❓ Dr. Thomas questions Premier Carpenter on broken 2001 election promises regarding the Treasurer's Advance Account, specifically the increase to $750 million. Carpenter defends the increase, citing economic growth and unforeseen budgetary pressures, while also attacking the opposition's competence.
AnsweredQoN 63Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TREASURER’S ADVANCE ACCOUNT — ELECTION PROMISES
I refer to the Labor Party’s 2001 election policy, which promised that Labor would overhaul the Treasurer’s advance account process and, in particular, would require all Treasurer’s advance account requests to be considered and approved by the expenditure review committee and not just by the Treasurer, as was the case at that time. It also promised to halve the annual allocation from $300 million to $150 million. (1) Will the Premier explain why he has broken these election promises and has come slinking back to Parliament to ask for $750 million in this year’s Treasurer’s advance account? (2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
I refer to the Labor Party’s 2001 election policy, which promised that Labor would overhaul the Treasurer’s advance account process and, in particular, would require all Treasurer’s advance account requests to be considered and approved by the expenditure review committee and not just by the Treasurer, as was the case at that time. It also promised to halve the annual allocation from $300 million to $150 million. (1) Will the Premier explain why he has broken these election promises and has come slinking back to Parliament to ask for $750 million in this year’s Treasurer’s advance account? (2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(1) Will the Premier explain why he has broken these election promises and has come slinking back to Parliament to ask for $750 million in this year’s Treasurer’s advance account? (2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(1) Will the Premier explain why he has broken these election promises and has come slinking back to Parliament to ask for $750 million in this year’s Treasurer’s advance account? (2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(2) Will the Premier explain why his failure to properly plan and budget has meant that Western Australians are missing out on vital services while his government is cashing in? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
(1)-(2) What a bizarrely constructed question. Not a lot of thought has gone into that question. When did the member say the policy emanated? Was it 2001? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In relation to the first part of the question, yes, it is a decision of the ERC and it is also discussed in cabinet. Did the member say that we had broken that promise? Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : I said that you had broken your promise in terms of your election commitment, which included a halving of the Treasurer’s advance — Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : No, I think the member said, “broken these election promises”. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It goes to the ERC and it goes to cabinet. Of course we discuss the Treasurer’s advance account. What has happened since 2001? I thank the member for opening the door and allowing me this opportunity. In 2001, we inherited an economy that was actually contracting. Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr C.J. Barnett : No, it wasn’t. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Yes, it was. There is no point in members opposite remaining in denial—the economy was contracting. The economy is now growing at a pace no-one thought possible four or five years ago. What has happened since the last budget? Yes, some pressures on the budget have required us to come back to the Parliament. Did the member say “slinking” back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Yes, slinking. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : How do we slink back to the Parliament? Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : You have $750 million that you can’t manage. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Honestly, it is worse than a schoolboys’ debating session. It is immature and not developed. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The poor old Liberal Party. What would Sir Charles Court think looking down at what is left of this group? It is falling apart and breaking up around the edges. We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
We have come back to the Parliament. Is that slinking? What does it say about the opposition’s perception of the Parliament if it thinks that when a government comes to the Parliament— Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : There could be no more open process than to come back to the Parliament. Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Dr S.C. Thomas : There can be no more obvious example of you not answering questions. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Capel! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : Since the last budget, yes, some significant issues have put pressure on our budget. Some cost escalations and wages decisions were beyond our anticipation. This government has made decisions that have added costs to the budget, all of which decisions have been highly publicised and much lauded. What we are doing by coming back to increase the Treasurer’s advance is ensuring that we are able, as best as possible in current circumstances in Western Australia, to deliver the very services that the opposition in its state of immature ignorance has asserted that we are not delivering.
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