❓ Minister MacTiernan responds to a question about former ministers lobbying in the planning portfolio by accusing the previous government of corruption and highlighting Graham Kierath's role as a lobbyist for BGC, detailing instances of favorable treatment towards the company.
AnsweredQoN 61Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
FORMER MINISTERS - LOBBYING WITHIN PLANNING PORTFOLIO
Is the minister aware of any former minister who has been engaged in lobbying within the planning portfolio? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN
Is the minister aware of any former minister who has been engaged in lobbying within the planning portfolio? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question, because there has been a lot of sanctimonious conduct by members on the other side of the house about this matter. Had the Corruption and Crime Commission been in place in the time of the previous government, I have no doubt that many current members of Parliament would not be here. This is really just a question of getting some balance in this debate and understanding what has been going on. I think we can learn from the comments of a former planning minister, Mr Graham Kierath, who went straight from being planning minister to being a full-time lobbyist on behalf of the Liberal Party’s biggest donor, BGC. There is nothing hidden in what Mr Kierath said. His comments were absolutely brazen. Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : We have a responsibility to think about the reputation of both current and former members. My understanding is that Graham Kierath was an employee of Mr Buckeridge and not a lobbyist, as he was entitled to be. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question, because there has been a lot of sanctimonious conduct by members on the other side of the house about this matter. Had the Corruption and Crime Commission been in place in the time of the previous government, I have no doubt that many current members of Parliament would not be here. This is really just a question of getting some balance in this debate and understanding what has been going on. I think we can learn from the comments of a former planning minister, Mr Graham Kierath, who went straight from being planning minister to being a full-time lobbyist on behalf of the Liberal Party’s biggest donor, BGC. There is nothing hidden in what Mr Kierath said. His comments were absolutely brazen. Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : We have a responsibility to think about the reputation of both current and former members. My understanding is that Graham Kierath was an employee of Mr Buckeridge and not a lobbyist, as he was entitled to be. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
I thank the member for the question, because there has been a lot of sanctimonious conduct by members on the other side of the house about this matter. Had the Corruption and Crime Commission been in place in the time of the previous government, I have no doubt that many current members of Parliament would not be here. This is really just a question of getting some balance in this debate and understanding what has been going on. I think we can learn from the comments of a former planning minister, Mr Graham Kierath, who went straight from being planning minister to being a full-time lobbyist on behalf of the Liberal Party’s biggest donor, BGC. There is nothing hidden in what Mr Kierath said. His comments were absolutely brazen. Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : We have a responsibility to think about the reputation of both current and former members. My understanding is that Graham Kierath was an employee of Mr Buckeridge and not a lobbyist, as he was entitled to be. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for the question, because there has been a lot of sanctimonious conduct by members on the other side of the house about this matter. Had the Corruption and Crime Commission been in place in the time of the previous government, I have no doubt that many current members of Parliament would not be here. This is really just a question of getting some balance in this debate and understanding what has been going on. I think we can learn from the comments of a former planning minister, Mr Graham Kierath, who went straight from being planning minister to being a full-time lobbyist on behalf of the Liberal Party’s biggest donor, BGC. There is nothing hidden in what Mr Kierath said. His comments were absolutely brazen. Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : We have a responsibility to think about the reputation of both current and former members. My understanding is that Graham Kierath was an employee of Mr Buckeridge and not a lobbyist, as he was entitled to be. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
I thank the member for the question, because there has been a lot of sanctimonious conduct by members on the other side of the house about this matter. Had the Corruption and Crime Commission been in place in the time of the previous government, I have no doubt that many current members of Parliament would not be here. This is really just a question of getting some balance in this debate and understanding what has been going on. I think we can learn from the comments of a former planning minister, Mr Graham Kierath, who went straight from being planning minister to being a full-time lobbyist on behalf of the Liberal Party’s biggest donor, BGC. There is nothing hidden in what Mr Kierath said. His comments were absolutely brazen. Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : We have a responsibility to think about the reputation of both current and former members. My understanding is that Graham Kierath was an employee of Mr Buckeridge and not a lobbyist, as he was entitled to be. The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : There is no point of order in relation to former members of Parliament. Questions without Notice Resumed Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : I will let Mr Kierath speak for himself. It is very important for us to understand how Mr Kierath described his activities on behalf of Mr Buckeridge. He said - From my years in Government I have come to know many of the most helpful and efficient officers in certain departments, and how the processes work - networking is one of the best shortcuts going around. It just helps in getting from A to B without going grey or crazy first! Mr C.J. Barnett : There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s the point? Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Nothing wrong. He also said - Therefore, I’ve been a bit of a bureaucratic navigator. When the Good Ship BGC sails headlong to the next destination - a quarry, a new installation or final planning details, I’ve been like the pilot who knows the location of those ‘sandbanks of bureaucratic inertia’ - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : Let us understand the context of this full-time lobbyist. He jumped sides. He jumped right onto the good ship BGC immediately after the people of Riverton booted him out. Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Mr E.S. Ripper : He is paid by them. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : I am sure that the conversation across the chamber is very interesting to those involved; however, I want to hear the minister. I urge members to allow her to speak. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : He is paid by BGC to use his influence - Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms K. Hodson-Thomas interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Carine to order for the first time. Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
Ms A.J.G. MacTIERNAN : God! I must be really rousing them up for the member for Carine to be called to order! We are going back to the Thomas the Tank Engine days. We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
We need to consider this matter in the context of the extraordinary concessions that were given to BGC. A decision was made in 1993 by the then planning minister, Richard Lewis, to allow BGC to build a concrete batching plant, which went against the recommendation of the City of Wanneroo and the Town Planning Appeal Committee. In 1995, the current Leader of the Opposition, as the then local government minister, ignored the advice of his department and overturned a stop-work order that was in place against BGC. In 1995, BGC built a transport depot and bitumen plant in Hazelmere. This was done without any planning or environmental approvals being obtained. The process was subsequently legitimised by Mr Kierath. It goes on and on. BGC was given the stevedoring contract for Stateships without any tender process being undertaken. When that contract finally had to be brought to an end, Mr Buckeridge was given a $1 million out-of-court settlement. The previous government sold him 22 hectares of crown land on the Australind bypass for half the price that the Valuer-General said it was worth. Of course, there was also the extraordinary James Point project in which BGC was offered 300 hectares of seabed lease virtually free of charge, with an option to purchase freehold title for $10 a block. This should be the scandal. This should be the subject of a royal commission.
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