❓ A parliamentary question regarding the Minister for Local Government's conduct towards the Port Hedland Town Council, alleging aggressive behaviour and misinformation. The Deputy Premier defends the government's investment in the Pilbara region.
AnsweredQoN 391Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Deputy Premier to the actions of the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development that have directly led to the resignation of the Mayor of the Town of Port Hedland. (1) Does the Deputy Premier support the minister’s aggressive and belligerent attitude towards the Port Hedland Town Council, and the mayor in particular? If so, will the Deputy Premier - (i) explain to the House which parts of the ministerial code of conduct enable such misleading and dishonest public behaviour by a minister of the Crown; (ii) guarantee that this minister will remain in the ministry and retain his current portfolios after the next election? (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (i) remove the minister from dealing with the Town of Port Hedland; (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the lies and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council - Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: It is against the standing orders to make an inference, especially about lies, even in a question. The member has been in this place long enough to know that that is the case, and I direct that he withdraw that part of the question. Mr L. GRAHAM: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr L. GRAHAM: Part (2) of the question should read - (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(1) Does the Deputy Premier support the minister’s aggressive and belligerent attitude towards the Port Hedland Town Council, and the mayor in particular? If so, will the Deputy Premier - (i) explain to the House which parts of the ministerial code of conduct enable such misleading and dishonest public behaviour by a minister of the Crown; (ii) guarantee that this minister will remain in the ministry and retain his current portfolios after the next election? (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (i) remove the minister from dealing with the Town of Port Hedland; (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the lies and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council - Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: It is against the standing orders to make an inference, especially about lies, even in a question. The member has been in this place long enough to know that that is the case, and I direct that he withdraw that part of the question. Mr L. GRAHAM: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr L. GRAHAM: Part (2) of the question should read - (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(ii) guarantee that this minister will remain in the ministry and retain his current portfolios after the next election?
(ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the lies and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council -
(iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council -
Mr L. GRAHAM: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr L. GRAHAM: Part (2) of the question should read - (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not?
(iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not?
The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
[See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(1) Does the Deputy Premier support the minister’s aggressive and belligerent attitude towards the Port Hedland Town Council, and the mayor in particular? If so, will the Deputy Premier - (i) explain to the House which parts of the ministerial code of conduct enable such misleading and dishonest public behaviour by a minister of the Crown; (ii) guarantee that this minister will remain in the ministry and retain his current portfolios after the next election? (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (i) remove the minister from dealing with the Town of Port Hedland; (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the lies and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council - Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: It is against the standing orders to make an inference, especially about lies, even in a question. The member has been in this place long enough to know that that is the case, and I direct that he withdraw that part of the question. Mr L. GRAHAM: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr L. GRAHAM: Part (2) of the question should read - (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(ii) guarantee that this minister will remain in the ministry and retain his current portfolios after the next election?
(ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the lies and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council -
(iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council -
Mr L. GRAHAM: Certainly, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr L. GRAHAM: Part (2) of the question should read - (2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(2) If the Deputy Premier does not support his minister’s actions, will he - (ii) explain to the House what action he is prepared to take to ensure that the minister publicly retracts the mendacity and misinformation that he, the minister, has put on the public record in Port Hedland; Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not? Point of Order Mr M.J. BIRNEY: With reference to the graph which the minister has with him and which looks a bit like the state debt graph, the minister said during the last answer that he would table that graph. When the attendant went over to him to receive the graph, the minister refused to give it to him. Mr Speaker, I wonder whether you could direct him to do that or - The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Will the Deputy Premier or the Premier - (iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not?
(iii) meet with the Port Hedland Town Council over these issues; and, if not, why not?
The SPEAKER: Take a seat. A point of order is not a time in which to make a political speech; it is a time in which to make a point of order. When that point was raised, I indicated that if it was a part of an official document, the minister should table it. He has not tabled it, so presumably it is not an official document. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I am quite happy to table it, but I am happier to provide every member with a print-out of it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for South Perth, Darling Range and Kingsley. I will continue to call to order anyone who thinks he or she can strike up a conversation while I am on my feet. The document is tabled. [See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
[See paper No 2489.] Questions without Notice Resumed Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
It was kind of the member for Kalgoorlie to give me so much time to prepare for my answer to the member for Pilbara. I did not realise I had a friend in that part of the House. (1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
(1)-(2) We are seeing a campaign by the Port Hedland Town Council and other councils in the Pilbara for more state government assistance and more state government investment in the Pilbara. They are entitled to run that campaign. They will put forward their arguments, and the Government will listen to them. However, the Government will also put forward its own points of view and arguments, and there should not be any offence taken on either side to the arguments that are put forward. I note that Councillor Rudler remains the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission, which was an appointment made by the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. Mr L. Graham: I can tell you now, to save you withdrawing it, that that is not true. The minister is misleading you in the same way that he is misleading the media. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Is he not the deputy chair of the Pilbara Development Commission? Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr L. Graham: No, he is not. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Has he resigned? Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr L. Graham: Yes, he did. He resigned yesterday. The minister is exercising the same degree of mendacity to you as he is to Port Hedland. Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: If that is the case, Mr Rudler has taken an initiative of his own accord. He certainly has not suffered any negative impact from the minister because the minister appointed him to that commission. If he has chosen to not stay on the commission, that is his own decision. I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
I have had occasion to examine some of these issues. I know, for example, that in the last budget and forward estimates we set aside $65 million for a new hospital in Port Hedland, with $2.5 million to be spent in 2005-06 to begin that process. The Government is spending $11 million on a new Port Hedland nursing home, $29 million upgrading the Pilbara regional water supply infrastructure, and $31 million - not in Port Hedland, but in another part of the Pilbara - for a new multi-user berth at the Dampier port. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for Warren-Blackwood. Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: In short, the Government is spending - Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr P.D. Omodei: If you can’t answer the question, you should sit down. The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call to order the member for the Blackwood for the second time. What should desist is the member’s interjections. Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: It is Thursday, and we have come to expect that sort of behaviour from the member for Warren-Blackwood. Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: There is a substantial program of state government expenditure in the Pilbara generally - Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr M.W. Trenorden: They want to know about local government expenditure. Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
Mr E.S. RIPPER: Just listen. There is a substantial program of State Government expenditure in the Pilbara generally, and in Port Hedland in particular. I have mentioned the commitment to a $65 million new hospital in Port Hedland, and the $11 million allocated to a Port Hedland nursing home. Special support is provided, in partnership with the council, for the Port Hedland enhancement scheme, with $4.5 million provided from the regional investment fund. The Government has renewed the regional investment fund, and increased funding; therefore, the second four-year tranche of that fund will be $80 million. Yes, we know there are some difficulties regarding the Port Hedland council’s finances. However, it is worth noting that staff at the Town of Port Hedland prepared a report for councillors dated 21 May 2004 in which they wrote the following - It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
It is forecast that the Council will end the 2003/2004 financial year with a surplus of $1.5Million. When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
When I see that sort of information, I wonder precisely what difficulties the Port Hedland council is experiencing. I note that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development has written a comprehensive letter to the Port Hedland council setting out all the ways he thinks the council may engage in partnerships with state government departments, and thus engage even more support. I know that my colleague the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development is an enthusiastic, vigorous and sometimes aggravating advocate for the needs of the Pilbara and the financial demands of that area. He is in there batting for that community. I have full confidence in the way he performs his role as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development.
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