❓ The Premier is questioned about the appropriateness of a minister undermining a public servant in another's portfolio and is asked to declare his support for the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation. The Premier deflects, referencing a previous question and tabling unrelated correspondence, before eventually stating it's inappropriate for ministerial staff to interfere in other portfolios.
AnsweredQoN 517Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PREMIER — CONFIDENCE IN DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
(1) Is it acceptable for a minister to undermine the standing of professional and independent public servants in another minister’s portfolio? (2) Will the Premier, as the minister responsible, declare his unequivocal support for and confidence in the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation? (3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT
(1) Is it acceptable for a minister to undermine the standing of professional and independent public servants in another minister’s portfolio? (2) Will the Premier, as the minister responsible, declare his unequivocal support for and confidence in the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation? (3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(2) Will the Premier, as the minister responsible, declare his unequivocal support for and confidence in the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation? (3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
[See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(2) Will the Premier, as the minister responsible, declare his unequivocal support for and confidence in the Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation? (3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(3) Will the Premier require the Leader of the National Party to apologise to the director general of that department for the activities of the Leader of the National Party’s staff who sought to undermine the professional standing of that fine public servant? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
It is a pity that the Leader of the Opposition did not share the same view about Peter Conran this morning. Before I answer that question, I will, if I may, table an item of correspondence from Chris Ellison to Peter Conran, the Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, outlining in absolute detail any matters relating to his appointment. The correspondence makes it very clear that there is no conflict of interest. I do not what know what else opposition members would like me to do. Would they like to me to provide details of his family’s shopping list? [See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
[See paper 964.] Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr M. McGowan : Answer the question that was asked. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That relates to the previous question I was asked, which is apparently the opposition’s biggest issue of the day—trying to pull apart a person of integrity. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is what the Leader of the National Party was doing yesterday. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition asked the question and I will answer it as I wish. Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr P.B. Watson : Arrogance. The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
The SPEAKER : It might surprise the member for Albany to know that I can hear him from here occasionally. I formally call him for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I come to the question. (1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
(1)-(3) The Minister for Regional Development has answered the question but I will make the following comments. It was made very clear by the minister yesterday that it is inappropriate for ministerial staff to reflect in any way on a head of a department, particularly when that head of department reports to another minister. Indeed, if a minister has a concern about policy issues or the implementation of a regulation, whatever it might be, or the administration of a portfolio, then that minister can raise it either with me or directly with the minister’s colleague, which in this case is Hon Donna Faragher. That is the appropriate procedure; that is the standard. It is as simple as that. Ministers work together in cabinet. If they have concerns with other portfolios, they raise those concerns with either the Premier or the relevant minister. It is not appropriate for a ministerial staffer to in any way reflect on or interfere with the operations of other portfolios.
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