❓ Question regarding the suspension and reconvening of the Brookdale community reference group for waste management, with concerns about community exclusion. The Minister's response details dysfunction within the group, including intimidation and misleading information, leading to a readvertisement for members.
AnsweredQoN 816Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Brookdale community reference group established earlier this year to allow the community to voice concerns over waste management in the area and to play a strong role in the resolution of the problem. (1) Will the minister confirm that after being suspended with the members’ approval in April this year, the community reference group has not yet been reconvened? (2) What changes has the minister made to the group’s terms of reference? (3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS
AnswerView source ↗
I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(1) Will the minister confirm that after being suspended with the members’ approval in April this year, the community reference group has not yet been reconvened? (2) What changes has the minister made to the group’s terms of reference? (3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(2) What changes has the minister made to the group’s terms of reference? (3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(1) Will the minister confirm that after being suspended with the members’ approval in April this year, the community reference group has not yet been reconvened? (2) What changes has the minister made to the group’s terms of reference? (3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(2) What changes has the minister made to the group’s terms of reference? (3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(3) Are the new terms of reference aimed at excluding community members? (4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(4) If so, why? (5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(5) Why is the minister and her Government so unable to work with the community on this important issue that she has resorted to barring community representatives from the reconvened group? Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS replied: I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
I would like to know what tree the member opposite has been barking up! (1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
(1)-(5) When the Government established the Brookdale community reference group, it accepted almost all the nominees from the community. In particular it accepted the community’s nominee for chair. The particular chair is a gentleman I had never met or heard of before the community and activists put forward his name. I interviewed him and made sure that he was an appropriate person to chair the group and we proceeded. About two months ago he came to me with a very serious report. Essentially, his report indicated that not only was the group dysfunctional but also some of its members were behaving in an unacceptable manner. People were being intimidated and threatened, and the work of the group had not started. I had tremendous difficulty even getting minutes of meetings of the group. The community-appointed chair, a man totally unknown to me until I appointed him, recommended that I disband the group and readvertise in the local newspaper and the local community for new members, although some of the existing members could continue. He also asked that we look in particular at the behaviour of the people in the group and reiterate the code of conduct that had been given to them at the beginning. We have readvertised, and received a group of names. There is a good overlap with current members. About 10 days ago two meeting were held. The first was with all the members of the current group. Some interesting things happened in that meeting. About half the members turned on the other half, and local people made statements to the effect that, for example, they were sick of their suburb being talked down, as has happened with the asking of this question; of their real estate values being pushed into the ground; and of unfounded criticism. The plant is to close; some of the wastes will stop arriving at the end of June, and the group wanted to move on with their lives. Mr M.J. Birney: The waste will be sent to Kalgoorlie. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Nonsense; the member does not know what he is talking about. The waste will go nowhere near Kalgoorlie. It is not even licensed to go there. Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr M.J. Birney: You know it is. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is a liar. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: The minister has been asked to withdraw that remark. Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: I withdraw that comment. Questions without Notice Resumed Dr J.M. EDWARDS: The member is totally wrong. The conduct being demonstrated here today is similar to some of that which has been occurring in the Brookdale community reference group. People are putting forward untruths as the truth. I am really frustrated when people like the member for Kalgoorlie make statements such as the one he just made. The waste that will cease arriving at the Brookdale facility on 30 June is of a particular licensed category that is unable to go to Kalgoorlie. Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr D.F. Barron-Sullivan: Are you saying that some of the local residents are misleading the community? Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Dr J.M. EDWARDS: Some of the local residents are indeed misleading their community when they talk about some of the issues. On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
On the advice of the community-appointed chair, a meeting was held with the people currently in the group, and the issues were considered. As a result of that, when I make a final choice of who will be in the group I will look very carefully at who wants to work constructively for the community and who does not. One of the themes that came through from the community people in the group was that they want it to be their group, made up of people who live in the local area. I noticed some comment in the Sunday Times newspaper alleging that my chief of staff ruled lines through an application from Paddy Cullen in such a manner that made him unacceptable. I totally refute that allegation; it is not true. We have organised for a new form to be sent to Mr Cullen. It has been sent “snail mail” so that he can see that it is totally clear and there can be no suggestion that fax machines have put lines through it, or whatever. I am in the process of reconstituting the group, but I am listening to the community. We will go forward on the recommendations of that group’s chair, with terms of reference that clarify the role of the group - as the chair recommended - and with members committed to getting a positive outcome for their community. Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
Mr M.J. Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Kalgoorlie to order for the first time.
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