❓ Question regarding WA government's response to rising unemployment due to the global financial crisis, with the Treasurer outlining infrastructure investment, payroll tax rebates, and training programs. The response is interrupted by points of order and interjections.
AnsweredQoN 591Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
UNEMPLOYMENT — GOVERNMENT ACTION
I firstly acknowledge in the public gallery the children from the Carey Baptist College from the member for Darling Range’s electorate. The global financial crisis has led to an increase in unemployment across Australia and is impacting on working families in my electorate of Carine. What is the government doing to address the impact of unemployment in Western Australia? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
I firstly acknowledge in the public gallery the children from the Carey Baptist College from the member for Darling Range’s electorate. The global financial crisis has led to an increase in unemployment across Australia and is impacting on working families in my electorate of Carine. What is the government doing to address the impact of unemployment in Western Australia? Mr T.R. BUSWELL
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The global financial crisis has led to an increase in unemployment across Australia and is impacting on working families in my electorate of Carine. What is the government doing to address the impact of unemployment in Western Australia? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The global financial crisis has led to an increase in unemployment across Australia and is impacting on working families in my electorate of Carine. What is the government doing to address the impact of unemployment in Western Australia? Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL replied: I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
I thank the member for Carine for his question and for his interest in representing the people of his electorate, especially those who are facing the prospect of unemployment or are dealing with unemployment in what are definitely uncertain economic times. It is a fact that last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed that the unemployment rate in Western Australia had reached 5.7 per cent, a significant month-on-month increase, albeit still below the national rates. Notwithstanding that or any way that we want to dress up the figures, according to the data, currently 68 000 unemployed Western Australians are looking for work. It is a significant concern to the state government and to the national government. In the budget, Treasury forecast unemployment to grow significantly more than that. This government is committed to working hard to make sure we do not fulfil the expectations around unemployment that were created in the budget. That is why we are focussed on borrowing money and incurring debt on behalf of Western Australians to invest in a massive $8.3 billion infrastructure program this year. It is the most significant infrastructure program — Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr E.S. Ripper : To help the Nationals pork-barrel. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : I am always interested when the Leader of the Opposition opens his mouth. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Order! Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Last week, he was quoted in the paper criticising the Premier for daring to think about the large projects that will underpin the long-term economic future of Western Australia; for daring to dream that we can fulfil Sir Charles Court’s vision for the Ord scheme; for daring to support Oakajee; and for daring to support the Kimberley gas hub. Does the Leader of the Opposition know what he said? He said they were over the horizon. When he was in government he sent Western Australian jobs over the border in their thousands. He should ask himself this: if Inpex was going ahead in the Kimberley at the moment, how many thousands of Western Australians would have jobs? Little wonder two in 20 Western Australians recognise him. Little wonder they confuse him with Dr Phil. All “Dr Phil” did was export jobs out of Western Australia; that is all he did. I bet when he was over at the Australian Labor Party national conference recently and was sitting up the front, people would have asked: who is that bloke; is it Dr Phil; is it Bruno? Point of Order Mr B.S. WYATT : The member for Carine asked quite a good question on the very, very important issue of unemployment in Western Australia. The house had the opportunity yesterday to reflect upon the Treasurer’s behaviour on a number of occasions over a period of time. Today we have, again, the example of the Treasurer being a complete and utter clown, as he has not yet, after 10 months as Treasurer, grown into the position as required of the Treasurer. I ask you, Mr Speaker, to bring the Treasurer back to the question asked by the member for Carine. The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Take a seat, member for Victoria Park. This is an opportunity to make a point of order, not another speech. I am interested in the question; I think it has a great deal of validity. I urge the Treasurer to return to the question asked by the member for Carine. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr T.R. BUSWELL : Thank you, Mr Speaker. He is a little sensitive, Mr Speaker. Two press releases in two months—not a lot of activity, but we will get to him one day. Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Record investment — Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Several members interjected. Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
Mr T.R. BUSWELL : What happened to that freedom of information application? The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The first strategy was a record investment in infrastructure of $8.3 billion. The second strategy was a $100 million payroll tax rebate for Western Australian small businesses to help them keep their employees in jobs. The third strategy was a $47 million training program. The fifth strategy was a Premier focused on the state building infrastructure projects that this state will be proud of for centuries to come. The sixth strategy was cutting red tape so that Western Australian businesses can get on and employ people. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
What is the Leader of the Opposition’s plan to protect Western Australians in employment? He has a five-point plan that is not worth the paper that it is written on. He wants to have a task force. He wants to have an audit. He wants to have a strategic review, and, in true Labor style, he wants to set up a committee. Well, “Dr Phil’s” solution would not cure the problem. We are committed, Dr Phil, to keeping Western Australians in jobs; that is what we have done, and that is what we will continue to do. The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
The SPEAKER : Members, protocol in this place—I direct these comments specifically to the Treasurer—is to refer to members in this place by their seat and the electorates that they represent. I will be particularly vigilant going forward to ensure that members refer to other members in this place by nothing other than their title or their seat in this place.
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