❓ Opposition questions the appointment of Chris Ellison as independent facilitator for the Kimberley science and conservation strategy, citing potential bias due to his past relationship with a Liberal minister. The Premier defends the appointment based on Ellison's qualifications and integrity.
AnsweredQoN 485Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT — APPOINTMENT OF CHRIS ELLISON AS INDEPENDENT FACILITATOR
I refer to the decision by the Minister for Environment to appoint former federal Liberal minister Chris Ellison as the chair of community workshops and as the independent facilitator for the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. (1) Was the minister aware that Hon Donna Faragher served as a Liberal staffer for Chris Ellison for many years and thanked him for his patronage in her inaugural speech? (2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the decision by the Minister for Environment to appoint former federal Liberal minister Chris Ellison as the chair of community workshops and as the independent facilitator for the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. (1) Was the minister aware that Hon Donna Faragher served as a Liberal staffer for Chris Ellison for many years and thanked him for his patronage in her inaugural speech? (2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(1) Was the minister aware that Hon Donna Faragher served as a Liberal staffer for Chris Ellison for many years and thanked him for his patronage in her inaugural speech? (2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(1) Was the minister aware that Hon Donna Faragher served as a Liberal staffer for Chris Ellison for many years and thanked him for his patronage in her inaugural speech? (2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(2) Does the Premier agree that this appointment is simply a job for a Liberal mate and a clear case of nepotism? (3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(3) How does the Premier consider that Chris Ellison could possibly act as an independent facilitator given that he is the former boss of Hon Donna Faragher, an ex-minister in the Howard government and a senior member of the Liberal Party? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
(1)-(3) As I said at the time Senator Chris Back was sworn in, former senator and former federal minister Chris Ellison was one of the finest senators that Western Australia has ever had. He is a very fine person, as displayed by his performance as a minister and the integrity with which he conducted himself as a senator across a range of issues. He has been appointed. Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How much will he earn? Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The Leader of the Opposition did not ask that earlier. Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I just asked it now. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I will agree to that fourth question. Yes, I am aware. Former senator Chris Ellison, for the information of members, has been appointed to chair meetings on the Kimberley science and conservation strategy. During the election campaign the Liberal Party committed $9 million to investigate the science and the conservation merits of the Kimberley, and the cultural issues — Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How much of the $9 million does he get? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I think that was an important environmental commitment to the Kimberley. I want to assure members that this government will do a great deal to preserve and protect the Kimberley: its coastline, heritage and the unique environment of the Kimberley. We are serious about it, which is why we have allocated $9 million just to understand the Kimberley better. The vast landscape of the Kimberley is not understood well. I think that former senator Chris Ellison is very well qualified from his legal and ministerial background, his knowledge of the Kimberley, his knowledge of federal and state laws and his ability to chair a meeting. He will chair those meetings, both in the Kimberley and in Perth, and will gauge opinion and points of view and bring that to government. Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Was I aware that the minister, Hon Donna Faragher, worked as a staffer in Chris Ellison’s office? Yes, I was—of course, I was! Is this a job for mates? No, it is a job for a person — Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : So he is not a mate? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is a job for a person of merit—clear merit! He is not a former member of this Parliament but a former member of the federal Parliament. As to the payment, he will be paid a consultancy rate. He is employed through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr E.S. Ripper : A consultancy rate of? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I know the Leader of the Opposition is having a very bad day. Mr Ellison’s consultancy rate is $125 an hour to a maximum of $1 000 a day. I do not think that anyone would suggest that $125 an hour is excessive for a person with that experience and qualifications. No matter how long he works during the day the maximum is $1 000 a day. A common rate of consultancy fee for people of similar qualifications in government—and it has been the case for some time—is in the order of $3 000 a day. Chris Ellison is doing this at a low price. Some of the members on this side of the chamber who could command that sort of fee would know that $125 an hour is cheap. He is doing it as a service. As to the point of the question — Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr M. McGowan : How many days though? Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is estimated probably no more than 20 days, depending on how many meetings are held. This will be on a needs basis. Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr M. McGowan : That is $20 000 for 20 days! Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It may be up to that amount. This will be on a needs basis, and he will do a very, very good job. As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
As to the point of the question that somehow Hon Donna Faragher was giving a mate a job, I want to make clear to the house that the minister did work in Chris Ellison’s office, and she was sensitive to that. However, the suggestion to appoint Chris Ellison — Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr A.J. Carpenter : How can you stand and say that straight-faced? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Another grumpy person, Mr Speaker. I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
I make it absolutely clear that the suggestion to employ Chris Ellison in this role was mine. Donna Faragher had some hesitation about it. I thought about that, and I decided that, on merit, I could think of no-one better qualified to perform this role. It was my suggestion; in fact, it was my idea, and I think it is a good choice.
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