❓ A parliamentary question regarding bushfire preparedness in Murray-Wellington, including emergency warning systems, helicopter services, and changes to the Bush Fires Act. The Minister's response focuses on criticizing the opposition's record and claims regarding volunteer identification cards.
AnsweredQoN 747Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS
Mr Speaker — Point of Order Mr R.H. COOK : Mr Speaker, I distinctly heard you give the call to the member for Kwinana before you took the point of order. The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana, you will get your call. Questions Without Notice Resumed Mr M.J. COWPER : Thank you, Mr Speaker. (1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
Mr Speaker — Point of Order Mr R.H. COOK : Mr Speaker, I distinctly heard you give the call to the member for Kwinana before you took the point of order. The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana, you will get your call. Questions Without Notice Resumed Mr M.J. COWPER : Thank you, Mr Speaker. (1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana, you will get your call. Questions Without Notice Resumed Mr M.J. COWPER : Thank you, Mr Speaker. (1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
The SPEAKER : Member for Kwinana, you will get your call. Questions Without Notice Resumed Mr M.J. COWPER : Thank you, Mr Speaker. (1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(1) The Minister for Emergency Services will be aware that the electorate of Murray-Wellington is considerably prone to bushfires. Can he please detail the steps he has taken on bushfire preparedness with the new emergency warning system; support for the emergency rescue helicopter service; and moves to make critical changes to the Bush Fires Act 1954 to improve safety? (2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(2) Can the minister please advise the house of the initiative to introduce photographic identity cards for fire and emergency services volunteers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Before I answer this question, I am sure I speak for everyone in offering sincere condolences from family and friends to station officer Lance Davey, who collapsed and died last Friday. Mr Davey was the acting area manager for the Pilbara and was conducting off-road vehicle training with fire and rescue volunteers near Roebourne at the time of his death. Lance was just 53 and is survived by his wife, Sally, and children, Shaun and Jodi. I would like to thank his family for his wonderful service to our state as a firefighter and to extend the government’s deepest sympathy and, indeed, the sympathy of everyone in this place to them at this very sad time. I also commend the volunteers who came to Mr Davey’s aid and who have also done a wonderful job, along with Fire and Emergency Services Authority management, in helping support Mr Davey’s family. Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr Speaker, I will now answer the question that was asked by my colleague. (1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
(1)-(2) During our 12 months in government, it has become apparent that the opposition simply cannot come to grips with harsh realities. I have to say that I was astonished when I read a media statement by the member for Girrawheen, who seems to be making things up as she goes along. I will quote the member for Girrawheen — Shadow Emergency Services Minister Margaret Quirk congratulated the Barnett Government — That must have choked her! I go on — on implementing identification cards for emergency services volunteers — This is the bit that is interesting — after continuous campaigning by Labor and volunteer fire fighters. It is a rhetorical question, but I would like to know when Labor, and in particular the member for Girrawheen, ever campaigned for identification cards for our volunteer firefighters. We have searched high and low and have found nothing—absolutely nothing. Yet the member for Girrawheen sends out this misleading statement, trying to con the people of Western Australia that she has been doing a good job and has been campaigning for the government to do what she believes it should be doing. Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr Speaker, for the past year the Fire and Emergency Services Authority has been issuing the identification cards. Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Yes, it has; the member for Girrawheen knows it has. The former government did nothing for two years. The Labor Party sat on the report from the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee on emergency services and a new Bush Fires Act for Western Australia. Labor Party members sat on it for two years—not a stitch of work was done by them. When we took government last year, one of our priorities was to implement virtually all of the recommendations from that parliamentary committee report, which we have done and which culminated initially in the legislation that was brought before this house last week. I have to say that Labor Party members had said they supported the legislation, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on it. We needed desperately to get the legislation through this house, yet they spent three and a half hours filibustering on legislation that they said they supported. Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : They should be ashamed of themselves. The latest offering, as I said, in this list of delusional comments was that press release that came out on Sunday. I just wonder what the member for Girrawheen does on a Sunday. She comes out with all these fanciful ideas, but none at all bears any truth to actual events. The member for Girrawheen also said — I am glad the Minister has taken Labor’s advice and promised to roll out about 1000 cards in high risk areas such as the South West and the Perth hills area by December 1, when the bushfire season starts, and in other areas soon after. What advice did the member for Girrawheen give me? What advice did any member on the other side of the house give me? None! Why did the member for Girrawheen, therefore, put out statements that are completely untrue to try to make herself look good? I suggest that in future on a Sunday the member for Girrawheen might want to go to church and learn something really decent.
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