❓ Question regarding the Liberal-National government's plans to address perceived failures of the previous Labor government in updating drink and drug-driving penalties, followed by a contentious response from the Minister.
AnsweredQoN 759Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
drug and DRINk–DRIVING PENALTIES
I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, you are lucky it is only the first time today, but it is the first time today that I formally call you to order. I am not in the spirit to give early marks, but you can keep on applying if you want. Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr F.A. ALBAN : I was pleased to see the successful passage of important road safety legislation through state Parliament yesterday, which will allow police to issue an immediate licence disqualification notice to anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 per cent. However, because of the previous Labor government’s disastrous soft-on-crime approach, penalties for drink and drug–driving in Western Australia have been left unchanged for years, meaning that Western Australia has lagged behind other states with its low penalty regime. Can the minister please inform the house what the Liberal–National government is doing to fix Labor’s failure and inaction in this important area of road safety? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, if you want to stay in this place and ask a question, I look forward to it, but I formally call you to order for the second time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
I could not quite hear all of the question, but I have a pretty good idea of what it was! Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk : You wrote it! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, can I endorse the comments made by the member for Swan Hills — Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Girrawheen. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I would not endorse the member for Girrawheen’s comments ever! The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The member for Swan Hills’ thoughts are the same as mine, and I was delighted to see — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : The member is being so naughty today! She is going to go home early, I can assure her. Mr Speaker, I seek your protection! I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
I have been lobbying for heavier drink-driving penalties since 2006 when I was shadow Minister for Police and over on that side of the house. I suggested immediate disqualification for those people caught drink-driving, because — Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms M.M. Quirk interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Girrawheen, I formally call you to order for the third time today. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : At that time I actually pointed out that there was an obvious flaw in the then current legislation; however, unsurprisingly, the then minister and government took no action, which was standard procedure for that weak and inept Labor government. That brings me to the issue of drink-driving and drug-driving penalties in Western Australia, which have largely remained unchanged since 1997. In fact, compared with other jurisdictions, WA has a relatively low penalty regime—a situation that was, in fact, criticised by one of Labor’s own, in 2007. Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr E.S. Ripper : All talk and no action. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will come to the Leader of the Opposition! I am saving him at the moment. Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Oh, I’m worried! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : In 2007, the member for Murray–Wellington was caught drink-driving, incurred a $100 fine and lost three demerit points. He said at the time that he wanted to urge the government to reconsider the penalty for .05 offences. He said that his penalty was a $100 fine and the loss of three demerit points, and that in his view it was not nearly as harsh as it should have been. Those were the words of the member for Murray–Wellington. Unfortunately for the member for Murray–Wellington, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government. Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.J. Cowper : Point of order, Mr Speaker! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I have to tell members opposite that they belonged to a dopey, do-nothing government. It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
It had no commitment to road safety whatsoever. Even one of the former government’s own members asked it to increase the penalties, and it did nothing. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : I know some members may have observed that the jacaranda is in full bloom, and I presume that that does describe some of the behaviour in this place. But I would hope that for the remainder of this question time at least, we can have some questions asked and some answers given. Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : Oops! The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston — Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : I’m glad that you got it right, Mr Speaker. Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Inspector, I have made a mistake! The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Perhaps the first mistake of the afternoon for you, member for Perth! I will formally call you to order for the first time, along with the member for Collie–Preston. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Mr Speaker, I apologise to my colleague the member for Murray–Wellington. It was, of course, the member for Collie–Preston. He was the member who was caught drink-driving, and he was fined $100 and lost three demerit points, but he had the decency — Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Whitely interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, at least enable the minister to answer the question that has been asked. I formally call you to order for the first time. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I call you to order for the first time as well. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Can I just say that I do apologise to the member for Murray–Wellington. It was the member for Collie–Preston who in fact — Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr M.P. Murray : Are you sure? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am positive. Was he the one? I quoted the member for Collie–Preston’s words. I had the electorate wrong, but I quoted the member’s words, and I am correct in saying that. However, I actually commend the member for making those comments, because he realised at the time that a $100 fine and three demerit points was in no way enough for drink-driving offences. However, I repeat: unfortunately, he was part of a dopey, do-nothing government that did not take any action. In eight years, it took no action in any serious sense on road safety—not the member, but his dopey, do-nothing government; okay? Thankfully for the people of Western Australia, they now have a Liberal–National government that actually does things. We do things, and we take road safety seriously. We will implement everything we need to do to try to save lives on our roads. Because of that, we are over here and they are over there, and that is the way it will remain for a very long time to come.
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