❓ Question regarding increased road fatalities and injuries in regional WA and criticism from the RAC regarding the Nationals' commitment to regional road safety. The Minister acknowledges the criticism but defends the government's funding priorities.
AnsweredQoN 870Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
REGIONAL ROADS — FATALITIES AND CRITICAL INJURIES
I refer to the alarming escalation of road fatalities and critical injuries on our regional roads. (1) What is the minister’s response to recent comments by Royal Automotive Club president Alden Halse that the Nationals have turned their back on regional road safety? (2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
I refer to the alarming escalation of road fatalities and critical injuries on our regional roads. (1) What is the minister’s response to recent comments by Royal Automotive Club president Alden Halse that the Nationals have turned their back on regional road safety? (2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(1) What is the minister’s response to recent comments by Royal Automotive Club president Alden Halse that the Nationals have turned their back on regional road safety? (2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(1) What is the minister’s response to recent comments by Royal Automotive Club president Alden Halse that the Nationals have turned their back on regional road safety? (2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(2) Given the minister’s concession in that article that regional road funding is inadequate, what is the minister as a member of the Ministerial Council on Road Safety doing to remedy the situation? (3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(3) Does the minister accept the RAC’s criticism that he has failed to make a long-term commitment to reducing the regional road toll? Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: (1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
(1)-(3) Yes, I accept the criticism of the RAC because we have not expended any royalties for regions money to the level that it has asked for on its regional road plan, so I do accept that criticism. I accept criticism every day because many agencies and organisations, such as the RAC, put to me good plans about regional Western Australia going forward. The job of government, however, is to work its way through that process, decide on priorities and fund those priorities. I make those decisions in concert with the Premier, my cabinet colleagues and the Parliament, and we do that. I am alarmed at the fact that all of a sudden after one year of the Liberal-National government, country roads have become dangerous, member! Were they not dangerous under the previous government? Ms M.M. Quirk : I did not say that. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : No, that is right! Amazingly — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Amazing, the roads have done that! Can I just — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. I think everybody in this place is interested in the safety and welfare of their fellow Western Australians, particularly on the roads. I would like to hear the answer. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Liberal-National government came to power with a set of priorities. I think that those priorities have been rolled out in very good time. The RAC plan for road safety was not one of the priorities that the National Party campaigned on in the election; it was not something that we countenanced prior to the election. We have ensured that we have funded the priorities that were put forward during the election campaign, as we should, and I think we have a very good track record of meeting those election commitments in the face of the difficult economic circumstances that have just been outlined. Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Can I just put on the record, though, that the RAC’s criticism that the Nationals have not funded road safety fails to understand that we are an alliance government that works with the Liberal Party — Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I do! No; it is not their fault at all — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I just find it interesting that the RAC put out a public document to every Western Australian targeting the National Party because we did not fund the folder that it slipped under my arm two weeks after the election. My concern is that if that were so important to the RAC, it should have put that on the table and the National Party would have taken that up and decided whether we would campaign on it. We have not done that and I regret that the RAC has decided to take that tack, but that is up to the RAC because it is a group that has very strong significance in the state. It is well supported by Western Australians and it has a point of view that it is disappointed with the Nationals, and I accept that disappointment. It is delivered to me often, as it is by many groups, but I can assure the member that the Liberal-National government will focus on its priorities and will fund its priorities. It will never be enough in a state like Western Australia, but we believe that we are funding the important initiatives this state needs. With the RAC plan, I am requesting that the Regional Development Council, which comprises the chairpersons of each of the nine regional development commissions, look at it. I provide to the council all the funding submissions put to me almost on a daily basis by organisations and groups from Western Australia. I put that back to the chairs of the development commissions, and I ask them to come back to me with what they regard as the funding priorities for regional Western Australia. If they put forward the RAC plan as a funding priority going forward, it has a good chance of being supported.
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