❓ A parliamentary question regarding the Tourism WA CEO's credit card expenditure, specifically a large sum spent at a Sydney restaurant. The Minister defends the expenditure as necessary for industry networking and within government guidelines, highlighting increased tourism budget and visitor expenditure.
AnsweredQoN 774Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CREDIT CARD BILL
(1) Is it true that Tourism Western Australia chief executive officer, Richard Muirhead, spent more than $31 000 on his taxpayer-funded credit card last year, including $3 724.50 at an exclusive Sydney restaurant? (2) Has the minister requested an explanation from Mr Muirhead and can the minister explain this extravagant expenditure to the house? (3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE
(1) Is it true that Tourism Western Australia chief executive officer, Richard Muirhead, spent more than $31 000 on his taxpayer-funded credit card last year, including $3 724.50 at an exclusive Sydney restaurant? (2) Has the minister requested an explanation from Mr Muirhead and can the minister explain this extravagant expenditure to the house? (3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(2) Has the minister requested an explanation from Mr Muirhead and can the minister explain this extravagant expenditure to the house? (3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(2) Has the minister requested an explanation from Mr Muirhead and can the minister explain this extravagant expenditure to the house? (3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(3) Can the minister explain how this expenditure is justified, given the failure of the government to increase visitor numbers or secure major events for Western Australia? Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
I thank the member for her question. Given her appalling position last week on liquor licensing, I am surprised that she has the gall to ask any questions. (1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
(1)-(3) Those members who have read The West Australian will have seen the article in which it was asserted that Mr Muirhead had expended about $31 000 on the credit card. When The West Australian was making inquiries last week, I asked for further details. I can assure the member and this house that all that expenditure was entirely within government accountability measures. Mr Muirhead’s credit card is used for a number of items, including training, hospitality and a range of other necessary expenditure. Tourism is an industry that relies on relationships with the hospitality industry and others. Specifically, the amount of $3 700 was in relation to an event in Sydney, I think, to which more than 40 tourism operators and players in the tourism industry were invited. In order for us to grow the tourism industry - Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I have already said that about 40 tourism operators were invited to that function. To grow the industry, there must be networks, and we must be able to demonstrate the product and the experience that we have - The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
Ms S.M. McHALE : I have sought an explanation. There is very good reason for the expenditure of that amount. I believe that we must see it in the context of the industry. Let me remind the member that for 2006 we have increased our budget from $30 million in 2001 to $50 million-plus. I also remind the member that visitor expenditure by international visitors has in fact increased by six per cent. That is important.
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