❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding the Ord River - East Kimberley expansion project, specifically focusing on opportunities for traditional owners. The Minister's answer details progress, Indigenous employment initiatives, and business opportunities.
AnsweredQoN 202Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ORD – EAST KIMBERLEY EXPANSION PROJECT
I understand that the minister and Premier visited Kununurra last week to commemorate a significant milestone in the Ord – East Kimberley expansion project. Can the minister please update this house on this important agricultural project and the opportunities it will offer traditional owners in the East Kimberley? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
I understand that the minister and Premier visited Kununurra last week to commemorate a significant milestone in the Ord – East Kimberley expansion project. Can the minister please update this house on this important agricultural project and the opportunities it will offer traditional owners in the East Kimberley? Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for North West for the question and his interest in the development of the north west, which is far away from his own electorate, but he is a very strong advocate for the length and breadth of the north west, which is why we enjoy having him on our side of the house. It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for North West for the question and his interest in the development of the north west, which is far away from his own electorate, but he is a very strong advocate for the length and breadth of the north west, which is why we enjoy having him on our side of the house. It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I thank the member for North West for the question and his interest in the development of the north west, which is far away from his own electorate, but he is a very strong advocate for the length and breadth of the north west, which is why we enjoy having him on our side of the house. It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for North West for the question and his interest in the development of the north west, which is far away from his own electorate, but he is a very strong advocate for the length and breadth of the north west, which is why we enjoy having him on our side of the house. It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I thank the member for North West for the question and his interest in the development of the north west, which is far away from his own electorate, but he is a very strong advocate for the length and breadth of the north west, which is why we enjoy having him on our side of the house. It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
It is important to acknowledge that work is getting underway on the Ord River project. In his speech to the community of Kununurra on Friday, the Premier commented that in 1993 both the then Premier Richard Court and he actually flew over the Ord irrigation area and began talking about the process of developing stage 2 of that project. The current Premier lamented the fact that it had taken 17 years for that to come to reality, but how the worm turns—the Premier was back there again to signify the start of work on this most exciting project. I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I congratulate the Moonamang joint venture—made up of Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Indigenous Business Australia—on its winning of the contract, and for the superb effort it has put in ensuring that the Indigenous benefits defined in that contract to flow from the Ord final agreement are actually met. Phase 1 work of the stage 2 project includes the construction of 19 kilometres of irrigation channel, a 13-kilometre road extension and irrigation control structures, as well as the implementation of the Indigenous and local employment and business programs. One of the first initiatives is an allocation of $50 000 from the Aboriginal development package, together with matching funds from the Department of Indigenous Affairs, to equip up to 150 Miriuwung–Gajerrong people with a driver’s licence as part of the first step on a planned path to employment. This may seem as though it is a small issue. However, without a licence they will not be able to participate in the project. It is great that 150 MG people will be able to access that funding to get their licence. I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I want to run through what some of the Indigenous benefits will be. It is very exciting to see this start to take shape. The Moonamang joint venture is in the process of employing five MG people directly into its workforce. The Moonamang joint venture is currently employing 12 MG people through the Wannawork Indigenous labour hire company on the ground. Most interestingly, two positions have been made available in the West Perth office. That will enable two Miriuwung–Gajerrong people to come to Perth and get an understanding of the workings of Leighton Contractors in the city. That will be a wonderful opportunity for them to engage in a totally different business segment. Eighteen people are being processed through the skills database. Six people are in the process of starting a certificate III in plant operations. Ten people completed their white card training last week, which will enable them to be plant operators. A machinery assessor is in town this week, with the goal of having 15 MG people ticketed to operate this equipment. Currently, the joint venture is assessing three new MG enterprise opportunities, where small businesses will be set up to take advantage of the work that is taking place. Special mention must go to Wannawork, which has taken the leadership position in bringing people from welfare to work through this project. They are engaging in projects like culverts and fencing and some of the labouring work — Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr E.S. Ripper : If I may interrupt, what crops do you now anticipate will be grown in Ord stage 2? Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I am very happy to answer that question. I was just about to get to it. So, is the Leader of the Opposition happy with the Indigenous component of the project? Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr E.S. Ripper : It is the implementation of the agreements that were negotiated on our watch. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right. The Leader of the Opposition would understand—as is clear from his question about the crops—that he never intended to finalise that Ord final agreement and move to the expansion that would actually quantify what they would get. Under the leadership of the now Leader of the Opposition, everything that I have just read out would not have happened. It would not have happened, because the Leader of the Opposition does not believe in the project. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I will turn to the crops, because we are very excited, when we were in Kununurra, to walk past the 500 acres of rice that has been planted for the first time this year, and for many years. That rice is being grown by a grower from the Murray–Darling region, who said to the Premier and me directly that — Point of Order Mr T.G. STEPHENS : Mr Speaker, in my view, and I hope in yours, an abuse of the standing orders is going on in terms of the length of time this minister is taking to deliver what is effectively a ministerial statement rather than an answer to a question. In view of our recent experience of question time, I would hope that you would insist that the standing orders be adhered to. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I think that the last response from the minister is a direct response to an interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. I think it is entirely appropriate that the minister responds if that is his will. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
The SPEAKER : Thank you, members! Therein for all of us lies the problem of offering an interjection or taking an interjection. It would be my preference to hear the minister answer the question that he was asked and for him not to accept interjections in this place. If the minister is going to answer it, I am not going to stop him, but I would urge him to return to the immediate question asked by the member for North West. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very important that we talk about the crops that are grown in the Ord, because it is fundamental to the project. The state and the commonwealth—the Leader of the Opposition’s parliamentary colleagues in the commonwealth government, who have committed $195 million to this project—are very keen to see progress on the agricultural side of this project; and we are exactly seeing that. The Murray–Darling basin rice grower was saying that he is looking forward to yields that are similar to those he sees in the Murray–Darling basin. He was very excited about the potential to have a water entitlement that allowed him to plan crops on a year in, year out basis, which is something that he cannot currently do in the Murray–Darling basin because he does not know from year to year whether he will have a water entitlement. He believes that there is enormous interest from people in the Murray–Darling basin in looking at the Ord River in the far north of Western Australia as an opportunity for the future growth of irrigated agriculture in Australia. What a great example that is of what the Premier and the Liberal–National government set out to achieve—the opening up of opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture in the far north of Western Australia. That is exactly what has happened. Maybe members opposite should support the member for Kimberley, and go up there and have a look. Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Several members interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : I know that members opposite are opponents of the project; they should come out and say that. Will they? No. A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
A government member interjected. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : That is right; a super profits tax on rice crops! I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
I will complete my answer to the question by paying tribute to the leadership of the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people. Teddy Carlton has become a legend of Indigenous political and community leadership in this state through his role in partnering with both the previous government to deliver the framework for the Ord final agreement, and the current government to deliver the project that is getting licences and jobs for Aboriginal people, and that will grant them land in the new project so that they can become a clear capital partner in this project. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Miriuwung–Gajerrong people, and the Liberal–National government has delivered it. I am very disappointed to hear, through the interjections of those opposite, that they still oppose the development of the north west; be it on their heads that they are prepared to put on record that that is the case. I want to congratulate all those involved in what is a landmark occasion for the development of the north west.
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