❓ A WA MP questions the Premier about alleged censorship by Racing Radio, preventing him from commenting on racing industry concerns after the equine influenza outbreak. The Premier denies government control and deflects, suggesting the MP's views are unwanted.
AnsweredQoN 407Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
RACING RADIO - MEMBER FOR SOUTH PERTH
The Premier would be aware that the racing industry has been shut down since last weekend as a result of the equine influenza virus. I believe the state has finally been given a clean bill of health, which will be announced later today. What concerns me is that, this morning, as shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming I sought an interview on the government-controlled Racing Radio to comment on concerns raised with me by participants in the Western Australian racing industry. Ray Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Racing and Wagering Western Australia, gave instructions to station staff that under no circumstances was I allowed to go on air even though the Minister for Racing and Gaming was interviewed at length. (1) Does the Premier endorse such blatant censorship? (2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
The Premier would be aware that the racing industry has been shut down since last weekend as a result of the equine influenza virus. I believe the state has finally been given a clean bill of health, which will be announced later today. What concerns me is that, this morning, as shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming I sought an interview on the government-controlled Racing Radio to comment on concerns raised with me by participants in the Western Australian racing industry. Ray Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Racing and Wagering Western Australia, gave instructions to station staff that under no circumstances was I allowed to go on air even though the Minister for Racing and Gaming was interviewed at length. (1) Does the Premier endorse such blatant censorship? (2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(1) Does the Premier endorse such blatant censorship? (2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(1) Does the Premier endorse such blatant censorship? (2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(2) Does the Premier think it is proper that an agency that is funded by public money via the TAB - do not laugh Premier, this is a very serious matter; this is censorship like we might see in Zimbabwe - should be entitled to silence democracy in such a way? The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
The SPEAKER : Order! The part of the question that asks for an opinion is inappropriate. The general thrust of the question is another matter. Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
(1)-(2) Firstly, concerning the equine flu issue, it seems as though we will be able to announce that Western Australia is in the clear today. I hope that is the case although I understood it might be by midnight tonight that the lockdown could be lifted, which would be good. I think we would be the first state to emerge from the national lockdown. I think that all state ministers, the racing authorities around the country and the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be congratulated for the way they have responded to something that - as the member would know - could devastate the racing industry. Although the animals do not die, it is the “racing” industry, and not having horses available for racing results in the industry being destroyed. I make that point. Secondly, member for South Perth, I can only think that the management has made a judgement about your talent as far as a radio subject interview goes. They have made the judgement that nobody wants to hear him. I do not know. The member made the assertion that Racing Radio - of which I am not a regular listener, I must admit - is government-controlled. Mr J.E. McGrath : It is government-controlled. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I do not believe that is the case. Would the member say, for example, that the ABC is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : Depends which way you look at it. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I ask the question again, member for South Perth. Would the member say that the ABC - Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr R.F. Johnson : Answer the question. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I am. Would the member say that the ABC - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - is government-controlled? Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : I asked the Premier whether he thought that a bureaucrat had the right to stop a shadow minister, a member of this place, from going on to radio on a very important issue because it might suit a political agenda. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I doubt very much that it has got anything to do - Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr J.E. McGrath : Why does the minister get on and not the shadow minister? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Perhaps because the member is useless; people do not want to listen to him. Perhaps nobody wants to listen to him - I do not know. I can guarantee the member one thing: as far as the government goes, as opposed to Racing Radio, there has been no political interference whatsoever. In fact, I would have thought that given the member’s propensity to make silly comments it would be in our political interests to get him on as often as possible!
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