Ms McGurk questions the Premier's assertion of appointments based on merit, implying a lack of female representation suggests women are not considered meritorious. The Premier strongly refutes this, deeming it insulting and patronising to women.

AnsweredQoN 743Legislative Assembly
Asked
22 September 2016
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

CABINET REPRESENTATION — WOMEN
743. Ms S.F. McGURK to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. The
Premier and his colleagues often say that the Liberal–National
government appoints on merit. Is the Premier saying that women have no merit?

AnswerView source ↗

I can tell you right now, Mr Speaker,
that there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of young women—young,
qualified, professional women—who will be insulted by that question!
They will be absolutely insulted that by approach! That is a dreadful approach,
and it is patronising to women in this state!
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : That is finished! The member for Eyre has the call. That is
finished; if you do not like it, make a statement outside.
Mr
P.B. Watson interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the first time.
Mr
P.B. Watson : I can't even work out who your ministers are!
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr
B.J. Grylls interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Pilbara, I call you for the first time.
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I call you to order for the third time; member
for Midland, I call you to order for the second time. We are having a good run!

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more