❓ Question regarding the Minister's approval of his press secretary contacting GWN to present a specific viewpoint on the Port Hedland council's finances. The Minister avoids a direct 'yes' or 'no' answer, instead focusing on his support for spreading accurate information.
AnsweredQoN 583Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the minister’s previous answer to my question about the Port Hedland council. Did the minister approve Mr Keogh’s actions in his decision to contact GWN to put a particular point of view about the Port Hedland council’s finances? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I refer to my previous answer to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. Do I support the spreading of correct information about the finances of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Am I happy to see the rate setting statement produced for the Town of Port Hedland made available to the media? Yes, I am. Did the honourable member ask a question about the activities of my press secretary? Yes, he did. What was he asking? Did that press secretary circulate the rate setting statement of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, he did. Did he do it with my support? He has my support. Who does not have my support? The people who do not have my support are those who spread disinformation. Contained on the rate setting statement position before the Town of Port Hedland last night are the following figures - Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I refer to my previous answer to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. Do I support the spreading of correct information about the finances of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Am I happy to see the rate setting statement produced for the Town of Port Hedland made available to the media? Yes, I am. Did the honourable member ask a question about the activities of my press secretary? Yes, he did. What was he asking? Did that press secretary circulate the rate setting statement of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, he did. Did he do it with my support? He has my support. Who does not have my support? The people who do not have my support are those who spread disinformation. Contained on the rate setting statement position before the Town of Port Hedland last night are the following figures - Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
I refer to my previous answer to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. Do I support the spreading of correct information about the finances of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Am I happy to see the rate setting statement produced for the Town of Port Hedland made available to the media? Yes, I am. Did the honourable member ask a question about the activities of my press secretary? Yes, he did. What was he asking? Did that press secretary circulate the rate setting statement of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, he did. Did he do it with my support? He has my support. Who does not have my support? The people who do not have my support are those who spread disinformation. Contained on the rate setting statement position before the Town of Port Hedland last night are the following figures - Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I refer to my previous answer to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. Do I support the spreading of correct information about the finances of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Am I happy to see the rate setting statement produced for the Town of Port Hedland made available to the media? Yes, I am. Did the honourable member ask a question about the activities of my press secretary? Yes, he did. What was he asking? Did that press secretary circulate the rate setting statement of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, he did. Did he do it with my support? He has my support. Who does not have my support? The people who do not have my support are those who spread disinformation. Contained on the rate setting statement position before the Town of Port Hedland last night are the following figures - Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
I refer to my previous answer to the question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. Do I support the spreading of correct information about the finances of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Am I happy to see the rate setting statement produced for the Town of Port Hedland made available to the media? Yes, I am. Did the honourable member ask a question about the activities of my press secretary? Yes, he did. What was he asking? Did that press secretary circulate the rate setting statement of the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, he did. Did he do it with my support? He has my support. Who does not have my support? The people who do not have my support are those who spread disinformation. Contained on the rate setting statement position before the Town of Port Hedland last night are the following figures - Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Murray Criddle: Get stuck into it, Tom. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
The PRESIDENT: Order! It is not a debate. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Not at all. Before the Town of Port Hedland’s council last night were the following figures - estimated surplus to 30 June 2004, $1 467 371. Contained within that rate setting statement are budget figures for 2003-04 of $968 378. For 2004-05, those figures are now shown on this sheet of paper as $2 881 225. That is a dramatic increase in the governance expenditure for that council. I am advised that, as a result of concerns being expressed to the council about those figures, it is now possible that we will see those governance figures reallocated across the other program functions of that council. In reference to economic services, in 2003-04 the figure was $479 435. In 2004-05 the figure is $3 314 687. Also contained in this document - Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: Do you reckon you could answer the question? Do you support the actions of your press secretary? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I approve of the spreading of correct information about the Town of Port Hedland? Yes, I do. Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: So should he. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Do I want people to understand? Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: Did you give authority to your press secretary to contact the media or not? The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
The PRESIDENT: Order, the Leader of the Opposition! The minister’s answer sounds familiar. Has the minister completed his answer? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I have just about completed it. Contained within the document that has been circulated is the following information: the price of the purchase of land and buildings for 2004-05 was $4 255 755. The Town of Port Hedland is able to apply for use of a $9 million enhancement scheme, a $20 million Pilbara fund and a $75 million regional investment scheme that the Gallop Government has funded during its first four years in government. In addition, the Town of Port Hedland can apply for use of an $80 million infrastructure fund. Did it apply for any of the major regional infrastructure funds over the past four years? No, it did not. Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon Norman Moore: The question had nothing to do with that. We know all that. You have told us that. Just tell me whether you authorised your media adviser to contact the Press? Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: I will authorise anyone to spread correct information about the Town of Port Hedland, but I do not want anyone to tell lies about it.
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