❓ Ms MacTiernan questions Premier Barnett about the Oakajee port development and the use of taxpayer funds. Barnett defends the project, criticizes the previous government's handling of port development and tender processes, leading to heated exchanges and a withdrawal of remark.
AnsweredQoN 195Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
OAKAJEE DEVELOPMENT
(1) Can the Premier confirm that the $600 million to $700 million of taxpayer funds that he is proposing to add to the privately funded port is to build a bigger port to accompany this vision? (2) Can he outline the nature and scale of the changes proposed? (3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT
(1) Can the Premier confirm that the $600 million to $700 million of taxpayer funds that he is proposing to add to the privately funded port is to build a bigger port to accompany this vision? (2) Can he outline the nature and scale of the changes proposed? (3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(2) Can he outline the nature and scale of the changes proposed? (3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(2) Can he outline the nature and scale of the changes proposed? (3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(3) Is there a business case that underpins this expenditure, and will he table it? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
(1)-(3) Oakajee, I know it well. It was a long time ago—about 1998-99—that the state acquired the site at Oakajee. The state spent $20 million, rezoned the land with the cooperation of the local authorities, did environmental assessments, and even drilled the seabed and found sources of hard rock that could be used in the creation of breakwaters. Here we are eight years on and nothing has happened. So here we are—deja vu. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No contract was awarded. Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In eight years of the previous government it did not happen for Western Australia, and now Oakajee is back. Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Rockingham! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Here we are, after a former minister—who criticised Oakajee in this chamber repeatedly—spent more than $100 million deepening Geraldton harbour and to this day it cannot even take a laden panamax ship, let alone a capesize ship. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What absolute rubbish! Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Anyone who knows about the iron ore trade knows that it goes in capesize and sometimes panamax ships. A fully laden panamax ship cannot get into Geraldton harbour, even after the previous government spent more than $100 million on it. It ignored all the advice that went back for decades that pointed to the hard capstone at the base of Geraldton harbour. Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Here we are, back to Oakajee. The previous government also set in place a tender process, which it restricted to two proponents, and set up competition between China and Japan, the two most important markets for our exports. The previous government set our two major customers in competition with each other. How stupid was that? One of the reasons I went to Japan two weeks ago, and one of the reasons I will be going to China in a few months, is to try to smooth over the damage that was done to our international standing. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : There is no doubt about it, Mr Speaker — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are the most dishonest individual I have ever met. Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Albany! Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Am I? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly the most dishonest person I have ever met in my entire life. It is a statement of fact. Withdrawal of Remark Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I refer you to standing order 92 on imputations and personal reflection. What the member for Armadale has just said about the Premier of the state is disgraceful and goes against standing orders. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, and I ask that she withdraw and apologise. Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The Leader of the House has been a member of this place for 16 years and well knows the standing practice of this house during that time that when a member used the word “lie” about another member, that was found to be unparliamentary. Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr R.F. Johnson : “Dishonest” was the word used. Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The word “dishonest” has been used on hundreds of occasions, including by the Premier and the member who said it, and has never been found to be unparliamentary. The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : That may be the case, member for Rockingham, but in this instance I will ask the member for Armadale to withdraw the comment. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was more like a curtsy than a withdrawal, but never mind. I will get back to Oakajee, Mr Speaker. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : You are truly appalling. You misrepresent the whole history of Oakajee, but can you actually answer the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I remind members opposite that 30 000 more people voted for the Liberal Party than voted for Labor, plus we can add to that the National Party vote. I think that should tell members opposite something. Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Dr E. Constable : And an Independent. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : And an Independent; that should tell members opposite something. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Members opposite can accuse me of misrepresenting their record but 30 000 people saw their record for what it was. Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Back to Oakajee. The process had its deficiencies; it had interplay between various players and it even had the use of rather notorious lobbyists from time to time. The process has been murky. This government is now cleaning up the process. Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr W.J. Johnston interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cannington! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state government has made the decision that the state—hopefully with the support of the commonwealth—will undertake responsibility for the construction of the outer harbour infrastructure facilities, including the breakwater and the turning channel, and we will retain ownership of the industrial estate, which is critical to the future development of this state. That is one of our submissions. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : That is not the question. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am getting to the member’s question. That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
That is, therefore, what the state government is doing. The estimated cost of developing that broad outer harbour infrastructure—or common-user infrastructure—is estimated to be in the order of $680 million. This is an open, exposed coast with deep water. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : What we are asking — Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Would the member for Armadale like me to sit down and she can answer her own question? Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : No. You have been talking for 10 minutes and you haven’t answered it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am very happy to sit down. I am very happy for the member for Armadale to get up and ask a question but I can hardly hear to answer it. The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The SPEAKER : I urge every member of this house to recognise that it is question time and a lot of members have questions to ask and want answers to those questions. I urge both sides of the house to be as expedient as possible in answering the questions. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The state will own, control and charge fees for the use of that infrastructure. This, like every other common-user port in Western Australia, will be a Western Australian port; it will be an Australian port. We will not have any overseas country or interest own a port as critical as that to the development of this state and this nation. We have found a balance, and the private proponent, Oakajee Port and Rail, will develop the private facilities for its customers and investors. That will involve the rail infrastructure, stockpiles, loaders, conveyors, ship fillers and the like, and the construction initially of two berths for iron ore trade. The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
The question related to whether the port will be bigger. The final designs will be done once we sign a development agreement, which is very close to being finalised and will make provision for the construction for further berths at some time in the future. This is a long-term project. The agreement will also make provision for the construction at some stage of a general cargo facility, even a container facility. This will be a major port for Western Australia and for the nation. As I have said a number of times in comments I have made—members opposite may not agree—I regard this as the most important development project for Western Australia, and arguably the most important development project in the nation right now. This state and this country lacks modern, deep-sea ports with adjacent industrial estates serviced with the infrastructure of rail, water, power, gas and whatever, and close to a regional town such as the City of Geraldton. The member for Geraldton is a strong supporter of the Oakajee development and will play a pivotal role in the project, and we hope he will derive benefits for his community, including employment in a range of small businesses. Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
Yes, it is a difficult project; I would not deny that for a moment. I am spending a lot of my time on the Oakajee project. I know its history and I know the difficulty of bringing together such disparate groups and such conflicting interests at a time when world demand for the product has diminished and the share prices of many companies associated either directly with the project or with prospective exporters of iron ore have suffered. It is not easy, but it is so important for this state. That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
That is, therefore, the answer. It will be a fantastic port and I hope the opposition will support it. I just hope that members opposite will not contact their Labor colleagues in Canberra to try to undermine this project.
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