❓ Mr. Buswell questions the Treasurer about the government's wages policy following Western Power worker wage increases. Mr. Ripper responds that the government aims to neither lead nor lag behind market wages to retain skilled workers.
AnsweredQoN 751Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the unprecedented wages victory granted to Western Power workers last week - Government members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Question time has now gone on for about 30 minutes and we have managed to struggle through six questions. I urge members not to interject when another member is asking a question. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Government members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Question time has now gone on for about 30 minutes and we have managed to struggle through six questions. I urge members not to interject when another member is asking a question. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Question time has now gone on for about 30 minutes and we have managed to struggle through six questions. I urge members not to interject when another member is asking a question. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Government members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, members! Question time has now gone on for about 30 minutes and we have managed to struggle through six questions. I urge members not to interject when another member is asking a question. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : Order, members! Question time has now gone on for about 30 minutes and we have managed to struggle through six questions. I urge members not to interject when another member is asking a question. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. I ask - (1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(1) Can the Treasurer explain what the government’s wages policy is - if indeed it has one - given the granting of the Western Power workers’ unprecedented wage increases? (2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(2) What deals can other public sector workers expect in the next round of pay claims? Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER replied: (1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
(1)-(2) Unlike the approach of members on the other side when they were in power, the government has a fair approach to public sector wages. Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. Buswell : What is it? Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : I will tell members on the other side, and the whole house, if members quieten down a little and listen. This government’s policy is that it will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market. That is a very good policy because we must retain the public sector’s ability to recruit and retain important workers with important skills. We will neither lead nor lag. That will mean that different outcomes will occur in certain circumstances. I understand that, for example, the wages paid to the linespeople employed by Western Power were well out of line with the wages that comparable people in other states receive from their electricity utilities. We have a very competitive market for linespeople in this country. Western Power must make sure that it can recruit and retain the people necessary to provide the service that the people of Western Australia want. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : A fair deal has been achieved that recognises - Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Several members interjected. Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : It is very difficult to answer members’ questions when they continually interject. A fair deal has been achieved that recognises the particular market situation that applies to this occupation. Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr T.R. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
The SPEAKER : I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
Mr E.S. RIPPER : The opposition appears to have an obsession with a particular framework. I have explained the government’s policy. The policy is that we will neither lead on nor lag behind what is happening with wages in the market.
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