❓ Opposition questions the Minister for Education regarding the alleged mistreatment of a teacher in a remote area and the potential impact on teacher recruitment. The Minister deflects, accusing the opposition of undermining the state's recruitment efforts and engaging in political point-scoring.
AnsweredQoN 624Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TEACHERS - REMOTE AREA HOUSING
I refer to the teacher from Victoria who is working in a remote Western Australian community and who has been treated appallingly by the minister and his department. The State School Teachers’ Union of WA has confirmed that it will now inform its eastern states’ counterparts of the disgraceful treatment of this teacher and, in turn, will tell their members not to come to WA. I ask - (1) Given this situation, does the minister concede that his and his department’s appalling treatment of this teacher will jeopardise plans to address the dire teacher shortage in WA? (2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN
I refer to the teacher from Victoria who is working in a remote Western Australian community and who has been treated appallingly by the minister and his department. The State School Teachers’ Union of WA has confirmed that it will now inform its eastern states’ counterparts of the disgraceful treatment of this teacher and, in turn, will tell their members not to come to WA. I ask - (1) Given this situation, does the minister concede that his and his department’s appalling treatment of this teacher will jeopardise plans to address the dire teacher shortage in WA? (2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(1) Given this situation, does the minister concede that his and his department’s appalling treatment of this teacher will jeopardise plans to address the dire teacher shortage in WA? (2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(1) Given this situation, does the minister concede that his and his department’s appalling treatment of this teacher will jeopardise plans to address the dire teacher shortage in WA? (2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(2) Does the minister concede that this appalling story of wilful neglect and apathy has totally undermined his $80 000 campaign featuring BMW-driving teachers to attract teachers to Western Australia? (3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(3) What commitment can the minister give to this teacher that the bullying and threatening tactics by the minister and his department will cease and that the situation will be resolved immediately? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: (1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
(1)-(3) It is a bit rich getting a question from the member for Murdoch about bullying; is it not? I have had it said to me today that the State School Teachers’ Union of WA may have written or may be planning to write to its eastern states’ counterparts advising teachers not to come to Western Australia. I have had it also said to me by the member for Murdoch and, if it is true, I wonder whether the member for Murdoch supports the State School Teachers’ Union in doing that. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why shouldn’t they do it? Why don’t you support the teacher that is there? Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : The answer from the member for Murdoch is: “Why shouldn’t they?” In other words, he is endorsing that approach, if indeed that is what the State School Teachers’ Union is going to do. Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : You should know that, if you were any good. Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If the State School Teachers’ Union is going to write to people in the eastern states of Australia advising them not to come to Western Australia, I find it incredibly disappointing that an organisation such as that would run down its own state. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Cottesloe! Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : If it is true, I find it incredibly disappointing. We are undertaking measures to try to alleviate the shortage and improve the number of teachers in Western Australia by recruiting in another state. Why would the State School Teachers’ Union, which represents members of the teaching profession in this state, undermine measures to try to improve the number of teachers in WA? If it is true, it is unacceptable and extremely disappointing. I do not resile from the advertising campaign over east; I believe it is a very sensible and reasonable measure to undertake. Western Australia does pay graduates more than those in other states are paid, and there are some very interesting people in the teaching workforce around country WA in many of the communities that are represented by members of the opposition. I want to promote those very interesting people and say that people in country WA can have an interesting, good and exciting life there. If the member for Murdoch wants to run down country WA, as it appears he is, let him undertake that course of action. Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : Why don’t you support the teachers that are there? Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : We are supporting teachers around Western Australia. The member for Murdoch can politicise this issue and run down Western Australia as much as he likes, which appears to be his form. The word “quisling” has been used recently. The member for Murdoch reminds me a lot of a chap by the name of Pierre Laval, who was the Prime Minister of France in 1940 under the Vichy regime, ably assisted by - Point of Order Mr C.J. BARNETT : I raise the issue of relevance. The opposition has raised a serious question about the deplorable living conditions of a teacher in an outback area of Western Australia, and we are getting a lecture on French history. The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : I ask the member for Cottesloe to take his seat. A point of order is not an opportunity to object to a line of answer that a member may not appreciate. I am sure that this answer is about to come to a conclusion. The minister has accepted a number of interjections, which I believe was a mistake. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr M. McGOWAN : The member for Murdoch reminds me of some of those people who undermine their own state, despite the fact that it might have been a lesson in French history. Unfortunately members of the opposition do not appear to know much about history. The state government is promoting the study of history in schools in the state. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Pierre Laval, General Weygand and Marshal Pétain are all rolled into one sitting over there in the member for Murdoch’s seat.
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