❓ A parliamentary question regarding asbestos contamination at Verve Energy's Kwinana power station, specifically concerning worker safety, WorkSafe notices, cleanup actions, and the timing of ministerial notification. The Minister's response is incomplete, leading to interjections from other members.
AnsweredQoN 44Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
VERVE ENERGY — KWINANA ASBESTOS CONTAMINATION
I refer to the recent asbestos contamination at Verve Energy’s Kwinana power station. (1) How many Verve employees and contractors have been sent home? (2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to the recent asbestos contamination at Verve Energy’s Kwinana power station. (1) How many Verve employees and contractors have been sent home? (2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(1) How many Verve employees and contractors have been sent home? (2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(1) How many Verve employees and contractors have been sent home? (2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(2) Is it correct that WorkSafe has issued an improvement notice to Verve? (3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(3) What does the improvement notice require of Verve and how has Verve responded? (4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(4) What action is Verve taking to clean up the site? (5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(5) Why did the contamination occur? (6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(6) When was the minister informed of the contamination at Verve’s Kwinana power station site? The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
The PRESIDENT : That was a question without notice? Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Yes. I thank the honourable member for the question. (1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
(1)–(6) With all due respect, I will try to answer as best I can. I have some briefing notes in relation to the situation. Specific questions that relate to the number of workers who have been sent home, I simply cannot — Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Kate Doust : You should be across it! Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I am across it, but to ask me how many workers have been sent home—some have been sent home and some have been diverted to other work. Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Kate Doust : How many? Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I do not know. It changes on a day-to-day basis. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : You should know. Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I shouldn’t know; it’s as simple as that. Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon Sue Ellery : The minister should have a “contentious issue” file sitting right there! Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I have got a “contentious issue” file but it is not going to tell me how many workers have been sent home. Give me a break, for goodness sake! I could quite easily — The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
The PRESIDENT : Order! A very detailed question was asked of the minister. I am sure that he is trying to provide the answer as best he can. Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Hon PETER COLLIER : As I said, I could quite easily sit here and ask the member to put the question on notice. I am not going to. I will outline what is happening in terms of Verve Energy. The Kwinana B plant is being dismantled to make way for high efficiency gas turbines. Asbestos dust and asbestos tracings have been found as a result of that dismantlement. Verve has acted very consciously and responsibly in an effort to try to resolve the issue and ensure that the safety of workers is not compromised. It is as simple as that. In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
In terms of numbers: as I said, if members want to know the actual numbers, put it on notice. If the honourable member asks me the question tomorrow and gives me some time, I will certainly provide the information. I understand that discussion is very amicable between the employers and the workers. There are no issues there. No-one has been laid off. The maintenance workers have either been diverted to other areas at Cockburn or to other work practices, or they have been sent home. Every attempt will be made to ensure there are no issues in relation to occupational health and safety. It is a serious situation. Verve is doing all it can. There has been very close dialogue with the workers. Workers will not be back on that work site if there are existing safety issues.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.