A parliamentary question probes the appropriateness of the Western Power Managing Director's weekend trip to Melbourne during a potential power crisis, questioning the use of taxpayer funds. The Minister defends the Managing Director's performance and criticizes personal attacks on public servants.

AnsweredQoN 934Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 August 2003
Portfolio
Energy

QuestionView source ↗

I have a supplementary question. In view of the importance of the position, and given the discontent that exists within Western Power, does the minister consider it appropriate that on a weekend when there was a potential for Western Australia to suffer rolling brownouts and blackouts, the Managing Director of Western Power was driven to the airport by a taxpayer-funded limousine service to spend the weekend in Melbourne? Mr E.S. RIPPER

AnswerView source ↗

It would be very interesting to see when various people from the Opposition are in town or not in town, and the times they may conceivably not be present to pay attention to issues that might confront them. I judge people as I find them. I judge people on their performance and on their merit. I have found Dr Stephen van der Mye’s performance in his role to be good. The member for Darling Range has made some unfortunate personal allegations. I think it is fair enough to have a go at politicians as we are in the parliamentary and political process. I expect to come in here and be attacked. I put up my hand to be in politics. I do not mind. However, I do mind when, under the cover of parliamentary privilege, highly personal and negative remarks are made about public servants doing their work.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: It would be very interesting to see when various people from the Opposition are in town or not in town, and the times they may conceivably not be present to pay attention to issues that might confront them. I judge people as I find them. I judge people on their performance and on their merit. I have found Dr Stephen van der Mye’s performance in his role to be good. The member for Darling Range has made some unfortunate personal allegations. I think it is fair enough to have a go at politicians as we are in the parliamentary and political process. I expect to come in here and be attacked. I put up my hand to be in politics. I do not mind. However, I do mind when, under the cover of parliamentary privilege, highly personal and negative remarks are made about public servants doing their work.
It would be very interesting to see when various people from the Opposition are in town or not in town, and the times they may conceivably not be present to pay attention to issues that might confront them. I judge people as I find them. I judge people on their performance and on their merit. I have found Dr Stephen van der Mye’s performance in his role to be good. The member for Darling Range has made some unfortunate personal allegations. I think it is fair enough to have a go at politicians as we are in the parliamentary and political process. I expect to come in here and be attacked. I put up my hand to be in politics. I do not mind. However, I do mind when, under the cover of parliamentary privilege, highly personal and negative remarks are made about public servants doing their work.

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