❓ A parliamentary question regarding potential impropriety in awarding education-related contracts to Huntly Consulting Group, given connections between the company's director and the Minister for Education and Training. The Treasurer denies impropriety but confirms an existing review of TAFE college contracting.
AnsweredQoN 906Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HUNTLY CONSULTING GROUP PTY LTD - EDUCATION CONTRACTS
My question follows on from an answer that the Treasurer gave to a previous question in question time today. I refer the Treasurer to revelations that Huntly Consulting Group Pty Ltd has received about $300 000 worth of education-related contracts from the Treasurer’s government in the past year. Given that the Minister for Education and Training is a friend and former colleague of the director of Huntly Consulting Group, Mr Gregory Philip, and given that the partner of Mr Philip is an executive director in the Department of Education and Training, I ask; what action will the Treasurer, in his capacity as the minister responsible for the State Supply Commission, take to investigate any possible impropriety in the awarding of these contracts; and, if the Treasurer refuses to act, why is he protecting the minister ahead of the interests of the people of Western Australia? Mr E.S. RIPPER
My question follows on from an answer that the Treasurer gave to a previous question in question time today. I refer the Treasurer to revelations that Huntly Consulting Group Pty Ltd has received about $300 000 worth of education-related contracts from the Treasurer’s government in the past year. Given that the Minister for Education and Training is a friend and former colleague of the director of Huntly Consulting Group, Mr Gregory Philip, and given that the partner of Mr Philip is an executive director in the Department of Education and Training, I ask; what action will the Treasurer, in his capacity as the minister responsible for the State Supply Commission, take to investigate any possible impropriety in the awarding of these contracts; and, if the Treasurer refuses to act, why is he protecting the minister ahead of the interests of the people of Western Australia? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
This is classic. There is no evidence at all of any impropriety, but the opposition makes the allegation simply on the basis of association. If Perth were a city of six million people and there were more than six degrees of separation between any people in Perth, perhaps there might be some grounds for making that sort of assertion. However, everyone knows that Perth is a small city and there are relationships and friendships that sometimes complicate the operation of proper processes. Nevertheless, this is the issue: since Mr Philip left the Department of Education and Training in 1994, his companies have won a number of contracts with the WA government, the commonwealth government and other state governments. This includes numerous contracts awarded to Greg Philip’s previous company during the term of the previous coalition government. I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: This is classic. There is no evidence at all of any impropriety, but the opposition makes the allegation simply on the basis of association. If Perth were a city of six million people and there were more than six degrees of separation between any people in Perth, perhaps there might be some grounds for making that sort of assertion. However, everyone knows that Perth is a small city and there are relationships and friendships that sometimes complicate the operation of proper processes. Nevertheless, this is the issue: since Mr Philip left the Department of Education and Training in 1994, his companies have won a number of contracts with the WA government, the commonwealth government and other state governments. This includes numerous contracts awarded to Greg Philip’s previous company during the term of the previous coalition government. I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
This is classic. There is no evidence at all of any impropriety, but the opposition makes the allegation simply on the basis of association. If Perth were a city of six million people and there were more than six degrees of separation between any people in Perth, perhaps there might be some grounds for making that sort of assertion. However, everyone knows that Perth is a small city and there are relationships and friendships that sometimes complicate the operation of proper processes. Nevertheless, this is the issue: since Mr Philip left the Department of Education and Training in 1994, his companies have won a number of contracts with the WA government, the commonwealth government and other state governments. This includes numerous contracts awarded to Greg Philip’s previous company during the term of the previous coalition government. I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: This is classic. There is no evidence at all of any impropriety, but the opposition makes the allegation simply on the basis of association. If Perth were a city of six million people and there were more than six degrees of separation between any people in Perth, perhaps there might be some grounds for making that sort of assertion. However, everyone knows that Perth is a small city and there are relationships and friendships that sometimes complicate the operation of proper processes. Nevertheless, this is the issue: since Mr Philip left the Department of Education and Training in 1994, his companies have won a number of contracts with the WA government, the commonwealth government and other state governments. This includes numerous contracts awarded to Greg Philip’s previous company during the term of the previous coalition government. I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
This is classic. There is no evidence at all of any impropriety, but the opposition makes the allegation simply on the basis of association. If Perth were a city of six million people and there were more than six degrees of separation between any people in Perth, perhaps there might be some grounds for making that sort of assertion. However, everyone knows that Perth is a small city and there are relationships and friendships that sometimes complicate the operation of proper processes. Nevertheless, this is the issue: since Mr Philip left the Department of Education and Training in 1994, his companies have won a number of contracts with the WA government, the commonwealth government and other state governments. This includes numerous contracts awarded to Greg Philip’s previous company during the term of the previous coalition government. I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that the contracts were awarded following due process. However, I am responsible for the State Supply Commission, and the State Supply Commission is the regulator of procurement probity in this state. As it happens, some weeks ago the Minister for Education and Training was concerned about the probity of contracting in certain TAFE colleges, and the Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me whether I would commission a - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! I do not know what caused the outburst, but anything that stops the answer being given is disorderly, and I urge members to not do that. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the member for Cottesloe and the member for Vasse. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : Mr Speaker - Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr T.R. Sprigg interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Murdoch to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me and asked me - Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr M.W. Trenorden interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : I call the member for Avon to order for the first time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The question of parliamentary standards arises. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I thank the member for Avon. He has once again interjected right on cue. I appreciate his contribution, as I have for all the years that we have jointly been members of this house. The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
The Minister for Education and Training wrote to me, expressing concern about tendering processes in certain TAFE colleges and asking me whether I would have the State Supply Commission, as the regulator, look at those issues. Consequently, the whole question of contracts awarded in the training section of the portfolio will be, as a result of the minister’s request some weeks ago, examined by the State Supply Commission. However, I must say that that should not be taken as any evidence at all of anything wrong with the contracts that have been awarded to Mr Philip - not any evidence at all that the contracts awarded to Mr Philip have any degree of impropriety whatsoever. I ask those people on the opposition side who are jeering to present any evidence that they might have about this matter. When they objected to my reference to the Scott Four Colour Print impropriety, I was able to come back and present to them an admission by the then Premier and an admission by the then minister that there was indeed a problem. This is different, because our assertion, on the basis of advice from the relevant department, is that the contracting has been entirely in accord with government rules and entirely proper. If anyone thinks differently, it is time to put up or shut up.
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