❓ Question regarding the Toodyay bushfire and the imminent EnergySafety report, specifically addressing potential Western Power negligence and compensation for victims. Premier Barnett defends his decision not to review the report before public release to maintain its independence.
AnsweredQoN 398Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TOODYAY BUSHFIRE — ENERGYSAFETY REPORT
I refer to the imminent release of the EnergySafety report, which apparently suggests that the cause of the Toodyay fire in September last year was due to a fallen power pole. Given the astounding fact that the Premier has not yet made himself familiar with this report — (1) If the report concludes that Western Power negligence was the cause, will the Premier ensure that the government facilitates a speedy resolution with any legitimate claims by residents? (2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I refer to the imminent release of the EnergySafety report, which apparently suggests that the cause of the Toodyay fire in September last year was due to a fallen power pole. Given the astounding fact that the Premier has not yet made himself familiar with this report — (1) If the report concludes that Western Power negligence was the cause, will the Premier ensure that the government facilitates a speedy resolution with any legitimate claims by residents? (2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(1) If the report concludes that Western Power negligence was the cause, will the Premier ensure that the government facilitates a speedy resolution with any legitimate claims by residents? (2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(1) If the report concludes that Western Power negligence was the cause, will the Premier ensure that the government facilitates a speedy resolution with any legitimate claims by residents? (2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(2) Will he set a time limit for such resolution? (3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(3) Will he reimburse costs incurred so far by fire victims in seeking justice and compensation? (4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(4) Can he advise the house of the quantum of the exposure of Western Power estimated by consultants Verifact? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
(1)–(4) I thank the member for the question. As the member indicated, EnergySafety is to release a second report on the Toodyay fire tomorrow. I have not seen the report. Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That is astonishing. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It is not astonishing at all. I have not seen the report, nor have I been briefed on it. I have been advised that a copy was sent to my office, but I have not seen it and I will not look at or consider that report until it has been publicly released for the simple reason that it is an independent assessment by EnergySafety. I will look at it, like everyone else, once it has been publicly released. As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
As I have said from the outset, should any new information or evidence become available, it will be investigated. It is my understanding, basically from media reports, that some new evidence did come forward and EnergySafety examined that. What the finding is, I do not know, other than what I read in The West Australian this morning. But it is my understanding that there is some evidence relating to the strength or stability of a pole. Whether the pole burnt or fell down, I do not know. I hope that the report of EnergySafety tomorrow will be conclusive, but I simply do not know the answer to that and I will not speculate on it. I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
I reiterate that around 40 homes were destroyed. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, nor were there any injuries of any severity arising from that. I want to compliment the agencies, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Western Power and the other groups who dealt with the situation — Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Did you ask them not to tell you what is in the report? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I deliberately will not look at an independent report until it is released. Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : But your staff have. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know that. But I have made it very clear that I do not want — Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have just been told that an uninvited copy arrived in my office yesterday. I will not look at it; I will not be briefed on that report until it is released. Why? I want the independence of that report retained. What actions will be taken either through Western Power or government will be determined once the report has been released. Had I got involved, where would be the independence of that report? I have quite deliberately done that. I hope a conclusive finding is made. Western Power will obviously respond to the report as it sees it and then government will look at it. Whether fault or negligence has been determined, I do not know. However, as I say, I hope we have a conclusive report and it can bring some finality to the situation. Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : Has your minister read it? Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not know; go and ask him. Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr M. McGowan : It’s a fair point. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Go and ask him; I do not know. An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
An opposition member interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I have not. As Premier I recognise that I have to deal with this situation — Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Ms M.M. Quirk : Head in the sand, Premier. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Head in the sand? Talk about propriety of conduct! The member for Girrawheen was the minister in charge when Mr Ward died in the back of a van because she would not take advice. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : And the Leader of the Opposition as Treasurer ignored the advice and would not act in cabinet. Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Members opposite talk about behaving improperly. Give me a break! If anything points out the difference between propriety on this side of the house and the conduct of members opposite on an issue, they should remember that just two years ago the member for Girrawheen failed as a minister because she did not behave properly. Members opposite should not come into this place and lecture me. When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
When the report comes down tomorrow, I will look at it and Western Power will look at it. I will seek some advice on the findings and I will seek some advice on the legal situation and whether compensation is due. I am not going to guess the report findings until it is released, and then I will read it and assess it carefully. The last thing we need is people in this house — Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I am formally going to call you for the first time. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Given that two lives were lost in Tenterden in the Great Southern, I would have thought that the member for Albany would have been a little more sensitive about these sorts of issues. That happened a few years ago. Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : You’re so hurtful, Premier! Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The member for Albany might find that hurtful, but two women lost their lives in Tenterden. One of the issues in these sorts of inquiries — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Collie–Preston, I formally call you for the first time; and, member for Albany, for the second time. Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : I’ll defend myself against someone like him. The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : Member for Albany, I do not want to engage with any — Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr P.B. Watson : What about what he said? The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
The SPEAKER : I formally call you for the second time, member for Albany. Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : Inquiries conducted into fires, particularly the Tenterden experience in 2003–04, may have pointed to some of the issues. Let us deal with the report—let us hope that it is conclusive—and let us deal with it properly. As someone who knows Toodyay, including people who lost their homes in that fire—I was in Toodyay early the following morning when people were trying to deal with the situation, so I have some direct understanding of what happened in Toodyay and what has happened since—the last thing I want to see is people’s hopes of large compensation cheques being unrealistically raised. I have said that from day one. Let us keep our feet on the ground. Whether the fire originated from Western Power assets will be determined. Determining whether there was negligence and therefore whether compensation is payable is another process that will occur after that. We need to be very responsible that we do not unrealistically raise people’s expectations about compensation. Let us look at the report and see what it says and take it from there.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.