❓ Premier Gallop criticises the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) for delaying a bill aimed at increasing penalties for intoxicated drivers involved in fatal or serious accidents, accusing them of undermining community safety and disregarding public sentiment.
AnsweredQoN 581Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In June this year the Gallop Government introduced tough new laws so that intoxicated drivers could be jailed for up to 20 years when they are involved in fatal or serious road accidents. Will the Premier advise the House of the progress of this Bill? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I will. Unfortunately once again we have seen in the Legislative Council the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) exercising their numbers to undermine the progress of fairness in our community. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I will. Unfortunately once again we have seen in the Legislative Council the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) exercising their numbers to undermine the progress of fairness in our community. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
I will. Unfortunately once again we have seen in the Legislative Council the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) exercising their numbers to undermine the progress of fairness in our community. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I will. Unfortunately once again we have seen in the Legislative Council the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) exercising their numbers to undermine the progress of fairness in our community. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
I will. Unfortunately once again we have seen in the Legislative Council the Liberal Party and the Greens (WA) exercising their numbers to undermine the progress of fairness in our community. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch it is - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: I call to order the members for Hillarys and Carine. Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Once again the Liberal Party has shown how out of touch with reality it is in Western Australia. I remind members of the tragedy in August last year when young Jess Meehan was hit and killed by a car driven by an unlicensed driver who had a blood alcohol level of 0.165, which is more than three times the legal limit. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving without a licence. He was fined $1 700 and was banned from driving for two years. I was not surprised at the enormous public reaction to that verdict. The incident demanded action from the Parliament, and the Government introduced legislation to amend that situation. The legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly and was sent to the Legislative Council. There is no doubt that the penalty applied in that case did not address the seriousness of the driver’s conduct. My Government is trying to change the law to ensure that people who put the lives of others at risk by driving when drunk or under the influence of drugs bear full responsibility for their behaviour. Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Yet again the Liberal Party of Western Australia is obstructing a reform of our laws. It is to the shame of the Liberal Party that it has taken this action. It has sent the legislation to a committee without any time lines for it to report. In effect, the Liberal Party is sending a message to the community that it is willing to tolerate the type of situation that occurred in August last year. It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
It is considered dangerous driving when a person is drunk behind the wheel of a car. That message must be sent to the community. I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we have seen this type of situation occur before whereby the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council has acted contrary to the public interest. The time has come for the Leader of the Opposition to show a bit of leadership to members of the Liberal Party in the other Chamber and to make it absolutely clear to his colleagues in the Legislative Council that this law must be changed. Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Recently - in fact, only an hour or two ago - I met with the parents of Jess Meehan. They are very good people who are coping with a terrible tragedy. They are absolutely dismayed at what the Liberals have done in the Legislative Council. Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Mrs D.J. Guise: It is a disgrace. Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Dr G.I. GALLOP: It is a disgrace. This is a clear example of a situation in which the Leader of the Opposition has a chance to make sure that his members in the other place do the right thing by the people of Western Australia. There is a real accountability issue in Western Australia today. It is the accountability of the Liberal Party to the people of WA. I believe it is about time we saw some leadership from the Liberal Party in this Chamber. It should tell its colleagues in the other place that it is about time they acted in the public interest. The time has come to reform this law. Everyone in Western Australia is watching the Leader of the Opposition and the way in which he responds to this challenge. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: The problem is that I was on my feet when the Leader of the Opposition was talking. I call him to order for the first time, and, unfortunately, I call the member for Carine to order for the second time. Withdrawal of Remark Mr A.J. CARPENTER: I did not want to interrupt the Premier’s answer, but while he was giving it, the member for Nedlands called him a hypocrite. Mr Speaker, I ask you to ask her to withdraw. The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: I did not hear that particular comment. Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Mrs M.H. Roberts: She said it. The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
The SPEAKER: If the member for Nedlands said that, I direct that she withdraw that comment. Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
Ms S.E. WALKER: I withdraw. Questions without Notice Resumed
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