❓ Question regarding the Member for Mitchell's actions discouraging school fee payments and their impact on Australind Senior High School. The Minister strongly condemns the Member's behaviour and expresses support for the school principal.
AnsweredQoN 753Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOL FEES, COMMENTS BY MEMBER FOR MITCHELL
I am concerned at the detrimental effect the member for Mitchell’s actions are having on schools in the greater Bunbury region, particularly in the light of an article that appeared in the South Western Times on Thursday, 28 February regarding the financial difficulties experienced by the Australind Senior High School. Is the minister able to provide the House with further information on this situation? Mr CARPENTER
I am concerned at the detrimental effect the member for Mitchell’s actions are having on schools in the greater Bunbury region, particularly in the light of an article that appeared in the South Western Times on Thursday, 28 February regarding the financial difficulties experienced by the Australind Senior High School. Is the minister able to provide the House with further information on this situation? Mr CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I think most right-thinking people in this House, including members on the other side, and in the Western Australian community would be appalled at the behaviour of the member for Mitchell over the school fees issue in his electorate. As we have heard from his own mouth, he has been actively discouraging people in his electorate from paying school fees. He told people that they would have to have rocks in their heads to pay school fees. Since the Parliament last sat he has gone further than that: he has accused his local high school, Australind Senior High School, and its principal, of misleading parents about their obligations for paying fees. He has accused the principal of the school of misleading parents and the community. I spoke to the principal, Liz Burkett, and told her that the Government will support her against the reckless, opportunistic activities of the local member who, by his other actions and his history in this place, has demonstrated that he is not fit to be a member of Parliament. To say that the principal was displeased with the member’s actions is something of an understatement. I will not recount the exact details of the conversation. They are summed up by the article in the South Western Times in which Ms Burkett is reported as follows - If Dan has issues with this school then I would like to discuss them with him . . . If he has these opinions I am saddened he hasn’t come to the school and discussed them. It is unfair when I am unaware of the issues. That is a quote from the principal of the member for Mitchell’s local high school. When we were in opposition there were times when the activities of the previous Government displeased us. However, none of us actively undermined the schools in our electorate. Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER replied: I think most right-thinking people in this House, including members on the other side, and in the Western Australian community would be appalled at the behaviour of the member for Mitchell over the school fees issue in his electorate. As we have heard from his own mouth, he has been actively discouraging people in his electorate from paying school fees. He told people that they would have to have rocks in their heads to pay school fees. Since the Parliament last sat he has gone further than that: he has accused his local high school, Australind Senior High School, and its principal, of misleading parents about their obligations for paying fees. He has accused the principal of the school of misleading parents and the community. I spoke to the principal, Liz Burkett, and told her that the Government will support her against the reckless, opportunistic activities of the local member who, by his other actions and his history in this place, has demonstrated that he is not fit to be a member of Parliament. To say that the principal was displeased with the member’s actions is something of an understatement. I will not recount the exact details of the conversation. They are summed up by the article in the South Western Times in which Ms Burkett is reported as follows - If Dan has issues with this school then I would like to discuss them with him . . . If he has these opinions I am saddened he hasn’t come to the school and discussed them. It is unfair when I am unaware of the issues. That is a quote from the principal of the member for Mitchell’s local high school. When we were in opposition there were times when the activities of the previous Government displeased us. However, none of us actively undermined the schools in our electorate. Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
I think most right-thinking people in this House, including members on the other side, and in the Western Australian community would be appalled at the behaviour of the member for Mitchell over the school fees issue in his electorate. As we have heard from his own mouth, he has been actively discouraging people in his electorate from paying school fees. He told people that they would have to have rocks in their heads to pay school fees. Since the Parliament last sat he has gone further than that: he has accused his local high school, Australind Senior High School, and its principal, of misleading parents about their obligations for paying fees. He has accused the principal of the school of misleading parents and the community. I spoke to the principal, Liz Burkett, and told her that the Government will support her against the reckless, opportunistic activities of the local member who, by his other actions and his history in this place, has demonstrated that he is not fit to be a member of Parliament. To say that the principal was displeased with the member’s actions is something of an understatement. I will not recount the exact details of the conversation. They are summed up by the article in the South Western Times in which Ms Burkett is reported as follows - If Dan has issues with this school then I would like to discuss them with him . . . If he has these opinions I am saddened he hasn’t come to the school and discussed them. It is unfair when I am unaware of the issues. That is a quote from the principal of the member for Mitchell’s local high school. When we were in opposition there were times when the activities of the previous Government displeased us. However, none of us actively undermined the schools in our electorate. Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities?
Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon
Mrs J Leyshon
Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed -
Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER replied: I think most right-thinking people in this House, including members on the other side, and in the Western Australian community would be appalled at the behaviour of the member for Mitchell over the school fees issue in his electorate. As we have heard from his own mouth, he has been actively discouraging people in his electorate from paying school fees. He told people that they would have to have rocks in their heads to pay school fees. Since the Parliament last sat he has gone further than that: he has accused his local high school, Australind Senior High School, and its principal, of misleading parents about their obligations for paying fees. He has accused the principal of the school of misleading parents and the community. I spoke to the principal, Liz Burkett, and told her that the Government will support her against the reckless, opportunistic activities of the local member who, by his other actions and his history in this place, has demonstrated that he is not fit to be a member of Parliament. To say that the principal was displeased with the member’s actions is something of an understatement. I will not recount the exact details of the conversation. They are summed up by the article in the South Western Times in which Ms Burkett is reported as follows - If Dan has issues with this school then I would like to discuss them with him . . . If he has these opinions I am saddened he hasn’t come to the school and discussed them. It is unfair when I am unaware of the issues. That is a quote from the principal of the member for Mitchell’s local high school. When we were in opposition there were times when the activities of the previous Government displeased us. However, none of us actively undermined the schools in our electorate. Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
I think most right-thinking people in this House, including members on the other side, and in the Western Australian community would be appalled at the behaviour of the member for Mitchell over the school fees issue in his electorate. As we have heard from his own mouth, he has been actively discouraging people in his electorate from paying school fees. He told people that they would have to have rocks in their heads to pay school fees. Since the Parliament last sat he has gone further than that: he has accused his local high school, Australind Senior High School, and its principal, of misleading parents about their obligations for paying fees. He has accused the principal of the school of misleading parents and the community. I spoke to the principal, Liz Burkett, and told her that the Government will support her against the reckless, opportunistic activities of the local member who, by his other actions and his history in this place, has demonstrated that he is not fit to be a member of Parliament. To say that the principal was displeased with the member’s actions is something of an understatement. I will not recount the exact details of the conversation. They are summed up by the article in the South Western Times in which Ms Burkett is reported as follows - If Dan has issues with this school then I would like to discuss them with him . . . If he has these opinions I am saddened he hasn’t come to the school and discussed them. It is unfair when I am unaware of the issues. That is a quote from the principal of the member for Mitchell’s local high school. When we were in opposition there were times when the activities of the previous Government displeased us. However, none of us actively undermined the schools in our electorate. Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr Barnett: You never stopped attacking government schools. Now that you’re the Minister for Education, you have to be responsible. Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: Does the Leader of the Opposition support what the member for Mitchell says? Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr Barnett: I support parents accepting responsibility for their children and that fees should be compulsory. Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: I am glad the Leader of the Opposition has mentioned parents, because that brings me to the second stage of my response to the question of the member for Bunbury, who, I might say, in contrast to his neighbour in the south west, is an excellent member of Parliament with a lot to offer the community. Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Yesterday in my office I received a short letter from Mrs Janette Leyshon of 1 Young Close, Bunbury, enclosing a letter she had sent to her local member, the member for Mitchell. In her letter she states - Dear Mr Carpenter Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities? Mr Barron-Sullivan: What was the date of that letter? Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Please find enclosed copy of letter to Mr Dan Sullivan. Could you please question Mr Sullivan on his motives for causing so much disruption to our local school communities?
Mr CARPENTER: It was written on 7 March and I will table both letters. The letter further states - As a parent I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with Mr Sullivan grandstanding oblivious to the disruption to education or public discontent. Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon I will now read from the letter that she wrote to the member for Mitchell - Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Yours truly, Mrs J Leyshon
Mrs J Leyshon
Mr Barron-Sullivan: A meeting of 100 parents wants to know if you will top up that school for a shortfall that your policy created? Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr CARPENTER: Does the member not want to hear me read the letter? The first paragraph of the letter is very insightful and reads - I am writing as after repeatedly ringing you, you have failed to return my calls regarding your comments to the paper in relation to school fees. I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed - Fully informed by whom? It continues - and what they are used for. I take deep offence at your comment that ‘they must have rocks in their heads’ are you implying that I am a fool for wanting the best education for my children? I have paid the school fees with the knowledge that they were non compulsory and that not all parents were paying. It was discussed quite regularly at the P & C Meetings. You have on the other hand given parents an excuse for not paying and any one who does is considered a fool. Did you go to the local school community and ask peoples opinions before going to the paper? I cannot believe you did as I certainly never saw you at a meeting or heard that you had attended the school. Mr Barron-Sullivan: Will you top up the schools? Point of Order Mr JOHNSON: The standing orders state that a member cannot read out a whole letter during question time in this Parliament. Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
I currently have two primary and two high school children attending local public schools. I have, and will always pay their schools fees being fully informed of the reasons why they are needed -
Mr McGinty: You know that this is not a point of order. Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Mr JOHNSON: That is unbecoming of the member for Fremantle and he should know better than that. Although I have not been a member for as long as he has, I have been a member for nine years and I know the system. I will not take any notice of the Attorney General because nobody else does. The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
The rules are that a whole letter cannot be read out in question time. The letter can be referred to and certain quotes can be made from it, but the whole letter cannot be read out verbatim. The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
The SPEAKER: It is true that a complete article in the paper cannot be repeated nor a whole speech made on a quotation. I am sure the minister is finishing his question as it has been dragging on a little. Debate Resumed Mr CARPENTER: I have no intention of reading the entire document, only two more short paragraphs. Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
Further, the letter states - Now you are calling for an Audit of all WA’s public schools - The SPEAKER: That question is now finished.
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