising because this Government is delivering and business is getting on with business. What we have seen from the Liberal Party and, I regret to say, some very irresponsible journalism is an attempt to say that WA is not working. Western Australia is leading Australia. It will go on to do even better. Those who seek to stop economic growth in this State are negative knockers who do not want to support Western Australia. Anyone who wants to put himself in that category should be absolutely ashamed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: Members! Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr B.K. Masters interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Vasse to order for the first time. Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE: As someone who is a very proud Western Australian, I simply find it impossible to fathom how people could seek to find some political advantage in knocking Western Australia. They are knocking the creation of jobs and investment for some simple, silly, narrow political purpose. As a Western Australian, I find that totally unacceptable.
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