❓ Ms MacTiernan questions the Premier about the Esperance Port Authority's nickel export ban, seeking clarification on the government's response, health protections, and access to relevant reports. The Premier deflects initially, focusing on past lead contamination issues before committing to a statement the following day.
AnsweredQoN 111Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ESPERANCE PORT AUTHORITY — NICKEL EXPORT BAN
I refer to the ban by the Esperance Port Authority on the bulk export of nickel from the Esperance port. (1) Is the Premier’s government proposing to direct the board of the Esperance Port Authority to lift its ban, which is due to commence in January next year? (2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the ban by the Esperance Port Authority on the bulk export of nickel from the Esperance port. (1) Is the Premier’s government proposing to direct the board of the Esperance Port Authority to lift its ban, which is due to commence in January next year? (2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(1) Is the Premier’s government proposing to direct the board of the Esperance Port Authority to lift its ban, which is due to commence in January next year? (2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(1) Is the Premier’s government proposing to direct the board of the Esperance Port Authority to lift its ban, which is due to commence in January next year? (2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(2) If so, what steps will the Premier take to protect the health of Esperance residents from nickel dust? (3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(3) Will the Premier table the engineering reports and agency advice relied on by the port authority board in coming to the decision to ban bulk exports? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
(1)-(3) Let me make it very clear that the issue with lead was the most serious pollution issue in our history, and measures have now been put in place to remove the 9 000 tonnes of lead still in the shed at Esperance. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We put that process in place when we were in government. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, to be removed at great expense. I think the member would agree that that is the first requirement. There will also be a requirement for a comprehensive clean-up of the town. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : We are talking about nickel. Would you like me to repeat the question? Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Yes, I know. I am just reminding the member of what the issue was really about. Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Nickel is not an issue? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I am reminding the former minister of what the issue was about in her portfolio. There was major contamination from lead at the Esperance Port Authority, which resulted in high lead levels in young children. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Which we cleared. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Which the member what? Did she say she fixed it? She did anything but fix it. Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Since February there have been no airborne detectable levels of lead. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The lead is still there. The lead has been there for a long, long time. It is my intention, hopefully tomorrow, to make a brief ministerial statement on the several issues affecting Esperance. With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
With respect to the nickel, it is certainly the government’s view that nickel exports, including bulk nickel, should continue through the port of Esperance. We recognise that if that is to take place, there will need to be improvements in the facilities, both in the short term and in the long term, and, as I said, it is my intention to make a statement on that tomorrow in some detail. The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
The nickel industry is important. It is a $4 billion a year industry. There are literally thousands of jobs in the nickel industry. This state produces nearly 15 per cent of the world’s nickel, most of which goes out through the port of Esperance. That industry must continue. I will provide details tomorrow. I am happy to provide — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : Will you table the engineering reports and the agency advice that the port authority based its decision on? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not seen those reports. I will answer that question tomorrow, and if they are — Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Ms A.J.G. MacTiernan : But you have made a decision to lift the ban. Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member keeps jumping ahead of herself. The government intends that nickel exports will continue through the port of Esperance, but it will do so for so long as it is safe. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr E.S. Ripper : But you haven’t read the reports. Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : No, I have not. I do not read every report. However, if the member wants those reports, and if they can be tabled without any complication, I am happy to make them available.
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