❓ Question regarding support for development projects on the Burrup Peninsula. The Minister confirms widespread support but highlights conflicting messages from the Federal Government regarding the speed of development.
AnsweredQoN 1059Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the minister to media reports about a public meeting held last Sunday at the Burrup Peninsula concerning a number of projects earmarked for development. (1) Was any support given to the projects by any of the political representatives present? (2) What was the nature of that support? Mr BROWN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(1) Was any support given to the projects by any of the political representatives present? (2) What was the nature of that support? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(2) What was the nature of that support? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(1) Was any support given to the projects by any of the political representatives present? (2) What was the nature of that support? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(2) What was the nature of that support? Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
Mr BROWN replied: (1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
(1)-(2) I had the pleasure of attending a public meeting last Sunday called by the Shire of Roebourne. That meeting was attended by a number of members of Parliament: Hon Robin Chapple, Hon John Fischer, Hon Jon Ford in the other place, the member for Kimberley, you, Mr Speaker, Senator Alan Eggleston and me. A number of political representatives were invited graciously by the shire to speak at that meeting. First, Senator Alan Eggleston spoke on behalf of the Howard Government and said that it supported the projects, which was very important. Hon Robin Chapple spoke on behalf of the Greens (WA) and said that he supported the projects. Hon John Fischer spoke on behalf of One Nation and said that he supported the projects. You, Mr Speaker, spoke in your capacity as a local member and said that you supported the projects. I spoke and said that I supported the projects. It was a very important meeting because everybody who spoke supported the projects. There was an argument about location, but every person who spoke - representatives from the Greens, One Nation and the Howard and State Governments - agreed that these projects should be supported. That was very important because it had not been clear previously that everyone supported these projects. However, now it is on the public record for some hundreds of people who were listening intently to every word that all those political groups support these projects. Other comments were made, and I will refer to one now and to others later. Senator Alan Eggleston said that although he supported the projects, things were going much too fast and we needed to slow down the process. That was news to me, because I have been in discussions with the federal Minister for Small Business, Mr Macfarlane, at a local level. Members will know that Minister Macfarlane, representing the Howard Government, has provided considerable support to these projects. Indeed, the federal Government has allocated some $85 million to support one of the projects. When Minister Macfarlane has spoken to me, he has been very keen for us to get on with the job; yet, when Senator Eggleston spoke on behalf of the federal Government, he said that we must slow down the process. I was intrigued by this mis-message. I was intrigued that we had two messages: one from a minister who said to speed it up and one from a member who said to slow it down. I took the liberty of asking my staff to contact Minister Macfarlane’s office to ascertain whether the position of the federal Government had changed and whether Senator Eggleston had reported accurately to the local community about the federal Government wanting the process slowed down. My understanding of the reaction from Minister Macfarlane’s office is that it came as a surprise to him and that he did not know the federal Government was saying that. Some very interesting things were said at that meeting and this was just one of them. If I am given the opportunity, I will refer to some more later in the week. Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
Another important issue that came out of the meeting was the strong support by the President of the Shire of Roebourne, Mr Kevin Richards. He said that the shire is a pro-development council and that it is about industry development. I am pleased to say that he has followed that up. He was interviewed by reporter Grieve on ABC Radio’s regional-rural report. I will quote from a transcript of the interview. At one stage Grieve said - But Kevin Richards concedes at this stage, under the circumstances, some projects might have to be placed on the Burrup, but says the pressure needs to come off the area. Then Kevin Richards said - I think we are committed to those. I mean, unfortunately, or fortunately, whatever it is, I mean, Syntroleum is all signed off, so that’s one that will be there. The other ones to come along, where agreements have been made, I mean, to change that agreement would just set ourselves, and the State Government, up in some sort of almighty conflict. I appreciate the President of the Shire of Roebourne supporting the projects. We will continue to work with the community of Karratha and the Shire of Roebourne to deliver the projects, which everyone now supports.
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