❓ Mr. Hyde questions the appointment of Pastor Vermeulen to the Multicultural Advisory Group, citing potentially divisive comments. Minister Castrilli defends the appointment and the value of the group's advice, while accusing Mr. Hyde of a disgraceful press release.
AnsweredQoN 229Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY GROUP — PASTOR JOE VERMEULEN
I refer to the recent surprise appointment to the Multicultural Advisory Group of Pastor Joe Vermeulen, who is the pastor successor to the Reverend Peter Abetz, and to the comments on his website, which, according to my notes read — You’ll remember back in South Africa, we would speak about the Greeks in the vegetable shops and the Portuguese in the corner cafés. I remember looking at them and thinking how separate they were from us. They speak another language, they look different, have their own clubs, their own churches, and their own circle of friends. It did not look like they were part of us South Africans. (1) Do these comments reflect government policy? (2) If not, why has the minister appointed this person to the committee and was he pressured by any Liberal members of Parliament to do so? (3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI
I refer to the recent surprise appointment to the Multicultural Advisory Group of Pastor Joe Vermeulen, who is the pastor successor to the Reverend Peter Abetz, and to the comments on his website, which, according to my notes read — You’ll remember back in South Africa, we would speak about the Greeks in the vegetable shops and the Portuguese in the corner cafés. I remember looking at them and thinking how separate they were from us. They speak another language, they look different, have their own clubs, their own churches, and their own circle of friends. It did not look like they were part of us South Africans. (1) Do these comments reflect government policy? (2) If not, why has the minister appointed this person to the committee and was he pressured by any Liberal members of Parliament to do so? (3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI
AnswerView source ↗
Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
(2) If not, why has the minister appointed this person to the committee and was he pressured by any Liberal members of Parliament to do so? (3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
(3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
(2) If not, why has the minister appointed this person to the committee and was he pressured by any Liberal members of Parliament to do so? (3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
(3) What value does the minister see in this type of advice on multicultural affairs? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Thank you — The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, minister. Members, earlier today I instructed one of the members in here on seeking an opinion. It could be interpreted, member for Perth, that you are seeking an opinion. However, I will allow the minister to answer the question. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : I remember the media statement that the member for Perth put out on 11 March, a copy of which I have in front of me. It is probably one of the most disgraceful press releases I have seen. He is talking about a person who cannot defend himself in this chamber. Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Answer the question. You defend him; you appointed him. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : If the member for Perth wants to question my integrity on multiculturalism in this state, he had better have another think. I think he knows me better than that. Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr J.N. Hyde : You kicked off a member of the Ethnic Communities Council after Kim Hames promised it in the election campaign. You know that is true. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : At the very least, and unlike the previous government, we have the Multicultural Advisory Group, which provides me with direct feedback from the community. Knowing a bit about multicultural affairs, it is of no benefit to me to receive advice and information from organisations that have not changed fundamentally for 20 years. I advertised for members to join the Multicultural Advisory Group. They were assessed, and I appointed them to give me information on multicultural affairs in Western Australia. That is what I have done. Do members know what? Every single one of those representatives is doing a great job and they are doing it for free. Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is not a committee then. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : As far as I am concerned, they are providing valuable feedback to me on a range of issues that affect multicultural affairs in this state.
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