❓ The Minister for Indigenous Affairs outlines the department's role at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community camp, focusing on land, heritage, culture, and inter-departmental coordination, contrasting the current government's approach with the previous one's perceived inaction on child abuse issues.
AnsweredQoN 746Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Can the minister explain what role is played by the Department of Indigenous Affairs at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community camp at Lockridge? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Roleystone for the question. It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Roleystone for the question. It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I thank the member for Roleystone for the question. It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for Roleystone for the question. It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I thank the member for Roleystone for the question. It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
It is clear from last night’s debate in Parliament that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the Leader of the Opposition, and probably by other opposition members, about what role the Department of Indigenous Affairs has and does play in the Swan Valley Nyungah Community saga. When we got into Government, we redefined the role of the Department of Indigenous Affairs away from the old paternalistic approach that was trotted out by the previous Government, to focus on its core requirements of land, heritage and culture. It provided a coordinating role between government departments - where that was required - as well as establishing, which we have done successfully, partnership arrangements with Aboriginal people all over Western Australia, and we have formalised that agreement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. At the moment we are also developing a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth so that we can draw the Commonwealth into our program to assist Aboriginal people in various ways. Specifically, we are trying to involve the Commonwealth in the resolution of the issues at the Swan Valley camp. Where the opportunity has arisen, and it has arisen, the Department of Indigenous Affairs has highlighted what has been going on at that camp and it has faced up to its responsibilities broadly across government. The Department of Indigenous Affairs, Cabinet and Caucus have been prepared to make difficult decisions: firstly, with the establishment of the Gordon inquiry; and, secondly, with the multi-faceted response to the Gordon inquiry that incorporates genuine partnerships with Aboriginal people around Western Australia to address the issue of violence and sexual abuse of children in Aboriginal communities, specifically at the Swan Valley camp where we believe there are extraordinary circumstances that require extraordinary action. The Department of Indigenous Affairs is involved in the government approach to that. I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I will contrast the approach of this Government to that of the previous Government, not highlighted by members on this side of the House but by the member for Ningaloo. During the second reading stage of the legislation that we introduced, he outlined why he strongly supported what this Government is doing with regard to the Swan Valley camp. The member for Ningaloo said that he had approached Minister Hames, the previous Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, about sexual abuse in the Aboriginal communities in his electorate. He organised a meeting with and praised the nature of Kim Hames - I am sure all members would agree that Kim Hames is essentially a good man. However, the member for Ningaloo stated in Hansard on 15 May that - . . . minister Hames came in to address the serious issue of child abuse and molestation and the bashing of women in the Aboriginal community in Carnarvon . . . he announced what I think was a $2.4 million advertising campaign that would be the answer to all their problems. . . . I was embarrassed and they were embarrassed, and of course the problem continued. That was because it was too hard for the former Government to address the problem, which is in stark contrast to what this Government has done. To listen to the comments made last night by the Leader of the Opposition about this Government’s approach made me extremely angry. He was being delivered a very powerful message by his own backbench and by a member of his own team, the member for Ningaloo, but he launched into a criticism of me, the Department of Indigenous Affairs and various other ministers because they had not been “going out there” to visit the camp. My view of “going out there” is that it legitimises the regime that is in control at that camp. It legitimises it just like when people trotted off to the Soviet Union in the 1930s and came back and said, “It’s a model society.” That is what has happened and the wool is again pulled over people’s eyes. I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
I will remind the House of what Hon Derrick Tomlinson said at the camp last Sunday and contrast that to what he said since he has met with some people - a couple of whom are present in the House today - who know damn well what has been going on in that camp. When Hon Derrick Tomlinson was at the camp he was quoted by the Perth news on 720 ABC Radio on 22 May as having said - Not only is the Premier grossly misinformed, but somebody has probably been telling deliberate mistruths; somebody’s telling a lie. Hon Derrick Tomlinson was then quoted on 25 May by the Channel Seven news as having said - . . . do not resort to lies, do not try to invent stories for which there is no foundation. He said that while he was at the camp and he inadvertently legitimised the regime in control there that is perpetrating the most horrific abuse. Everyone understands what has been going on at the camp. Members should read the coronial inquiry into the death of Susan Taylor and learn for themselves. Has the member for Cottesloe read it? He has not read it. This Opposition has reluctantly been put into a position where it will not support what we are doing. We heard that last night. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting what we were doing in this Chamber, but he was not prepared to vote against us. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER: The Leader of the Opposition said he was not supporting it but he would not vote against it. I will ask the member for Ningaloo privately how he contrasts the approach I have taken to that camp, what has been going on in that camp and the abuse that has been perpetrated on those people, with the approach taken by the previous Government. What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
What was Hon Peter Foss concerned about? He took the approach that was typical of the previous Government: we do not want to know about it; out of sight, out of mind; turn a blind eye; they are Aboriginal people, we can afford to ignore it. They turned a blind eye year after year. The member for Ningaloo has pointed out exactly what they did - they turned a blind eye. In the meantime, all over Western Australia young kids died and were bashed and raped - and they did nothing. The member for Ningaloo has told us that. A member of their own party had the guts to stand in this Chamber and explain the weakness of the previous Government’s approach to this issue. The previous Government did not want to know about it - it was too hard! Hon Peter Foss said - It is an admission of defeat by the Government. To do what we are doing. He continued - It has done nothing - That is us - in its time in government. Nothing has been done since the Gordon report. What planet has he been living on? He went on to raise some other concerns - some real concerns. He asked what would happen if these people were taken out. He said they would be spread all over the metropolitan area. He said it was better to keep them there all together. That is the approach: keep them all there together; keep them behind a locked gate; keep them out of sight; keep them out of mind; they are only Aboriginal people. Point of Order Mr P.D. OMODEI: Mr Speaker, I am sure you are aware of Standing Order No 92. I would suggest that the minister has breached that standing order on more than one occasion in his response to this question. A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
A government member interjected. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr P.D. OMODEI: Does the member want me to read it? A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
A government member: Yes. Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
Mr P.D. OMODEI: Standing Order No 92 states - Imputations of improper motives and personal reflections on the Sovereign, the Governor, a judicial officer or members of the Assembly or the Council are disorderly other than by substantive motion. The SPEAKER: There is no point of order, but I am sure the minister is about to finish. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I was quoting Hon Peter Foss accusing the Government of “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”. What a nut! This is the worst case of abuse of children in one place probably anywhere in Australia. We have to crack it, if it is a nut. Hon Peter Foss said - Instead of being in one location at the Swan Valley Nyungah Community, they will be spread all over the place. They will live in unhygienic conditions in public places in my electorate. He said: we do not want them in public places where people can actually see what is going on - in his electorate; we would much rather have them out there in a closed community run in a cult-like, sect-like fashion with the worst form of abuse of children, the rape of two-and-a-half-year-old children, and a possible - and I stress possible - murder. Members should read the transcript of the coronial inquiry into Susan Taylor’s death. The coroner left the cause of death an open question. For once - and the member for Ningaloo was right - a Government, this Government, has had the guts to stand up and say it will do something about this issue. We will put the most basic rights of women and children to life and liberty ahead of all other rights. That is what we are doing. The member for Ningaloo saw the reality of how his Government approached that issue, and he knows that we are doing the right thing.
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