❓ Hon. Kate Doust asks the Minister for Energy to assure the house that he will use his powers to stop Synergy from outsourcing 120 WA IT jobs to Mumbai. The Minister responds that the claim of 120 jobs is unfounded and that he is seeking legal advice on his capacity to direct Synergy.
AnsweredQoN 303Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SYNERGY — OFFSHORE JOBS — MINISTERIAL DIRECTION
Should Synergy persist in its plan to outsource jobs offshore, will the minister assure this house that he will exercise his powers of direction under section 112 of the Electricity Corporations Act 2005 to immediately end all negotiations designed to see 120 Western Australian IT jobs exported offshore to Mumbai? Hon PETER COLLIER
Should Synergy persist in its plan to outsource jobs offshore, will the minister assure this house that he will exercise his powers of direction under section 112 of the Electricity Corporations Act 2005 to immediately end all negotiations designed to see 120 Western Australian IT jobs exported offshore to Mumbai? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. At the outset, I note that the question and part of the member’s media release today referred to more than 120 jobs being outsourced to Mumbai. That is not based on any fact. All it does is incite further uncertainty and inflame the situation and it is very, very unhelpful. Does the honourable member have evidence that it will be above 120 workers? Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for the question. At the outset, I note that the question and part of the member’s media release today referred to more than 120 jobs being outsourced to Mumbai. That is not based on any fact. All it does is incite further uncertainty and inflame the situation and it is very, very unhelpful. Does the honourable member have evidence that it will be above 120 workers? Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
I thank the member for the question. At the outset, I note that the question and part of the member’s media release today referred to more than 120 jobs being outsourced to Mumbai. That is not based on any fact. All it does is incite further uncertainty and inflame the situation and it is very, very unhelpful. Does the honourable member have evidence that it will be above 120 workers? Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: I thank the member for the question. At the outset, I note that the question and part of the member’s media release today referred to more than 120 jobs being outsourced to Mumbai. That is not based on any fact. All it does is incite further uncertainty and inflame the situation and it is very, very unhelpful. Does the honourable member have evidence that it will be above 120 workers? Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
I thank the member for the question. At the outset, I note that the question and part of the member’s media release today referred to more than 120 jobs being outsourced to Mumbai. That is not based on any fact. All it does is incite further uncertainty and inflame the situation and it is very, very unhelpful. Does the honourable member have evidence that it will be above 120 workers? Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon Kate Doust : You tell me how many. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
The PRESIDENT : Order, members! Again, I do not know how many times I have to point out that this is not a debating time. The next time a member engages in a debate, that member will not get the call. If the member persists, the member will not get the call tomorrow. Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I was making the point, Mr President, that these sorts of comments are unhelpful. The so-called claim that 120 jobs will be outsourced overseas is without foundation. In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
In terms of Synergy, I repeat what I have continually said, and it is something that I feel comfortable with: it is very unhelpful in this debate to continue to have a public slanging match on whether something will happen based on—dare I say it?—leaks, rumour or innuendo. Contrary to the protestations of the honourable member, I have had a hands-on approach to this issue. I have met with Synergy on this issue and have made my position quite clear. I am seeking legal advice on my capacity to direct Synergy. This is an operational issue, and my advice is that, as such, it is the responsibility of the board. I am seeking advice, but I would like to think that we will not have to go down that path. I am having very fruitful and constructive discussions with the chairman of the board and the managing director of Synergy. I am extremely mindful of the parlous economic circumstances and the effect that that is having on some workers. I am cognisant of those circumstances, and I am intent on ensuring that no jobs are lost to overseas. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that that occurs. I have sought legal advice, but I would like to think that we will develop an outcome that will be conducive to the workers and Synergy and will benefit Western Australia.
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