❓ Halligan questions Stephens on the suspension of the City of Joondalup council, alleging inconsistency in his actions. Stephens defends his actions, citing deteriorating council relationships and accusing the Opposition of hypocrisy.
AnsweredQoN 1675Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Given that the minister was aware of the problems involving the mayor, councillors and staff at the City of Joondalup as far back as July 2003 - (1) Why and on what basis has the minister decided to suspend the council, when he stated a few months ago that he did not have the powers to act? (2) What has changed? (3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(1) Why and on what basis has the minister decided to suspend the council, when he stated a few months ago that he did not have the powers to act? (2) What has changed? (3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(2) What has changed? (3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(1) Why and on what basis has the minister decided to suspend the council, when he stated a few months ago that he did not have the powers to act? (2) What has changed? (3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(2) What has changed? (3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(3) Will the minister acknowledge the inconsistency that has been shown between his earlier claims and the action he has now taken? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
I thank the honourable member for his question and the way he has couched it. What an extraordinary question! (1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(1)-(2) My recent action of suspending the Council of the City of Joondalup and my earlier decision to not order an inquiry into a specific matter at Joondalup are two very different issues. Some time back I stated that I did not have the power to act on an inquiry into the chief executive officer at the City of Joondalup, as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. At that time I was advised by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development that good government was still being provided by the council of that city. Unfortunately, over time, as the council sought to resolve the matter of the CEO’s appointment and ongoing employment, the relationships within the elected body deteriorated to such an extent that, in my opinion, good government was no longer being provided. Therefore, I decided that I had no choice but to suspend the council. (3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
(3) There is absolutely no inconsistency on my part, but there is some inconsistency apparent in the Opposition. Originally, it said absolutely nothing, but in recent days, following my ultimatum to the City of Joondalup, it suddenly said that I should have acted sooner. In fact, it said that I should have acted six months ago. That would have taken us to a date a couple of weeks after the local government elections, at which new councillors had been elected. Presumably, the Opposition is saying that immediately following local government elections, when new councillors were sitting on the council, I should have sacked them. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Derrick Tomlinson: That’s why we didn’t say it. Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Ken Travers: That’s because they had the benefit of knowing how incompetent some of their former colleagues are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Opposition members certainly know Councillor Chris Baker better than I know him. Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby interjected. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Hon Alan Cadby would certainly know. Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Who asked you? Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked me indeed, Mr President! Who asked him? The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am sure I am about to suddenly notice the time. Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: It was the menace from Greenough who said in the Legislative Assembly, but also in other places, that I should have acted six months ago. This is an extraordinary proposition by someone who purports to aspire to be the Minister for Local Government. Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: He is doing a better job than you are. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Why did the previous Government go running around sacking councils immediately after their elections? Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Absolutely. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Particularly, I suppose, if he sees ensconced, factions of the Liberal Party - Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: That is not true and you know it. You take that back. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Which faction is Mr Baker from? Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: You are not supposed to mislead the House. You are misleading the House. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I am now required to interrupt question time for the taking of - Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Members’ statements? Well, can I make a member’s statement? The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: No, finish minister. Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: In any case, on the issue of the qualifications of the chief executive officer, I remind members that I did refer this item to a parliamentary inquiry in July this year because I saw that as being the most appropriate mechanism by which to examine this issue. I did not have the power to act in terms of an inquiry into the CEO at the City of Joondalup as his employment was a council issue and needed to be resolved by the council. The Opposition - Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: Careful what you say. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Needed to be resolved by the council. Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Alan Cadby: No, the next bit where you talk about the Opposition. Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon Derrick Tomlinson: The Opposition said that it was delayed. Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Hon TOM STEPHENS: Who asked Hon Derrick Tomlinson? Opposition members are, in my view, absolute Johnnies-come-lately when it comes to any concern or care about the issues at the City of Joondalup. The Opposition has caused most of them. My actions - Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! I believe we have got to the stage for members’ statements.
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